When you explore an online dispensary, you might question what terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD signify. CBD, the non-psychoactive element, is noted for its purity. Some products feature solely CBD, while others incorporate additional components of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can impact your CBD experience. Armed with this knowledge, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that meet your requirements.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD contains CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD has all these components except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and Alcohol extraction techniques are the two prevalent methods to produce CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a CBD product that comprises a diverse array of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD has a higher CBD concentration but also includes small amounts 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 unique scent to the plant, while flavonoids add color and serve multiple biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, but the concentration in full-spectrum CBD oil never exceeds 0.3%. These minimal levels are not enough to produce any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the collective impact of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD may enhance the effects of THC while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also consist of various cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Research into cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) indicates potential anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that includes several active compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not possess detectable levels of THC. Manufacturers typically label it accordingly and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains multiple cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which manages various physiological functions like temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids work by binding to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are spread throughout the body. Through this binding process, CBD can help regulate 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 distinct advantages and drawbacks, meaning neither is inherently better.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the most straightforward methods for creating cannabis extracts involves using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve the cannabis trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes house a rich supply of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. This fluid is then passed over the plant material to extract the trichomes and create a CBD-rich oil.
One of the key benefits of CO2 extraction is its high level of flexibility. By managing the temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction necessitates expensive equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD firms.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem solely relevant to manufacturers and CBD businesses. However, the extraction process significantly affects the quality of the final product, making it advantageous for you to learn the essentials.
CO2 extraction is recognized as the most effective and safest method, which is why it is 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 seek the complete range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals who prefer THC-free products but still want the advantages of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products offer comparable benefits as they consist of nearly identical components except for THC. Full-spectrum CBD will exert a stronger effect on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still provide the same advantages.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal assessed the medical records of 72 patients suffering from anxiety or sleep issues. Within the initial month, researchers observed a decline in anxiety levels among 79.2% of the patients. 66.7% experienced initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies suggest that potent CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive results for patients with social anxiety disorder, particularly when consumed 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 survey results indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil significantly helped alleviate pain levels, particularly 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 revealed that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when 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 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 fastest and most effective method for delivering CBD extract into your system, primarily because of its high bioavailability, which can reach up to 60%.
- Apply it topically on your skin: Topicals provide targeted relief and can be applied wherever needed.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or mixing them with your food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more user-friendly experience. While the onset of effects may be slower, they provide a longer-lasting impact.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors like weight, health conditions, and cannabis reactions. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over several days while monitoring your response helps you find the ideal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hinges on your goals and sensitivity to the components. If you’re pursuing the health benefits of CBD without the influence of THC, broad-spectrum options are likely your top choice. If you’re open to THC and looking to maximize the potential advantages of CBD, full-spectrum products are probably your best bet.
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 and the best cannabis extracts, like CBD oils, packaged discreetly. Explore multiple 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 additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant and lacks the synergistic benefits linked to the entourage effect.
Isolates have neither flavor nor odor unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings. This characteristic makes them especially suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Several methods of consuming CBD can effectively mitigate pain, although the timing and duration of relief vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but offer relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules can deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a fitting option.
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