What should I know about full spectrum CBD?

To understand what to expect from full spectrum CBD, you need to have a general understanding of CBD. So, let’s get into it. 

There is a class of chemical compounds found in cannabis plants (like hemp and marijuana) that are called cannabinoids. There are many of these compounds, with over 113 that researchers have identified so far. CBD is one of these cannabinoids. But there is a different cannabinoid that is much more well-known. It is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

THC’s fame is drawn from its psychoactive effects on people. This means that it is the compound that creates a high. CBD often gets thrown in with THC in people’s minds, causing them to believe that it causes the psychoactive effects as THC. However, it does not cause any sort of high or any psychoactive effects. 

CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana, but hemp is used to make CBD products much more often than marijuana. There are many reasons for this, but one is simply eased of extraction. Hemp has high levels of CBD and less than 0.3% THC content. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains very high THC levels and concentrations of CBD that vary wildly.

Another reason why CBD manufacturers prefer hemp over marijuana is because of the legal status of the plants. In 2018 a new version of the Farm Bill was passed that allowed for the growth and sale of hemp across the country (with restrictions in individual states). This bill regulates what farmers can and cannot grow in the United States. It is reviewed every five or so years and is passed again. The 2018 version federally legalized hemp, among other things. But marijuana is still federally illegal. Some states have legalized it, either for general or medicinal use, but it is still considered a controlled substance. 

In the last decade or so, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies on CBD. Most all of them have been focused on trying to learn what kind of effects CBD could have. While this research is still preliminary, much of it has been incredibly promising. For example, some studies, like this one, have shown that CBD may be able to help its users achieve a higher state of calm. Other studies have found that CBD could help reduce inflammation. 

As mentioned above, there are a few different kinds of CBD extracts out there. Now you may be wondering about the other kinds of extracts. That is okay. You still have other options. Let’s talk about them.

Broad spectrum is not too different from the full spectrum. Just like with full spectrum, broad spectrum has a lot of the cannabinoids and compounds from hemp. But it has one significant difference. Broad spectrum CBD oil has no THC. Like with full spectrum, the name “broad spectrum” gives you a good idea of what is in it, in the sense that it a wide range of compounds, but not all of them. This is a good choice for those who want the entourage effect but want to avoid the THC.

Despite the potential benefits of having other compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes in a CBD extract, some may be poor. CBD works a little bit differently on everyone. As a result, full and broad spectrum CBD oils may be too strong for certain people, causing them to experience adverse side effects. If you think this maybe you, then you may want to try a CBD isolate. 

It’s not hard to guess what CBD isolate is. It is just CBD isolated so that it is on its own with no other cannabinoid, compounds, or terpenes. The effects of CBD isolate are not likely to be as strong as the effects of a full or broad spectrum. But you may be able to feel a purer CBD effect. Making them feel clearer, without the clouding of other compounds.   

When you shop for a CBD product, you should be able to find just about any kind of product in whatever CBD extract version you prefer. This way, you can get a product that works for you with extract that is best for you.