When you explore an online dispensary, you might be curious about terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for its non-psychoactive nature, is characterized by its purity. Some products feature only CBD, while others incorporate additional components of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and properties that can impact your CBD experience. With this insight, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD features CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, while broad-spectrum CBD includes all these components except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and alcohol extraction techniques are the two common methods used to create CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a product containing a variety of cannabinoids, different terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD has a higher CBD concentration but also includes small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product has all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may be present in minimal amounts or lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide distinct aromas, while flavonoids contribute to color and various biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace levels of THC, but the amount in full-spectrum CBD oil never exceeds 0.3%. These minimal levels are not enough to cause psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the combined impact of cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, boosts therapeutic benefits. CBD may enhance THC’s effects while mitigating some of its undesirable aspects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also feature multiple forms of cannabinoids, including CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For instance, research into cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) indicates potential anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of extract that contains various active compounds from the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum concentrates do not contain detectable THC levels. Manufacturers typically label products accordingly and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids included.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD preserves several cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological functions such as temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, located throughout the body. By attaching, CBD can aid in managing the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also affecting mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The primary methods for CBD extraction involve using alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has unique strengths and weaknesses, 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 cannabis trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes are rich in 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 method entails pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. This fluid is then circulated over the plant material to extract the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
A key advantage of CO2 extraction is its adjustability. By controlling temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while excluding others.
CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, making it a common choice for larger CBD companies.
Grasping the CBD extraction process might seem relevant only to manufacturers and CBD companies, but it significantly influences the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to understand the basics.
CO2 extraction is recognized as the most efficient and safest method, thus becoming 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 | Individuals who are okay with THC and want the full range of cannabis compounds. | Those who prefer THC-free options but still seek the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
Both CBD products offer similar advantages since they contain nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD tends to have a stronger effect on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still provide comparable benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal reviewed the medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep disorders. Within the first month, researchers observed a reduction in anxiety levels among 79.2% of the patients, and 66.7% reported initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies suggest that potent CBD cannabis extracts can positively affect patients with social anxiety disorder, especially when taken orally in doses between 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving roughly 250 patients from several pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. Findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil specifically helped improve pain levels, notably for back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology indicated that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications might enhance symptoms in chemotherapy patients, with about 85% favoring 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 aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD holds promise in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and more.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the fastest and most effective method to deliver CBD extract into your system, largely 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 precisely where needed.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this involves placing them under your tongue or mixing them into food or beverages.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a straightforward experience. Although the onset of effects may be slower, they tend to offer longer-lasting effects.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors such as weight, health status, and reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increase the dosage over a few days while monitoring your response to find the optimal balance for relief.
Conclusion
The choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD hinges on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you seek the health benefits of CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and wish to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products are likely the most suitable.
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, along with the best cannabis extracts such as CBD oils, all packaged discreetly. Explore diverse selections and discover ways to save more on every order.
Is there a CBD extract that contains only CBD?
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available. It contains no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, and it lacks the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates have no flavor or aroma unless artificially enhanced with flavorings, making them particularly suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which consumption method is more effective for pain relief?
Various methods for consuming CBD can alleviate pain effectively, though the timing and duration of relief differ. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual methods offer quick onset but provide temporary relief. Gummies and capsules may deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a viable option.
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