Full spectrum CBD contains all of the naturally-occurring compounds present in the hemp plant, including small amounts of THC.
CBD and THC are two abbreviations that you have probably heard bandied around. But what do they stand for? CBD stands for cannabidiol — a cannabis compound that is quite popular nowadays thanks to its astounding health benefits. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is another cannabis compound whose fame predates CBD.
Even though these two cannabinoids exist naturally in the same plant (cannabis or hemp), their differences are as stark as day and night:
You may have noticed the words "full spectrum" or "broad spectrum" on the labels of CBD products. If you’re wondering what this means, this article will bring you up to speed and provide further relevant information on these two types of CBD. Let's get started.
At a glance:
Does Broad Spectrum CBD Have THC?
There are three types of CBD — full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Each type is different in composition and effects.
Ideally, broad spectrum CBD does not contain THC. However, recent revelations regarding the CBD industry suggests this may not be entirely true. The CBD industry is unregulated, meaning no one truly knows the composition of CBD products.
If recent lab test reports are anything to go by, then it is safe to presume that unless a CBD product is thoroughly lab tested, it may contain not only THC but also other toxic substances.
So, if you want broad spectrum CBD products that do not contain THC, it is critical to purchase from accredited manufacturers and vendors. Reputable brands submit their products for third-party testing to ensure they contain only the ingredients listed on the label — and nothing else.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD?
Same as full spectrum hemp, full spectrum CBD is a CBD extract that also contains the various other naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, including small amounts of THC.
What Does Full Spectrum CBD Mean?
The earlier definition implies that full spectrum CBD contains all the compounds that naturally exist in cannabis. That's the basic definition, but full spectrum CBD also has a literal and legal meaning.
The legal definition touches on issues which come down to the source. Full spectrum CBD derived from hemp is generally permitted in most states. CBD products derived from marijuana are illegal because marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill stipulate that full spectrum cannabis products must not contain more than 0.3% THC. Since marijuana typically has high levels of THC, any marijuana-derived products are equally illegal.
Therefore, full spectrum CBD — under the legal provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — is CBD extract with no more than 0.3% of THC.
What Does Full Spectrum CBD Do?
To understand what full spectrum CBD does, we have to talk about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is an intricate network of cellular receptors and chemical signals (neurotransmitters) found throughout the body.
The endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, identified as CB receptors, typically outnumber other receptor types. These receptors regulate neurotransmitter activity and levels. They manage numerous processes by providing quick feedback and upregulating or downregulating system activities accordingly.
To activate these CB receptors, our bodies manufacture endocannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoids), which are structurally identical to cannabis cannabinoids. We all have these cannabis-like chemicals in our brains.
How Does CBD Work?
The cannabinoids from the cannabis plant effectively function by duplicating the roles of endogenous cannabinoids. Cannabinoids interact with specific receptors that control various physiological processes.
Experts claim that CBD alters how these receptors respond to signals, influencing processes like pain perception or sleep.
The Health Benefits of CBD
Research studies show that CBD possesses numerous health benefits thanks to its potent therapeutic properties. Some of these impressive health benefits include:
Pain Management
A 2020 study investigating the potential for CBD in pain management showed that CBD might have therapeutic potential for chronic pain. CBD's novel analgesic properties have made it even more popular among people with various types of pain.
Sleep Support
Other studies have also shown that CBD supports better sleep due to its calming effect on the central nervous system. This cannabinoid may also enhance sleep quality because it can regulate serotonin activity.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
CBD use is also prevalent among people with stress and anxiety. A 2015 study on the effects of CBD on anxiety disorders concluded that it has "considerable potential" as a treatment for various types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
This cannabis compound is also a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 study investigating CBD's antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties highlighted its therapeutic potential for many conditions, including those associated with oxidative stress.
Brain Health and Neuroprotection
Another property of CBD that signaled the research world to take it seriously is neuroprotection. This quality enables CBD to provide a naturopathic remedy for various neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and seizure disorders.
In conjunction with the Realm of Caring Foundation, medical researchers from John Hopkins carried out an observational study to better understand the effect of CBD products on patients with epilepsy. They found that CBD improves numerous health aspects and reduces the adverse effects of anti-seizure medicines, improving quality of life for people with seizure disorders.
In 2018, Epidiolex became the only FDA-approved CBD-based medication for managing seizure disorders. In 2021, the European Commission approved another variation of Epidiolex as an adjunctive treatment for TSC-related seizures. TSC stands for tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disorder symptomized by non-cancerous tumors in different body parts.
This CBD-based drug is also currently used as an adjunct treatment to Clobazam in treating patients with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome. These are rare types of childhood epilepsy that do not respond to conventional epilepsy medications.
How Does the Entourage Effect Work?
There is no doubt that CBD has much to offer health-wise. However, not all CBD extracts are the same — some are more potent than others. Indeed, most CBD users swear by the effectiveness of full spectrum CBD compared to other types of CBD.
What could be the logical basis for such an assertion? As pointed out earlier, full spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring cannabis compounds, such as:
- Other cannabinoids such as THC and CBN
- Flavonoids
- Terpenes
- Essential oils
- Vitamins
- Fatty acids
Researchers believe that, collectively, these compounds enhance each other's effects, a phenomenon referred to as the entourage effect. Leading cannabis experts contend that this synergy is what actually gives cannabis its "character."
Proponents of the entourage effect have made several claims to support this theory.
Generally, cannabinoids have some neurochemical impact because they can influence cannabinoid receptors in various parts of the body, including the central nervous system, in many ways.
CBD is usually cited as a perfect example. Researchers believe it alleviates THC's well-known "high" and paranoia-inducing effects by inhibiting certain cannabinoid receptors.
Indeed, many researchers now believe CBD modulates some of THC's adverse effects. Here are a couple of studies that support the entourage effect:
More importantly, research now shows that terpenes are cannabimimetic and thus mimic the activity of cannabinoids. The implication is that when mixed with cannabinoids, they amplify their effects, albeit selectively. For example, when used with THC, terpenes enhance its pain-relieving effects but not its intoxication.
Researchers investigating the effects of four cannabis terpenes made interesting discoveries, further cementing the entourage effect theory. The four terpenes — linalool, beta-pinene, humulene, and geraniol — were evaluated independently and then together with a synthetic cannabinoid.
The researchers established that besides activating all the receptors stimulated by the cannabinoid, the terpenes also lowered pain sensitivity and body temperature while inducing catalepsy — one of the effects of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Does CBD Reduce the Effects of THC?
Medical marijuana use is nothing new. Since the 80s, a synthetic form of THC has been used to stimulate appetite. However, it also made patients paranoid and "high."
On the other hand, Sativex, which has both THC and CBD, is much better tolerated, suggesting that CBD mitigates the less desirable effects of THC.
This happens due to CBD’s interactions with CB1 receptors. THC is a CB1 agonist and binds nicely to these receptors. CBD is a CB1 antagonist, which means it limits this receptor's activity by blocking access to it.
In other words, CBD identifies THC's binding spots and attaches itself there, thus preventing THC from doing the same.
Where to Buy Full Spectrum CBD
At FOCL, we’re proud to offer our new line of full spectrum CBD products. Our high-quality broad spectrum products are now available in a full spectrum formula, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of our premium hemp extract and live your best life.
For instance, our Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops are made with whole hemp extracts for optimal effect, whether you want better focus, more restful sleep, or a long-lasting relaxation. They come in two strength levels and four different flavors to ensure everyone's preferences are met.
If you’re more sweet-toothed, go with our Premium Full Spectrum CBD Gummies, available in three different flavors to ensure that grassy aftertaste does not spoil the fun. Each gummy is packed with 25 mg of full spectrum CBD, leveraging the full potential of the whole hemp plant to offer you the most resounding benefits.
Finally, if you want a full spectrum CBD product to take at night, check out our Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies. These naturally flavored gummies combine 25 mg of full spectrum CBD with 15 mg of CBN, L-theanine, and passion flower extract to help you get the deep, restful sleep you deserve.
