Different quality in CBD products

Hemp Extract (Full Spectrum)

There is a large variety of CBD products available on the Czech and Slovak markets, with some of them labeled as full spectrum. What does that mean? These products should contain an extract derived directly from hemp. Such processed extract may contain 20–60% CBD, but also a THC content above the legal limit. The rest includes a full spectrum of other substances such as cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBDV, CBN, cannabinoid acids, etc.), various flavonoids, terpenes, and small amounts of chlorophyll.

The extract is then diluted into various plant oils (in our case, MCT) to the appropriate concentrations. For producers, the limiting factor is the THC content, which must not exceed 0.2%.

This is why the method of producing 5% full spectrum CBD oil is increasingly used, and the remaining CBD is added in the form of isolate or, in a better case, distillate. Whether products are enriched with lower-quality forms of CBD can be verified through lab analyses. Products made this way contain the same amounts of CBG, CBN, CBC in 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% drops.

At CANNILAV, we care deeply about the quality of our products and therefore do not support this approach to manufacturing.

With our gentle method, we can purify extracts from THC to the extent that our extract contains 20% CBD — without using organic solvents!

High-quality full spectrum oils should have a brown appearance and a strong, spicy flavor.

Distillate

While isolate contains only CBD, which may be of natural or synthetic origin, distillate must be exclusively derived from hemp. As the name suggests, it is obtained from hemp extract via distillation. As a result, it contains not only CBD (typically around 80%) but also other active compounds such as CBG, CBC, CBDV, CBN, etc., although their quantities are significantly lower than in full spectrum extract.

Distillate appears yellow-brown and has a mild hemp-like taste.

Oils made from distillate can be considered medium-quality.

Isolate

CBD in the form of isolate is the lowest quality CBD on the market, as it contains only pure CBD and no other associated cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, CBDV, CBN, cannabinoid acids, various flavonoids, terpenes, etc. CBD isolate affects the human body much less than oils made from hemp extract labeled as full spectrum, which contain these cannabinoids and thereby significantly enhance the effects of CBD and help it reach its full potential for the human body.

Pure isolate should have no taste or smell and should be clear in appearance.

Isolate is very cheap to produce and is most commonly available to manufacturers in crystalline form, which many companies use to produce their oils due to significantly lower production costs. Therefore, it is important for every user to be aware of the varying quality of oils on the market and decide for themselves what quality they are willing to pay for.

CANNILAV does not use any form of crystalline CBD isolate in its products.