When you explore an online dispensary, you might find yourself questioning the meanings of terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. The non-psychoactive compound CBD is recognized for its purity. Some products offer only CBD, while others feature additional components of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can affect your CBD experience. With this insight, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that meet your requirements.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD encompasses CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD includes all these elements except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and Alcohol extraction methods are the two common techniques for producing CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a product that contains a diverse array of cannabinoids, varying types of terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD showcases a higher CBD concentration but also has small quantities of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product contains all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may exist in minimal amounts or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes contribute to the plant’s unique aroma, while flavonoids add color and serve various biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace levels of THC, yet the THC concentration in full-spectrum CBD oil never exceeds 0.3%. This minimal amount is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect proposes that the collective impact of cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other constituents, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD may heighten the effects of THC while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates include various forms of cannabinoids, like CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For instance, studies on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) suggest promise in alleviating stress and inflammation.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a form of CBD extract that contains multiple active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum products do not have detectable THC levels. Manufacturers often indicate this on their labels and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids included in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that can offer an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which manages various physiological functions like temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. By binding to these receptors, CBD can help regulate the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary methods for extracting CBD utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each technique has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making neither method inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
This straightforward method for producing cannabis extracts employs alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve the trichomes—tiny, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers eliminate the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method entails pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical state. The supercritical fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes, yielding a CBD-rich oil.
A significant advantage of CO2 extraction is its high adjustability. By managing temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires costly equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem like a concern solely for manufacturers and CBD companies. However, the extraction method impacts the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to understand the basics.
CO2 extraction is regarded as the most efficient and safest technique, which is why it is the preferred choice for many CBD products.
Key Differences Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
| Criteria | Full-Spectrum CBD | Broad-Spectrum CBD |
| Compounds | CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils | CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils |
| THC Content | Contains up to 0.3% THC | THC-free |
| Suitable for | Individuals who don’t mind THC and desire the complete range of cannabis compounds. | Those who prefer THC-free products but still wish to benefit from other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
Both types of CBD products offer similar benefits since they contain nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD may have a more significant impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still provide comparable benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A study published in The Permanente Journal in 2019 reviewed the medical records of 72 patients experiencing anxiety or sleep disturbances. Within the first month, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of participants, with 66.7% experiencing initial improvements in sleep quality.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that powerful CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive results for individuals with social anxiety disorder, particularly when consumed orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving around 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. The findings suggested that CBD cannabis concentrates, such as oil, significantly improved pain levels, especially in cases of back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology found that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could alleviate symptoms in chemotherapy patients. Approximately 85% of participants preferred this treatment compared to a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 indicated that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when taken orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD shows promise in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and others.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the fastest and most efficient way to deliver CBD extract into your system, primarily due to its high bioavailability, which can reach up to 60%.
- Apply it topically on your skin: Topicals provide targeted relief and can be applied where you need it most.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or incorporating them into food or beverages.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. While the onset of effects may be slower, they provide longer-lasting relief.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors such as weight, health status, and individual responses to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over several days while monitoring your response helps you find the optimal balance for relief.
Conclusion
The choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD depends on your objectives and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re looking for the health benefits of CBD without the effects of THC, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and want to maximize the benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products are likely your ideal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary is the place to buy concentrates like shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, including CBD oils, packaged discreetly. Browse various selections and discover exciting ways to save on every purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available. It contains no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant and lacks the synergistic benefits linked to the entourage effect.
Isolates are devoid of both flavor and aroma unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings, making them especially suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Different consumption methods of CBD can effectively alleviate pain, although the timing and duration of relief vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but offer relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules can deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes extending up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a great option.
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