When you visit an online dispensary, you may wonder what labels like full or broad-spectrum CBD mean. CBD, the non-psychoactive component, is distinguished by its purity. Some products contain only CBD, while some include other elements of the cannabis plant.
Discerning between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts unveils distinct compositions and properties that can influence your CBD journey. With this knowledge, you can select the best extracts online Canada that suit what you need.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD includes CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD contains 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 to create CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a CBD product that contains a wide selection of cannabinoids, different forms of terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD has a higher CBD concentration but also contains small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not all full-spectrum products contain all 100-plus CBDs, as some may be present in minimal quantities or lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes give the plant a distinctive scent, while flavonoids provide colour and perform various biological functions. Combining terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may contribute to the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace levels of THC, but the THC concentration in full-spectrum CBD oil never exceeds 0.3%. These minimal amounts are insufficient to induce any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect suggests that the combined effect of cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components, enhances therapeutic benefits. CBD may enhance the effects of THC while reducing some of its unwanted effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also contain multiple forms of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For example, research into cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) shows promise in anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains various active compounds found in the cannabis plant, CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not contain detectable amounts of THC. Manufacturers often label it as such and may provide information 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 numerous physiological functions like temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids function by attaching to particular receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are present throughout the body. Through this attachment process, CBD can assist in managing the body’s natural reaction to inflammation and pain while also impacting mood and symptoms of anxiety.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary CBD extraction methods use alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method possesses distinct strengths and limitations, which renders neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest methods for producing cannabis extracts in the industry involves using alcohol as a solvent. Ethanol is the preferred alcohol.
Cannabis plant material is immersed in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures abundantly found on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
Once the soaking is complete, manufacturers remove the plant material and purge the alcohol, which leaves behind a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 EXtraction
This advanced technique involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to transform it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
One of the primary advantages of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By controlling the temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, which makes it more commonly utilized by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem solely concerned with manufacturers and CBD companies. The truth is that the extraction process influences the quality of the final product, so it’s beneficial for you to grasp the basics.
CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest technique, so it’s 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 want 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 provide similar benefits because they contain nearly identical compounds except THC. Full-spectrum CBD will have a stronger impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still offer the same benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal explored the medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep issues. Within the first month, the researchers noted a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of the patients. 66.7% of them experienced initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD weed extracts can have positive outcomes on patients with social anxiety disorder, particularly when taken orally in doses 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 survey findings indicated that CBD weed concentrates like oil specifically helped improve pain levels, particularly back and neck pain.
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 involved in the study favoured this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 has revealed that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD when administered orally or applied topically, demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties.
This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence indicating that CBD holds promise in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and others.
How to use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the quickest and most efficient method for delivering CBD extract into your system, primarily due to its high bioavailability, which can reach up to 60%.
- Apply it topically on your skin: Topicals offer targeted relief and can be applied wherever you need it most.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, the approach involves placing them under your tongue or incorporating them into your food or beverages.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. While the onset of effects may be slower, they provide a longer-lasting effect.
Dosage is key, and it varies based on factors such as weight, health status, and reactions to cannabis. Begin with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over a few days while monitoring your response ensures you find the optimal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends on your goal and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re seeking the health benefits of CBD without the influence of THC, broad-spectrum options are likely your top choice. If you’re open to THC and aiming to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products are likely your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary is where you can buy concentrates like shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, like CBD oils, packaged discreetly. Browse multiple selections and find exciting ways to save more on every purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate represents the purest 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 lack both flavour and odour unless deliberately enhanced with flavourings. This characteristic renders them particularly suitable for customers who find standard CBD products’ natural, earthy taste unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Various methods of consuming CBD can effectively alleviate pain, although the timing and duration of relief vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration offer rapid onset but provide relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules can provide longer-lasting relief, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a suitable option.
Related Article:
