Full spectrum vs Broad spectrum CBD oil: Know the Aspects
Written By
Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni AgarwalDr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
When looking into CBD oil, you’ll often come across terms like full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD oil. It can be a bit confusing, but the difference is simple. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, including a tiny amount of THC (the compound which makes you high). Broad-spectrum CBD oil, has all other beneficial cannabinoids and compounds except for the psychoactive compounds like THC.
Think of the full spectrum as the “whole team” working for a strong effect, while the broad spectrum is the same team minus one player, THC. Both offer potential health benefits, but choosing one depends on your preferences and needs. If you’re concerned about any THC, even in small amounts, broad-spectrum might be the better fit for you. But if you want the most natural form of CBD, full spectrum could be your go-to.
Table of Contents
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD oil: Comparison and Effects
Full Spectrum CBD Oil:
Full-spectrum CBD oil consists of all the compounds found in the cannabis plant; hence, it contains cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC.
THC being present in that full spectrum of cannabinoids creates what is known as an "entourage effect." Such synergistic interactions enhance the therapeutic effects of each element and greatly turn full-spectrum CBD into a very effective solution in quite a few conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil:
Broad-spectrum CBD oil consists of a party of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that are the same as those found in a full-spectrum oil but, in turn, are completely refined so that they remove any amount of contamination.
Although the full-spectrum CBD still entails the entourage effect, it provides a THC-free solution for many such people who are sensitive to frequently tested for reversing the drugs. Therefore, people most often use it to relieve anxiety, stress, and pain while causing no psychoactive effects coming from THC.
Key Differences:
- THC Content: Full spectrum will typically have THC that is less than 0.3%, while Broad spectrum has zero THC.
- Entourage Effect: There is an entourage effect in both oils, but the full spectrum can usually have a stronger outcome owing to the presence of THC in it.
Broad-spectrum vs. Full-spectrum: Composition
It is important to understand the composition of the two types of CBD oil to understand the effects properly.
Full Spectrum CBD:
- Cannabinoids: These include such active principles as CBD, THC (in a quantity not more than 0.3 % of the overall weight), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and many others.
- Terpenes: Myrcene, limonene, pinene and many others give the oil a specific odour and provide additional medicinal activity.
- ROM-flavonoids: These plant parts lead to antioxidant activity and diverse medicinal activity.
Broad Spectrum CBD:
- Cannabinoids: Contains vast amounts of cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, and CBD, although the product still proves to contain no THC.
- Traditional Terpenes and Flavonoids: The healing, therapeutic terpenes and flavonoids of the cannabis plant are retained as well.
- Processing: This additional, third process of removing THC uses certain techniques for its removal, such as chromatography, which leaves the other cannabinoids and compounds intact.
Full-spectrum vs. Broad spectrum: Side Effects
Although CBD is considered very safe, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils are not an exception to the side effects, mainly large dosages.
Common Side Effects:
- Mouth Dryness: A common irritation shown in many users of either type of C.D.B.M. because cannabinoids are known to suppress the creation of saliva.
- Drowsiness: In high doses, there is a good sedative effect to induce sleep, and this property again is claimed by several users of the full-spectrum drug.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Diarrhoea or changes in appetites occur in some users.
- Medication Interactions: The use of CBD can interact with many other drugs, particularly blood thinners; it should not be taken unless under professional consultation.
Full Spectrum: Specific Concerns
- THC Sensitivity: Those who are sensitive to the effects of THC may experience some mild psychoactivity even when consumed in trace amounts.
- Drug Testing: Although not very likely, the trace amounts of THC in full-spectrum CBD mean it could lead to a failed drug test, especially if you're ingesting high amounts of it regularly.
Broad Spectrum: Specific Concerns
- No THC-related complications: Since there is no inclusion of THC, one is very unlikely to face the psychoactive effect or perhaps any other complications associated with the drug.
Broad-spectrum vs. Full-spectrum: Which One You Should Choose?
The choice has to be made after factoring in your requirements, preferences, legal matters or health needs.
Opting for a Full Spectrum CBD:
- Prefer More Potent Therapeutic Effects: The entourage aspect comes into play when the combination of cannabinoids is in the presence of THC. So, if you feel you want more powerful relief for chronic pain, inflammation, or for that matter anxiety, full-spectrum CBD ought to be the choice.
- Don't Mind the Traces of THC: If you do not mind this, and you are not required to stay away from THC, then a full-spectrum CBD offers far more value. However, if you suffer from an illness or are on any medication that can potentially interact with THC, always consult a doctor before incorporating full-spectrum CBD into your routine.
Opting for a Broad Spectrum CBD:
- Products Free of THC: Broad spectrum is the naturally better option for those who want to have no exposure to THC, for any of several reasons, sensitivity to THC, or legal reasons.
- First-Timer: Novices can gravitate toward broad-spectrum products because they offer the benefits of multiple cannabinoids without the psychotropic effects of THC.
- Afraid of Failing a Drug Test: If you have to go regularly for drug testing, then broad-spectrum is the safer bet since it doesn't contain any THC content.
Other Last Considerations:
- Goals: Think about what you are trying to achieve with the help of CBD. If you are going for treatment of severe symptoms, then full-spectrum is suitable for you. However, for mild problems, broad-spectrum can be preferable.
- Medical Conditions: One should know of their health conditions or any medications they may be under. THC content, the full spectrum may react differently with some medicines.
- Legalities: Ensure the type of CBD chosen falls within the local law. This is because the regulation around the content of THC is different from one place to another.
Conclusion
Thus, full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD oil may have unique advantages since they are oriented towards different requirements and preferences. More potent and holistic, full-spectrum CBD includes a complete variety of cannabinoids, most certainly including THC. Broad-spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, is THC-free but will still offer much of the same benefit as multiple cannabinoids—just minus the high.
At the end of the day, though, full-spectrum versus broad-spectrum CBD comes down to your sensitivity to THC, pre-existing health conditions, and any legal or professional matters of concern. With this knowledge of the differences in their effects, you should be able to make the choice that best suits your wellness journey.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Q. Which is better, full spectrum or broad-spectrum?
Full-spectrum versus broad-spectrum CBD comes down to your sensitivity to THC and any legal or professional matters of concern. With this knowledge of the differences in their effects, you should be able to make the choice that best suits your wellness journey. Both offer potential health benefits, but choosing one depends on your preferences and needs. If you’re concerned about any THC, even in small amounts, broad-spectrum might be the better fit for you. But if you want the most natural form of CBD, full spectrum could be your go-to.
Q. Why choose full spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD oil consists of all the compounds found in the cannabis plant; hence, it contains cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC. THC being present in that full spectrum of cannabinoids creates what is known as an "entourage effect." Such synergistic interactions enhance the therapeutic effects of each element and greatly turn full-spectrum CBD into a very effective solution in quite a few conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety.