If you’ve just started shopping for a CBD oil to add to your supplement routine, you may be a bit overwhelmed at first. It can seem like you’re trying to understand a foreign language as you navigate complex technical terms, but we promise it gets easier!
Below, we cover what full-spectrum CBD oil is, how it differs from other CBD oils, and why it’s important to buy products from a trusted brand.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD is sometimes called whole-plant CBD because it offers elements from—you guessed it—the whole cannabis plant. It includes hundreds of compounds that are found in the cannabis plant including:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Trace amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (0.3% or less)
- Secondary cannabinoids
- Terpenes
Full-spectrum CBD can also contain essential vitamins, proteins, fatty-acids and fiber to deliver the full range of benefits offered by hemp. It is a great option if you are looking to maximize the goodness of CBD and you are not concerned about the presence of 0.3% THC and other cannabinoids.
The Difference Between Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and CBD Isolate
Now that you know “full-spectrum” contains CBD, trace amounts of THC, and many other beneficial compounds, let’s focus next on what “broad-spectrum” and “CBD isolate” mean.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, but it differs from full-spectrum CBD because it does not contain any THC. Broad-spectrum is the way to go if you want the benefits of hemp oil, are sensitive to THC, or simply prefer not to ingest it.
If THC isn’t a concern for you, we recommend full-spectrum CBD oil because THC and CBD are actually pretty great friends who work synergistically.
CBD isolate, as the name suggests, is pure, isolated CBD. It contains none of the other cannabinoids that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum have other than CBD. It is a good choice if you are an athlete who undergoes drug testing or you want to be able to keep track of your CBD intake more precisely.
Which is better is a matter of personal preference, so start with one and broaden your horizons later when you want to mix it up or experiment. All options give you access to the benefits of hemp plants!
What is Full-Spectrum CBD Good For?
Some key supporting compounds found in full-spectrum CBD oil are THC, CBC, CBG, and CBN.
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THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the most prevalent active ingredient of cannabis. It is psychoactive, meaning it is the cannabinoid that produces marijuana’s signature “high”.
CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC and won’t give you a buzz. However, THC and CBD will work together to produce the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the theory that all the compounds of cannabis work best when taken together versus taken separately.
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CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBC is one of the better known secondary cannabinoids found in hemp. It's non-intoxicating and may help improve your mood.
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CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG is undergoing early stages of research, but results seem promising in a variety of areas, including exercise-induced inflammation. And while this cannabinoid is typically only present in trace amounts, cultivators are crossbreeding hemp strains with higher levels of CBG to explore its potential benefits.
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CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is a cannabinoid that’s best known for its calming effects and potential benefits for a restful night’s sleep. It may also lessen the impact of inflammation brought on through physical activity.
Broad-spectrum CBD will usually also contain the compounds above other than THC. Isolate products will not contain any of the compounds above and will be pure CBD only.
Where to Buy Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
There are hundreds of suppliers and retailers of CBD oil products, but not all of them are created equal. CBD oil can be pricey and you’ll want to ensure you’re buying quality products that will produce their intended effect.
Look for brands that offer USDA Organic and third-party lab-tested formulas. Reputable companies will happily provide you with a Certificate of Analysis for every batch of CBD oil produced.
If you are looking for a full-spectrum CBD tincture you can trust, try our Full-Spectrum CBD Water Soluble tincture! You can take it by itself or mix it into your favorite beverage, smoothie, or shake. We also offer full-spectrum CBD gummies for a tasty treat when you’re on the go.
If you’re the type of person who likes to consider all options before making a decision, browse our collection of high-quality CBD products!
Conclusion
It can take a bit of education to understand the differences between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate, but once you have the basics down, you’ll be on your way to experiencing the benefits in no time!
Ask questions, know where your products are coming from, and always look for a Certificate of Analysis to confirm that you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for.
At Hemplucid, we are happy to answer any questions you may have and we can recommend CBD oil products to suit your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Reach out to us anytime and don’t be shy to ask about our processes or the formulations of our products.
If you’d like to continue learning about the world of CBD, check out Hemplucid University where we cover frequently asked questions for first-time hemp buyers.
