If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you may have heard the terms “full-spectrum CBD ” and “broad-spectrum CBD” when referring to CBD products. But what exactly do these terms mean? To understand the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, it’s important to first understand what CBD is and how it works.
What’s The Difference Between Full and Broad-Spectrum CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the many compounds found in cannabis plants.
Unlike other compounds found in cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does
not produce any psychoactive effects. It is non-habit forming and has been used to treat a
variety of physical and mental ailments, including pain relief, anxiety relief, improved sleep
quality, and more. Now let’s dig into the different types of CBD products available.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum means that all of the compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant are kept intact when extracting the oil from the plant. This includes not only CBD but also trace amounts of other beneficial cannabinoids (like CBN or CBG), terpenes (or essential oils), flavonoids, fatty acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes — the list goes on!
These different compounds work cooperatively to create an “entourage effect,” which is
believed to offer additional therapeutic benefits beyond just those provided by isolated CBD
alone. Full spectrum products are believed to be more effective than single-molecule
isolates like pure CBD because they contain all of these extra beneficial compounds working
together.
The known benefits of using full-spectrum CBD include the following:
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced mental clarity
Some research suggests that it may be particularly beneficial for those with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum means that some of the compounds found in cannabis have been removed during extraction while keeping most of them intact. Broad-spectrum products contain most or all of the same beneficial cannabinoids as full-spectrum products but without any detectable traces of THC (which can be problematic for those who need to pass drug tests).
Broad-spectrum products lack THC but still contain most other beneficial cannabinoids
associated with full-spectrum extracts. They provide many similar benefits as full-spectrum
extracts while avoiding any potential legal consequences associated with THC-containing
products.
The known benefits of using broad-spectrum CBD include the following:
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced mental clarity
- Fewer side effects and fewer psychoactive effects due to the absence of THC
According to recent research, broad-spectrum CBD is believed to be better than full-
spectrum or isolate CBD in certain conditions because it contains all the active compounds found in the cannabis plant, minus THC. This allows it to provide a wide range of benefits without the psychoactive effects caused by THC.
Further, some studies suggest that broad-spectrum CBD may be better for treating inflammation and pain than full-spectrum or isolate CBD due to its ability to target multiple pathways simultaneously.
Isolate CBD
Isolate CBD is the third type of CBD you might hear about. It’s the purest form of CBD available, meaning it contains only CBD with no other active compounds. It’s believed to be less effective than full-spectrum CBD due to its lack of additional beneficial compounds.
Full Spectrum VS. Broad Spectrum CBD FAQs
Q: What is broad-spectrum CBD best for?
A: Broad-spectrum CBD products are a combination of full-spectrum and isolate CBD. They contain multiple cannabinoids from the hemp plant but no THC. This makes them an ideal choice for those who don’t want to consume THC yet still want to experience the potential benefits of these other compounds. Broad-spectrum CBD is often used to help reduce pain and inflammation, improve sleep quality, and boost mental clarity.
Q: What is full-spectrum CBD best for?
A: Full-spectrum CBD products are well-suited for those looking to take advantage of the
entourage effect. The entourage effect occurs when several cannabinoids, such as THC and
CBD, work together to produce a greater overall impact than each individual compound
working alone. This can enhance the therapeutic effects experienced by users, making full-
spectrum products a great choice for those seeking relief from anxiety, pain, and
inflammation.
Q: What form of CBD is most effective?
A: The most effective form of CBD will depend on individual needs and preferences. The most popular forms of CBD typically include tinctures, flowers, capsules, edibles, topical creams, vape oils, and isolates. Each offers unique advantages; for instance, tinctures are generally fast-acting, while edibles are great for convenience and consistent dosing. Take some time to experiment and find the option that works best for you.
Q: Is full-spectrum CBD better than regular CBD?
A: Generally speaking, full-spectrum CBD is considered to be more effective than regular (aka broad-spectrum) CBD due to the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the interaction between the various cannabinoids and other compounds in hemp extract, resulting in an enhanced overall effect. Also, note that personal preference plays a role here; some people may find regular CBD is just as effective for their needs.
Q: Should I get full-spectrum CBD?
A: That depends on your individual needs and preferences. Full-spectrum CBD is generally considered more effective due to the entourage effect, whereas regular CBD may be just as effective for some people. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which option will work best for your needs.
Q: What is full-spectrum CBD supposed to do?
A: Full-spectrum CBD is thought to be more effective due to the entourage effect that is created when all of the cannabinoids and other compounds present in hemp extract work together. Some potential benefits reported by users include improved sleep, reduced anxiety, pain relief, better focus, and enhanced relaxation. However, individual results may vary.
Q: What research has been done on full-spectrum CBD’s effectiveness?
A: A growing body of research has been conducted into the potential benefits of full-spectrum CBD, with many studies showing promising results. For instance, a study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that those taking full-spectrum hemp extract experienced reduced pain and inflammation. Other research has suggested that the entourage effect may enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD for users.
Q: What research has been done on broad-spectrum CBD’s effectiveness?
A: Broad-spectrum CBD products are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Recent research has found broad-spectrum CBD to be effective in treating anxiety, inflammation, and pain. It is also being studied as a possible treatment for various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. Research is ongoing as scientists continue to explore the potential of this cannabinoid and its therapeutic effects.
Q: Is CBD isolate better than full spectrum for anxiety?
A: While both CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD have been linked to reduced anxiety, studies suggest that the beneficial effects of full-spectrum CBD may be more powerful due to the entourage effect. For instance, a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that a combination of THC and CBD was more effective than either cannabinoid on its own at reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Ultimately, it is important to consider individual differences when choosing between full-spectrum and isolate CBD products.
Q: Does CBD show up on drug tests?
A: While CBD isn’t detected in most standard drug tests, some cases may register a false positive result. This is due to trace amounts of THC found naturally in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that can trigger a positive result on a drug test, although this amount will not actually cause any intoxicating effects. To ensure no false positives occur, users should always purchase lab-tested CBD products from reputable suppliers.
Remember: Better safe than sorry if you have a drug test coming up!
Choosing Between Broad-Spectrum and Full-Spectrum CBD
When choosing between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products, there are several
factors to consider including your personal needs and goals for taking CBD and your current
lifestyle/circumstances (like if you need to pass drug tests).
Ultimately both types offer their own unique set of pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide
which type will work best for you! Hopefully, this article has helped shed some light on why there is such a difference between full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for your next bottle of hemp extract!
