Full Spectrum CBD is magical. If you’re into wellness and natural remedies, you’re probably no stranger to CBD. It’s popping up everywhere, from CBD beard oil to vape juice and beyond. But have you heard of full spectrum CBD?
Strap in, friend, because we’re about to go on a colorful journey through the magical world of cannabinoids!
What is CBD?
First things first: what is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the hemp plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. Rather, CBD is there to provide many of the same benefits as marijuana without the intoxicating effect.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Then there’s full spectrum CBD. The “full spectrum” designation differentiates it from “broad-spectrum” (which contains no THC) or “isolates” (which only contains CBD itself and no other cannabinoids).
Unlike CBD isolate, which is just pure CBD, full spectrum CBD contains all the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant. It’s like a beautiful rainbow of wellness, with each component working together to enhance the effects of CBD.
But why is this important aside from the pretty imagery?
Full Spectrum CBD – Entourage Effect
Let’s imagine you’re cooking a delicious meal. If you just use salt, it might taste…okay. It’ll for sure taste salty. However, adding other spices and herbs can not only take the meal to the next level, those spices and herbs actually elevate the effect of the salt itself!
As another example, if you’ve ever made oatmeal or cookies, you know that simply dumping sugar into the recipe isn’t enough — you need salt there to “activate” the flavor of the sugar and help it do more heavy lifting.
The metaphor tracks cleanly over to cannabinoids. In combination with CBD, the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work cohesively together to create what’s known as the “entourage effect.” This simply means that cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes work better together, with each component amplifying the benefits of the others.
Cannabinoids as Far as the Eye Can See
So what are these other colorful characters in the full spectrum CBD rainbow? Let’s meet some of them:
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol):
Yes, we’re talking about that THC! It is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the “high” feeling. However, in small amounts (less than 0.3%), it can enhance the effects of CBD. You’ll find it naturally occurring in industrial hemp.
CBN (cannabinol):
This is a minor, non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is a breakdown product of THC, thought to have mild sedative effects. Many sleep-related CBD products contain higher concentrations of CBN in them.
CBC (cannabichromene):
CBC is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin):
You’ll notice a lot of variations on “THC” on this list, and this is one of them. THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is similar to THC but with a faster onset and shorter duration of effects.
CBDV (cannabidivarin):
CBDV is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential medical benefits, including anti-seizure properties. Research will help uncover more about these potential benefits in the coming months and years.
CBG (cannabigerol):
As with other cannabinoids starting with “C,” CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential medical benefits. These include reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid):
Though it’s a precursor to THC, THCA is non-psychoactive and has potential medical benefits, including reducing inflammation and treating nausea. Nausea treatments will be a huge area of interest to help those with chronic conditions and who are undergoing chemotherapy.
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid):
This non-psychoactive precursor to CBD has potential medical benefits, including reducing inflammation and treating anxiety — much akin to others on this list.
CBCA (cannabichromenic acid):
CBCA is another non-psychoactive precursor to CBC, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpenes:
These are the compounds responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavors of different plants, including hemp. Terpenes can also contribute to the entourage effect.
Just like a rainbow, no two full-spectrum CBD products are exactly alike. The exact combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids will vary depending on the hemp plant and how it’s processed. But one thing’s for sure, full-spectrum CBD is a fantastic way to experience the full potential of the hemp plant.
The Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD
CBD has a host of benefits, and these are only amplified when it’s full-spectrum. The benefits of full spectrum CBD include:
Pain Relief
CBD has been demonstrated to reduce different types of pain, including chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.
Depression and Anxiety
Because it interacts with our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems, which regulate most of our bodily processes and chemical allocations, full-spectrum CBD has an incredible set of antidepressant effects. This makes it a promising relief option for those with anxiety and depression.
Epilepsy
CBD is no longer a supplement — the FDA has officially approved it as a treatment for two rare forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a difficult condition to treat, but CBD has demonstrated an ability to help improve sleep quality.
Inflammation
Full-spectrum CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also an antioxidant.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema may find relief with the use of full-spectrum CBD.
Cardiovascular Health
Because it can help reduce high blood pressure, full-spectrum CBD can exert a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It has also been shown to improve circulation.
Addiction
CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with addiction to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Neuroprotection
Diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are neurodegenerative, and CBD has demonstrated an ability to protect neurons from degenerating, meaning it could be useful in mitigating the damage of these diseases.
Cancer
Full spectrum CBD has been found to have antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects — big words that boil down to it being a promising treatment option for various types of cancer.
Full Spectrum CBD Frequently Asked Questions
What is full spectrum CBD supposed to do?
Full spectrum CBD has many potential benefits and is used to treat different health conditions.
Can you get a buzz from full spectrum CBD?
No, you can not get high or a buzz from full spectrum CBD. THC get’s you a buzz. CBD does not.
Why is Full Spectrum CBD the best?
Full Spectrum is the best because it has the full range of elements in a hemp plant in it.
Does full spectrum CBD show up in drug tests?
No, CBD does not usually show up on drug tests. Drug test look for THC and other substances.
How do you feel after taking full spectrum CBD oil?
It depends how you take Full Spectrum CBD oil. If you use a topical like a lotion vs if you ingest the CBD oil the effects can be different. Usually full spectrum CBD has a calming effect.
Full Spectrum CBD Summary
Full spectrum CBD has a ludicrously wide range of potential health benefits that make it a promising treatment option for various conditions. Combined with its other cannabrethren, CBD is here to help you live a healthier life and dodge some of the annoying problems life can throw at us from time to time. Check out some great CBD Products.
