How to Use CBD Isolate (And Why You Should)

For those who avoid CBD products because of its relationship with THC, CBD isolate provides a safe, THC-free option.

Considering the “Wild West” nature of the CBD industry, a fear of getting high, or a failed drug test at work, there are a few reasons one might be wary of CBD products. However, CBD isolate is CBD in its purest form. If it’s only CBD you want, that’s all you’ll get.

Let’s take a look at how to use CBD isolate effectively as well as why it might present a good option for the cautious CBD user.

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is a form of hemp extract—such as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD—that consists of pure CBD and nothing else.

CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum CBD

A product with full-spectrum CBD indicates the presence of THC. Full-spectrum hemp extract has perhaps the strongest benefits of all CBD products because of what’s known as the entourage effect—CBD combines with the other cannabinoids (including THC), terpenes, and other substances in the plant to maximize its effects.

CBD Isolate vs Broad Spectrum CBD

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD refers to a product that has stripped out the THC but retains everything else to utilize most of the entourage effect. However, the combination of CBD and THC seems to be so potent that broad-spectrum CBD is considered comparatively less effective than full-spectrum CBD. The main benefit of broad-spectrum CBD is to offer some semblance of the entourage effect while being suitable for consumers wanting to avoid THC.

While broad-spectrum CBD products are THC-free, some users may not fully trust that trace amounts of THC haven’t snuck into the product. They also may not want to ingest the other cannabinoids or terpenes that they can’t pronounce or don’t fully understand.

Enter CBD isolate.

As the name suggests, CBD isolate is CBD that has been isolated without any of its fellow cannabinoids or other substances of the plant. It’s just CBD. 

And it’s actually not an oil but extracted in pure crystal form which is then ground to a powder. Everything else from the hemp plant is removed, leaving just the CBD isolate powder.

How to Use CBD Isolate Powder

You have options when it comes to how you want to use CBD isolate. These include taking it directly, adding it to your favorite drinks or meals, or even creating your own CBD topicals. 

Straight Up, No Chaser

Well, you can chase it if you want. But the easiest way to take CBD isolate is to simply place the powder directly in your mouth and let it dissolve.

This is just like taking a regular CBD oil tincture, the difference being that CBD isolate is odorless and tasteless.

Taking CBD isolate powder sublingually will allow CBD to absorb into your bloodstream before entering the metabolism, providing more immediate effects.

Upgrade Your Morning Routine

A popular way to take CBD isolate is to add it to your coffee or tea. Since CBD isolate won’t affect the taste of your beverage of choice, you’ll get the added benefits without sacrificing quality.

A quick Google search will provide numerous recipes available for free.

If you’re someone who likes to shake or blend up a juice or smoothie, you can measure out your serving and add it to your favorite drink.

Add CBD Isolate To Your Food

The possibilities aren’t limited to your beverages either. You can add CBD isolate to anything you’d like.

You can make your own CBD edibles or stir the tasteless powder into any of your favorite recipes. There’s nothing it won’t mix into seamlessly, but you will want to make sure you don’t heat it up too much, or your CBD isolate will lose its potency.

You can even create your own CBD sweetener, oil, honey, dressing, or other condiments so you always have some on hand to sprinkle on food. 

Make Your Own CBD Topicals Or Oils

You can mix your CBD isolate into a lotion, cream, or salve to use the power of CBD topically. This can provide you with spot relief for discomfort or aches. 

You can also make your own CBD oil by mixing CBD isolate into a carrier oil like medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or olive oil. In fact, using a carrier oil helps your body digest CBD isolate more effectively. You can then take this oil sublingually, mix drops into drinks or foods, or create skin oils. 

You can also measure your CBD isolate powder and make capsules or pills. This can help you ingest a more accurately measured dose. 

Vape Or Dab It

If you are so inclined, you could also mix CBD isolate with terpenes to make your own CBD concentrates that you can vape or dab.

Before creating any of these variations, we recommend you speak with your physician.

Why Should I Use CBD Isolate Powder? 

One of the best things about CBD isolate is its versatility. Its tasteless, odorless, powder form allows you to mix it into anything you like, whether drinkable, edible, or topical. 

Because the CBD is isolated from other beneficial hemp compounds, you won’t be able to enjoy the added benefits provided by the entourage effect. However, CBD isolate allows you to avoid the compounds you don’t want to ingest, such as THC. You likely won’t have to worry about THC accidentally entering your system and showing up on a drug test, unlikely as that is even with other CBD products. 

The powder form of CBD isolate makes it easy to measure and dose, ensuring you take the right amount.

CBD isolate is also more cost-efficient than typical CBD products. If you regularly use CBD, creating your own concoctions can prolong your supply. 

Overall, CBD isolate offers a safe, versatile, and economical option for CBD users.

One of the best things about CBD isolate is its versatility. Its tasteless, odorless, powder form allows you to mix it into anything you like, whether drinkable, edible, or topical. 

Because the CBD is isolated from other beneficial hemp compounds, you won’t be able to enjoy the added benefits provided by the entourage effect. However, CBD isolate allows you to avoid the compounds you don’t want to ingest, such as THC. You likely won’t have to worry about THC accidentally entering your system and showing up on a drug test, unlikely as that is even with other CBD products. 

The powder form of CBD isolate makes it easy to measure and dose, ensuring you take the right amount.

CBD isolate is also more cost-efficient than typical CBD products. If you regularly use CBD, creating your own concoctions can prolong your supply. 

Overall, CBD isolate offers a safe, versatile, and economical option for CBD users.

How Is CBD Isolate Made?

CBD isolate is extracted from the hemp plant. It’s a complex extraction process that involves numerous phases. 

After the CBD is extracted as it is for any other CBD product, it must go through further processing to remove the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that would typically go into broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil. 

The oil then goes through a “winterization” process. This involves soaking the CBD extract in alcohol and freezing (winterizing) it. This separates the pure CBD from any residual substances that remain in the oil.

After it has been winterized, the CBD is put through several rounds of rotary evaporation to make extra sure that all residual material has been extracted. The remaining oil is then decarboxylated (heated) and converted into pure, crystalized CBD. In the final step, this crystallized CBD is processed into a crystalline powder form. 

Potential Side Effects 

Although generally considered to be a safe substance, especially since it is THC-free, CBD isolate does have the potential for some minor side effects.

These may include:

1. Fatigue
2. Increased or decreased appetite
3. Weight loss or gain
4. Diarrhea
5. Insomnia
6. Irritability

These side effects can also potentially be compounded if CBD isolate interacts with certain prescription or over-the-counter medications. Therefore, if you currently take any medications, make sure to talk to your doctor before using any CBD products.

Summary

CBD isolate presents a versatile, cost-efficient, and safe option for the user who wants the benefits of CBD without the risks that come with THC.