CBD isolate is a form of CBD, or cannabidiol, which is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.

Unlike full spectrum CBD products, CBD isolate does not contain THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

 

CBD isolate is a good option for those who want to try CBD, but cannot or will not ingest tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis.

Most other CBD products contain at least a small percentage of THC.

 

Keep reading to learn more about CBD isolate, including its potential health benefits and possible side effects.

What is isolate?

CBD isolate is a solid or crystalline powder comprising pure CBD.

It is different from full spectrum CBD products, which can legally contain up to 0.3% THC from a safe source.

This amount can be detected on a drug test, but it does not cause a high.

 

To produce CBD isolate, manufacturers use various processes to extract all the compounds and other substances from the cannabis plant, including THC.

This manufacturing process leaves behind pure CBD in the form of crystals.

 

Manufacturers can then grind the crystals into a powder to make the product easier to consume.

CBD isolate has no distinctive smell or taste.

Effects

CBD acts on cannabinoid receptors in the human body.

These receptors exist because the human body produces its own cannabinoids, which can influence several bodily functions, including:

 

• pain perception
• appetite 
• memory
• mood 
• inflammation levels

Researchers believe that CBD does not bind directly to these receptors, but that it influences them in some way.

It is through the activation of these receptors that CBD exerts its effects on the human body.

 

The potential effects of CBD are as follows:

 

• Strengthening the immune system (immunomodulator) 
• Counteracting tumor formation (anti-tumorigenic)
• Fighting inflammation (anti-inflammatory) 
• Preventing vomiting (anti-emetic) 
• Recovery or regeneration of the nervous system (neuroprotective) 
• Reducing or preventing anxiety (anti-anxiety) 
• Reducing or preventing epileptic seizures (anticonvulsant) 
• Relieve pain (analgesic)

 

Studies indicate that CBD may also influence non-cannabinoid receptors, such as the 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) serotonin receptor.

Serotonin is a chemical that affects levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, among others.

This could explain why CBD reduces anxiety and pain in some people.

A study conducted on mice suggests that CBD isolate has some health benefits. However, some of these may have less effect than those achieved using a full-spectrum CBD product.

 

The results of the study indicate that CBD isolate is only effective against pain and swelling at a specific dose.

In contrast, full spectrum CBD products will continue to produce increasing effects as the dose increases.

 

That said, CBD isolate is still a useful option for people who need to abstain from having THC in their system, or for those who do not need a full-spectrum CBD product.

 

It is important to note that products labeled THC-free may still contain enough THC for a person to fail a urine toxicity test. Always check labels and packaging carefully.

Uses and benefits

CBD isolate can help treat the following conditions:

Anxiety

Several studies indicate that CBD has anti-anxiety effects.

It likely works by altering the way the brain responds to the chemical serotonin.

 

A 2019 study investigated whether CBD improves sleep or anxiety, or both. Researchers reviewed the records of 72 adults who had anxiety or sleep problems at a psychiatric clinic.

 

The researchers found that after CBD treatment, 79% of participants reported a decrease in anxiety.

Nearly 67% of people saw improvements in their sleep scores in the first month, but these fluctuated over time.

 

The researchers conclude that CBD may be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders and that most people tolerate it well.

 

Another 2019 study suggests that CBD significantly decreased anxiety in adolescents with social anxiety

Relief of pain and inflammation

 

People often use CBD to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions and types of pain, including:

 

• cancer-related pain
• arthritis pain
• chronic back pain
• fibromyalgia
• neuropathic pain

 

While CBD isolate can relieve pain, research indicates that a full-spectrum CBD product may be even more effective, as cannabidiol works synergistically with THC to enhance its analgesic effects.

 

Epilepsy

CBD has anti-seizure effects, which means it can treat epilepsy.

A 2017 study cites strong evidence that CBD improves seizure control in people with specific epilepsy syndromes.

 

However, the research is still in its infancy, and much more exploration is needed before people with epilepsy can consider CBD as a reliable source of symptom management.

 

People with epilepsy should discuss their treatment options with a physician or health care provider.

 

Cancer and the effects of cancer treatment

Research on the effects of CBD on cancer growth is also in its infancy. However, some animal studies indicate that it may prevent the growth of cancer cells.

 

The National Cancer Institute reports that CBD may alleviate some cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment (including nausea and vomiting).

 

However, the Institute does not endorse any form of cannabis as a treatment due to insufficient research.

Side effects

CBD isolate is generally a low-risk substance, especially since it does not contain THC. Nevertheless, in some people it can cause adverse effects, including:

 

• increased or decreased appetite
• diarrhea 
• fatigue 
• weight loss or gain
• insomnia 
• irritability

 

CBD can also interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications.

So always talk to a doctor before using CBD or other cannabis products.

It can also interact with some dietary supplements.

People should be careful if their medications or supplements have a warning about grapefruit.

Common examples are cholesterol medications, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and others.

Both grapefruit and CBD can interfere with the metabolism of these medications. 

Anyone taking medications or supplements that carry a warning about grapefruit should also avoid CBD.

A study conducted on mice indicates that CBD may also increase the risk of liver toxicity if taken in large amounts.

Anyone considering using CBD should talk to their doctor or a CBD specialist to assess the risks.

 

In Summary

CBD isolate offers an alternative to full spectrum CBD products. It can be especially useful for those who want to try CBD without ingesting THC, a psychoactive compound.

 

CBD isolate has several benefits, including relief from pain, inflammation and anxiety.

 

However, research indicates that some of these benefits may be more pronounced when taking a full spectrum CBD product.