At the heart of the rapidly expanding CBD industry is the differentiation between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD. Despite both being derived from the same plant, they differ in their composition and effects. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, their benefits, and how to choose the best option for your needs.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. Instead, CBD has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and easing anxiety.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. Full-spectrum CBD products contain only trace amounts of THC, typically less than 0.2%, which isn’t enough to produce a psychoactive effect. The presence of THC can enhance the therapeutic benefits of CBD through the entourage effect, where all of the compounds work together to produce greater benefits.

In addition to THC, full-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN), each with their own potential therapeutic benefits. Terpenes are also present in full-spectrum CBD, which are aromatic compounds that give plants their distinct smells and flavours. Terpenes are believed to have their own potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and reducing anxiety.

The entourage effect of full-spectrum CBD means that all of the compounds work together synergistically to produce greater therapeutic benefits than any individual compound alone. Some studies have shown that full-spectrum CBD is more effective in reducing pain and inflammation than broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD also contains all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant, but THC has been removed during the extraction process. Broad-spectrum CBD is an excellent option for those who want to avoid THC altogether or who are subject to regular drug testing.

Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBC, and CBN, each with their own potential therapeutic benefits. Broad-spectrum CBD also contains terpenes, which are believed to have their own potential health benefits.

Broad-spectrum CBD offers many of the same potential therapeutic benefits as full-spectrum CBD without the presence of THC. This makes broad-spectrum CBD a good option for those who want the benefits of all the compounds in the plant but want to avoid THC.

Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD

The benefits of full-spectrum CBD come from the entourage effect. The combination of all the compounds in the plant working together can produce greater benefits than any individual compound alone. Some studies have shown that full-spectrum CBD is more effective in reducing pain and inflammation than broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and chronic pain. One study found that full-spectrum CBD was more effective in reducing seizures in patients with epilepsy than CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD may also have potential benefits for those with cancer. In a study of mice with lung cancer, full-spectrum CBD was found to be more effective in reducing tumour growth than CBD isolate.

Benefits of Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that a combination of CBD and other cannabinoids found in broad-spectrum CBD was effective in reducing anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder.

Broad-spectrum CBD may also have potential benefits for those with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. A study published in the European Journal of Pain found that topical application of CBD reduced inflammation and pain in rats with arthritis.

Choosing Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD

When choosing between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences. Full-spectrum CBD may be a better option for those who want the maximum therapeutic benefits of all the compounds in the plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum CBD may be a better option for those who want the benefits of all the compounds in the plant without the presence of THC.

If you are subject to regular drug testing or want to avoid THC altogether, broad-spectrum CBD is the better option.

It’s also important to consider the quality of the CBD product you choose. Look for brands who third-party test their products (such as Stronglife) and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies the potency and purity of the product.

What is Cold-Pressed Full-Spectrum CBD?

Cold-pressed full-spectrum CBD refers to a method of extracting CBD from the hemp plant using a cold-press process. This method involves applying pressure to the hemp plant, which causes the oils containing the CBD to be released.

One of the benefits of cold-pressed full-spectrum CBD is that it preserves more of the beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant compared to other methods of extraction. This is because other methods, such as using solvents or heat, can degrade or remove some of these compounds.

Another advantage of cold-pressed full-spectrum CBD is that it is typically considered to be more natural and organic than other methods of extraction. This is because it does not involve the use of chemicals or high temperatures, which can sometimes leave behind residual solvents or alter the chemical composition of the extract.

Overall, cold-pressed full-spectrum CBD is a popular choice among those who are looking for a natural, organic, and effective CBD product. However, it’s important to note that there is no one “best” method of extraction for everyone, as different methods may be more appropriate for different types of products and individual preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD offer numerous potential health benefits. The main difference between the two is the presence of THC in full-spectrum CBD. While full-spectrum CBD may offer greater therapeutic benefits due to the entourage effect, broad-spectrum CBD may be a better option for those who want to avoid THC altogether.

When choosing between the two, consider your individual needs and preferences, and look for high-quality CBD products that have been third-party tested and have a Certificate of Analysis. Whether you choose full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, it’s important to remember that CBD is not a cure-all, and you should always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Studies Used:

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Hilderbrand, R. L. (2018). Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine? Missouri Medicine, 115(4), 306–309.
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2015). Overcoming the Bell-Shaped Dose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 6(2), 75–85. https://doi.org/10.4236/pp.2015.62010
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