Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD: Know the Difference

Check out the CBD tinctures available in dispensaries and online stores, and you will likely see that it comes with product description tables. You can have everything you need to know about an item based on the details given on the table. But if you're a newbie in everything CBD-related, you may need more help in knowing the differences between a full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD.

Even avid consumers can get confused defining common terms such as "full-spectrum," "broad-spectrum," and "isolates." You need to understand these terms fully to find the best CBD product for your needs.

CBD oil can give you that warm, peaceful, and comfortable feeling that cannabidiol is known for. There are plentiful options to choose from when it comes to CBD products, from the different formulas to the methods of consuming them.

Understanding the Three Formulas of CBD

It's not just about knowing full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD; it's also about getting to know the third formula, which is the isolate. Here's the lowdown on three different formulas of CBD:

Full-spectrum CBD

Tinctures made of full-spectrum CBD contain all the psycho-nutrients extracted from the hemp plant. The most prominent molecule in hemp is CBD, but there are more than 100 other cannabinoids in the plant.

These cannabinoids, also called phytocannabinoids, are referred to as such to differentiate them from endocannabinoids found in the human body.

Aside from the phytocannabinoids, the hemp plant also has other compounds, which are flavonoids and terpenes. These three compound varieties are found in the highest concentrations in female hemp plants, specifically in the unfertilized flowers. 

Regarding cannabinoids, some of the most well-known ones include CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG. You can only find these compounds in cannabis plants, which interact with the human body's endocannabinoids.

On the other hand, terpenes are not unique to cannabis plants. All plants have terpenes, although they are most common in citrus plants and coniferous trees. Terpenes in hemp plants are usually pinene, limonene, and myrcene. Each strain of hemp has a unique combination of terpenes in it. 

Flavonoids are often overlooked in favor of phytocannabinoids and terpenes, but it doesn't mean it's not valuable. You can find flavonoids in flowers, fruits, vegetables, wine, and tea. Thanks to research, flavonoids have gotten the attention of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

Products such as the CannaAid - Full Spectrum Tincture - CBD+CBG+CBC+CBN+D9+HHC can give you a soothing experience that can effectively relieve stress and anxiety.

Broad-spectrum CBD

The key difference between broad-spectrum CBD products from the full-spectrum variety is that broad-spectrum doesn't contain THC. Creating full-spectrum hemp extracts involves using ethanol-based solvent or CO2 to pull every molecule from the plant fibers. 

Now when these full-spectrum hemp extracts are refined further, and all traces of THC are removed, you have broad-spectrum extracts.

As the name implies, CBD isolates are basically CBD compounds on their own, without the other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. You can easily find isolate tinctures, and you can also find the powdered variety.

The powder usually contains 99% pure CBD - a milligram of powder has a milligram of CBD. This purity makes the product extremely potent, and it's easy to get high doses when using this CBD variety.

CBD isolates have the benefits of CBD without the plant-like taste that some people don't like. It's ideal for users who prefer their CBD tasteless and odorless. Customers also appreciate the high potency and lack of THC.

Blended Tinctures

Some CBD products contain 60% full-spectrum and 40% CBD isolate. Legal limits are the primary reason for the combination - full-spectrum products have a federally mandated maximum of 0.3% THC. This means there's a limit on how potent full-spectrum products can be.

The same cannot be said of CBD isolates, which is why companies use them to bolster their full-spectrum tinctures.

What is the Entourage Effect?

All the phytonutrients in cannabis are essential to manufacturers, even if CBD is the main active compound and all the others are found in just trace amounts. The main reason for this is the entourage effect.

Researchers discovered that the effects of CBD isolate have a bell curve. It reaches its peak effectiveness at a specific dose but loses effectiveness after that dose amount. This is the effective narrow dose window used for swelling. Full-spectrum products do not have this window, and CBD becomes more effective as the dosage increases.

As for the other compounds, terpenes can make hemp extracts more effective. For instance, myrcene is discovered to have the ability to reduce resistance in the blood-brain barrier. Also, combining linalool, limonene, and CBG can effectively treat MRSA.

These interactions, discovered through research about hemp extracts, are crucial in creating more products that will address different needs.

If you prefer to take your full-spectrum CBD via tinctures, you must try Apotheca's CannaAid 30ml Full Spectrum.

Why Consider THC-free Products

You should keep an open mind regarding THC-free products, such as broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates. The absence of THC is the main benefit itself. Even though hemp products do not have enough THC to produce psychoactive effects on the user, it can still appear in drug screenings, putting employees at risk. The chances of this happening are unlikely, but for some people, it's not worth taking the risk. 

There are also concerns about giving THC to children and pets. Broad-spectrum products are great alternatives since it offers users most of the benefits of the full-spectrum variety without consuming that particular cannabinoid.

For those with allergies and sensitivities, CBD products are safer options. Full and broad-spectrum products may trigger unpleasant reactions in people with such conditions. 

How Do You Know if a CBD Product is Legitimate?

Now that you know the differences between CBD formulas, it's time to move to other factors that will help you choose the most appropriate product for your needs. Naturally, the legitimacy of a product is a primary concern.

Checking the label is critical in ensuring that you're buying authentic cannabidiol oil and other CBD products.

Look for the following information when examining the label:

  • Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor
  • Cannabinoid content 
  • Ingredients (including non-cannabis additives)
  • Net quantity (weight)
  • Lot, batch, or control number
  • Suggested serving size or dosing information
  • Production and expiration date
  • Instructions on use and storage 
  • Warnings/contradictions

If you can't find these items on the label, you may be looking at a product with questionable authenticity.

Why is Lab Testing So Important?

Speaking of labels, CBD companies and dispensaries have to ensure that their products are labeled properly and safely to meet quality standards. It's the job of third-party laboratories to produce the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove that products are of high quality.

These COAs should be shown on the websites of CBD companies and dispensaries and provide batch-specific results. Without the COA, a product's reputation is questionable.

How Should You Choose the Right Dose of CBD?

It can be tricky to determine the correct dose for your own use, given that various factors affect an individual's response to different doses. These factors include your body chemistry, the method used in taking CBD, and whether or not you're taking it with food. The symptom or condition you're trying to treat will also affect the therapeutic dose. 

Studies reveal that the right dose to ease anxiety symptoms would be 300 to 600 mg. For pain relief, it should be a maximum daily dose of 40 mg. In reducing the seizures of epilepsy patients, 20 mg per kg a day is just about right.

It is also important to note that when it comes to cannabidiol oil, the label might indicate the amount of CBD in the whole bottle and not per drop. So, for instance, a 30 ml bottle of CBD oil says that it has 600 mg and that one drop equals one serving. It means there are 30 servings in the bottle, and a serving will give you 20 mg of CBD.

The best thing to do is to ask your doctor when determining the correct dose of CBD for your personal use. Usually, users are requested to start with a low dose and add more gradually over time. You should also remember that taking CBD with food can make your body absorb it at higher levels.

How Should You Choose the Right CBD Product

Remember these things when shopping for legitimate and high-quality CBD oil and other CBD products.

Look for the COAs

Don't buy products that are not tested by third-party labs. The COA is the only way to ensure that a CBD product is pure and safe. 

Check for Additives

If you're vaping or plan to vape your CBD, you should stick to products with 100% hemp and cannabis. Vape products with additives can put your lungs at risk, which is something you definitely should avoid. Even if you're not vaping, it's best to stick to pure products since additives (such as coconut oil and nuts) can trigger an allergic reaction.

Buy Domestically Grown Products, Preferably Organic Ones

Local products are subjected to the USDA's quality-control standards, and USDA organic products contain no fertilizers and pesticides. This means you are consuming cannabis that is free from harmful toxins.

Choose Products with Glass Packaging

CBD tends to stick to plastic, which makes glass packaging a smarter option. You get more CBD per product if you use glass instead of plastic.

Buy Only From Trusted and Reputable Shops

You do not have to limit yourself to CBD products that you can buy from gas stations or common smoke shops. If you're looking for high-quality, visiting a licensed dispensary or online shop is the only option. They can tell you where their CBD products are grown and manufactured, and most importantly, they can show third-party lab testing results.

There is no universal rule when it comes to the right and wrong options in hemp extract products. You only have to consider what is right and wrong for your personal needs. Before you buy anything, do extensive research and get to know the different phytonutrients found in each hemp strain, vape oil, tincture, or cream. 

Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you're thinking of changing your diet or adding hemp extract, whether it's broad-spectrum CBD oil or full-spectrum CBD oil, as part of your daily routine. Doing the needful is worth the trouble if it means getting the ideal spectrum CBD product right for you.

FAQs

Which is stronger, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD?

Because of the "entourage effect," full-spectrum CBD is speculated to have more powerful effects than broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. It also lasts longer too. Full-spectrum CBD is recommended for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It can also help with symptoms of seizures.

What is the full spectrum?

Full-spectrum CBD can contain up to a legal limit of 0.3% THC. It also has other cannabis compounds, such as myrcene and terpenes. 

Are full-spectrum edibles better?

It depends on the user, but generally, full-spectrum edibles produce stronger effects that last longer. The experience is more of a body high and feels less like the effects of taking pure THC. The pain-killing effects of full-spectrum edibles are also higher, which leads to a better euphoric experience.

What spectrum of CBD is best for anxiety?

Full-spectrum CBD may be most appropriate for chronic pain or anxiety because of this variety's entourage effect.

Buy Only the Best CBD Products At Apotheca

If you're in the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia areas, Apotheca can give you the CBD extracts and other CBD products you need. Whether you're looking for full-spectrum CBD oils, broad-spectrum CBD oils, or isolate CBD, we have them available. The store's mission is to provide clean, affordable, and sustainable alternative remedies to modern medicine. 

Our team at Apotheca researches, curates, and tests partner brands that put people first before profit. No product reaches Apotheca's store shelves without being tested thoroughly for quality and efficacy. 

Each of our partner brands provides full test documentation and educational materials to support the customers' purpose of purchasing all-natural products to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Apotheca provides a safe, secure shopping experience in an industry full of uncertainty. Visit the Apotheca Store Locations to see what's in store for you.