CBD is one of the cannabinoids in hemp plants. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum terms are used to describe various components in CBD products. The difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD can be identified by the components present naturally in the plant.
Mainly, there are three spectrum types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. This article focuses on the difference between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD to help you understand which suits you the best so you may choose your desired product.
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD consists of natural components of the hemp plant that are preserved during extraction. These natural ingredients include a noticeable amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). According to the FDA, the legal amount of THC is below 0.3 percent. You may find high THC in full-spectrum CBD, where it is completely legal. The level of THC depends on how it is extracted. It can be increased when the products concentrate. For example, 2 mg per ml of THC can trace in tinctures.
Terpene is another component found in full-spectrum CBD oil. Hemp plants contain a high concentration of terpenes which give hemp products a distinct flavor and smell. Flavonoids are present almost in natural plant-like vegetables, fruits, and grains. Hemp plants have 20 diverse flavonoids, an outstanding characteristic of full-spectrum CBD.
Advantages of Full-Spectrum CBD
- Full-spectrum CBD products like gummies benefit with its full blend of natural elements have more impact than broad-spectrum CBD.
- THC amount is very reasonable, which users can choose according to their preferences
- It may deliver more significant overall benefits than CBD isolates.
- It is much more beneficial as compared to other spectrums.
Disadvantages of Full-Spectrum CBD
- Full-spectrum CBD is not legal in many countries.
- It has a very impactful natural taste, which might be problematic for some users.
- The clients do not always appropriate THC in the CBD products. Some of them want to avoid THC altogether in CBD products.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD has all the critical elements of the cannabis plant except THC. This type of CBD product is the preference of client who wants to use CBD products with no THC at all. People find them similar to full-spectrum CBD because they have identical characteristics. The lab testing can identify it. Because of the absence of THC, broad-spectrum CBD products are legal in many countries worldwide. The different extraction procedure removes THC in broad-spectrum CBD.
Advantages of Broad Spectrum CBD
- Broad-spectrum CBD is good if you want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Like full-spectrum CBD products, broad-spectrum products are beneficial for the entourage effect.
- It is better and much more beneficial as compared to isolates CBD products.
Disadvantages of Broad Spectrum CBD
- Some residual THC may remain in broad-spectrum CBD products after extraction.
- Although it is legal in some countries, employees are not entirely allowed to use broad-spectrum cannabinoids products that are THC-free during working hours.
Conclusion
When comparing broad-spectrum vs. full-spectrum, the choice entirely depends on the user’s need. These two spectrums are both beneficial and have similar characteristics, but full-spectrum CBD products contain THC, which distinguishes them from broad-spectrum CBD products. Both spectrums produce entourage effects and are available in a variety of products, including the best CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, etc.
Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.
