When you explore an online dispensary, you might be curious about terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for being non-psychoactive, is characterized by its purity. Some products consist solely of CBD, while others encompass various 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. This insight allows you to choose the best extracts online Canada tailored to your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD comprises CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD includes 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 common methods to create CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a product that contains a wide variety of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD boasts a higher CBD concentration, including small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not all full-spectrum products feature all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may exist in minimal quantities or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide the plant’s unique aroma, while flavonoids contribute color and various biological functions. The synergy of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD retains trace levels of THC, but the concentration never exceeds 0.3%, insufficient to cause psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect indicates that the combined impact of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD can enhance THC’s effects while mitigating some of its negative impacts.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also contain multiple cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Studies suggest that cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) show potential anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of extract encompassing various active compounds found in cannabis, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not contain detectable THC. Manufacturers typically indicate this 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), regulating various physiological functions like temperature, metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors within the ECS, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, present throughout the body. Through this interaction, CBD may help manage the body’s natural responses to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary extraction methods for CBD involve using alcohol or CO2. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, rendering neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One straightforward method for producing cannabis extracts involves utilizing alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the most common choice.
The cannabis plant material is submerged in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, the tiny structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes house numerous cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers eliminate the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method involves pressurizing and heating CO2, transforming it into a supercritical fluid. This fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
A major benefit of CO2 extraction is its high level of customization. By adjusting temperature and pressure, companies can selectively isolate specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires costly equipment, making it more prevalent among larger CBD companies.
While understanding CBD extraction may seem relevant only to manufacturers and CBD companies, it’s essential for consumers as the extraction method can significantly affect product quality.
CO2 extraction is considered the safest and most efficient technique, making it the preferred 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 complete range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals preferring THC-free products while still seeking the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products offer comparable benefits as they contain nearly identical compounds, except for THC. Full-spectrum CBD may have a stronger impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types provide similar advantages.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal examined the medical records of 72 patients dealing with anxiety or sleep issues. Researchers observed a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of patients within the first month, and 66.7% noted initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies suggest that potent CBD cannabis extracts can positively affect patients with social anxiety disorder, especially when administered orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving roughly 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California assessed their experiences with CBD. Findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates, such as oil, significantly improved pain levels, particularly in the back and neck.
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, with about 85% of participants favoring this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 demonstrates that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD exhibit anti-inflammatory properties when taken orally or applied topically.
This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD shows promise in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, including 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 way to deliver CBD extract into your system 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 adding them to food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. While the effects may take longer to onset, they tend to last longer.
Dosage is crucial and varies 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 several days while monitoring your response to find the optimal relief balance.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD hinges on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you seek health benefits from CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and want to maximize CBD’s potential benefits, full-spectrum products are 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 and the best cannabis extracts, including CBD oils, delivered discreetly. Explore various selections and discover exciting ways to save on your purchases.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate represents the purest form of CBD available, containing no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, and it lacks the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates have neither flavor nor odor unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings, making them particularly suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Multiple methods of consuming CBD can effectively alleviate pain, although the onset timing and duration of relief can vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid effects but may only last a few hours. Gummies and capsules can offer longer-lasting relief, sometimes extending up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals represent a suitable option.
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