August 20, 2022 5 min read

BROAD-SPECTRUM CBD VS FULL SPECTRUM CBD

It's simple to tell the difference between Full Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum Extracts. The amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the CBD extract is critical. CBD is only one of the several compounds found in marijuana. It is the plant's most abundant component, aside from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

 There is no significant difference between the Broad spectrum and Full spectrum CBD. Still, the essential distinction is that Full Spectrum CBD Tincture includes 0.3 percent THC. Still, Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture contains undetectable THC and is frequently referred to as "THC Free" CBD Tincture. Both strains:  full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, should have a "spectrum" of secondary cannabinoids and, more importantly, terpenes. While many CBD companies claim that their products contain terpenes because of their "Full Spectrum" or "Broad Spectrum" status, this is not always the case.

Full-spectrum CBD

 According to VanDolah et al.  (2019), Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD that contains all of the therapeutic components present in the cannabis plant. Among them are

Cannabinoids

There are around 100 cannabinoids, the most well-known being CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Lafaye et al.  (2022) noted that the medicinal and psychotropic effects of cannabis products result from CBD and THC. While CBD has no psychoactive effect, THC does.

Terpenes

Cannabis has around 150 terpenes, which impart scent to the plant (think: what makes an orange smell like citrus). Terpenes may also possess medicinal properties (lavender has a calming effect).

Flavonoids

Around twenty flavonoids are found in cannabis. Flavonoids occur naturally in various plants, including fruits, vegetables, and cereals. They, like terpenes, possess medicinal properties. Jin et al. (2020), The flavonoids present in cannabis have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective qualities, according to research published in 2016.

Advantages of Full-spectrum CBD

CBD may provide health benefits: anti-seizure, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and pain reduction anti-inflammatory. Additionally, it may help alleviate symptoms associated with some mental health disorders and muscle spasms. According to Jin et al. (2020), flavonoids and terpenes included in CBD may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Disadvantages of Full spectrum CBD

 Ucci (2021) noted that a possible downside of full-spectrum CBD is that users may experience a euphoric high if they take a large amount. Consumers who consume full-spectrum CBD products may risk a positive drug test result. One of the chemicals detected by a test is THC, which can be found in certain full-spectrum CBD products.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a type of CBD oil that falls somewhere between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD oil. It contains all cannabinoids and other molecular components Except for THC. Because it contains all beneficial chemical elements except THC, users are likely to experience some of the entourage effect's benefits. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is more difficult than other CBD oil varieties. Broad-spectrum CBD oil, like its competitors, is extracted using the conventional method. For areas where THC is prohibited, the advantage of broad-spectrum CBD oil is that THC is eliminated from the extract during the last processing stages. As a result, if a drug test searches for THC, broad-spectrum CBD oil will be negative.

Advantages of Broad-spectrum CBD

The following health consequences are possible with Broad-spectrum CBD. (Oleink (2022)

  • It can be used as Antibiotics, anti-seizure\s, and anti-inflammatory.
  • While most broad-spectrum CBD products are THC-free, some may include trace quantities.
  • As with full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD products may offer extra health advantages due to the entourage effect.

Disadvantages of Broad-spectrum CBD

  • The absence of THC is one potential downside of broad-spectrum CBD. This may imply that it lacks the complete spectrum of CBD's effects.
  • Consumers who use CBD products may test positive for narcotics during a drug test. CBD with a broad spectrum of activity may contain trace levels of THC, which may be detected through this testing.

What Is The Distinction Between The Extraction Methods?

The initial extraction procedure is the same for both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, the most prevalent being CO2 extraction. The oil contains CBD and other cannabinoid chemicals. This mixture of chemicals has a significant role in the 'entourage effect.' While it is possible to eliminate certain cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and omegas from cannabis during the refinement process, some study indicates that leaving them in results in a more intense high for users. Because broad-spectrum CBD does not contain THC, the entourage effect can be useful without the risk of experiencing any of the adverse effects associated with full-spectrum CBD.

How To Use Broad Spectrum CBD Products

The type of CBD one determines the method one uses to deliver CBD does purchase. Certain goods, such as gummies or capsules, can be ingested orally. Typically, oils and tinctures are placed beneath the tongue or added to foods and beverages. Typically, topical medications such as salves, lotions, and creams are massaged into a specific location. This implies that depending on the product's formulation, one may experience heat, cooling, or even tingling sensations on your skin. Doses vary by individual and are determined by various factors, including body weight, the ailment being treated, one's body chemistry, and the CBD concentration in each product.

How To Select The Highest-Quality CBD Products

When purchasing full-spectrum or Broad-Spectrum CBD oil, ensure the product is;

  • Manufactured by a company that can demonstrate third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory
  • Manufactured by a company that discloses the Source of their hemp
  • Contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, as stated on the certificate of analysis (COA)
  • According to the COA, the product is free of pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.

Also, look for

  • Certifications obtained by the business and manufacturing processes
  • Indicators of user trust and brand reputation related to product potency include the following:
  • client feedback
  • Whether the business has ever received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Whether the corporation makes any health claims that are not backed up by evidence

Safety And Possible Negative Effects

 According to Failing et al. (2021), CBD is believed to be safe. However, pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking CBD. The known side effects include tiredness, weight gain/loss, and changes in appetite. Even if a consumer is not on any drugs and only wants to use them to alleviate certain symptoms, it is still wise to consult a physician before using CBD. Grapefruit warnings on several drugs may interact with CBD.  Grotenhermen& Pless (2003) cautioned against ingesting CBD products with high-fat meals if you plan to do so. Increased blood concentrations of CBD have been linked to an increased risk of adverse effects.

Conclusion

Full Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD products are both excellent at what they are designed to do. However, only buy from trustworthy companies because the difference between hemp extracts is so minor. Every step of the process, from the plant from which it is derived through the extraction and purifying methods, can significantly impact it.

References

Failing, C. J., Boehnke, K. F., & Riebschleger, M. (2021). Cannabidiol (CBD) Use among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatric Rheumatology19(1), 1-8.

Grotenhermen, F., Leson, G., & Pless, P. (2003). Evaluating the impact of THC in hemp foods and cosmetics on human health and workplace drug tests: an overview. Journal of Industrial Hemp8(2), 5-36.

Jin, D., Dai, K., Xie, Z., & Chen, J. (2020). Secondary metabolites profiled in cannabis inflorescences, leaves, stem barks, and roots for medicinal purposes. Scientific Reports10(1), 1-14.

Lafaye, G., Karila, L., Blecha, L., & Benyamina, A. (2022). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience.

Oleinik, G. 5 Best CBN Oil Products for Sleep: Reviews & Guide (Jan. 2022).

Ucci, M. Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBD Flower Benefits (2021 CBD Guide).

VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019, September). Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 94, No. 9, pp. 1840-1851). Elsevier.