Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?
While researching CBD online, you’ve probably noticed some products are labeled as full-spectrum and others as broad-spectrum. While these two terms sound very similar, they are definitely different.
To make a CBD product, the cannabinoids are extracted from the whole Cannabis plant, using various extraction methods. Other compounds within the cannabis plant are also extracted, including flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
The composition of the CBD extract also depends on the variety of cannabis or hemp used. Some species or strains contain different levels of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC.
Full Spectrum CBD
This is a CBD extract containing all of the compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant, including all of the essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, including THC.
The full spectrum of terpenes, essential oils, flavonoids, cannabinoids and small amounts of THC naturally work together to intensify the therapeutic effects of each cannabinoid. This synergy is known as the “entourage effect“.
In a study from the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem, researchers discovered that research participants who received full spectrum CBD had higher levels of symptom relief, compared to participants who received CBD isolate. Likewise, the study showed that full-spectrum CBD had enhanced benefits as the dosage increased, while the benefits of CBD isolate remained flat with increased dosages.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Like full spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD has all the various compounds contained within the cannabis plant, except the THC has been completely removed.
Since broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and other compounds of the cannabis plant, it delivers the same enhanced “entourage effect” as full-spectrum CBD, but without the risks associated with THC. If you work at a job that requires drug testing, or lives in an area where cannabis is illegal, broad-spectrum CBD would be a wise choice.
Which Type of CBD Should I Use?
First of all, every individual has different health and lifestyle needs, and this will help to determine which type of CBD is best for you.
Who Benefits from Full Spectrum CBD?
Extracted from the cannabis plant complete with all of the compounds and cannabinoids, including a small amount of THC. Full-spectrum is recommended for:
- People whose doctor recommended a specific THC to CBD ratio
- People with severe health conditions that broad-spectrum may not alleviate
- People living in areas where Cannabis is legal
Who Benefits from Broad Spectrum CBD?
Extracted from the cannabis plant with all of the cannabinoids and compounds, except THC. Broad-spectrum is recommended for:
- People who are sensitive to THC
- People living in areas with strict THC-laws
- People with employers who drug test
- First-time users that are leery of THC
How a cannabinoid impacts the individual depends on a few factors, such as the individual’s genetic makeup, their metabolism, and the person’s history with other substances. For some, full-spectrum CBD with a minuscule amount of THC may do the trick. However, broad-spectrum CBD may be the best option for those who need the health benefits of the Cannabis plant without the risks of THC.
You may need to do your own individual research into the effects of each spectrum, experimenting to see which is the best fit for you.
