What are the difference between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD?
CBD also known as Cannabidiol has become very popular over last few years. People using various forms of CBD products for their purported health benefits. Among all CBD users 62% use CBD products in the first place to help treat some medical conditions according to a 2018 study. Often times it is confusing for general consumers what are the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD. Which one they should pick?
Manufacturers categorizes CBD products into three main types based on extraction method. full spectrum and broad spectrum are the 2 main extract type. There is another type called CBD isolate. Extract type determines the number of cannabinoids (plant extracted compound) present in a particular CBD product. In CBD isolate based items there are no other phytocannabinoids present except CBD. In broad spectrum CBD products there are some other cannabinoids present except THC. But in full spectrum products you will find CBD along with other cannabinoids and a permitted amount of THC (0.3% <)
In this article we are going to discuss in brief about full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD. Which one you should choose based on your own unique need? And much more. Stay tuned.
Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD
Now the question is what makes broad spectrum CBD products different from full spectrum CBD products. Where does CBD isolate products fall in that category?
- Full Spectrum CBD: Full spectrum CBD products contains whole plant extracts and goes through less processing steps in manufacturing plant. Products of this extract type contains all cannabis plant extracts like CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, terpenes, flavonoids and a specific amount of THC (usually no more than 0.3%) to meet compliance. CBD products that contains no more than 0.3% THC are federally legal to use. But you may find some other CBD products out there in the market that has 1:1 CBD:THC radio. Such products are not legal statewide and your location matters. Full spectrum CBD products are believed to promote the entourage effect.
- Broad Spectrum CBD: Broad spectrum CBD products goes through further processing steps to remove THC from other plant extracts altogether. This type of CBD products also can show entourage effects but not like the way full spectrum products does. People who want to avoid THC altogether can find broad spectrum products their primary choice. You don’t have to worry about legal issues as you won’t find THC in this product family. THC is the only phytocannabinoid that creates euphoria and has legal legislation varied from state to state.
- CBD Isolate: As the name suggests isolate CBD refers to products that contains only one phytocannabinoid CBD. Usually this type of products goes through even more processing steps. CBD isolate products can give you the benefits of CBD but won’t give you the entourage effect. Like broad spectrum CBD products, CBD isolate products is also legal statewide.
Related: MEDOSI offers Full Spectrum CBD Oil as well as Broad Spectrum CBD Oil tinctures. They also have isolate based CBD topical products.
Full vs Broad Spectrum CBD: Which One Should I Choose?
Which extract type you should choose between these two depends on a number of factors like:
- Your own personal preference
- Whether or not you want to get the entourage effect
- Legality of THC in your state
- Your THC sensitivity
- Your ECS (Endocannabinoid System)
Our body consists of a network of neurotransmitters, their receptors and enzymes commonly known as the body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS plays role in our regular activity like anxiety, mood, sleep, relaxation etc.
Now we know that our endocannabinoids receptors can bind with cannabis plant extracted phytocannabinoids and might have some health benefits. When you try a full spectrum CBD product aka whole plant extract you give your ECS the opportunity to bind with all the plant based compounds. But that is not the case with CBD isolate products.
Related: Top 10 CBD Oil Brands That Offer Pain and Stress Relief Products.
When You Should Choose Full Spectrum CBD Product
As full spectrum CBD product contains the maximum number of phytocannabinoids, it has better chances to showcase the entourage effects. Usually full spectrum CBD products contain whole plant extract and goes through least processing steps. Although the amount of THC is systematically reduced to 0.3% to make it compliant with legal issues.
The amount of THC present in full spectrum CBD product is insignificant. It won’t make you high. Although it may not create any euphoria in you, it might show up on drug test. If you are in a profession or career where you need to go through drug screening on a regular interval, then you might want to avoid full spectrum CBD products. But if you have no such issue and are living in a state where medical marijuana and THC is legal for recreational and medical purposes, you can confidently pick full spectrum CBD products as your first choice.
When You Should Choose Broad Spectrum CBD Product
Broad spectrum is a formulation that differs from brand to brand. Usually products of this extract type contains CBD and a select number of other phytocannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC etc. But manufacturers remove THC altogether from the end product. Like full spectrum CBD products, broad spectrum CBD products also promote the entourage effect. But the effect is not equivalent to full spectrum ones.
If you are allergic to THC or would like to avoid THC for legal reasons, you should put broad spectrum CBD products in your priority list. As broad spectrum CBD products contain 0% THC you can carry and use your product all throughout the United States worryfree.
When You Should Choose CBD Isolate Product
CBD isolate products contain 99% pure CBD and no other phytocannabinoids. Product of this category type goes through many processing and refinement steps and hence costs more. The end result of which is pure CBD crystalline powder that manufacturers use to infuse with other consumers products. Some brands use this CBD isolate and mix it with other select cannabinoids (cannabis plant compounds) to create their own proprietary broad spectrum CBD products.
As CBD isolate contains no other cannabinoids except CBD it can’t give you the entourage effect. If you are already sensitive to THC and not sure how you will response with other cannabinoids, but you still want to try CBD, then CBD isolate based products should be in your choice list.
Summary
Picking a CBD product that might fit with your need can be a struggle for the very first try. But if you familiarize yourself with the terms like the ones we discussed above, it will be much easier.
It is a good idea to learn more about CBD products before actually trying one. Having more knowledge about CBD will help you pick the right product. Your understanding of which product you are using and why you are using it, will also ensure a better outcome.
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