Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate – the Difference in CBD

The difference lies in the composition: full spectrum contains the complete plant profile including small traces of THC, broad spectrum offers several cannabinoids and terpenes without THC, and isolate consists of pure CBD without any accompanying compounds. Which variant is right for you depends on your priorities: a full plant profile, avoiding THC or taste-neutral purity. This comparison explains all three types and helps you choose.

The three types of CBD compared side by side

This overview shows the most important differences at a glance:

More on the CBD comparison

What is full spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum CBD contains all the compounds that occur naturally in the hemp plant: besides cannabidiol (CBD), other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN, plus terpenes and flavonoids as well as legally permitted traces of THC – in Switzerland below 1 percent. It is exactly this interplay that is referred to as the entourage effect: the assumption that the plant compounds are more effective together than CBD alone. The effect has not been conclusively proven scientifically, but many users prefer full spectrum because of its complete profile. Our organic CBD oils in full spectrum quality come from Swiss cultivation.

What is broad spectrum CBD?

Broad spectrum CBD is, in a sense, the middle ground: it contains several cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, but is produced in such a way that it contains practically no THC. This makes it suitable for anyone who wants to benefit from the broad plant profile but deliberately wants to avoid THC – for example because of regular drug tests at work. You can read more about detectability in the article Is CBD detectable?.

What is CBD isolate?

A CBD isolate contains exclusively pure cannabidiol – all other plant compounds such as terpenes or other cannabinoids have been removed. The degree of purity is usually over 97 percent. Isolate is taste-neutral and THC-free, which makes it versatile and precisely dosable. The downside: without accompanying compounds, there is no entourage effect. If you are looking for pure CBD, you will find it under Buy CBD isolate.

Which CBD is right for you?

The choice depends solely on your personal priorities – there is no “best” spectrum. This table helps you decide:

For most beginners, a full spectrum oil is a good start because it offers the complete plant profile. If you must rule out THC completely, choose broad spectrum or isolate.

Does the extraction method matter?

Yes. How the active compounds are extracted from the plant influences the end product. Gentle CO2 extraction preserves cannabinoids and terpenes particularly well and is considered the industry standard for high-quality full spectrum products. How CBD is produced in general is explained in the article

How is CBD made?.

Regardless of the spectrum: a certificate of analysis for each batch shows what is actually contained – how to read it is explained in the article on CBD lab analysis.

Is CBD legal in Switzerland in all variants?

Yes. Full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate are legal in Switzerland as long as the THC content is below 1 percent. Since full spectrum products contain small traces of THC, they remain legal in Switzerland with its higher limit, while stricter rules apply in the EU (0,2 to 0,3 percent).

Conclusion:

Full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate do not differ in quality, but in composition. Full spectrum offers the complete plant profile, broad spectrum does without THC, isolate is pure CBD. Choose according to your priorities – and in any case, look for a certificate of analysis for each batch. You will find the complete range in the CBD oil shop.

Frequently asked questions about full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate

What is the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate?

Full spectrum contains the complete plant profile including traces of THC, broad spectrum offers several plant compounds without THC, and isolate contains exclusively pure CBD.

Which spectrum is best?

There is no generally best spectrum. Full spectrum offers the full profile, broad spectrum avoids THC, isolate is pure CBD. The choice depends on personal priorities.

Does full spectrum CBD contain THC?

Yes, small traces – in Switzerland legally below 1 percent. This amount has no intoxicating effect.

What is the entourage effect?

The assumption that cannabinoids and terpenes are more effective together than isolated CBD. It occurs with full and broad spectrum, not with isolate, but has not been conclusively proven scientifically.

Which spectrum for drug tests?

If you must avoid THC completely, choose broad spectrum or isolate. These contain practically no THC.

Are all variants legal in Switzerland?

Yes, as long as the THC content is below 1 percent and the legal requirements are met.

Note: CBD products are not medicinal products and are not intended to treat diseases. This article is for general information only and refers to the legal situation in Switzerland. Sold to adults only. Last reviewed: July 2026.