When you explore an online dispensary, you might question what terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD signify. CBD, the non-psychoactive element, is recognized for its purity. Certain products only feature CBD, while others incorporate additional components from the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can affect your CBD experience. With this knowledge, you can choose the best extracts online Canada tailored to your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD encompasses CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all these elements 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 to produce CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a product that features a diverse range of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and minimal THC levels.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD has a higher concentration of CBD but also includes small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product contains all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may exist in trace amounts or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide the plant with its unique aroma, while flavonoids contribute color and serve various biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, but the THC level never exceeds 0.3%. Such minimal quantities are insufficient to cause any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect suggests that the combined impact of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, enhances therapeutic advantages. CBD may amplify the effects of THC while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also encompass numerous cannabinoid forms, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, and CBDA. For instance, studies on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) indicate promise in alleviating stress and inflammation.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of extract that contains a variety of active compounds from the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not have detectable THC levels. Manufacturers often denote this and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD preserves several cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect devoid of THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates numerous physiological functions such as temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids operate by binding to specific receptors in the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. This binding process allows CBD to help regulate the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary methods of extracting CBD utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks, making neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest approaches to producing cannabis extracts involves using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures found on the plant’s flowers and leaves, which are rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active substances.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method entails 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 generate a CBD-rich oil.
A significant advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of flexibility. By adjusting temperature and pressure, companies can selectively extract specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Comprehending CBD extraction may seem to concern only manufacturers and CBD companies. However, the extraction process impacts the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to understand the basics.
CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest method, thus being the preferred 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 are comfortable with THC and desire the full range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals seeking THC-free products but still wishing to benefit from other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
Both types of CBD products offer similar advantages since they contain nearly identical compounds, apart from THC. Full-spectrum CBD may have a more potent effect on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both offer 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 disturbances. 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 individuals with social anxiety disorder, particularly when administered orally in doses between 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey of about 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. The findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil significantly alleviated pain, particularly in the back and neck areas.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology indicated that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could enhance symptoms in chemotherapy patients. Approximately 85% of participants preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 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, 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 for delivering CBD extract into your body 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 your food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a straightforward experience. Although the effects may take longer to onset, they provide a more prolonged effect.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors like weight, health status, and individual reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over a few days while observing your response will help you find the ideal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hinges on your objectives 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 CBD’s potential benefits, full-spectrum products are likely your top option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find the best CBD extracts and various concentrates?
An online dispensary is where you can purchase concentrates like shatter or live resin along with the best cannabis extracts, such as CBD oils, discreetly packaged. Explore a wide range of options and discover exciting ways to save with each purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that solely contains CBD?
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available. It contains no other cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, lacking the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates are devoid of flavor and aroma unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings. This characteristic makes them especially 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 of consuming CBD can effectively alleviate pain, though the timing and duration of relief may differ. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but offer relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules may deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes lasting up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topical applications are a practical choice.
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