Herbal supplements have been used for centuries for their beneficial properties and if history teaches us anything, humans have always turned to nature for solutions.
Herbal supplements are plant-based products extracted from roots, seeds, oils, berries, or flowers. They are considered by those who use them to be less toxic and more affordable than their synthetic counterparts. Still, it's good practice to know what herbal supplements contain and how they can react with the body.
Herbals like Gingko and Echinacea are hugely popular, but in recent years new herbal compounds like cannabinoids have gained popularity in the wellness market. Cannabis has been used for its therapeutic effects for millennia, but over the last few decades, we have begun to understand how it truly works.
At the center of its wellness properties are compounds called cannabinoids. New science suggests that cannabinoids can interact with the endocannabinoid system, triggering a wide range of physiological processes.
Cannabinoid supplements like CBD, THC, CBN, etc., continue to make a name for themselves and have become so popular that researchers have taken to lab to learn more about them. This article highlights new findings about cannabidiol oil and its potential wellness effects.
Key takeaways
- Full spectrum cannabinoid oil contains all naturally occurring cannabis compounds, including THC.
- Cannabinoid products are legal in the US only to the extent they contain less than 0.3% THC content.
- Full spectrum CBD oil is considered more effective than all other CBD types due to the entourage effect
What is full spectrum CBD
Have you ever wondered what the words "full spectrum" or "broad spectrum" on CBD products mean? In a nutshell, these words tell you what's contained in the product.
"Full spectrum" CBD is a cannabis extract that contains all the naturally occurring compounds of cannabis. This includes trace or significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), depending on the product.
THC is known for its psychoactive effects. In high concentrations, it's been shown to induce less desirable effects like paranoia, uneasiness, short-term memory loss, and coordination problems.
For these reasons, its inclusion in herbal products— typically not as strictly regulated as medications—is highly supervised. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they usually have an information label. This informs consumers of what is contained in the supplement and any health effects of note.
That said, full spectrum CBD is more popular than other CBD types due to the "entourage effect." This is the theory that cannabinoids work best when they work together.
There is a debate currently raging in the scientific community over whether this phenomenon is real, but there are indications full spectrum CBD works better than CBD isolates.
What does full spectrum CBD mean?
Technically, full spectrum CBD contains THC in addition to other naturally occurring cannabis compounds.
However, from a legal perspective, this type of CBD is only obtained from hemp. That's because hemp typically contains minimal THC content compared to the kind of cannabis which is used recreationally.
Keep in mind that recreational cannabis is still considered a banned substance in many parts of the world. In the US, it's a Schedule I drug, meaning its possession and use are regulated even in states that have legalized its recreational use. Similarly, many cannabis-based products are equally illegal across the country.
Compared to the kind of cannabis which is used recreationally, hemp usually contains much lower levels of THC, usually less than 0.3%. This low level of THC is not likely to induce mind-altering effects such as the famous "high." But this may also vary as each individual's biology is different and cannabis breeding yields newer hemp strains with higher THC content.
Strains like Lemon Meringue, Laughing Buddha, Hawaiian, and Thai are known for their relatively high THC contents (> 20%). But according to the 2018 Farm Bill, any hemp product with more than 0.3% THC is illegal on a federal level.
As such, it doesn't make sense for commercial cannabis farmers to farm high-THC plants, considering the legal implications.
What is full spectrum CBD oil
In its original form, CBD extract is not quite user-friendly. So, manufacturers dilute it in a carrier element like oil or high-proof alcohol.
When oil is used, you get CBD oil; when alcohol is the carrier element, you have a tincture. People often use the terms "tinctures" and "oils" interchangeably, but these two are different. Due to the alcohol base, tinctures tend to have a bitter taste compared to oils.
Essentially, full spectrum CBD oil is a cannabis extract with all of its cannabis compounds mixed with oil. There are many types of oils used for this purpose, e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, and medium-chain glyceride (MCT) oil.
The quality of oil used typically determines the CBD's taste and texture. For instance, strong-tasting oils like coconut or olive oil embed their characteristic scents in the CBD.
Often, manufacturers go with non-scented oils like MCT. MCT oil is widely used to make CBD products because, besides being odorless, it also has effects that easily complement CBD's. For this reason, MCT oil and CBD are the "power couple" of natural supplements.
Why choose full spectrum vs. broad spectrum
If you use CBD products, you are probably aware of the different types of CBD on the market. Full spectrum and broad spectrum products are among the most popular. Others like CBD isolates and whole plant CBD also have their legion of fans.
But what makes someones choose full spectrum and not broad spectrum CBD, or vice versa?
On the face of it, both seem to be the same. However, full spectrum CBD has one extra cannabinoid that broad spectrum CBD doesn't – THC. We've discussed the legal issues behind THC and its inclusion in CBD products.
Still, some products have it, albeit in trace amounts, i.e., less than 0.3%.
The debate between full spectrum versus broad spectrum CBD revolves around effectiveness. And this probably lends credence to the "entourage effect" theory.
Studies investigating cannabis' pain relieving properties suggest that these effects are enhanced when CBD and THC are used together. Researchers often use nabiximols (THC-CBD combinations in a 1:1 ratio) when investigating cannabis analgesic effects.
Commercially, a nabiximol marketed as Sativex is legal in multiple countries globally and is used to treat painful spasticity and neuropathic pain associated with certain illnesses.
Presently, several THC-based medications are FDA-approved for treating wide-ranging health conditions. For example, Dronabinol (or Marinol) is used to stimulate appetite in patients.
Researchers' findings increasingly show that cannabis products with both CBD and THC are more effective. But, whether this supports the validity of the entourage effect is still up for debate.
In any case, it's apparent that the "entourage effect" highlights the reality that it may not be practically possible to isolate organic variables co-existing in a live system.
That's because living systems are governed by the principle of interdependence, whereby everything functions in unison. In the particular case of cannabis, the interpretation is that it's difficult to pinpoint one specific compound as responsible for the effects cannabis has on humans.
Broad spectrum CBD also has all cannabis compounds except for THC. However, it's not clear whether the absence of THC affects its overall efficacy. But we can say that this type of CBD may likely have an entourage effect because it contains additional cannabis compounds.
CBD and THC are the two major cannabis compounds. However, broad spectrum CBD lacks the latter, so proposals that full spectrum CBD is more effective than broad spectrum CBD certainly have a foundation to stand on.
Full spectrum cannabinoid benefits
A potential downside of broad spectrum CBD is that it does not have THC. This may mean it doesn't have the extra effects of full spectrum CBD. If you're using CBD as a wellness product but are skeptical about THC's psychoactive effects, you should consider broad spectrum CBD.
But if the potential effects of THC don't faze you, then full spectrum CBD is the go-to. Here are some of the effects of full spectrum CBD.
Full spectrum CBD may have a stronger effect than other CBD types because it contains all the active ingredients found in the cannabis plant. Accordingly, research suggests the effects of CBD may be more pronounced when other cannabis plant chemicals are also present. This is the "entourage effect" we've been discussing.
Moreover, full spectrum CBD is typically less processed, so it's more natural.
Why choose CBD oil vs. CBD gummies
Every CBD user has some criteria that guide the type of CBD they buy. Some of the factors that they consider are:
- Method of administration
- The severity of their condition
- CBD potency
Besides the conventional oils and tinctures, CBD comes in various forms, such as creams, lotions, aerosols (vapes), edibles, and capsules. Each of these forms has its unique merits and demerits.
So, your decision to use CBD oil or CBD gummies will typically depend on the three predominant considerations listed above.
Method of administration: CBD can be taken orally, sublingually, topically, or inhaled.
When taken orally, CBD undergoes first-pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. This ultimately reduces the amount of system-usable CBD that joins your systemic circulation. In other words, its bioavailability decreases, making it less effective.
Generally, oral CBD has the lowest bioavailability rates. A 2018 study showed it could be as low as 13-19%. This equally reduces its therapeutic potential. However, taking CBD with a fatty meal or supplements like piperine can improve its bioavailability.
On the other hand, CBD aerosols or vapes have among the highest bioavailability rates. That's because CBD enters the bloodstream directly from the lungs. Research shows that up to 56% of CBD reaches systemic circulation through inhalation.
This means the effects of CBD kick in much faster when inhaled.
CBD potency: the concentration of a CBD product determines its efficacy. Typically, high-strength CBD is more potent than low-strength CBD. By extension, the effects of more potent CBD kick in much faster than those of less powerful CBD.
So, one way of increasing the amount of CBD that reaches your systemic circulation is by using high-potency CBD. Generally, any CBD product with 30-60% of CBD is considered high-strength. There are reports of CBD oils with up to 7,500 milligrams (mg) of CBD per 1 fl. Oz. (30 mL).
Notwithstanding the first-pass process, using high-strength CBD ensures enough CBD enters the systemic circulation to induce therapeutic effects.
Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before using any dosage of CBD for wellness purposes.
The severity of the condition: CBD users turn to CBD for various reasons. From boosting their overall health to managing medical conditions, CBD dosage varies widely.
It follows that if you're using CBD for serious health problems, you'll potentially require potent CBD. But, as always, any serious health conditions should be discussed with a medical professional before administering treatment.
Where to buy full spectrum cannabinoid oil
At FOCL, we let our products do the talking. They are vegan, non-GMO, and cruelty-free and are made using premium organic ingredients grown in the US.
Our Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops are formulated to make you get the most out of life. It's our signature whole hemp plant product that contains all the beneficial compounds of cannabis. Get this product to enjoy greater focus, restful sleep, and a relaxed feeling throughout the day.
CBD gummies are among the most popular CBD on the market now. That's why we produce these Premium Full Spectrum CBD Gummies. Being full spectrum, expect heightened effects thanks to the entourage effect. You also get to choose from three delicious flavors to ensure you enjoy these!
These Premium Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Gummies Sleep Gummies are designed to make you sleep better than ever! Brimming with cannabis' top two sleep-promoters—CBD and CBN—we take nothing for granted in your quest for deeper, more restful sleep.
Interested in learning more about the different types of CBD, their differences, and their effectiveness? Check out this video:
