Full spectrum extract means that the product contains extract with CBD plus a wide range of other cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. These type of products are typically high in CBD, with lower amounts of minor cannabinoids, and only traces of THC. Full spectrum products are considered more effective than products that contain only the CBD isolate.
But let’s dig a little deeper into our understanding of full-spectrum CBD.
Full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate
The easiest way to explain what full spectrum means is to compare it with other forms of CBD. Last week we talked about CBD isolate, where we explained that CBD isolate is a pure, crystalline powder, containing only the CBD molecule, which is isolated from cannabis/hemp.
Now, let’s focus on broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD. Broad spectrum means that the product contains a lot of other compounds from the hemp plant. This includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. However, broad-spectrum CBD does not contain any THC.
The main difference between broad and full spectrum is that broad spectrum does not contain THC. Full-spectrum CBD has all of the compounds found in hemp, including very small traces of THC.
But wait, does this mean that full-spectrum CBD will get me high? The answer is NO. Legally, CBD can only be produced and sold from hemp and not marijuana. Hemp plants contain less than 0.2 % of THC. This is just a trace of THC and will not trigger any psychoactive effects.
The bottom line is that no matter what type of CBD you choose it is safe to use. The only difference is what other compounds you want in your CBD products.
What is in full spectrum CBD oil?
To understand what you get when buying full-spectrum CBD oil we have described below a few compounds:
Cannabinoids
There are more than 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. The best known are CBD, THC, and CBG. You can also find CBC and CBN in many products since they also have potential benefits.
Terpenes
Terpenes are a class of volatile hydrocarbon compounds produced in the cannabis plant. They are compounds that give cannabis its distinct aromas and smell and have been utilized by humans for millennia in aromatherapy.
Flavonoids
There are about 20 different flavonoids in the cannabis plant. They can be found in almost all fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the vivid colours of plants and also have potential benefits.
Why would you decide to buy full spectrum CBD?
Let’s find out what else you get when buying full-spectrum CBD. Basically, full spectrum takes maximum advantage of what we know as the entourage effect, which means there are more benefits when all of the compounds of the hemp plant work together.
When choosing CBD isolate you cannot take advantage of the entourage effect. CBD isolate is stripped of its nutritional value to achieve the purest form of CBD.
Think of the entourage effect in terms of a synergy that results when two or more components work together to achieve something that cannot happen with just one. It’s the concept of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.
Conclusion
The decision to try full-spectrum CBD may depend on whether you want to experience the entourage effect or not. If you are concerned with THC traces affecting you, we suggest you try broad-spectrum CBD.
You should always buy from brands that act in a transparent way, have laboratory tests and respect the law when creating their CBD products.
Our CBD drops are all full spectrum because we believe that the entourage effect is the most powerful in the CBD industry. We constantly monitor for traces of THC and we can guarantee you will find only the smallest amount. If you are still not comfortable with this idea, we have CBD isolates, broad-spectrum CBD and other products you can try.