Full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum vs isolate — the real differences
Three extraction categories, three different products. Here's what they actually contain, how they differ in effect, and which to pick for which use.
Pick up any CBD product in South Africa and you'll see one of three words on the label: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate. These aren't marketing flourishes — they describe what the extract actually contains, which matters both for effect and for practical questions like drug-testing.
Full-spectrum
A full-spectrum extract retains the plant's entire cannabinoid and terpene profile — CBD as the primary, plus trace amounts of CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDA, and the legal trace of THC (in SA consumer products, below the Schedule-0 limit). Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene are also present. The so-called entourage effect hypothesis suggests these compounds work synergistically, though the clinical evidence is still developing.
Consider full-spectrum if: you want the complete botanical profile, you are not subject to workplace drug testing, and you believe (or want to try) the entourage hypothesis.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum is the full-plant profile with THC specifically removed. All other cannabinoids and most terpenes remain. It occupies a middle ground — the complexity of full-spectrum without the trace THC.
Consider broad-spectrum if: you want cannabinoid variety but need zero THC. Most new-to-CBD users pick this as a safe default.
Isolate
Isolate is pure CBD — typically >99% pure crystalline cannabidiol with everything else removed. Flavourless, odourless, predictable. No entourage, no trace THC, no terpenes.
Consider isolate if: you need absolute dose precision, you are subject to workplace drug testing, or you want to add CBD to a neutral base (e.g. your own carrier oil). It is also the preferred format in some clinical contexts.
Which shows up on a drug test?
Broad-spectrum and isolate should not. Full-spectrum carries trace THC — legal trace in SA consumer products, but at very high daily doses over sustained periods it can theoretically register on sensitive workplace tests. If your employer tests, default to broad-spectrum or isolate.
Which tastes worse?
Full-spectrum — by a noticeable margin. Isolate is the easiest to hide in food or drinks. Many people accept a stronger taste in exchange for the fuller botanical profile.
Ready to pick? Browse the CBD category — filter by spectrum if the option is available.