BROAD-SPECTRUM VS FULL SPECTRUM

Broad-spectrum CBD is manufactured using elements of the hemp plant except for THC, while full-spectrum CBD uses elements of hemp, including THC. Isolate contains one element; CBD.

Various elements found in the hemp plant are used for differentiating the types of CBD. CBD products are of three types; isolate, broad-spectrum and full spectrum. According to Smith et al. (2018), the hemp plant and cannabis are known for health and wellness benefits. The common elements of the hemp plant are flavonoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and cannabidiol (CBD). Broad-spectrum CBD is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant except THC.

In contrast, full-spectrum CBD contains all elements of the hemp plant. The third is an isolate. It contains one element of the hemp plant; CBD. The differences between broad-spectrum and broad-spectrum include;

Full Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is a popular type. Some manufacturers find it easy to produce full-spectrum CBD since it involves less extraction. It contains all elements found in the hemp plant. The most common elements of full-spectrum CBD are terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and CBD. Users are exposed to the benefits of all the elements found in the hemp plant. Full-spectrum CBD oil users enjoy the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the ability of various elements to work together to offer more therapeutic benefits than a single element.

There are various options of full-spectrum CBD products, including gummies, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. Although full-spectrum products are suggested to offer more health and wellness benefits, the presence of THC makes some people doubt its effectiveness. THC is the second dominant element of the hemp plant with intoxicating effects. According to the 2018 Farm Bill and the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA), only hemp-based products with THC levels below 0.3% are legal. The presence of THC in hemp products has made some states restrict the products. An overview of the elements found in full-spectrum CBD is as follows;

THC

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a dominant element of the hemp plant after CBD. High intake of THC results in intoxicating side effects, including getting severe headaches, poor memory, red eyes, and getting anxious. Due to these side effects, the levels have been regulated to 0.3%, found in hemp and cannabis plants. However, THC has healing properties working best with other elements, including CBD terpenes and flavonoids. Chapman et al. (2008) noted that anti-inflammatory properties in THC make it suitable for regulating hormones to address various health and wellness conditions, including pain and stress.

CBD

CBD is the most dominant element found in the hemp plant. Various research on CBD outlines numerous potential health and wellness benefits. Shannon et al. (2019) stated that common benefits associated with CBD are improving mental health, lowering anxiety, and enhancing sleep. However, the research has not been approved by the FDA. Morano et al. (2020) noted that the benefit of CBD is for treating epilepsy. Therefore, more clinical research needs to verify the suggested benefits.

Terpenes

The hemp plant is also dominated the hemp plant. However, terpenes are also found in other plants, including fruits and vegetables. The hemp plant has about 120 terpenes, unlike CBD and THC, which has side effects when taken in excess. According to Ponce-Rodríguez et al. (2021), terpenes offer more health and wellness benefits. The study above also suggested unique properties, including anti-inflammatory suitable for improving general wellness. Traditionally, terpenes cant make their users high. However, it's an active element that affects the brain.

Flavonoids

The hemp plant has 20 flavonoids. Flavonoids also offer similar health benefits as terpenes. Panche et al. (2016) noted that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties making them suitable for regulating hormone production. Flavonoids are also found in other plants and work best with other elements to offer an entourage effect. Similarly, a high intake of flavonoids doesn't have any negative health implications such as CBD and THC. Terpenes and flavonoids work best together since they have similar properties; anti-inflammatory.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD products are the second dominant after full-spectrum CBD. They are manufactured using all elements of hemp except THC. Therefore, they benefit from terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD products are suitable for beginners due to the absence of THC, triggering the high effect. It is also offered in nearly all CBD products to give hem-based consumers a better option of benefiting from the entourage effect without worrying about THC-related risks.

The absence of THC in a broad spectrum shouldn't be a ticket for overdosing. Wiese & Wilson-Poe (2018) noted that CBD also has some side effects harming your health when taken in excess. Therefore, the novices are advised to take 20 mg of CBD per serving. Suppose they wish to adjust the dose; it should be gradual as they monitor the risks. Some research suggests that broad-spectrum CBD has traces of THC as the hemp plant's second dominant element. Therefore, extracting it might be somehow difficult. The Broad-spectrum spectrum is the best alternative for full-spectrum, especially for those avoiding THC.

Isolate

Isolate CBD is the third dominant type of CBD. Not all manufacturers offer to isolate CBD products. Unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, it only has one element, CBD. It is highly recommended to people targeting the health benefits of CBD only. The absence of other elements, including THC, makes it a suitable option for beginners. However, terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and other elements deprive their entourage effect. Isolate is highly concentrated, with CBD as the only element. Therefore, the users should take it considerably, noting the side effects of much CBD.

Conclusion

Full-spectrum CBD comprises the elements found in the hemp plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and CBD. On the contrary, although broad-spectrum has the elements of the hemp plant, it lacks THC, making it a safer option. THC is the second dominant element of the hemp plant associated with intoxicating effects. However, proper use of THC has health and wellness benefits since it has anti-inflammatory properties. Isolate CBD contains CBD only. Although it's a better option for people to avoid THC-related effects, it deprives you of the entourage effect and is highly concentrated with CBD.

References

Chapman, C. R., Tuckett, R. P., & Song, C. W. (2008). Pain And Stress In A Systems Perspective: Reciprocal Neural, Endocrine, And Immune Interactions. The Journal Of Pain, 9(2), 122-145.

Morano, A., Fanella, M., Albini, M., Cifelli, P., Palma, E., Giallonardo, A. T., & Di Bonaventura, C. (2020). Cannabinoids In The Treatment Of Epilepsy: Current Status And Prospects. Neuropsychiatric Disease And Treatment, 16, 381.

Panche, A. N., Diwan, A. D., & Chandra, S. R. (2016). Flavonoids: An Overview. Journal Of Nutritional Science, 5.

Ponce-Rodríguez, H. D., Verdú-Andrés, J., Campíns-Falcó, P., & Herráez-Hernández, R. (2021). Capillary Liquid Chromatography For The Determination Of Terpenes In Botanical Dietary Supplements. Pharmaceuticals, 14(6), 580.

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23.

Smith, T., Kawa, K., Eckl, V., Morton, C., & Stredney, R. (2018). Herbal Supplement Sales In The US Increased 8.5% In 2017, Topping $8 Billion. Herbalgram, 119, 62-71.

Wiese, B., & Wilson-Poe, A. R. (2018). Emerging Evidence For Cannabis' Role In Opioid Use Disorder. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 179-189.