The main difference is THC, the part of cannabis that can get you high. Full spectrum CBD still has a tiny amount of THC in it. Broad spectrum CBD has had the THC taken out.
The quick answer
| Type | What’s in it | THC |
|---|---|---|
| Full spectrum | CBD and other natural hemp compounds | Tiny amounts |
| Broad spectrum | CBD and other natural hemp compounds | Removed |
| CBD isolate | Just CBD | None |
What is full spectrum?
Full spectrum CBD is made from a hemp plant naturally low in THC : industrial hemp.
In the UK, the hemp plant is selectively bred to contain no more than 0.2% THC by dry weight. Yet it also contains the complete range of natural compounds from the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, terpenes and flavonoids.
People who want all the elements of the plant itself often prefer full spectrum. Our natural, unflavoured CBD oils are full spectrum.
Because Full Spectrum CBD Oils naturally contains a tiny, non-intoxicating amount of THC, a trace is present in the oil. Although it is under the legal limits of less than 0.2% THC some people who work in jobs with regular drug testing prefer to use a broad spectrum cbd product.
What is broad spectrum?
Broad spectrum CBD starts the same way, but manufacturers then use a method called liquid chromatography to physically strip the THC out, leaving zero detectable THC. Our flavoured CBD oils are broad spectrum, including Apple, Cherry and Mint. We have all the lab reports for our Broad Spectrum products available if you ever need it.
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is CBD on its own, with almost nothing else in it. It is made by stripping away all the other plant compounds, cannabinoids, terpenes and waxes from hemp extract. You’ll find CBD isolate in products such as Hempthy CBD gummies.
Which one should I choose?
- Want the widest mix from the plant? Choose full spectrum.
- Want to avoid THC? Choose broad spectrum or isolate.
- Only want CBD? Choose isolate.
Is one stronger than the other?
Not necessarily. Full and broad spectrum tell you what’s in the product, not how strong it is. To see the strength, check the milligrams (mg) of CBD on the label.
What if I’m drug tested at work?
Many people whose jobs involve drug testing prefer broad spectrum, because the THC has been removed. Full spectrum products contain THC, so they are best avoided. Even with broad spectrum, “removed” only means the lab test didn’t find any, and tests vary. Talk to us before you buy and we can also send you the products lab report if you need it.
How much CBD is advised?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises healthy adults to have no more than 10mg of CBD a day. It does not recommend CBD for under-18s, people taking medication, people trying to conceive, or anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, unless under medical direction.
Not sure which is right for you? Come and talk to us in our Gloucester shop, or browse our CBD products.
Sources
- FSA, Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance, updated 28 August 2026 — gov.uk
Read next
- Is CBD legal? What a UK shop can and cannot sell.
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. CBD products are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
