CBD Isolate powder is one of the newest and most versatile products to hit the Canadian cannabis market. CBD Isolate is a white powder labeled as being 98-99% pure CBD. It is flavourless, odourless, and provides no euphoric feeling, however with high dosing patients could feel a euphoric-like effect. CBD isolates allow consumers to easily dose with higher milligrams of CBD while taking less product. Consumers can accurately measure the amount they are taking, allowing for consistent dosage consumption.

CBD Isolate VS Full Spectrum CBD

To begin, all cannabis and hemp plant products contain thousands of compounds. To isolate only one molecule from the cannabis plant is difficult. Some Canadian companies are actively working on yeast-derived cannabinoids to make true isolates.

CBD isolate is the pure form of CBD, it contains no other terpenes, cannabinoids, or any cannaflavnoids and has no risk of producing euphoric feelings (we say above it is possible to feel a euphoric-like effect, maybe change this to “little risk of”) . This also offers consistency since 50mg of CBD isolate from one Licensed Producer, will be the same 50mg of CBD isolate from another. Keeping in mind, the extraction process and handling of products can change the outcome.

Full-spectrum CBD is an extract containing other compounds of the cannabis plant, such as terpenes, and other cannabinoids in trace amounts such as THC. With the presence of other cannabinoids and/or terpenes it can make your product more effective, thanks to the entourage effect.

How is CBD Isolate made?

CBD Isolate is produced from premium CBD flower derived from cannabis or hemp and is performed in a series of steps.

Oil extraction: There are multiple options for cannabis oil extraction, but isolates will utilize a form of alcohol. The wanted products such as CBD are extracted out of the plant material into a concentrated crude cannabis oil. It contains sesquiterpenes, terpenes, cannabinoids, cannaflavnoids and more.
Crude oil to Distillate: The crude oil is taken through a second process where it will be refined, purified, and distilled. It is put into vacuum and heated up, the CBD vaporizes and recondenses. This is where the plant materials other than the CBD are removed. The result is about an 80-90% pure CBD.
Distillate to Isolate crystals: One of the last steps where isolation truly takes place. The CBD is precipitated out, and form crystals. The crystals are made into a powder. At this point, there are no other active ingredients as the CBD is isolated from other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Dosing

The weight of the isolate using a kitchen scale in mgs, is exactly equal to the CBD content in milligrams. This allows for easy and convenient measuring of consistent dosage. Most consumers are encouraged to trial CBD isolate with a ¼ tsp to start, this could be equal to 50mgs of CBD. Patients are advised to titrate up every couple of days, only if they are not experiencing symptom relief at the current dose.

Methods of Consumption

CBD isolate can be utilized in its raw powder form or added to food and drinks. You can add CBD isolate to just about anything.

CBD Isolate is fat-soluble only, it is not water soluble. For highest level of efficacy, it is best to mix it in fat-based foods such as butter, oils, egg products, nut butter or flours, hummus, coconut based, dairy based foods such as yogurt or cheeses with Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils. Be careful when you choose to add into your baked goods, CBD does have a boiling point and will degrade in high heat. Cook at temperatures lower than 180℃

Tip: If baking with CBD Isolate, add it to the fat-soluble ingredients first as mentioned above, and then mix.

Things you can do with CBD Isolate Powder

Oil Mixture

You can make your own CBD oil out of CBD isolate that can be added to drinks, or cooking. Combine your favourite oil (sunflower, coconut, or olive oils) with your desired dose of CBD Isolate into a glass bottle. Shake and wait for the isolate to dissolve. Some people find the taste of cannabis unpleasant, which is a great indication that they should try a CBD isolate. The lack of flavour also makes isolate a better choice for cooking with CBD.

Topical

CBD isolate can be combined with any skin oils or creams you use already on sore muscles, joints, or skin inflammation.

Vaping/Dabbing

You can add CBD isolate to your vape, or it can be dabbed to feel effects faster than ingesting it.

Health Canada has not yet determined shelf-life for this product. It does not need to be refrigerated and extended exposure to air, heat and light should be avoided.. When purchased legally, CBD isolate can be travelled with domestically, just like any other one of your cannabis products. Ensure proper labelling and proof of prescription is readily availiable, as this product may not look like medical cannabis.

Overall, CBD isolate is an exciting new product on the medical cannabis market. While there are benefits to both CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum CBD, CBD Isolate is easy to dose, flavourless, odourless, and the methods of consumption are endless! How will you be consuming your CBD isolate?

Written By: Chris Tanzi, CTE.
CHC Edmonton.