When you explore an online dispensary, you might find yourself questioning the meanings of terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, the non-psychoactive component, is defined by its purity. Some products feature only CBD, while others may incorporate various elements from the cannabis plant.
Differentiating between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and properties that can shape your CBD experience. With this understanding, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that align with your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD includes CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD has all these components minus THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis through their entourage effects.
- CO2 and alcohol extraction methods are the two prevalent techniques for creating CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a product that contains a wide array of cannabinoids, various forms of terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD exhibits a higher CBD concentration but also includes small quantities of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product contains all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may exist in minimal amounts or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes impart a distinct scent to the plant, 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 includes trace levels of THC, though the THC concentration never exceeds 0.3%. These minimal amounts are inadequate to cause any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the combined impact of cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD could enhance the effects of THC while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also encompass multiple forms of cannabinoids, including CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For instance, studies on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) suggest potential anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is an extract that contains various 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 indicate this on their labels and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids present in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which oversees numerous physiological functions, including temperature regulation, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors in the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the body. By binding to these receptors, CBD can help manage the body’s natural responses to inflammation and pain while also affecting mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two main CBD extraction methods utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages, so neither is inherently better than the other.
Alcohol Extraction Method
Using alcohol as a solvent is one of the simplest methods for producing cannabis extracts. Ethanol is the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is submerged in ethanol to extract cannabis trichomes, the tiny structures found abundantly on the plant’s flowers and leaves, which contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and purge the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced technique involves heating and pressurizing CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. This fluid then passes over the plant material, dissolving the trichomes and yielding a CBD-rich oil.
A primary benefit of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By managing temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction demands expensive equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem solely relevant to manufacturers and CBD companies. However, this process affects the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to grasp the basics.
CO2 extraction is regarded as the most effective and safest method, positioning it as 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 desire 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 comparable benefits due to their nearly identical compositions, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD typically has a stronger impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still deliver similar benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal examined the medical records of 72 patients experiencing anxiety or sleep disturbances. Within the first month, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety levels in 79.2% of patients. 66.7% reported initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can positively affect patients with social anxiety disorder, especially when taken in oral doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving around 250 patients from several pain management clinics in Southern California assessed their experiences with CBD. Findings revealed that CBD cannabis concentrates, like oil, were particularly effective in alleviating pain levels, especially for back and neck pain.
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 has shown that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when administered 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, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and more.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the quickest and most efficient 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 to areas needing the most attention.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or mixing them into food or beverages.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. Although the onset of effects may be slower, they tend to provide longer-lasting relief.
Dosage is crucial, varying based on factors such as 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 a few days while monitoring your response to find the optimal relief balance.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum rests on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re looking for the health advantages of CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and aiming to maximize CBD’s potential benefits, full-spectrum products may be your ideal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary is where you can purchase concentrates like shatter or live resin, as well as the best cannabis extracts, such as CBD oils, all packaged discreetly. Explore various 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 form of CBD available. It contains no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, lacking the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates are devoid of both flavor and odor unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings. This feature makes them particularly appealing to customers who dislike the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Multiple methods of consuming CBD can effectively alleviate pain, although the timing and duration of relief can differ. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but may only offer relief for a few hours. Gummies and capsules may deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes extending up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a viable option.
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