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Full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate: CBD label terms explained
Where these terms come from
Hemp contains many compounds: cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN and THC, plus terpenes (the compounds behind a plant's aroma) and others. To make a CBD product, a manufacturer extracts these compounds from the plant. What they keep, and what they remove, decides which of the three terms goes on the label.
Full spectrum
A full-spectrum extract keeps a wide range of the compounds found in the plant. That can include CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes and small amounts of delta-9 THC. "Full spectrum" doesn't mean a product has a lot of THC, but it does mean THC may be present.
On our shelves, the Care Organics Full Spectrum Oil, CBD Roll-On, FREEZE Roll-On and Transdermal Patches are labeled full spectrum. Several are made from rosin, a solventless extract made with heat and pressure.
Broad spectrum
A broad-spectrum extract starts like full spectrum, keeping a range of cannabinoids and often terpenes, but goes through an extra step to remove THC. On a lab report, delta-9 THC is usually shown as "ND" (not detected) or below the lab's limit of quantitation (LOQ). "Not detected" means below what that lab's test can measure, not a guaranteed zero, so the drug-test caution still applies.
Isolate
An isolate is a single compound purified out of the extract, usually as a white crystalline powder. CBD isolate is the most common, but there are isolates of other cannabinoids too. An isolate contains no terpenes or other cannabinoids unless the maker adds them back. Isolates are often blended with other extracts. The LIVE Elderberry chews, for example, list "Full Spectrum Hemp CBD/CBG Extract" and "CBN Isolate" as separate ingredients.
A quick comparison
| Term | What it contains | Delta-9 THC |
|---|---|---|
| Full spectrum | A wide range of the plant's cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds | May be present in small amounts |
| Broad spectrum | A range of cannabinoids and often terpenes, with THC removed | Usually not detected |
| Isolate | One purified compound, such as CBD | None, unless blended with another extract |
How to check the terms on a lab report
A label term is the maker's description. The lab report (COA) is the test result for that batch. To check a label against its report:
- Match the batch number on the package to the report.
- Look at the cannabinoid table. A full-spectrum product will usually show several cannabinoids with results. An isolate will usually show one, with the rest "ND."
- Find the delta-9 THC line and the total THC line. The common total THC formula is delta-9 THC + (0.877 × THCA); our THCA vs. delta-9 guide explains it.
- Check the date the batch was tested.
Batch lab reports for each category are on our Lab reports page.
Other words you'll see near these terms
- Distillate: a refined extract, which may be full or broad spectrum depending on processing.
- Rosin: an extract pressed out with heat and pressure, without solvents.
- Nano or water-soluble: the extract is processed so it mixes into drinks.
- Carrier oil: the oil an extract is mixed into, such as MCT (coconut-derived) oil.
Shopping for CBD at Thrive
Browse oils, chews and more in our CBD category and roll-ons and patches in Topicals. Each product page lists its ingredients and amounts. If you're unsure which term a product uses, our team in Leesburg will show you the label and the lab report.
CBD label term questions
Does full spectrum CBD contain THC?
It can. Full-spectrum extracts keep a range of the plant's compounds, which can include small amounts of delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC can cause impairment and a positive drug test. Don't drive or operate machinery after use.
What's the difference between broad spectrum and isolate?
Broad spectrum keeps a range of cannabinoids and often terpenes but has THC removed. An isolate is a single purified compound, such as CBD.
Does not detected mean zero?
No. ND means the amount was below what that lab's test can detect. It isn't a guaranteed zero.
How do I confirm what's in my product?
Match the batch number on the package to the batch lab report. Batch lab reports for each category are on our Lab reports page.