The CBD industry is rife with jargon making it hard for consumers to know what products to choose. Some of the most commonly used and confusing terms are “full-spectrum” “broad-spectrum” and “isolate.”
In reality the meaning of these terms is quite simple. They refer to the range of beneficial hemp compounds in a product alongside CBD. Many experts consider full-spectrum the most effective option as it contains the complete range of what the hemp plant offers. This article explores the benefits of full-spectrum CBD and how it compares to other varieties on the market.
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What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Cannabis sativa has been called the “plant of the thousand and one molecules” due to its numerous active components. THC and CBD belong to a class of chemicals known as cannabinoids which the cannabis plant contains. They work by interacting with a physiological system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS) present throughout the human body.
The ECS controls many crucial functions including mood pain perception appetite and immunity. It comprises specialized cell receptors and chemicals called endocannabinoids.
THC and CBD can influence these receptors and chemicals to alter the endocannabinoid system’s operation. Other cannabinoids such as CBG CBC and CBN may also have an impact although they have not been as thoroughly studied.
As it happens hemp and marijuana belong to the Cannabis sativa species and look similar.
In the United States the THC content of the plants is used to differentiate them. THC is the most abundant intoxicating cannabinoid in the plant. Hemp is classified as having a maximum of 0.3% THC by dry weight. Due to the 2018 Farm Bill it is legal to grow hemp in the U.S. with the requisite license as all 50 states ultimately created a plan or agreed to the one implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture.
In contrast marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC and remains federally illegal. It is against this backdrop that we define full-spectrum CBD. It is a product derived from hemp that contains all of the plant’s cannabinoids including THC. However to be legal such products must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Full-Spectrum CBD Benefits
Because it contains various compounds full-spectrum CBD can have far-reaching effects on the body and mind. Some of the potential benefits of individual cannabinoids and terpenes include:
- CBD: Anti-inflammatory antioxidant anti-anxiety neuroprotectant
- THC: Anti-inflammatory analgesic antiemetic appetite stimulant
- CBG: Anti-inflammatory appetite stimulant neuroprotectant
- CBC: Anti-inflammatory analgesic antimicrobial
- CBN: Anti-inflammatory analgesic relaxant
- Myrcene: Anti-inflammatory analgesic relaxant
- Limonene: Anti-inflammatory anti-anxiety
- Beta-caryophyllene: Anti-inflammatory analgesic anti-anxiety
This is just a tiny sample of the cannabinoids and terpenes present in cannabis plants. There are many more and each has unique benefits. There has also been a suggestion that these compounds work better together than in isolation. This phenomenon is known as “the entourage effect.”
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD is one of the most popular choices among consumers but broad-spectrum and isolate products are also available.
Broad-spectrum means that a product contains all the beneficial compounds in hemp minus the THC. It is a good option for those wishing to avoid consuming even trace amounts of the intoxicating cannabinoid. For example individuals that are extremely sensitive to its effects or concerned about drug testing at work.
It is also a useful product for anyone living in Kansas. That’s because the state doesn’t allow CBD to contain any THC whatsoever.
Isolate products contain only CBD and are the purest form of cannabidiol on the market. They do not benefit from the entourage effect but may be a good choice for those hoping to experience the effects of unadulterated CBD. Some brands add terpenes to their isolate products to improve the flavor. One major benefit of isolate products is that they are usually inexpensive.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Full-Spectrum CBD?
Many believe that CBD full-spectrum products are the best on the market. They provide the entire range of cannabinoids and terpenes that hemp plants offer and contain trace levels of THC. Therefore they allow consumers to enjoy CBD’s entourage effect and all the benefits without becoming intoxicated.
To ensure you get a high-quality full-spectrum product look for a brand that provides comprehensive lab reports for each item.
These documents allow you to see the precise breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes in the product so you know what you are getting. They also prove that no nasty contaminants like pesticides heavy metals or mycotoxins exist.
This is an essential feature in an industry that is still unregulated as many companies get away with selling substandard goods. For example research has shown that many products contain higher THC levels than advertised. This could prove problematic for anyone that must submit to a workplace drug test.
Be sure to buy independently tested full-spectrum CBD products to enjoy all the cannabis plant has to offer while remaining clear-headed and functional.
