Buying CBD products for the first time can be intimidating. Most people aren’t accustomed to terms like broad spectrum CBD oil, or full spectrum CBD oil. If you aren’t clear about the difference, we’ve put together this guide for you. After reading you will know the which CBD oil is the right choice for your specific needs.
Full spectrum and broad spectrum oils have gained popularity because experts believe they can activate a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This is the synergy created when cannabinoids and terpenes are taken together. It is believed that taking the plant’s full organic contents delivers more benefits than taking CBD alone.
What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum CBD is a hemp derived extract containing all the cannabinoids and terpenes from the original plant. This includes THC.
Combining THC and CBD is believed to deliver an increase in benefits. A study done in 2015 found that when used together, inflammation dropped as the dose increased. When a CBD isolate extract was tested, it delivered relief but as the dose increased the benefits decreased.
Many companies point to this study as proof of the entourage effect. While it did produce promising results, they only tested inflammation. We still have a long way to go in understanding the combination of CBD and THC.
What is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum but doesn’t contain any THC. You will receive other cannabinoids and terpenes with your dose of broad spectrum CBD oil, but THC is filtered out during the extraction process.
Many users aren’t comfortable with taking THC, but still want to experience the potential increase in benefits associated with the entourage effect. Broad spectrum CBD was designed specifically with this consumer in mind.
The Difference Between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum
The main difference is in the THC content. This is what separates each of these types of CBD products. A full spectrum CBD oil with 1000mg of CBD will also contain THC. This is problematic for many users.
Many are hesitant to take THC for a number of reasons. Cannabis has been demonized for decades by governments around the world. There is a stigma around marijuana that isn’t hard to overcome by many users. Others may be in a situation where they are drug tested regularly because of a job or court order. While full spectrum CBD oil only contains THC levels 0.3% and lower, this is enough to show up in a test. When used overtime, THC builds up in the users’ fat cells, it can take weeks or months to fully flush the system of THC depending on the frequency of use. Full spectrum CBD oil isn’t going to get you high, but if you take it every day for a few weeks, it could definitely show up in a drug test.
The amount of other cannabinoids and terpenes will vary between each CBD product. A broad spectrum CBD oil could have a higher amount of CBN or CBG than a full spectrum CBD oil. The original hemp plant used in extraction and the method the lab uses both will affect the outcome of the final product.
To be sure, your full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil has enough cannabinoids and terpenes to warrant an increase in price, relative to isolate CBD, is to check lab tests. All reputable companies will have a full cannabis potency report on their website.
As far as which one is better, the answer is up to the consumer and the specific product. A CBD user who gets drug tested should stay away from full spectrum CBD oil. If you aren’t concerned with THC entering your body, full spectrum has the most scientific evidence to back up the claim of delivering more benefits. This however depends on the specific product.
Buying CBD isn’t easy, but once you are informed on what each term means, the process only gets easier.
Read Also : How to Choose the Best CBD Oil Products for Consumption?
