What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

full-spectrum CBD oil

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil - Benefits And Side Effects

The hype around CBD products is intense, and a growing number of small studies point to some health benefits, but what exactly is Full-spectrum CBD?

Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is one of the over 80 active cannabinoids identified within cannabis plants. 

This phytocannabinoid is non-psychoactive, and it’s purported to provide numerous health benefits without getting its consumers high (or giving the munchies).

Perhaps you’re wondering what full-spectrum CBD is?  Or maybe you’re asking, what is the difference between the various forms of CBD? 

This article gives a rundown of the contents of each CBD form. 

We will also delve into full-spectrum CBD and tell you exactly what it is, its chemical content, and its health benefits, according to research.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or simply CBD, is a non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the two varieties of cannabis plants (marijuana and hemp plants). 

CBD oil has become a popular natural remedy for many conditions such as; 

  • Anxiety
  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Stress
  • PTSD symptoms

Cannabis is a complex plant that naturally produces over 400 chemical entities, of which more than 100 are cannabinoids. 

CBD oil is mainly extracted from industrial hemp plants as they only produce trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3% THC). 

This small amount of THC does not have the ability to cause a high or euphoric intoxication.

However, it contributes meaningfully to the entourage effect, enhancing the medicinal and therapeutic effects of the CBD extract.

3 Types Of CBD

There are numerous different types of CBD products on the market today. 

These products will contain one of the following;

  1. CBD Isolate oil
  2. Broad-spectrum CBD oil
  3. full-spectrum CBD oil

CBD isolate is arguably the purest form of CBD, while broad-spectrum CBD is an extract containing various compounds and cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, except tetrahydrocannabinol (THC- the cannabinoid that produces a high feeling).

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What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD is an extract of the cannabis plant that contains most of the plant’s naturally occurring compounds like essential oils, terpenes, essential fatty acids, proteins, and other cannabinoids, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and 0.3% or less THC.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis plants that give each strain its characteristic flavor and aroma. 

Research has found that cannabis terpenes also possess medicinal properties, and they contribute to the overall therapeutic effect of medical cannabis.

This means that full-spectrum CBD offers you all the benefits of the cannabis plant beyond CBD.

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Full-Spectrum CBD vs Broad-Spectrum vs Isolate

As mentioned above, CBD products can contain broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate. 

The difference between these forms of CBD relates to their chemical contents:

Let’s take a look at the 3 types of CBD oilavailable to you.

1. Broad-spectrum CBD

This is closely similar to full-spectrum CBD in that it possesses all the same chemical compounds as full-spectrum CBD. 

This includes terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, proteins, different cannabinoids, and more.  

However, unlike full-spectrum, broad-spectrum CBD contains zero THC. 

This makes broad-spectrum CBD products the best option for those looking for the highest benefits of the cannabis plants without the influence of THC.

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2. CBD Isolate

Isolate is arguably the purest form of CBD. As the name implies, this pure form of CBD oil does not contain any other chemical compounds or cannabinoids other than pure CBD. 

This type of products may be suitable for CBD beginners looking to experiment with the purported benefits of CBD.  

Because CBD isolate goes through further refining, it is tasteless and odorless. 

A 2015 animal study concluded that although CBD isolate may offer some health benefits against symptoms like pain and inflammation, the effects may be less potent than when using full-spectrum hemp oil. 

The research also found that CBD isolate effects may only occur at a specific dosage.  Comparably, full-spectrum hemp extract effects seem to increase as the dose increases. 

Hence, users who wish to consume a high CBD dose may consider taking CBD isolate products.

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3. Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is also referred to as ‘whole-plant extract.’ 

It contains all the beneficial compounds of the hemp plant. According to earlier research, the health benefits of CBD may be more prominent when numerous cannabis compounds are present. 

The federal law requires that CBD products be extracted from industrial hemp instead of marijuana plants. 

The amount of THC produced by hemp plants (0.3%) is very minimal and cannot trigger feelings of euphoria.

In addition, these low levels of THC cannot show up in drug tests.

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Is Full-Spectrum CBD The Best?

Full-spectrum CBD is the most popular form of CBD, commonly used for medical purposes. 

In fact, full-spectrum CBD may have a more potent effect than broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Here’s why.

Multiple Cannabis Compounds

As noted earlier, full-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabis compounds.  

Research suggests that CBD oil can produce more prominent medicinal and therapeutic effects when other compounds from the hemp plant are present.  

Researchers refer to this mechanism where multiple cannabis compounds work to maximize the overall effects of CBD oil as the ‘entourage effect.’ 

The entourage effect means that you receive all the benefits of every hemp compound in full-spectrum CBD. 

To receive the highest benefits of full-spectrum CBD, consistency is key. 

Consistent usage helps build up a CBD supply in your system, providing the optimal benefits of each drop of CBD oil.

What Is In Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Full-spectrum CBD contains most, if not all, the beneficial compounds naturally produced by hemp plants. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the prevalent components in full-spectrum CBD. Other common cannabinoids include:

Cannabichromene (CBC)

A natural cannabinoid that is showing great promise in studies for a myriad of conditions. 

It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-depressant, and anti-cancer properties. 

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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The psychoactive cannabinoid is responsible for the ‘high’ and euphoric feelings of marijuana.

Cannabinol (CBN)

A non-psychoactive and minor compound that offers the most potent sedative effects.  

It is commonly found in aged cannabis and possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant effects.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBG is commonly coined as the mother of all cannabinoids. It has been found to possess potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and tumor-fighting properties.  

Studies also indicate that it may have the potential to treat skin diseases, inflammation, and glaucoma.

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How To Take Full-Spectrum CBD

Research into the health benefits of CBD and its possible side effects is still ongoing. 

Early findings, mainly from animal and not human studies, suggest that full-spectrum CBD has a beneficial impact on symptoms like;

  • Joint pain
  • Muscle soreness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • And more

Even so, the most important thing to note when shopping for CBD is the product’s quality and dosage; high-quality CBD oil products provide the highest level of relief for your symptoms.

In addition, the positive effects of CBD often depend on the method of ingestion. 

For instance, inhaling CBD  (vaping or smoking) provides the fastest onset of effects as the CBD goes directly to the lungs and into the bloodstream. 

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CBD effects can take hours to kick in when ingested in the form of edibles like gummies and lollipops. 

Finally, sublingual consumption (placing a few CBD oil drops under the tongue and holding them there for a few seconds before swallowing) provides a faster onset of highly potent effects.

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5 Benefits of full-spectrum CBD Oil

1. CBD For Pain Relief

Full-spectrum oil may effectively relieve pain like headaches and body aches by acting on some biological processes in the human body. 

The cannabinoid has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties.

A study on mice concluded that full-spectrum CBD oil offered significant pain relief. 

The researchers also found that not only did CBD oil alleviate chronic pain and inflammation in the animal subjects, but it did so without the side effects associated with other chemical-based analgesics like opioids. 

2. Can CBD Help To Fight Cancer?

While there is no evidence that full-spectrum CBD oil can cure cancer, CBD may have anti-cancer properties that can help reduce cancer symptoms and side effects. 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) found mixed results after reviewing numerous studies on cancer and cannabis. 

An earlier study involving 64,855 participants in the United States found that the use of marijuana increased the risk of prostate and tobacco-related cancers. 

On the flip side, a 2015 study found positive results between cannabis and bladder cancer.

The researchers found that cannabis use significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 45% in men. 

Generally, it is too early to make any claims about cannabidiol and cancer treatment since research is still in its early stages. 

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3. CBD For Help To Quit Smoking

The best full-spectrum CBD products may help reduce cigarette consumption in chronic tobacco smokers. CBD can help you stop smoking in multiple ways. 

For one, CBD smoke offers a similar experience to your regular tobacco cigarette. Hence, you can smoke hemp to fulfill some of your smoking needs. 

Secondly, nicotine can be addictive, and attempting to stop smoking can result in withdrawal symptoms like stress, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, depression, and high blood pressure. 

Hemp does not have side effects. Instead, it reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes, and CBD can help relieve most of the withdrawal symptoms after quitting tobacco smoking.

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4. CBD And Mental Health Issues

Full-spectrum CBD is purported to help treat many psychiatric conditions. 

Numerous studies show that regular use of CBD may help prevent or alleviate;

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Addiction issues

Other studies also suggest that the best CBD oil may help treat opioid addiction.

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5. May Help With Neurological Disorders

Full-spectrum CBD is gaining popularity as a natural treatment for many neurological disorders like chronic pain, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

According to numerous studies, the combined compounds in a full-spectrum CBD extract can provide relief for different symptoms in neurological patients.

The Risks Of Full-Spectrum CBD

Cannabidiol is generally well-tolerated by the body. 

However, the use of full-spectrum CBD may carry some risks and reversible side effects like; 

  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea

Concerns When Using Full-Spectrum CBD

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Limited Clinical Studies

Studies exploring the potential health benefits of full-spectrum CBD are increasingly growing in the private sector. 

However, there have not been acute clinical studies by the federal government to characterize the effects of full-spectrum CBD on the body or brain. 

As such, public acceptance and usage of CBD products may still be limited.

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FDA Still To Approve Many CBD Products

The U.S Food & Drug Administration has only approved one CBD-based product known as Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures resulting from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. 

The FDA does not approve any other CBD products to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any diseases. 

Until the FDA green-lights the usage of over-the-counter CBD products, consumers may shy away from using full-spectrum CBD products, which can significantly limit industry growth.

Will Full-Spectrum CBD Get You High?

The short answer? No! 

CBD products will not get you high. Even CBD that has been sourced from marijuana plants does not have the ability to cause a ‘high’ or state of euphoria. 

The low levels of THC in the full-spectrum option are not strong enough to cause psychoactive effects like a high.

In fact, CBD is capable of enhancing the medicinal effects of THC while antagonizing its side effects, even when the former exists in small doses. 

The most important thing is to purchase your products from a trustworthy brand and ensure the THC content is below or as per the legal requirement of 0.3% THC.

3 Considerations When Buying Full-Spectrum CBD

There are some crucial factors that you should consider when buying any CBD products:

1. Product Potency and Dosage

CBD products have varying potencies and dosage degrees depending on your specific needs. The dosage of CBD products is usually expressed in milligrams. 

It is generally advised that you start with 2.5mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight twice a day. 

However, factors like your metabolism and tolerance level will also determine the suitable dose.

2. Product Safety and Ingredients

You must ensure that you buy the best full-spectrum CBD oil products from a company that readily avails the products’ certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent third-party testing laboratory. 

COA is a document that shows exactly what compounds are in the CBD product.

3. The Risks and Possible Side Effects

CBD is well-tolerated by the body, and there are negligible to no risks associated with this natural ingredient.

However, it may cause side effects when consumed together with other drugs.

The commonly reported side effects include dry mouth, changes in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. 

It’s therefore important to consult your doctor first if you’re taking any prescription medications.

Full-Spectrum CBD Products On the Market

Many companies manufacture different types of CBD products. 

The most popular full-spectrum CBD products include; 

  1. CBD oils
  2. Edibles
  3. Soft gels
  4. Capsules
  5. CBD topicals – creams, balms, salves, and lotions. 

Sublingual CBD tinctures and oil drops tend to be the most efficient consumption method because they deliver CBD directly into your bloodstream. 

However, your ideal method is entirely up to you and it depends on your needs.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD? The Bottom Line

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial active ingredients of the hemp plant, including less than 0.3% THC. 

This means that it provides greater benefits and more potent medical effects than broad-spectrum and CBD isolate.

Thats because the multiple compounds work together to produce a strong entourage effect. 

Additionally, how much THC is in your full-spectrum CBD products should depend on how familiar you are with using CBD.

People who want to try full-spectrum hemp extracts to manage any health conditions should consult their healthcare providers first to recommend how much CBD is ideal for their needs.