Every CBD enthusiast has faced the dilemma of choosing between isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD products at some point in time. Isolates are relatively easy to understand as they contain nothing but CBD or cannabidiol. While choosing between the other two is fairly straightforward, it can be challenging to navigate with the necessary information in hand until you are enlightened with the correct facts.
So let us give you five significant differences between Full-spectrum and Broad-spectrum CBD that aim to help you understand and choose the best cannabidiol products for your need.
- Cannabinoid Composition
The primary differentiation between the broad spectrum and full-spectrum CBD lies in the cannabinoid composition. Cannabis extracts typically contain several cannabinoids, including CBC, CBG, CBN, THC, CBD, THC. THC and CBD are the two dominant cannabinoids among hundreds of other cannabinoids present in the mixture. Based on the type and strain of cannabis, these compounds would be present in variable ratios. They influence the benefits possible from cannabis intensely.
Full-spectrum products are derived directly from cannabis extracts and contain the natural cannabinoid cocktail, including CBD and THC. The Farm Bill of 2018 dictates that only hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC concentration are legal. Therefore, full-spectrum CBD products also contain THC, but well within legal concentrations. Broad-spectrum CBD, although it contains all cannabinoids, does not carry the psychoactive cannabinoid THC from the cocktail. The cannabinoid is filtered out in the final product using chemical processes to ensure no traces of THC are left. Neither product contain enough THC to get you high.
- Entourage Effect
Cannabis extracts also contain many phytonutrients and terpenes in conjunction with cannabinoids. Terpenes are the primary compounds that introduce spectacular aromas and tastes to cannabis buds. For example, if you experience a rich citrusy smell and lemon-like taste in your buds, it probably contains limonene, one of the most abundantly present terpenes in the plant.
These terpenes perform additional functions apart from enriching the buds with rich flavors, and that is, elevating the benefits of the cannabinoids. The entourage effect in cannabis refers to the united benefits of the complete cannabinoid and terpene profile in the extracts, where each compound elevates the functions of the other. For example, the presence of refreshing citrus limonene enhances the energizing benefits of CBD to give a somewhat more profound experience than you can achieve from CBD alone.
Full-spectrum products contain the complete cannabinoids and terpenes and therefore exhibit the best entourage effect. Broad-spectrum CBD, although it carries most of these elements, is missing THC. It, thus, shows a lower elevation of benefits based on mutual interaction between the compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD also works well for the above applications if you are particularly trying to avoid THC. But they take center stage, especially for treating mental health ailments like anxiety and depression. Avoiding THC or psychoactive compounds while coping with anxiety, PTSD, or depression is preferred by many to keep the side effects in check. Even a slight high can become a trigger for some people that could have an intense impact on their overall wellness. Broad-spectrum works miracles in this case as it induces the calming and healing effects of CBD and supports cannabinoids without THC to treat mental health challenges. It makes the person feel light-headed, happy, and relaxed. It can also enhance focus and improve energy to promote healing and happiness.
- Other Applications
Apart from medicinal applications, CBD is also useful for various other purposes such as fitness, skincare, and beauty. Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products are useful for these applications.
Broad-spectrum products particularly find more popularity and use in this case as there is very little need for THC here. The cannabinoid does not have any proven therapeutic benefits for skin or muscle building, whereas CBD and complimentary cannabinoids may have so. Therefore, although relevant for the application, full-spectrum products may not be completely necessary.
Several cosmetic products can use just isolates to introduce the relevant skin benefits. But the aromatic terpenes and phytonutrients make the product more appealing and beneficial. Also, the use of broad-spectrum products as a fitness supplement can be a better choice as it keeps THC away from your system.
- THC Detection
As mentioned, full-spectrum CBD products have traces of THC, along with CBD and other cannabinoids, whereas broad-spectrum products do not contain the psychoactive compound. But full-spectrum products contain THC in concentrations within legal limits, and these small levels cannot get you high. The only catch here is that these products will leave behind THC deposits in the body’s fat cells. Remember, THC is a fat-soluble molecule. When the blood carries the compound’s molecules after ingestion, it reaches every part of the system. Upon reaching fat cells, some part of the compound gets absorbed and remains. Initially, the level will naturally be insignificant as the concentrations in the products are low. But over time, the levels might become higher and could therefore be detectable in a swab test.
If you are using full-spectrum products, there is a probability that it might indicate a positive in a drug test. On the other hand, Broad-spectrum products will not show a positive result as they contain no traces of THC. Even the presence of certain THC precursors in the broad spectrum will not cause a positive result and is, therefore, safe for use.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is critical to the applications. They each prove to be the best choice for a wide variety of treatments and benefits. Use these essential differences between the products to evaluate your choice every time. This way, you will always have the perfect CBD product that serves best for your application effortlessly.
