CBD oil has become immensely popular in the last few years. Mostly, it contains either a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extract. Both the variations have unique appeal, use case, and target audience.
New users often get confused about picking one over the other. The main difference between broad-spectrum CBD oil and full-spectrum CBD is the THC concentration. Full-spectrum CBD oils have up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad-spectrum oils are completely free from it.
Still, it’s important to read the label properly and buy from reputable sources because many openly sold CBD oils have way less or way more THC and CBD in them than what’s mentioned on the label. Let’s examine the differences in detail so you can make an informed choice for your wellness journey.
What are the main elements of hemp extract used in CBD oil?
Cannabinoids
The most important aspect of any CBD product is the cannabinoids. There are more than 110+ such compounds in hemp extracts. Every cannabinoid has its unique wide range of healing and therapeutic properties.
For example, CBN is considered best for sleep, whereas CBG is considered good for cardiovascular health. Some examples of well-researched cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), and more.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds of hemp plants. It gives them their distinct aroma, flavor, and even color in some cases. Remember that earthy scent and flavor of unflavored CBD oil? That comes from terpenes.
Other than smell and flavor, some terpenes also exhibit therapeutic effects when consumed along with cannabinoids and increase the intensity of the overall healing effect. For example, linalool helps with anxiety, pinene helps with inflammation, and myrcene is great for relaxation.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids play an important role in improving your favorite CBD oil’s overall efficiency. They work together with terpenes and cannabinoids to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Flavonoids are present in many plants, including hemp. It’s a group of phytonutrients that can protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals and protect cells from degradation. Flavonoids are also being studied for their potential in the treatment of many chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Alkaloids
Alkaloids are simple nitrogen-containing compounds, but their quantity is a bit limited in hemp plants. Certain alkaloids like hordenine are being studied for their ability to boost energy in the human body.
In hemp plants, they mainly contribute to improving its aroma and its natural pest resistance ability. The research is a bit limited, but experts believe alkaloids play a major role in improving the overall healing and therapeutic effects of hemp-derived CBD products.
What’s the difference between full-spectrum CBD oil and broad-spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum means the extract used to make the oil has whole hemp plant compounds in it. This includes a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and alkaloids discussed above.
Together, these compounds create a strong synergistic healing impact in the body known as the “entourage effect.” A full range of cannabinoids means there’s also the presence of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC.
However, its limit is restricted to just 0.3% in all legally sold CBD products. This is in line with the guidance of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived CBD products all across the country. Outside of the US, similar guidelines are followed for CBD products.
The 0.3% THC does not pose any risk of intoxication; it’s only in traces and helps in improving the overall relaxing properties of the full-spectrum CBD oil. Broad-spectrum CBD oil also has all the compounds of hemp plants except THC.
This formulation has zero THC; otherwise, everything is the same as full spectrum. All other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and alkanoids are also present in broad-spectrum CBD oil. There’s one more category known as isolate CBD. It is CBD in its purest form and usually comes in a powdery form. Isolate products don’t have any other elements than CBD in them.
What’s better? Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum?
In terms of overall effect, both full-spectrum oil and broad-spectrum oil will deliver similar results. After all, the main cannabinoid, CBD, is the same in both, and negligible THC (<0.3%) hardly makes a difference. Both will help you with sleep, anxiety, pain, stress, appetite, mood, focus, relaxation, and sleep.
So, what’s the need for two varieties? Well, that’s because some people don’t like to consume THC, not even in trace amounts. Plus, there are some regions where only zero-THC products are legal. In those conditions, broad-spectrum CBD oil allows people to experience hemp’s full healing effects without worrying about any complications.
People who have blood work coming up or are participating in a sporting event also go with the no-THC option to avoid disqualification. For example, sports bodies like the NBA and WADA have legalized CBD products for athletes to recover, but they cannot have any THC in them. So it ideally depends on your specific use case.
If you don’t mind slight THC consumption, then go with full-spectrum CBD oil. But if THC is not legal in your area or you are sensitive to even trace levels of THC, then broad-spectrum is perfect. Some people do say that full-spectrum CBD creates a stronger relaxing feeling due to the presence of THC, but there’s no concrete evidence of it. Just try both and stick with what works best for you.
Bringing It All Together
To sum it up, the only difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil is the THC concentration. The former has some (0.3%), and the latter has none. Both the formulations are almost equally effective and can improve your health holistically.
Some find full spectrum more potent than broad spectrum, while others don’t feel any major difference. Maybe try both and stick with what works best for you. In some places where THC is fully restricted, you may find only broad-spectrum options.
Regardless of which one you pick, you’ll experience an “entourage” effect due to synergy between cannabinoids, phytonutrients, and flavonoids. Read the lab test report carefully and try to stick with reputable brands like Colorado Botanicals.
