When you explore an online dispensary, you might find yourself curious about what terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD signify. CBD, which is non-psychoactive, is recognized for its purity. Some products feature solely CBD, while others incorporate additional components of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can shape your CBD experience. With this insight, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that align with your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD contains CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD has all these elements except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum improve the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and Alcohol extraction methods are the two prevalent techniques for creating CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a CBD product that includes a diverse array of cannabinoids, various types of terpenes, and trace levels of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD boasts a higher CBD concentration while also containing small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product encompasses all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may be present in minimal amounts or lost during the extraction process.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes impart a unique aroma to the plant, whereas flavonoids contribute color and serve multiple biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may facilitate the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD has trace levels of THC, but the concentration of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil never surpasses 0.3%. These negligible amounts are insufficient to produce any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the collective impact of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD could enhance the effects of THC while mitigating some of its undesired effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also encompass various forms of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For instance, studies on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) indicate potential in anti-stress and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a category of CBD extract that contains several active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not have detectable levels of THC. Manufacturers typically label it accordingly and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids included in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD preserves various cannabinoids that can generate an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which governs numerous physiological processes like temperature regulation, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids operate by binding to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are scattered throughout the body. Through this binding process, CBD can help manage the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also affecting mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two main CBD extraction techniques employ alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has unique advantages and drawbacks, with neither being inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
This method is one of the simplest ways to produce cannabis extracts in the industry, utilizing alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is submerged in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, which are tiny, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes house a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
Once soaking is finished, manufacturers separate the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, leaving a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to change it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and generate a CBD-rich oil.
A primary benefit of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By regulating the temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction necessitates expensive equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction might appear to be of concern only to manufacturers and CBD businesses. However, the extraction process affects the quality of the final product, so it’s beneficial for you to understand the essentials.
CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest method, making it 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 | Those who don’t mind THC and desire the full spectrum of cannabis compounds. | Individuals who prefer THC-free products but still wish to benefit from other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products offer similar advantages as they share nearly identical components aside from THC. Full-spectrum CBD tends to have a more pronounced impact on symptom management than broad-spectrum CBD, although both varieties still provide comparable benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal examined the medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep disturbances. Within the first month, researchers observed a reduction in anxiety levels for 79.2% of the patients, while 66.7% experienced initial improvements in sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive results for patients with social anxiety disorder, especially when taken 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 investigated their experiences with CBD. The survey results indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil significantly helped alleviate pain levels, particularly back and neck discomfort.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology suggests that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could enhance symptoms in chemotherapy patients. Approximately 85% of the participants in the study preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 has shown that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when taken orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
This is consistent with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD shows promise in reducing 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 quickest and most effective method for delivering CBD extract into your system 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 wherever you need it the most.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or mixing them into your food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles provide a more straightforward experience. Although the onset of effects may be slower, they offer a longer-lasting impact.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors like weight, health status, and reactions 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 ensures you discover the optimal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum rests 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 ideal choice. If you’re open to THC and want to maximize the potential advantages of CBD, full-spectrum products are likely your optimal selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary is where you can purchase concentrates like shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, like CBD oils, packaged discreetly. Explore multiple options and discover exciting ways to save more with every purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that contains only CBD?
CBD isolate represents the purest form of CBD available. It has no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, lacking the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates are devoid of flavor and aroma unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings. This attribute makes them particularly appealing to customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which consumption method is more effective for pain relief?
Various methods of consuming CBD can effectively relieve pain, although the timing and duration of relief can differ. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but may only offer relief for a few hours. Gummies and capsules can deliver longer-lasting effects, sometimes lasting up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a fitting choice.
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