What's Really in Your Edible: Isolate vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum

Before edibles became widely popular, there was really only one way to infuse THC into your food.

You took some raw flower, you threw it into some butter, baked it up, and hoped for the best. As edibles have become more and more mainstream, we’ve expanded way beyond your average mystery pot brownie. But do we really know what is in our edibles anymore than before? Most edibles today are either made with an isolate, a broad spectrum concentrate, or a full spectrum concentrate. Each infusion type has its own set of pros and cons that can be difficult to understand based on edible packaging alone.

Now more than ever, people want to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies and how their food is made. Let’s solve the mystery of the edible once and for all.

 Isolate

On the market today, isolates are one of the most popular ways to infuse edibles.

Isolates are made through a chemical process in which one specific cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD, is targeted and everything else is removed. This particular method is popular in the industry because isolates are cost-effective and consistent, which allows for proper dosing in large batches. Isolates can also be very potent so you only need to use a small amount at a time.

That being said, an isolate’s narrow focus on one cannabinoid does not take advantage of all the benefits the plant has to offer. Research has shown that cannabinoids and terpenes (tiny therapeutic molecules that give cannabis its scent) are most effective when they are working together, instead of separately. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.

While THC or CBD will still be effective on its own, it will not interact with your endocannabinoid system in the same way as compared to when their original cannabinoids were still intact. In other words, you will still get high, but it will be far less nuanced and may not carry the same wellness benefits. If you are less concerned with taking advantage of the entourage effect, and more concerned with affordability, potency, and consistent dosing, cannabis isolates may be right for you.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum concentrates often refer to CBD extracts that include the full cannabinoid profile of the plant, sans THC. For example, many of your fave CBD tincture or CBD oil brands will use a broad-spectrum extract.

The perk of a broad spectrum cannabis-infused product is that you are more likely to feel the entourage effect working its magic. Whether it’s reducing pain, banishing stress, or easing you into sleep, CBD products have are often used for therapeutic reasons. CBD is also the perfect introduction for anyone curious about cannabis but might be nervous about the psychoactive effects. 

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum extracts describe any concentrate that retains the entire natural cannabinoid profile, including THC. This is more like your modern-day pot brownie in all its psychoactive glory.

Like broad-spectrum extracts, you’ll get all of the benefits associated with the entourage effect. Both also allow the full concert of aroma and flavor of cannabis to play in harmony. For some, the scent and “weedy” taste of full-spectrum concentrates can be unappealing, but others like to play with those unique qualities of each cultivar. Cannachefs of all experience levels often celebrate the flavors and smells of cannabis by making their own full-spectrum concentrates with butter, oil, or alcohol. This technique is the only true way to know exactly what is going into your edible and puts the most control into your hands.

If you choose to stick to edibles at your dispensary, most full-spectrum extracts are clean, safe, and are frequently made with no chemical interference at all. However, at this time there are no regulations that control what can be labeled “full-spectrum”, so make sure to research your favorite store-bought edibles!

 Recap

While we have moved lightyears beyond the mystery pot brownie, edibles are a complicated science that we are still learning more about every day.

It’s important to do your research, stay informed, and take care of you. Whether you choose an edible made from an isolate, broad-spectrum concentrate, or full-spectrum concentrate, the most important thing is to decide what makes the most sense for you and your body.

As someone wise once said, you are what you eat!