Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD
You are likely to encounter numerous CBD terminologies in your CBD journey. The convenient, yet tricky thing about CBD these days is that there are so many choices. These choices can be daunting if you’re new to CBD, so we’ll help you feel informed before making any decision.
A prominent factor to have in mind is that CBD has several types and this is important to note down when choosing the right CBD product for you. Extracts are always listed on the front of a CBD product and they let you know which type of CBD is being used.
Basically, they are used to describe what kind of CBD oil is used in the product. Each contains CBD and a wealth of potential health benefits to our wellbeing, yet each has a distinct chemical composition. This makes the experience of various CBD products different from each other. If you are a new CBD user, the types of CBD can be confusing to understand and hence be mislead.
In this article, we will shed light on the two most common and often confusing types of CBD: Full spectrum and broad spectrum. This will make it easier for you to make an informed buying decision to determine which option might be best for you. Before we begin let us learn more about CBD
Understanding CBD
Did you know that cannabis cultivation by humans began more than 1000 years ago? The very first compound to be isolated from the plant was cannabinol in1899. CBD was the second found compound by Mechoulam and Shvo in 1963. In 1964, THC which is the main compound in the plant was isolated. The most researched and major compounds of the cannabis plant are d-9-THC, CBD, d-8-THC, and cannabinol. Even though their chemical structure is the same what differentiates them are pharmacological effects.
The cannabis plant is said to be a genre of flora yet a very complex plant. It contains 426 chemical entities, of which more than 60 are cannabinoids. The most popular cannabinoids today are CBD and THC. They both carry a fraction of the cannabinoid content and chemical profile of cannabis. Other crucial compounds include essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) terpenes, and flavonoids.
In the plant, cannabinoids are synthesized and accumulated as cannabinoid acids. When the herbal product is dried, stored, and heated the acids decarboxylize gradually into proper forms such as CBD and THC. Cannabidiol (CBD) can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants which are species of cannabis.
CBD oil sourced from industrial hemp contains much higher concentrations of CBD and lower levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC. Mentioning these compounds is very essential because for you to distinguish the types of CBD you have to first understand the cannabis compounds.
Benefits of CBD
Some of the potential health effects of CBD include:
- Anti-seizure
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-anxiety
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
The Three Types of CBD
They include:
- CBD isolate
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
Each type features a specific extraction method that causes it to contain or omit certain aspects of the hemp plant.
Full -Spectrum CBD
Definition: It is also referred to as whole-plant because it contains numerous other cannabinoids compounds from the cannabis plant including THC but in low concentrations. THC levels are under 0.3% meaning it is potent enough to not cause the high feeling typically associated with cannabis.
Most people choose full-spectrum CBD intending to maintain all the components of CBD together with the belief that CBD is more potent in a more original form. It is considered the most unprocessed and unfiltered hemp extract with beneficial nutrients such as terpenes, cannabinoids, and essential oils. All these compounds offer so many benefits to the body.
Legality: To be considered legal all full spectrum products must contain less than 0.3% THC. Though hemp production was legalized under the Farm Bill, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still in the process of developing rules to help in the regulation of such products in food, supplements, and beverages.
Concerns: The biggest concern for many CBD brands is that surprisingly, a great number of consumers aren’t interested in consuming products with THC or simply it’s a liability to them.
Full-Spectrum CBD and the Entourage Effect
Full-spectrum products are said to be highly potent because they contain all the compounds found in cannabis which are believed to have an array of therapeutic benefits compared to broad-spectrum and isolate CBD respectively.
All these compounds work together harmoniously as a whole to produce a greater effect than if working separately to produce effect thus creating the “entourage effect”. The idea behind the entourage effect is that whole plant extracts often have greater benefits than their isolated counterparts. For example, research suggests that CBD in cannabis can counteract some of the negative side effects of THC, such as anxiety. One theory is that CBD can block some cannabinoid receptors, therefore blocking the effects of THC, which binds directly to these receptors.
All the compounds of cannabis can interact with each other to create unique and exceptional effects. For example, terpenes are considered to provide the distinctive scent and flavor of cannabis varieties. The compound also plays a crucial role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Flavonoids, on the other hand, are great for boosting the human immune system.
Benefits of Full- Spectrum CBD Oil
Gives a richer sensory experience
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains cannabinoids and terpenes that contribute to a pleasant flavor experience. From the sharp taste of pinene to earthy, warm myrcene, terpenes add a wonderful, subtle richness to the experience.
Closer to what nature intended
The cannabis plant has over a hundred compounds that work together to produce a variety of effects. It makes sense that the benefits might be most pronounced when these compounds are used together, rather than isolating a single compound. All these compounds when working together will do an astounding job.
Experience of enhanced effects
Evidence suggests that CBD may work better in the context of full-spectrum CBD oil. Several terpenes are thought to have synergistic interactions with CBD, and there is also evidence that minor cannabinoids work alongside CBD, as well.
Broad- Spectrum CBD
Definition: Contains an array of cannabinoids compound except for THC. Because the THC has been removed from broad-spectrum CBD, it is commonly assumed that it doesn’t lend to the entourage effect. What’s even better is that like full-spectrum the consumer has the chance to experience the entourage effect.
Picture this: All other beneficial compounds e.g. cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG); flavonoids which support homeostasis and overall wellness; terpenes like linalool, limonene, and myrcene working together to create the concept of the entourage effect.
This is the best type for people who are subjected to regular drug tests for legal, professional, or personal reasons. It bridges the gap between full-spectrum and CBD isolate. It is processed like an isolate, yet offers numerous cannabinoids like full-spectrum.
Legality: Because broad-spectrum products contain no THC, they too are legal under the Farm Bill but subject to FDA oversight.
Concerns: A lot of mislabeling is done on broad-spectrum CBD products where you find that some products don’t have all the cannabinoids as promised. Further extraction of THC is quite costly which hikes the price of most broad-spectrum CBD products.
Broad-spectrum CBD is best for:
- Individuals who experience THC sensitivity
- Individuals who are required to participate in work-related drug testing
- Those living in states with strict laws against THC consumption
- CBD beginners who are apprehensive to consume THC
Benefits of Broad- Spectrum CBD
No risk of the “high” feeling
You won’t experience any psychoactive effects since THC is not included in the extract.
Features the entourage effect
Like full-spectrum CBD oil, you will enjoy the full benefits of the whole plant. The therapeutic benefits are maximized to the benefit of the consumer.
Processed, yet less processed than isolate CBD
In order to create broad-spectrum CBD, THC-free, it has to undergo refinement and processing. However, while broad-spectrum CBD is processed, it is still less processed than isolated CBD.
Final Thoughts
There is still more research needed to fully discover all the potential benefits of CBD. Current research and studies suggest that, full and broad-spectrum CBD products are more effective compared to CBD isolate. Though this could be true, more additional research is needed.
If you seek to try out CBD products go for manufacturers that can avail third-party testing and certificate of analysis. By this, you are assured of getting the right and reliable products from a trusted source.
It is of the essence to also seek advice from a clinician or healthcare provider before trying out CBD products especially if you’re under medication. CBD has few mild side effects such as nausea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness. If you are under medication, CBD can interact with the medicine such as blood thinners. Once you are given the green light to use CBD products, start with small dosages before stepping up.
