Welcome to the Hemp! Hemp! Hooray! Series Volume 5, CBD and Friends: Isolate vs. Full Spectrum.

Cannabis, hemp, CBD, cannabinoids, full spectrum, isolate, the entourage effect – these are all words that have entered the esthetics vocabulary in the last few years. Each are important, but potentially defined differently.
Cannabinoids are the plant components getting the most exposure now and include CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, and over 110 more. The most researched are CBD and THC, but you can expect to see emerging research on CBG, CBN, and CBV in the near future.

Cannabinoids are essentially adaptogens and communicate with the body’s endocannabinoid system resulting in a host of neurological, histological, and physiological effects.

With the green rush of CBD infused skincare and wellness products flooding the consumer and professional markets, it can feel consuming to “weed” through all of the information and, unfortunately, misinformation.
There are varying acceptance levels of cannabis but we could all probably fall into one of the following categories:
The Enthusiast, The Curious, and The Skeptical.

The Enthusiast is excited about the histological opportunities of CBD and other cannabis compounds and, whether a skincare practitioner, or a client, has no problem using quality infused products.

The Curious is interested but has questions. They are open to understanding the actual skin benefit, but also the process of product development, from extraction to lab testing and complimentary ingredients in the entire formulation. They want to understand how it works and why they should use it.

The Skeptical is cautious. They are fearful of propagandized un-truths and may be concerned about having “marijuana” on their skin. They also may have fair and seemingly reasonable questions like, “will I get high” or “will I fail a drug test?” They will need to understand how cannabis is clinical, and not illicit; that there is real histological value to utilizing it in skincare creations.

The Lira Clinical Founders and development team each fit into one of the above categories, too. We won’t divulge who were the enthusiasts and who were the skeptics, but years of research and understanding resulted in the skeptics becoming curious and eventually, the curious becoming enthusiasts. What changed? A clinical understanding of cannabidiol, cannabinoids and terpenes, and the composition opportunity of refined formulations.

The Science

Cannabis has been used as healing plant medicine for thousands of years. Racism, politics, capitalism, and impressed stigmas have all contributed to stints of cannabis’ legal standing throughout history, but never has there been scientific evidence to support many of the claims made by prohibitionists. An unfortunate result has been delayed progress in cannabis research. Delayed, but not halted.

There are thousands of published, peer-reviewed medical and research papers on cannabinoids, terpenes, and their effects on the human body. In contrast, we are just now coming out of a probationary period where we have been conditioned to think cannabis is “the devil’s lettuce” and that we should “Just say no” to it, despite absolutely zero scientific evidence of its wickedness. It’s no wonder there is confusion on the subject and understanding clinical skincare efficacy will come from understanding clinical evidence.

It is important to note that modern, scientific cannabis research has been ongoing for over 80 years, despite hurdles and obstacles. In fact, Roger Adams received a Treasury Department license to work with cannabis extract at his University of Illinois lab and presented a paper to the National Academy of Science on “The Chemistry of Marihuana” in 1939. In the early 1940s, he identified and isolated Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabinol (CBN). In 1942, he won a patent for his method of isolating CBD, noting the analgesic effect of the isolated molecule then. He developed the “ADAMS SCALE” to measure the potency of cannabinoids; which is still used by researchers today.

Though Adams was the first to identify delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it was Dr. Raphael Machoulum who was first able to isolate it, name it, and identify it as the “intoxicating” or “psychoactive” component from cannabis. In other words, THC was the one extracted molecule that provided the euphoric “high” feeling at certain concentrations, where CBD and CBN did not.

Dr. Machoulum and his team were also credited with discovering the Endocannabinoid System and advancing research on the effect of Phyto cannabinoid interaction within our bodies. We now know there are physiological effects of cannabis constituents, including cannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBN) and Terpenes, and specific results can be achieved by combining certain concentrations of each. There are thousands of chemical combination opportunities for application.

Dr. Ethan Russo, another well respected cannabis researcher, is well known for studying an industry theory: The Entourage Effect. The entourage effect occurs when cannabis compounds, namely cannabinoids and terpenes, work together to enhance effectiveness. Dr. Russo, a neurologist with an extensive background on the effects of cannabis compounds in the human body, explains that each cannabis compound can enhance the natural properties of other cannabis compounds. Because of this, cannabis compounds will deliver stronger and more diverse effects together than any single compound could alone. With hundreds of naturally produced compounds found in cannabis, the variety of different synergies, and different effects offered is overwhelming!

An industry misconception is that the entourage effect requires a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, and that “the entourage effect” is the same as “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum,” but that is not the case.

Research into exactly which compounds combine for what physiological effect is ongoing and may take years to fully understand. However, for the purposes of skincare, there is existing and mounting clinical evidence of histological efficacy, which is great news for professional skincare practitioners. Specifically, Dr. Russo touts the “entourage” combination of Cannabidiol and limonene for providing histological benefit and includes dermatological application as one of cannabis science’s greatest areas of therapeutic potential.

Remember, there is unfortunately mis-information circulating, and we have that range of enthusiast, curious and skeptic to consider. Because of that, it is important to fully understand industry terms and be able to distinguish actual product potential by examining the whole product, not just clever marketing.

Let’s review three terms common in hemp-infused consumer products.

Isolate – Isolate is just that, an isolated molecule. Most commonly, this term means cannabidiol, or isolated CBD. Does it work? Yes! When paired with other components, like terpenes and omega fatty acid rich oils. The problem? When an isolate is not in an intentional formulation. Then, it’s just novelty and not really providing skin benefit.

Full Spectrum – Full spectrum is a loose definition meaning several cannabinoid and terpenes present after extraction. Does it work? Yes! Absolutely! The problem? When cannabis is extracted with CO2 or ethanol, it then goes through a process called decarboxylation where acidic forms of cannabinoids change; CBDA becomes CBD for example. During this process, many cannabinoids and terpenes are lost, so the efficacy changes. Current testing measures minimal cannabinoid profiles, and rarely, terpene profiles so identifying full cannabinoid inclusion is infrequently realized. It’s not as big of a deal if you’re making DIY skincare, or buying products at the farmers market, but when you are providing clinical treatments, consistency is imperative. With advancements in extraction method technology, clinical full spectrum will be a viable and effective option.

Broad Spectrum – Broad Spectrum is full spectrum, minus THC. This is great for those who are firm in the belief that full spectrum is the best option, but don’t want the risk associated with THC. Does it work? Potentially. Yes, because there is more than one cannabis component, but Broad Spectrum was an answer to consumer demand more than holding roots in efficacy so formulations boasting Broad Spectrum should be reviewed for effect versus novelty.

What we have is nearly 85 years of research on CBD Isolate and a budding scientific trend in exploring the effects of multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and other whole plant components. What we also have is an industry passion position that is Isolate vs. Full Spectrum. The truth is, both have their place and it is a matter of evaluating the entire formulation and intended application. So, rather Isolate versus Full Spectrum should be Isolate AND Full Spectrum.

Lira Clinical is excited and proud to announce the first formulation release in the Infused C. This product introduces the new Power Entourage where terpenes enhance the efficacy of clinical cannabidiol. It is a great introduction for the cannabis skeptics but also satisfies both the curious and the enthusiasts. Because Isolate has been incorporated in such an efficacious way, the Infused C meets international standards and is available to the global market.

Past the drawing board, but in the formulation process is other thoughtfully designed Full Spectrum products that incorporate advanced extraction methods for increased cannabinoid and terpene profile potential. Stay tuned as these products are in the perfection stage!

Watch our webinar video on Hemp! Hemp! Hurray! Vol. 5: