The Difference Between Full-Spectrum CBD Oil And Other Hemp Extracts
There are many things to consider when shopping around for CBD oil. What is its source? How is it extracted? Is it organic? But one of the most important considerations should be the type of extract – is it full-spectrum, isolate, or broad-spectrum?
This article looks at the benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil to help you get the best product.
So What Exactly Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
This may seem complicated at first if you don’t know what CBD is in the first place. To understand the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, you must also familiarize yourself with hemp plant components. So, what is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the 113 plus cannabinoids identified in the Cannabis/hemp plant. CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid after the infamous tetrahydrocannabinol.
CBD and THC make up to 40% of cannabis extracts, but most people prefer using CBD because it doesn’t induce the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.
Hemp and marijuana are of the same species – but they are different varieties. The main difference between them being the concentration of delta-9-THC. Federal law allows hemp to contain no more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, is federally illegal and can have up to 30% THC.
Most CBD products available contain cannabidiol from hemp extracts because hemp is legal in the US. However, these extracts may differ significantly in composition, benefits, and effects. But how many types of CBD are there, and what are their differences?
Full Spectrum CBD Explained
Full-spectrum CBD is a type of hemp extract that features the complete hemp profile – all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found in the plant. Full-spectrum essentially means that the extract or product contains all hemp’s naturally existing compounds.
Full-spectrum hemp extract containing all cannabinoids may have you wondering about the other primary cannabinoid – THC. Full-spectrum extracts include trace amounts of THC, but before you hastily write it off, the concentration is insufficient to induce any psychoactive effects. These extracts are also legal federally since the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp allows for up to 0.3% THC.
Other cannabinoids present in full-spectrum CBD oil include cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), among others.
Full-spectrum hemp oil also contains terpenes, which are the scented molecules responsible for the different scents in cannabis/hemp. Research has found that terpenes on their own have therapeutic benefits such as anti-anxiety, pain relief, antibacterial, and sedation.
Major terpenes in full-spectrum include linalool, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, and mercyne.
Hemp plants also contain about 20 different flavonoids. Like terpenes, flavonoids have been shown to have therapeutic benefits, with several studies investigating their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.
Having all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in your hemp product may provide additional benefits, but what are the benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil?
Broad-Spectrum CBD Explained
This type of hemp extract contains all the other compounds found in full-spectrum, but it goes through an additional processing step that removes all the THC.
CBD Isolate Explained
This type of CBD only contains cannabidiol. It’s highly processed and can reach concentrations of up to 99% CBD.
Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Benefits
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You may experience enhanced effects
It’s well known that CBD is beneficial on its own; however, a growing body of research suggests that CBD’s therapeutic benefits are expressed more strongly when it’s taken alongside other hemp compounds, including other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
The other compounds may help increase the impact of CBD by improving its bioavailability, enhancing its binding to cannabinoid receptors of the ECS, or providing similar benefits through separate mechanisms.
You may experience the entourage effect if you use broad-spectrum CBD oil but not at the same level as full-spectrum. This is because it lacks the 0.3% THC, which may amp up the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD.
Several studies have demonstrated this effect. One 2015 study found that full-spectrum CBD is more effective than CBD isolate as a treatment for inflammation. The study concluded that this was a result of the other hemp components synergizing with CBD.
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It’s closer to what nature intended
Full-spectrum CBD oil is an excellent way to get cannabis medicinal benefits without having to deal with the overbearing effects of THC. All the components of hemp have evolved to work together, so it makes sense that they are most beneficial when they are used together rather than isolating just one cannabinoid.
Full-spectrum oil is also the least processed compared to broad-spectrum CBD or isolate. This means it doesn’t need to undergo extra processing steps to strip off other plant compounds.
It simply maintains the natural balance of the whole hemp plant, just as nature intended.
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Get additional benefits
Since the whole plant extract contains more components than isolates, you may experience other benefits in addition to CBD’s well-known analgesic, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. The other cannabinoids present have their unique benefits, i.e., CBC and CBG may have anti-tumor effects, CBDV has anticonvulsant benefits while CBN, on the other hand, may add to CBD’s analgesic properties.
This means full-spectrum CBD oil benefits for anxiety and pain may be more pronounced as the different cannabinoids work in separate mechanisms.
The body also absorbs hemp terpenes, and they provide several benefits, including antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic effects. Terpenes also work in synergy with CBD to boost its impact.
Full-spectrum CBD also contains vitamins, protein, and essential fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids are great for your health.
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Full range of cannabinoids
As previously mentioned, full-spectrum products contain no more than 0.3% THC. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” effects associated with marijuana, so will full-spectrum oil get you high?
No, 0.3% THC concentration is too low to cause any psychoactive effects. However, its presence means you will be able to experience the benefits of a product with the full range of cannabinoids.
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It’s readily available, affordable, and better
Full-spectrum CBD is a popular option, so it’s easy to find it infused in edibles, topicals, and tincture forms. It’s the least processed form of CBD, which means fewer chemicals are involved in processing. This simplicity helps make full spectrum products an affordable option.
To enjoy all the benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil, ensure you buy from a reputable company to be sure of the quality, safety, and purity.
Our full spectrum CBD tincture is handcrafted using premium hemp extract and organic MCT oil only. It’s all-natural and contains no added preservatives. It’s expertly formulated to provide all the CBD oil health benefits and full-body relief at an affordable price.
Benefits Of Full-Spectrum CBD Oil – Final Thoughts
If you are looking to enjoy all the benefits that hemp offers, then full-spectrum hemp products are the way to go. Full-spectrum extracts contain the complete hemp profile, including all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fats.
The other cannabinoids and terpenes work together with CBD, increasing its impact and providing additional benefits through a mechanism known as the entourage effect.
Remember that not all products are made equal. So if you want to experience the actual benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil, get one from a reputable brand that provides third-party lab test results. Check out Trium Botanicals’ full-spectrum CBD tincture for full-body benefits, including anxiety, insomnia, stress, etc.
