Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate – What’s the Difference?

A simple guide to understanding cannabis extracts

When exploring medical cannabis or hemp extracts, you’ll often come across the terms Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate. These labels refer to how cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) are extracted and formulated — and they can make a big difference to how a product looks, tastes, and potentially interacts with the body.

Here’s a breakdown of what each type means, how they differ, and why it matters.

Full Spectrum Extracts

The whole plant experience

Full spectrum extracts retain the complete profile of the cannabis plant — including cannabinoids (like CBD, THC, CBG), terpenes (aromatic compounds), flavonoids, and other naturally occurring plant compounds.

They typically include:

  • A wide range of cannabinoids
  • Natural terpenes (which influence aroma, flavour, and effects)
  • A rich colour and earthy flavour

Because of their complexity, full spectrum extracts are often associated with the entourage effect — the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes may work synergistically to enhance potential therapeutic outcomes.

Common uses: Often chosen for people looking for a more “complete” or natural formulation.

Broad Spectrum Extracts

A more refined version

Broad spectrum refers to a more refined extract that undergoes extra filtration or processing. This results in a cleaner, more neutral-tasting oil — often with some reduction in:

  • Terpenes
  • Flavonoids
  • Green colour
  • Stronger plant taste

While some broad spectrum products may also remove THC (intentionally or as a result of refinement), it’s the refinement level, not just THC content, that defines this category in practice.

At Made In Hemp, we’ve explored ways to reintroduce natural or botanical terpenes into these refined tinctures — helping to restore aroma and potential synergy while keeping the final product palatable and consistent.

Common uses: Preferred by people who want cannabinoids like CBD in a milder-tasting, clearer oil, or where strong hemp flavour may be off-putting.

Isolate Extracts

Pure CBD or other single compounds

Isolate is the most purified form of any cannabinoid — typically 99%+ pure CBD or THC. All other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant matter are removed, resulting in a tasteless, odourless crystalline powder or oil.

  • No taste, no smell
  • Highly consistent in dosing
  • No entourage effect (as it's just one compound)

While isolates offer precision, they don’t benefit from the full plant matrix — which some people find less effective or engaging depending on the application.

Common uses: Often used in clinical trials, edibles, skincare, or formulations where strict consistency is required.

Why it matters

Understanding the difference between these extracts can help guide product choices, especially when:

  • You're exploring medical cannabis with a prescribing doctor
  • You’re curious about natural vs neutral formulations
  • You’re comparing products that all contain “CBD” but feel different

It also helps decode labels and marketing, which can sometimes be inconsistent or oversimplified — especially in an evolving industry like this.

In Summary

Type

Contains Multiple Cannabinoids

Natural Terpenes

THC Present

Taste/Colour

Entourage Effect

Full Spectrum

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Trace or prescribed

Earthy / Green

✅ Likely strong

Broad Spectrum

✅ Yes (refined)

⚠️ Some may be lost

❓ Varies by product

Mild / Clear

⚠️ May be reduced (or restored)

Isolate

❌ No (just one cannabinoid)

❌ None

❌ None

Neutral / Clear

❌ None