When you explore Weedsy Canada, you might be curious about terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for its non-psychoactive properties, is characterized by its purity. Some cannabis consist solely of CBD, while others incorporate additional components of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can impact your CBD experience. Armed with this information, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that align with your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD includes 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 common methods to create CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a cannabis that encompasses a variety of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and trace levels of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD possesses a higher concentration of CBD, along with small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product contains all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may be present in negligible amounts or lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes contribute to the plant’s unique aroma, while flavonoids provide color and serve various biological functions. The synergy of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains minimal THC, with concentrations never exceeding 0.3%. These small amounts are insufficient to produce any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the combined influence of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, amplifies therapeutic advantages. CBD may boost THC effects while mitigating some undesirable impacts.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also comprise multiple forms of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Research indicates that cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) show promise in alleviating stress and inflammation.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains various active compounds from the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not contain measurable THC. Manufacturers often label it accordingly and may provide details about specific cannabinoids in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that can generate an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates numerous physiological functions like temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids engage with specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, found throughout the body. This interaction allows CBD to help manage the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary CBD extraction methods utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has unique advantages and drawbacks, making neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest approaches to producing cannabis extracts involves using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is submerged in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, the minuscule, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes are rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and eliminate the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced technique involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and yield a CBD-rich oil.
A primary benefit of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By controlling temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires costly equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction might seem only relevant to manufacturers and CBD companies. However, the extraction process significantly influences the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to grasp the basics.
CO2 extraction is the most effective and safest method, 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 who prefer THC-free products but still want the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products offer comparable benefits since they contain nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD tends to exert a stronger influence on symptom management than broad-spectrum CBD, although both types provide similar advantages.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal examined the medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep issues. Researchers noted a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of patients within the first month, with 66.7% experiencing initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can lead to positive outcomes for patients with social anxiety disorder, especially when taken 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 investigated their experiences with CBD. The findings suggested that CBD cannabis concentrates, such as oil, particularly alleviated pain levels, especially back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study in the Annals of Oncology indicated that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could improve symptoms in chemotherapy patients. About 85% of participants preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 demonstrated that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, whether administered orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD holds 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 most rapid and efficient method for delivering 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 where needed.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or incorporating them into food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles provide a straightforward experience. While effects may take longer to onset, they offer a longer-lasting impact.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors like weight, health status, and reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over several days while monitoring your response ensures you find the ideal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you seek the health benefits of CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options are likely your top choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and aim to maximize CBD’s potential advantages, full-spectrum products are likely 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 along with the best cannabis extracts, such as CBD oils, all packaged discreetly. Browse through multiple options 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, lacking the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates are devoid of flavor and odor unless intentionally enhanced, making them particularly appealing to customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Various methods of consuming CBD can effectively alleviate pain, although the timing and duration of relief differ. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but only last a few hours. Gummies and capsules offer longer-lasting relief, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a suitable alternative.
Related Article:
“`
