Full spectrum CBD contains every compound in the hemp plant — including trace THC up to the 0.3% federal limit. Broad spectrum keeps the other hemp compounds but removes the THC. Isolate is pure CBD with everything else stripped out. That one difference drives the entire pricing and drug-test conversation.
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate at a glance
| Full spectrum | Broad spectrum | Isolate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC content | Up to 0.3% | Removed (non-detectable) | 0% |
| Other hemp compounds | Yes | Yes | No |
| Purity of CBD | Diluted by other compounds | Diluted by other compounds | ~99% pure |
| Typical cost per mg | $0.10–0.20 | $0.10–0.20 | ~$0.006 (DIY) |
| Drug-test concern | Yes — trace THC | Minimal | No |
| Simple Tinctures | Sells 0% THC isolate concentrate — pure CBD at $0.006/mg | ||
What each type actually contains
Full spectrum is the whole-plant extract: CBD plus minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace THC up to 0.3% — the federal ceiling for hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. Broad spectrum starts from the same full extract, then runs it through a process that removes THC while keeping the other compounds. Isolate is the end of the road: the CBD is separated out until it's roughly 99% pure, with nothing else left. It's the difference between "the whole plant" and "just the one molecule."
Which has THC?
Only full spectrum carries THC, and only up to 0.3% — the legal limit that makes hemp different from marijuana. Broad spectrum is processed to take it out, and isolate never has it in the first place. If a product must be THC-free for a drug test, a pet, or personal preference, broad spectrum or isolate are the only honest options — and isolate is the only one that guarantees 0% on every batch. See CBD vs THC for the full breakdown.
What about the entourage effect?
You'll hear that full spectrum works better because its many compounds act together — the so-called entourage effect. What's worth knowing: it's a hypothesis about combined effects of hemp compounds, not a proven law of dosing, and the practical difference for most buyers is small next to the price gap. Store shelves charge a premium for full and broad spectrum while isolate quietly delivers the same CBD molecule for a fraction of the cost.
The cost reality
- Full and broad spectrum retail at roughly $0.10–0.20/mg — the marketing and the extraction both get priced in.
- Raw isolate trades at about $0.15–0.50 per gram wholesale — that's $0.00015–0.0005/mg before processing.
- Pre-dissolved isolate concentrate (what we sell) lands at about $0.006/mg, no powder-weighing required.
- If price per milligram is your metric, the full-vs-broad debate is a distraction — the comparison is not close.
Which should you pick?
If you want every hemp compound and are fine with trace THC, full spectrum is the traditional choice. If you want the compounds without THC, broad spectrum. If you want pure CBD, zero THC, maximum transparency, and the lowest price per milligram — isolate. That's why our concentrate is isolate, and why our price page shows the full per-mg math instead of hiding it. New to CBD? Start with our beginner's guide.