When you explore an online dispensary, you might question what terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD indicate. CBD, the non-psychoactive element, is characterized by its purity. Certain 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 attributes that can shape your CBD experience. With this insight, you can choose the top extracts online Canada that meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD comprises CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all these components except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the advantages 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 product that contains a broad range of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD has a higher concentration of CBD but also includes small quantities of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product comprises all 100-plus CBDs, as some may be present in minimal amounts or lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide the plant with a unique aroma, while flavonoids offer color and serve multiple biological roles. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may contribute to the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, but the THC levels in full-spectrum CBD oil never surpass 0.3%. These minute quantities are insufficient to cause any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the synergistic effect of cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD may enhance the impact of THC while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also contain multiple forms of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Research into cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) suggests potential benefits in alleviating stress and inflammation.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract containing various active compounds from 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 as such and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids present in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that can produce an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates many physiological functions such as temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors in the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. Through this binding process, CBD can help manage the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary CBD extraction techniques utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has unique strengths and limitations, making neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest methods for producing cannabis extracts involves using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve the trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures found abundantly on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes hold a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and purge the alcohol, leaving behind a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced technique involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
A significant advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By regulating temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires costly equipment, making it more commonly employed by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem relevant only to manufacturers and CBD firms. In reality, the extraction process significantly influences the quality of the final product, so it’s beneficial for you to grasp the essentials.
CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest method, making it the primary 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 range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals who prefer THC-free products but still want the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products offer similar benefits since they contain nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD will typically exert a stronger influence on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, but both types still provide comparable advantages.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study 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 in 79.2% of the patients. 66.7% experienced initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can positively affect patients with social anxiety disorder, particularly when taken orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving approximately 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California explored their experiences with CBD. The findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil specifically helped enhance pain levels, particularly in back and neck areas.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology suggests that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could improve symptoms in chemotherapy patients. About 85% of those studied preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 has demonstrated 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 reducing inflammation across various conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and more.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the fastest and most efficient method for delivering CBD extract into your body, 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 needed.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this involves placing them under your tongue or incorporating them into food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. Although the effects may take longer to onset, they provide a longer-lasting impact.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors such as weight, health status, and individual reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increase the dosage over several days while monitoring your response to ensure you find the ideal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re looking for the health benefits of CBD without the influence of THC, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. If you’re open to THC and aiming to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products are likely your optimal selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find the best CBD extracts and various concentrates?
An online dispensary is the place to purchase concentrates like shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, such as CBD oils, packaged discreetly. Explore multiple selections and discover exciting ways to save on each purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that contains only CBD?
CBD isolate represents the purest form of CBD available. It contains no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, lacking the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates have neither flavor nor odor unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings. This feature makes them particularly suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can alleviate pain more effectively?
Different methods of consuming CBD can effectively relieve pain, although the timing and duration of relief can vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but offer relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules can deliver longer-lasting benefits, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are an appropriate option.
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