FULL-SPECTRUM VS BROAD SPECTRUM CBD OIL

It is common to come across the terms full spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD if you are familiar with CBD products. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum refer to two of the main types of cannabis extracts or concentrates.

These terms are meant to show the amount of pant-produced therapeutic chemicals present in addition to the main cannabinoids, CBD or THC. It explains the diversity of bioactive material in a specific extract. Any CBD consumer must understand the variation between full and broad-spectrum CBD oil to understand what to expect from CBD products in terms of therapeutic effects.

What is CBD?

Burstein S. (2015) gave an overview of the effects of CBD on the human body. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids in marijuana plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the other main cannabinoid in marijuana plants. However, unlike THC, CBD won't get you high. Users claim that it helps provide better sleep, feel less anxiety, and reduce stress levels, among other therapeutic benefits of this unique compound. Occasionally, most people use THC for recreational purposes. Therefore, taking CBD products will not give you a sensational high feeling.

Meaning of Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

According to Komarnytsky et al. (2021), Full-spectrum CBD oil is extracted to retain all of the cannabis or hemp plant compounds. These compounds include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Terpenes are responsible for the plants’ scent.

As earlier mentioned, CBD and THC are the major cannabinoids. THC is the most abundant and most known cannabinoid and has a psychoactive effect that causes a high feeling. Furthermore, CBD is the second most present and well-known cannabinoid in cannabis plants and does not cause high sensational feelings in the user. It's illegal to sell CBD oil with any THC in it.

Full-spectrum CBD products comprise all the naturally occurring chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. Federal regulations require that full-spectrum CBD products contain a THC content of around 0.3%. These products are created with the main aim of escalating benefits. Full-spectrum CBD products promote an entourage effect, where all cannabinoids combine efforts in harmony within the human body to offer therapeutic effects. Anecdotal evidence shows that the presence of CBD can hinder the psychoactive side effects of THC; thus, the reason why THC is present in full-spectrum CBD products.

With full-spectrum CBD products, you acquire the full benefits of the cannabis plant cannabinoid content. The study by Lowe et al. (2021) claimed that flavonoids and terpenes in CBD might have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Full-spectrum CBD products may be illegal in some parts of the world and may trigger positive drug test results on THC. Among the drugs that a test screen for is THC, which is available in full-spectrum CBD products. Before consuming full-spectrum CBD products before a drug test, take caution to avoid any inconveniences. Additionally, a possible disadvantage of full-spectrum CBD is that it may cause the user to feel high in large doses. The THC content in full-spectrum CBD products is not enough to cause the euphoric effect that most people associate with cannabis use.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oil are similar as they all retain all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes present in the cannabis plant. Consequently, according to de Assis et al. (2021), there's one major distinction: broad-spectrum CBD oil does not contain THC. There's no risk of encountering psychoactive effects, but the entourage effect will be experienced. Broad-spectrum CBD products are widely utilized in scenarios where users are interested in enjoying the full benefits of the plant minus the presence of THC. Therefore, broad-spectrum CBD products are more likely to be legal in most parts. Broad-spectrum products undergo additional extraction methods to strain THC. A possible detriment of broad-spectrum CBD is that it lacks THC. Therefore, these products may not have as many benefits as full-spectrum CBD. Also, users of CBD products run the risk of testing positive on drug tests. Broad-spectrum CBD may have minute levels of THC, which might show up on these tests.

Selecting the Right Spectrum

Both full and broad-spectrum extracts provide the benefits of the entourage effect. If the CBD product is low–dose, having a diversity of phytochemicals is even more critical. More than their potential therapeutic effects, cannabis creates a symphony of smell and flavor, thus making the bitterness of cannabinoid extracts more attractive. Here are some tips worth noting when purchasing CBD products.

• Study Product Labels Well-give attention to CBD concentration and the type of carrier oil.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) - Ensure the product's manufacturer has up-to-date CoA proof of third-party test results.
• Investigate the CBD Source and type- Identify for U.S grown hemp for products aligned with strict agricultural regulations. It helps to ensure that products are free from harmful components found in polluted soil.
• THC Content- Federally legal products must contain no % THC. Knowing this helps you avoid trouble with the law.
• Customer Reviews- Other clients' reviews may help you determine if the product suits your needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the correct CBD spectrum is a product of choice since none is better than the other. Consider your health conditions, body metabolism, and rules regulating the use of hemp-derived CBD products. Both products have been identified to give the magnificent result. Before buying any CBD product, whether full or broad-spectrum, consult a doctor. The main difference between the two is the THC content. Therefore it's important to decide if you want THC in your product or not. Ensure you study the labels and select a high-quality product before purchasing. Additionally, ensure you buy from a reputable company since the marginal difference between hemp extracts is wide. From the plant's growing area to the extraction method to the purification method, it can cause a huge variation at any stage.

References

Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) And Its Analogs: A Review Of Their Effects On Inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.

De Assis, P. M., Ferrarini, E. G., Baldasso, G. M., Paes, R. S., Gouvêa, M. C., Segundo, C. E. N., ... & Raposo, N. R. B. (2021). Broad-Spectrum Cannabis Oil Alleviates Behavioral Symptoms Associated With Stress-Related Anxiety And Depression In Mice. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 28(2), 239-250.

Komarnytsky, S., Rathinasabapathy, T., Wagner, C., Metzger, B., Carlisle, C., Panda, C., ... & Varadharaj, S. (2021). Endocannabinoid System And Its Regulation By Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Full-Spectrum Hemp Oils. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 22(11), 5479.

Lowe, H., Steele, B., Bryant, J., Toyang, N., & Ngwa, W. (2021). Non-Cannabinoid Metabolites Of Cannabis Sativa L. With Therapeutic Potential. Plants, 10(2), 400.