Did you know that in 2022, the global cannabidiol (CBD) market was worth $6.82 billion? Fast forward to 2023, and it has grown to $9.4 billion. Come 2027, experts project it to expand further and become a $31 billion market.

One of the reasons for that growth is the increasing number of studies on potential CBD benefits. For example, researchers suggest it could help with anxiety, depression, and pain. They also say it could enhance people’s overall well-being.

CBD isolate, in turn, is one of the primary forms of cannabidiol found in many types of CBD products.

But what exactly is CBD isolate, and how does it differ from other forms of CBD? Who may benefit most from its use?

This guide answers all those questions, so read on.

What Is CBD Isolate?

Also known as CBD crystal, CBD isolate is a crystallized form of cannabidiol and the purest form of CBD. Manufacturers usually grind the crystals and then sell them as a powder. Users can then take the powder directly, mix it with food or drinks, or apply it to their skin.

CBD isolate often comes from hemp plants. Hemp plants are the preferred source as they often contain minute traces of THC.

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, another of the 100+ known phytocannabinoids. While research says it also has health benefits, it’s psychoactive nonetheless.

As the purest form of CBD, CBD isolate doesn’t contain any other cannabis plant compounds. So it doesn’t have THC, CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), or CBDv (cannabidivarin). Neither does it possess flavonoids or terpenes.

CBD isolate also has no discernable odor or taste. This is because it undergoes a thorough refinement process.

How Does CBD Isolate Differ From Other CBD Forms?

The two other primary forms of cannabidiol are full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. These two differ from CBD isolates because of their chemical contents and structures.

Full-spectrum CBD features multiple cannabis plant extracts. For instance, it contains other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils.

THC is one of the phytocannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD products. It’s often present in doses of up to 0.3%. This is the maximum amount of federally legal THC in hemp-derived CBD products.

Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD also contains various cannabis plant extracts. The primary difference is that broad-spectrum products have less than 0.3% THC.

Because of their characteristics, the two other forms of CBD may be more potent than isolate.

Research suggests CBD’s benefits become more pronounced with other cannabis plant compounds present. This may be due to the combined compounds’ “entourage effect.”

The “entourage effect” is a hypothesis that cannabis plant compounds act synergistically. It suggests that they enhance each other’s effects. An example is how combining cannabinoids and terpenes may have improved pain benefits.

Who May Want to Consider CBD Isolate Then?

First-time users may find CBD isolate more suitable than other forms of cannabidiol. This way, they can try CBD without interference from other cannabis compounds. They can then see for themselves if cannabidiol alone is beneficial and effective.

Here are other reasons to use CBD isolate over full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.

Avoid Taking in THC

Because THC is psychoactive, it can produce mind-altering effects. For instance, it can interfere with thinking, memory, balance, coordination, and reaction time. It may also affect sleep and may make a person feel sleepy.

While feeling sleepy isn’t necessarily bad, it could be if someone needs to drive or work.

The THC content of full-spectrum CBD is often too low to cause psychoactive effects. However, some people may be more sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol. Even a tiny amount of THC may already have mind-altering effects for these folks.

Another issue is that THC levels may rise during the manufacturing of CBD products. This may happen as cannabidiol undergoes conversion into a concentrate. It may result in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD with THC levels higher than 0.3%.

Tetrahydrocannabinol also shows up on drug tests. The higher the THC content of a product, the more likely a drug test can detect it.

Depending on the state, a failed drug test could disqualify a person from a job application. It may also result in the penalization of an employee.

Those who wish to avoid such issues may be better off trying CBD isolate, as it doesn’t contain THC. But buyers must still practice due diligence by verifying a CBD isolate’s quality.

The best way to learn about a CBD product’s quality is through its certificate of analysis (COA). A COA is a formal result of an independent laboratory test. It provides information about the product’s contents, including other detected cannabis plant compounds.

So with a COA, one can learn if a CBD isolate contains no THC. If so, it should state “ND” (not detectable) or “N/A” (not applicable).

Take Higher Doses of CBD

CBD isolate lets consumers take higher doses without worrying too much about THC. After all, it should be pure and THC-free.

Some consumers may want to take higher CBD doses for medical reasons. Their doctors may have also recommended a higher dosage to help with their condition. For instance, researchers have used CBD dosages of up to 600 mg for anxiety, while some only used 25 mg for poor sleep.

Use a Taste- and Odor-Free CBD Product

Some CBD isolate products have flavors added to them. However, many others have no noticeable tastes or odors.

On the other hand, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD may come with an earthy taste and smell. So if you’d rather not have these characteristics in your CBD product, you may want to go for an isolate.

Talk to Your Doctor Before Using CBD Products

If you’re considering using cannabidiol for the first time, CBD isolate may be a good place to start. That way, you can determine if CBD alone is enough for your needs while avoiding THC.

However, please consult your doctor before taking any CBD product. This is especially important if you’re on any medication that may interact with CBD.