So, what is an isolate? It may sound technical, but it’s really not complicated. What we call an isolate is a single chemical compound — CBD or CBG, for example — that we isolate from the rest of the material in a hemp plant. Put simply: an isolate is what happens when you separate the part you want from the rest of the plant. It is a single cannabinoid in pure, powder form.
The benefits of isolate
No worries, isolate is THC free
Because isolate — and the things made with it — are THC free, it likely appeals to anyone who anticipates a drug screening or has another reason to avoid THC.
Purity makes for easy serving sizes
Because an isolate is upwards of 99 percent CBD, CBG or other cannabinoid, the math is easy, when it comes to figuring out the potency of a serving size. A 50mg serving equals 50mg of CBD, whereas when a tincture or lotion is used, CBD is a portion of the total amount used.
Less expensive than other CBD options
Because you’re paying only for the isolate itself and not the combination with an oil, lotion or other medium, you’re only paying for what you need. This makes isolates more accessible and affordable.
For instance, Lazarus Naturals Bulk CBD Isolate in a 5g size costs $35, which contains 5g (i.e. 5,000 mg) of CBD. This works out to a CBD cost per gram of $7. Following the same suggested serving size of 50mg of CBD, this is equal to 35 cents per serving. Purchasing this bulk isolate in a greater quantity (containers with up to 1,000 grams are available) further reduces the cost per serving.
On the other hand, for those who aren’t big on DIY, a premade product may be the way to go. Especially for those who aren’t highly budget-conscious. The cost of a serving size of lotion, for instance, can be several times more than that when isolate is purchased without additional ingredients. As an example, Pacific Pine Full Spectrum CBD Lotion in a 6.7oz package costs $70 and contains 2,000mg (i.e. 2 grams) of CBD. This works out to a cost per gram of CBD of $35. With a suggested serving size of one teaspoon containing 50mg of CBD, this is equal to $1.75 per use.
The benefits:
- No risk for those sensitive to THC
- Reduced risk of positive drug test result
- Free of any cannabis scents or flavors
- 99 percent concentration (highest potency of any type of CBD or CBG product)
- Most economical per serving
3 ways to DIY CBD and CBG isolate
So, what exactly can you do with this tasteless, odorless, fine white powders? Basically, anything you want. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Make your own tincture
If you prefer CBD or CBG in a liquid, make your own tincture by gently heating an isolate with a small amount of edible oil, such as MCT coconut oil.
Here’s a simple recipe that provides 50mg of CBD or CBG, depending on which isolate you choose. You’ll need a two-ounce size bottle and a graduated dropper lid with a 1ml serving line.
Directions:
- Combine 3 grams of isolate and 2 ounces of MCT oil (usually coconut or palm kernel oil). Other oils, such as olive or avocado may be used, although they do not provide as much bioavailability / absorption as MCT oil.
- Heat ingredients on low-to-medium heat using a double boiler with about two inches of water in the bottom pan.
- Dissolve isolate by stirring gently.
- Remove from heat and allow tincture to cool.
- Using a funnel, pour tincture into bottle.
- Keep refrigerated.
2. Blend it with a topical carrier oil
Your skin has receptors that respond to CBD, CBG and other cannabinoids. These are part of the endocannabinoid system and lotions and oils infused with a cannabinoid triggers a response that users report as beneficial for pain and muscle inflammation.
Use any skin friendly oil, such as coconut, almond or olive oil. Shea butter also provides an excellent vehicle for CBD or CBG isolate. Warming the oil will allow the isolate to blend quicker.
3. Make your own Butter Coffee
Butter coffee, AKA Bulletproof Coffee is a mixture of beneficial fats like butter and coconut oil blended with strong coffee to fuel your start to the day. It’s very popular with low carb dieters and ketogenic eating plans. You can make it yourself by adding CBD isolate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of brewed coffee.
- 1 tsp. to 2 tbsp. coconut oil.
- 1-2 tbsp. grass-fed, unsalted butter or 1-2 tsp. grass-fed ghee.
- 5 mg CBD Isolate powder to start. Increase as needed.
Directions
- Brew 1 cup (8-12 ounces) of coffee.
- Add coffee, CBD Isolate and butter or ghee to a blender.
- Blend 20-30 seconds until it looks like a creamy latte. Enjoy!
- Makes: 1 cup.
Portion Planning
How much isolate is the right amount for you? That depends. There are no specific guidelines for CBD and other isolates, because the FDA has not ruled on a “recommended daily intake.” If you’re thinking of taking CBD or CBG and also take medication, talk with your health care professional about appropriate serving sizes. CBD may interact with certain prescription drugs and your provider may have guidance.
As a general rule, consider starting at 5 to 20 mg of isolate daily. Keeping a running journal of your serving size and any effects is a good idea. From there, you can increase by 5 mg at a time.
To measure an isolate, use a spoon designed for portioning milligrams. Household measuring spoons are much too large -- for instance, a teaspoon equals five grams (4.93 grams to be exact), many times greater than typical serving sizes of CBD.
How is CBD isolate made?
The method for making CBD isolate starts with the hemp plant, which is naturally low in THC and by definition meets the federal legal requirement to have no more than 0.3 percent THC. Plant matter is processed into a CBD-rich oil known in the industry as a full-spectrum extract.
The extract undergoes extensive filtration, and a stint in freezing temperatures, known as winterization, which removes lipids and waxes. The resulting product then undergoes a series of distillation steps to remove any residual ethanol, terpenes, and remaining waxes and starches to yield a highly pure distilled extract. This material is put through an isolation process to create purified, crystalline CBD. The same process is used to make isolates of CBG and other cannabinoids.
Buying CBD and CBG isolates
Isolates are highly potent compared with a tincture or lotion, which contain a carrier oil and lower concentrations of CBD and possibly other cannabinoids. Anyone who wants to avoid THC, should have a precise understanding of the contents of their isolate product. This is why consumers should seek products accompanied by an analysis from a third-party (independent) laboratory.
Reputable producers of any CBD-infused products use independent labs to verify the purity and contents of their products.
Products sold as “CBD isolate” or “CBG isolate” may include other ingredients, such as essential oils, coconut oil or another carrier oil or alcohol base. Sweetener sometimes is added.
The most economical way to purchase an isolate, as referenced in the section above about benefits, is in its pure form as a white powder. These often are listed as “bulk” products.
Isolate powder, tinctures and capsules
Isolates are a great way to use cannabinoids like CBD and CBG every day. They are excellent and versatile additions to your favorite recipes, topicals and more. They are cannabinoids in their purest form.
Our CBD and CBG isolates are a great place to begin exploring. We offer a wide range of options. From CBD and CBG in isolate powder to flavored CBD tinctures to capsules formulated with natural ingredients to support energy and relaxation.
All Lazarus Naturals products are tested for potency, pesticides and heavy metals. Our testing process ensures we offer a product that is natural, safe and consistent. You can view third party test results with each product on our site.
We hope you enjoy finding fun new ways to use isolates. Please share your experience. We’d love what you’re making and how you’re adding it to your everyday lifestyle. Drop us a line in the comments section and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.