Cannabidiol (CBD) is just CBD correct? While all the CBD you find will be a derivative of the hemp plant, there are actually multiple types of CBD you can choose from when you decide to incorporate CBD into your health and wellness approach. One type of CBD you’ll come across quite frequently is broad-spectrum CBD. But how does broad-spectrum measure up to other types, and more importantly, what does it have to offer?
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at broad-spectrum CBD to help you better understand what it is and make an informed decision when you buy broad-spectrum CBD products.
Ready to explore the benefits of CBD for yourself? FOCL is here to help you find the right CBD products for your health and wellness needs. All of our broad-spectrum products are formulated with organic, non-GMO hemp and enhanced with powerful adaptogens and healing botanicals to help you get the most out of your wellness journey. All of our products are GMP-compliant and third-party tested so you can maintain your peace of mind knowing you’re getting the highest quality products with the advertised ingredients.
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What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains a wide range of plant matter alongside your desired cannabinoid, including other cannabinoids like THC and CBN, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds. Where broad-spectrum CBD differs from other types of CBD extracts is that it contains no traces of THC.
This means that you aren’t going to find delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, or any other similar THC compounds in your CBD formulation. For some, this is an important aspect of their CBD products. Some may not wish to run the risk of taking too much and feeling high, others may be worried about whether or not it may show up on a drug test, and some may simply like broad-spectrum CBD out of all of the product choices.
Whatever the reason, broad-spectrum CBD may be a CBD extract to try for yourself.
What Are The Differences Between Full Spectrum And Broad Spectrum CBD?
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD is simple.
Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains all substances contained within the hemp plant. This includes terpenes, flavonoids, and the vast spectrum of cannabinoids. These ingredients are believed to work together to produce the “entourage effect”, a synergistic effect whereby the compounds produce unique benefits and effects because they’re taken together when using the same product.
Broad-spectrum is just full-spectrum CBD with the THC taken out. It may still provide the potential benefits that you’re looking for when you want to take CBD, but THC has been completely removed from the equation when you take a broad-spectrum product.
How Is Broad Spectrum CBD Made?
Broad-spectrum CBD starts out as full-spectrum CBD, where it undergoes one of the three following extraction methods:
- CO2 Extraction: CO2 is used as a solvent and pressurized to a supercritical state that is then passed through the hemp plant material to extract the cannabinoids and other compounds.
- Ethanol Extraction: Hemp is soaked in ethanol to extract cannabinoids and other compounds. The resulting extract is then filtered and distilled to remove any residual ethanol.
- Lipid Extraction: Lipid extraction uses lipids such as coconut oil to extract hemp compounds. The plant material is soaked in the lipid and then filtered and purified to remove any impurities.
Once extracted, there are a few ways that you can separate THC from CBD and other compounds. This includes:
- Crystallizing the CBD oil and mixing it with pentane, which makes it easier to separate the CBD crystals, filter THC out of the solution, and even improve it by increasing purity.
- Flash chromatography, whereby each of the cannabinoids are fractionated in order to filter out THC (although there are other chromatographic methods that can be leveraged as well).
After the extract has been filtered, it can then be integrated into numerous products so you can enjoy your broad-spectrum CBD in whichever way suits you best.
What Is The History Of Broad Spectrum CBD?
The history of CBD is believed to stretch thousands of years back, being used as a medicinal herb to treat a number of ailments such as menstrual cramps, gout, and rheumatism. However, CBD’s far-reaching history is up for debate. What we do know is that the substance was first discovered by researchers at the University of Illinois in 1940 and that it was deemed non-psychoactive by Dr. Walter S. Loewe in 1946.
Unfortunately, CBD wasn’t allowed to make a significant appearance after this time due to harsh laws designed to prevent any cannabis use. It wasn’t until 2018 when the Farm Bill went into effect that low-THC hemp products were able to be produced and distributed, opening up the world to the myriad of CBD products that CBD.
With growing interest and research, we’ll be better able to determine how broad-spectrum CBD functions, what it has to offer, and how it improves the lives of users moving forward.
How Does Broad Spectrum CBD Affect The Body?
Broad-spectrum CBD functions in the same way as another form of CBD (with the exception that it features no THC to produce potential psychoactive effects).
Everyone has an endocannabinoid system (ECS): a series of receptors (CB1 and CB2) designed to help the body regulate mood, pain, and beyond so that it can achieve homeostasis. We produce our own endocannabinoids that bind to these receptors, but that doesn’t always mean that the system functions efficiently.
Some people introduce external cannabinoids from the hemp plant (phytocannabinoids) to come in and do the job our endocannabinoids are supposed to do. We don’t know exactly to what degree CBD functions within the body, but we have a fairly good look into how it might perform the same functions by binding to the same receptors our endocannabinoids do.
This brings us to our next point…
What Are The Benefits Of Broad-Spectrum CBD?
While we need to conduct more research to truly understand the scope of CBD’s healing benefits, there is a growing body of research that points to numerous potential applications. Here are some of the notable benefits believed to be offered by broad-spectrum CBD.
Reduce Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, regardless of the source, can be debilitating. It impacts how you interact with the world around you and lead your life, how you feel throughout your daily life, and whether or not you’re able to accomplish basic tasks.
The problem? Prescription pain pills can come with a slew of undesirable side effects, but life without them on solely pain management strategies can be equally frustrating and problematic. Enter CBD. Some research points to CBD as a viable alternative for those dealing with chronic pain, whether it’s caused by arthritis or fibromyalgia.1
It’s important to remember, however, that you should speak with your doctor before incorporating CBD into your pain management strategy. CBD can interact with some medications, and it may not always be a suitable treatment addition.
Improve Sleep
CBD has developed a reputation as being quite relaxing and calming, which naturally leads many to believe it would be a valuable sleep aid for those who struggle to unwind at the end of a long day. While it varies from person to person, some research does point to CBD as a way to improve your sleep hygiene.2
Here at FOCL, we even offer CBD sleep solutions with additional ingredients like melatonin, passion flower extract, CBN, and L-Theanine to help you get better quality sleep without having to turn to serious sleep aids.
Reduce Social Anxiety
Social anxiety makes it difficult to get out, form new relationships, and lead a more fulfilling life surrounded by people that you love and trust. Those with social anxiety may become overly worried about potentially doing the wrong thing or being embarrassed or humiliated in public. At the most extreme end of the spectrum, some may even experience panic attacks as a result of social anxiety disorder.
Some studies have shown that CBD can actually help reduce symptoms of social anxiety, making it easier for individuals to mingle with others without being completely overwhelmed by what-ifs.3
Still, talk therapy and anxiety medication may be the best treatment options, with CBD acting as an addition to your approach rather than a replacement.
What Are The Types Of Broad Spectrum CBD Products?
Broad-spectrum CBD products are available in a variety of forms, making it easy to find the right product for your needs. Some of the most popular types of broad-spectrum CBD products include:
- Capsules: Capsules are a great way to take CBD if you don’t want to taste the oil and are looking for something you can easily dose throughout the day. They come in gel form and in solid form.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts that are taken orally. They are available in a variety of flavors and concentrations, making them a popular choice for those looking for a convenient way to take CBD that will also kick in faster than other methods.
- Topicals: Topicals are CBD-infused products that are applied directly to the skin. They are great for targeting specific areas of the body and are often used to try to treat localized pain and inflammation.
- Edibles: Edibles come in a variety of forms, including gummies, cookies, and chocolates, and are a delicious way of getting your daily dose of CBD. There are also CBD-infused beverages emerging on the market, which may come in the form of coffee, tea, and soda.
What Are The Regulations And Legality Of Broad Spectrum CBD?
Besides CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD is one of the least problematic substances out there, making it accessible to everyone.
All hemp products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are federally legal. While state laws often vary, the strictest states tend to only target THC, leaving CBD untouched so you can get it shipped right to your doorstep.
Because broad-spectrum CBD contains virtually no amounts of THC, you should run into no legal issues along the way. That being said, it’s always best to stay up-to-date on local and statewide laws and regulations to avoid being blindsided should things change in the future.
Which Broad Spectrum Product Is Best For Me?
All broad-spectrum products will provide you with similar blends of hemp compounds and CBD, but there are some considerations to have that will help you choose the best product for your needs. When shopping for a new broad-spectrum CBD product, ask yourself:
- How much CBD does this product contain, and will this be enough for me to experience the benefits I’m looking for?
- Are there any other ingredients in this formulation? If so, how may they enhance the experience? More importantly, am I allergic?
- Can I trust the company I’m buying from? Do they offer third-party testing to reveal exactly what’s in my broad-spectrum CBD products?
- What am I looking to gain from this broad-spectrum CBD product, and does this specific product align with those needs?
- Is this the best way to take CBD? Are there any other products I should consider before I get started?
No matter what you’re looking for, our wide range of CBD products can help you bolster your overall well-being. Shop now or contact us if you need help finding the right broad-spectrum product for you!
FOCL FAQs: Broad Spectrum CBD
Is broad-spectrum CBD stronger?
Broad-spectrum CBD is not necessarily stronger than full-spectrum CBD. The potency of a CBD product depends on its concentration, which is measured in milligrams (mg). Generally, a higher concentration of CBD is more potent, but this does not necessarily mean that broad-spectrum CBD is stronger than full-spectrum CBD. It is important to note that the effects of CBD can vary from person to person, and it is best to experiment with different concentrations to find the one that works best for you.
Is broad-spectrum CBD good for inflammation?
CBD is being explored as a potential treatment for inflammation, and it’s believed that it may be able to help those dealing with inflammation on the skin or in other parts of their body. Consider where your inflammation is and whether you would benefit more from a product that provides systemic relief or a topical that provides localized relief.
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
Hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same. Hemp oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant and does not contain any CBD. CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and contains CBD. Hemp oil is typically used for cooking and skincare products, while CBD oil is used for its potential health and wellness benefits.
Is 25mg broad-spectrum CBD a lot?
The amount of CBD you take is based on your individual needs and preferences. Generally, 25mg of broad-spectrum CBD is considered to be a moderate dose, but this can vary depending on your body weight, metabolism, and other factors. It is best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that works best for you.
Is broad-spectrum CBD better than full-spectrum for stress?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual. Some people may find that full-spectrum CBD is more effective for reducing stress, while others may find that broad-spectrum CBD is more effective. Additionally, the amount of THC may have an impact on stress reduction as well, with some people preferring more THC and some people finding that less is better. It is best to experiment with both types to find the one that works best for you.
Sources:
- Villanueva, M. R. B., Joshaghani, N., Villa, N., Badla, O., Goit, R., Saddik, S. E., Dawood, S. N., Rabih, A. M., Niaj, A., Raman, A., Uprety, M., Calero, M., & Khan, S. (2022, July 16). Efficacy, safety, and regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A systematic review. Cureus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9288157/
- Ranum RM;Whipple MO;Croghan I;Bauer B;Toussaint LL;Vincent A; (n.d.). Use of cannabidiol in the management of insomnia: A systematic review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36149724/
- : Masataka, N. (2019, October 18). Anxiolytic effects of repeated cannabidiol treatment in teenagers with social anxiety disorders. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02466/full
