When you explore an online dispensary, you might find yourself questioning the meaning of terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for its non-psychoactive nature, is recognized for its purity. Some products offer pure CBD, while others incorporate additional elements from the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and properties that can shape your CBD experience. Armed with this knowledge, you can choose the best extracts online Canada to 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 elements except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and Alcohol extraction methods are the two primary techniques for creating CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a product that includes a diverse array of cannabinoids, various forms of terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD generally has a higher concentration of CBD but also contains small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not all full-spectrum products encompass all 100-plus CBDs, as some may exist in minimal amounts or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide the plant with its unique aroma, while flavonoids contribute color and perform various biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD might enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD comprises trace levels of THC, but the THC level in full-spectrum CBD oil never surpasses 0.3%. These negligible amounts are inadequate to produce any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the collective effect of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD may enhance THC’s effects while mitigating some of its adverse effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also harbor various forms of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For instance, studies on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) indicate potential in anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract containing multiple active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not have detectable THC levels. Manufacturers typically label it accordingly and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD preserves several cannabinoids that can produce an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which governs various physiological functions like temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids function by attaching to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. This attachment process enables CBD to aid in managing the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two main CBD extraction methods utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has unique advantages and disadvantages, making neither method inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
A straightforward method 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 structures found on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers eliminate the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This sophisticated technique involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to turn it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid then passes over the plant material to extract the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
One significant advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of control. By adjusting temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires costly equipment, making it more commonly utilized by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem solely relevant to manufacturers and CBD companies, but the extraction process impacts the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to understand the basics.
CO2 extraction is regarded as the most efficient and safest method, which is why 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
Both CBD products deliver comparable benefits as they contain nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD tends to have a more potent impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still offer similar benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal analyzed medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep issues. Within the first month, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of patients. Additionally, 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, particularly when taken orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving around 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California explored their experiences with CBD. The findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil significantly improved pain levels, especially for back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology found that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could enhance symptoms in chemotherapy patients. Approximately 85% of participants favored this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 has shown that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, whether taken orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD shows promise in alleviating inflammation in 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 introducing CBD extract into your system, 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 most.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this involves placing them under your tongue or incorporating them into your food or drinks.
- 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 longer-lasting effects.
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 increase the dosage over several days while monitoring your response to find the optimal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends 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 preferred choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and aim to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products may be your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary is an excellent place to purchase concentrates like shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, such as CBD oils, delivered discreetly. Explore various selections and discover exciting ways to save on every purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate represents 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 have no flavor or odor unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings. This makes them particularly suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Various consumption methods can effectively alleviate pain, though timing and duration of relief may differ. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but only offer relief for a few hours. Gummies and capsules can deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes extending up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a viable option.
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