What is Full Spectrum CBD?

There are many different types of CBD products on the market today. The two main types are either CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD. Full spectrum CBD is in a category on its own. All feature their own benefits and risks. Depending on what you are looking to accomplish with your health, you might choose one over the other. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at full spectrum CBD and detailing which type of CBD product may be right for you.

by: Anthony E. | 05/23/22 1:30PM

 

CBD Isolate

If you happen to live in a state where CBD is confined to a prescription from a medical doctor, you will likely have to find a product that contains nothing more than CBD itself. CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant usually contains other cannabinoids. Refining it further removed other terpenes and constituents, leaving you with just plain CBD.

This can be a desired form of CBD if you are looking to dose without any THC or other cannabinoids in the product. Due to hypersensitivity or fear of THC metabolites showing up in a urine test, many people opt for a CBD isolate devoid of any other cannabinoids. Even though CBD works best when combined with other cannabinoids, this is an option for those who just want CBD.

The problem with an isolated form of CBD is that it is limited in its therapeutic scope for what it can treat. This is because CBD works best when used in conjunction with other compounds of the cannabis plant. If you want something that has no traces of THC or other compounds, then consider going for an isolate form.

 

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD differs from other forms of CBD extraction as broad-spectrum contains minute to no traces of THC. It is specifically made by removing the THC from the spectrum of cannabinoids. What they leave behind is terpenes and other cannabinoids within the product, allowing for a much broader potential for therapeutic treatment.

CBD contained within these types of products are much more potent than isolate CBD. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you start out at the lowest possible dose before deciding to take more. This will allow you to accurately gauge how your body will react to a broad-spectrum CBD product.

Broad-spectrum CBD is preferred by those who want the added benefits of the entourage effect without the THC. You are likely to find this type of CBD much more commonly on store shelves. Most people opt for this type of CBD over any other kind, since THC is not the goal of taking CBD, even though THC does possess therapeutic properties.

Full Spectrum CBD

This type of CBD is the most natural and comes with everything nature intended to provide the most therapeutic compounds available from the cannabis plant. Whether from hemp or commercial marijuana, full spectrum CBD has all the terpenes and THC, though this amount will vary from product to product.

If you live in a state where cannabis is legal, you will likely find full spectrum CBD products with either small amounts of THC or large amounts, depending on what you are looking for. This is the type of CBD that is best at treating more systemic issues such as anxiety and PTSD, as well as epilepsy and some forms of pain.

Isolate CBD can be better in terms of pain management, though some users prefer to have a bit of THC in their product to facilitate the effects of CBD. Depending on the ratios, full spectrum CBD may have lots or very little THC in it. This means that more care must be taken with this type of CBD, and you would do well to consult a physician and start out slow when first trying it out.

 

Pros and Cons of Each

When it comes to pain management and localized areas, CBD isolate works best to deliver a simple and effective means of mitigating the pain. This can come in the form of either a topical or edible version. In either case, you can take both forms to get the maximum benefits, since terpenes and other cannabinoids are absent with this form of CBD.

If you want a happy medium that is more versatile and capable of treating the widest array of ailments, then board-spectrum CBD is the way to go. This is because THC may or may not be present in very small amounts, adding to the therapeutic benefits without going overboard. This can be available in many stores and dispensaries, depending on what state you live in.

Full spectrum CBD is reserved for those who are okay with getting the most out of their CBD treatment. THC and other cannabinoids are present in various amounts and can treat a more acute level of mental and emotional issues. As an effective pain treatment, some users opt to have THC with their CBD. The downside is that this can easily show up in a urine test and is typically more expensive than other forms of CBD.

Final Thoughts

Full spectrum CBD is gaining more and more attention as science discovers more about the cannabis plant and its compounds. As of now, we have a limited view that encompasses the scope of psychoactive and therapeutic applications, each with their own pros and cons. Some users prefer to have just CBD in their product while others want to experience the full benefits of the entourage effect.

The synergy that accompanies a full spectrum CBD product cannot be denied. It is the most potent form of CBD since none of the other terpenes and cannabinoids are stripped away. While the ratios can be regulated and manipulated to create a more consistent product, The ingredients remain the same since they all derive naturally from the cannabis plant.

Some can even taste the herbal flavors associated with hemp to include an acrid and sometimes bitter flavor, depending on dosage and potency. When starting a new regimen with full spectrum CBD, always remember to go low and start out slow to work your way up to a feeling of relief.

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