CBD Vs. THC: WHY FULL-SPECTRUM CBD IS YOUR BEST OPTION

CBD is also called cannabidiol. It is the most dominant element of the hemp plant. THC is the second dominant element of the hemp plant, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol. Full-spectrum CBD contains the elements of the hemp plant, including terpenes and flavonoids.

CBD products are manufactured from either hemp or cannabis plants. The two plants have various elements with unique properties, including terpenes, flavonoids, cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The involvement of either of the elements in various products is used for differentiating the three types of CBD; isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. CBD is the most dominant element of the hemp plant, followed by THC. Unlike CBD, associated with various health and wellness benefits, THC has intoxicating effects. However, some research suggests that THC has healing properties such as anti-inflammatory. Due to the psychoactive side effects, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) regulates THC levels at 0.3%.

CBD

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is the dominant element of the hemp and cannabis plants. Various research on its impact shows promising results. The presence of CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids was why hemp and cannabis plants were legalized in the USA. CBD has been clinically approved for treating epilepsy by the FDA. According to Moltke&Hindocha (2021), other benefits of CBD for health and wellness include minimizing stress and anxiety and promoting sleep and mental wellness. However, the benefits are yet to be approved by FDA, and more clinical research is still underway. The study above also discovered the related -related side effects of CBD and THC, including anxiety, poor memory, and severe headaches. CBD-infused products include gummies, tinctures, capsules, vapes, and topicals.

THC

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the second dominant element of the hemp plant. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, especially if it's highly concentrated. Regulations of CBD products were based on THC levels. The hemp and cannabis plants are legal for having insignificant amounts of THC, unlike marijuana. THC levels in hemp and cannabis are below 0.3%, and marijuana has about 3.5%. According to the FDA, CBD products, including full-spectrum, are only legal if THC levels are below 0.3%. Due to the psychoactive side effects of THC, some states are yet to legalize CBD products either for recreation or therapeutic value.

Types Of CBD

Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate are the three types of CBD. However, full-spectrum is the most common since it has more health and wellness benefits and is easy to manufacture.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD products are manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant. Some hem-based manufacturers have their products infused with full-spectrum CBD. Some of the dominant elements of the hemp plant found in full-spectrum CBD products are THC, CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. The presence of significant elements of the hemp plant helps the full spectrum offer an entourage effect, giving it an added advantage compared to broad-spectrum and isolate.Vickery & Finch (2020) discovered thatTHC has intoxicating side effects; it has anti-inflammatory properties giving it an added advantage. The entourage effect is the ability of various elements to offer more therapeutic benefits when working together than a single element. The study above also suggested that THC levels might accumulate in the body, causing intoxicating side effects if not taken responsibly.

Why Full-Spectrum Is The Best Option

Full-spectrum CBD is the best option because it offers an entourage effect. Consider finding the relevance of terpenes and flavonoids in the full spectrum.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the third dominant element of the hemp plant. They are responsible for the dark green color of the hemp plant. The hemp plant has 120 terpenes. Unlike CBD and THC, terpenes are in various plants, including vegetables and fruits. According to Cox-Georgian et al. (2019),terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties suitable for regulating hormones. The dominant terpenes of the hemp plant are myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene. Zorić et al. (2022) stated that terpenes are used in various clinical research for health and wellness benefits. Back & Chappell (1996) noted that they are also associated with antimicrobial and anti-tumor.

Flavonoids

The hemp plant has 20 flavonoids. Flavonoids have similar properties as terpenes. However, they are responsible for the awful taste found in the hemp plant. Viuda‐Martos et al. (2008)discovered that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties that improve general health and wellness and are suitable for pain and stress management. However, they work best alongside terpenes to offer an entourage effect.

Choosing The Best Full Spectrum CBD For Entourage Effect

Assessing COA Report

Some  CBD products have lab reports for quality and purity affirmation. Pay attention to potency levels. About 40% of full-spectrum CBD manufacturers label wrong potency levels. This risks its users overdosing unknowingly. The FDA is strict on potency variances and has warned some brands of exploiting its users. The FDA only accepts a potency variance of up to 10%. Besides, full-spectrum CBD users should pay attention to purity levels. This confirms a full-spectrum CBD is void of chemical solvents and heavy metals resulting from the processing.

Blended Elements

Some full-spectrum CBD products are manufactured with various elements to improve quality and effectiveness. Deabold et al. (2019) discovered that hemp-based products offer a natural therapeutic solution,not exposingusers to contracting diseases like cancer. MCT or coconut oil is the dominant element in most CBD products. Its bioavailability properties make it a preferable solution for improving the rate of absorption of CBD products.

The Brand

Assess its reputation before considering getting your full-spectrum CBD products from a brand. Check on the user's reviews to determine whether their products are effective. Also, confirm whether the brand has received warnings from the FDA regarding the safety of its products. Check whether Better Business Bureau has negative comments and poor ratings on the company.

Conclusion

CBD is the dominant element of the hemp plant. It is associated with various health and wellness benefits, including treating pain, anxiety, stress, and sleep. However, the benefits are yet to be approved. The only approved benefit of CBD is epilepsy. THC is the second dominant element of hemp and cannabis. Unlike CBD, it is associated with intoxicating side effects. THC-related side effects are poor memory, anxiety, severe pain, and poor appetite. Full-spectrum CBD is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant. Most CBD experts recommend full-spectrum CBD since it offers entourage effects.

Reference

Back, K., &Chappell, J. (1996). Identifying Functional Domains Within Terpene Cyclases Using A Domain-Swapping Strategy. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, 93(13), 6841-6845.

Deabold, K. A., Schwark, W. S., Wolf, L., &Wakshlag, J. J. (2019). Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics And Preliminary Safety Assessment Using CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical In Healthy Dogs And Cats. Animals, 9(10), 832.

Moltke, J., &Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons ForCannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study Of CBD Users, Focusing On Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, And Sleep Problems. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1-12.

Vickery, A. W., &Finch, P. M. (2020). Cannabis: Are There Any Benefits?. Internal Medicine Journal, 50(11), 1326-1332.

Viuda‐Martos, M., Ruiz‐Navajas, Y., Fernández‐López, J., &Pérez‐Álvarez, J. A. (2008). Functional Properties Of Honey, Propolis, And Royal Jelly. Journal Of Food Science, 73(9), R117-R124.

Zorić, M., Farkić, J., Kebert, M., Mladenović, E., Karaklić, D., Isailović, G., &Orlović, S. (2022). Developing Forest Therapy Programmes Based On The Health Benefits Of Terpenes In Dominant Tree Species In Tara National Park (Serbia). International Journal OfEnvironmental Research And Public Health, 19(9), 5504.