You need to assess many things before choosing a CBD product. These considerations include source, brand, and purity, among other vital things. But, one of the most contested debates remains whether you should buy a full spectrum CBD or CBD isolate variant. In this article, we’ll illuminate the facts surrounding full spectrum CBD to help you understand its composition and benefits.
Both Full Spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolate have one common element: CBD or cannabidiol. CBD is a hemp-based compound that’s non-psychoactive, i.e., it doesn’t cause a high. The difference is that while CBD isolate contains only cannabidiol, the full spectrum has many other ingredients aside from this compound. This includes terpenes, minerals, and more than a hundred other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD.
Researchers suggest that Full Spectrum-CBD is the most effective option to avail of cannabis’s medical potential because of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a mutually beneficial association between different cannabinoids and terpenes that boost cannabis’s physiological effects on the body.
For instance, when THC is taken alone, it alters the consciousness, leading to negative psychoactive effects, such as hallucinations and delirium. However, when combined with CBD, THC’s euphoric effects are reduced, resulting in a diminished high.
Because of these reasons, Full Spectrum CBD products are the preferred option for many consumers. According to one survey, 98% of cannabis users chose full spectrum CBD over CBD and THC-only drugs.
Of course, CBD isolates provide benefits of their own, regardless of how they act in conjunction with other cannabinoids. If you’re looking to enhance the therapeutic availability of cannabis and get the best out of the plant’s medicinal potential, then full spectrum CBD is the ideal choice.
What Does Full Spectrum CBD Contain?
Cannabinoids, as the name suggests, are compounds in cannabis. They interact with the Endocannabinoid system located in the brain and regulate important functions, from the mood to inflammation. Some of the most common cannabinoids known to man include:
- THC
- CBD
- CBN
- CBG
Out of these, THC and CBD are the most popular. However, there are 113 cannabinoids in total that have yet to rise to mainstream popularity. This includes cannabinol and cannabigerol, both of which occur in lower concentrations than their famous counterparts but still provide a host of unique benefits.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is the decomposed form of THC. When THC is placed under sunlight or oxidized under certain conditions, such as high temperature, it transforms into cannabinol. Cannabinol has recently garnered the attention of scientists for its sleep-inducing effects.
There’s a surging opinion that it might replace natural sleep-aids like melatonin in the future. The best part about cannabinol is that even though it’s a form of THC, it’s non-psychoactive. You don’t have to worry about any negative psychological effects while taking cannabinol, as its potency is one-tenth of THC and doesn’t pose any risks.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBD is like CBD: both are non-psychoactive. Although research on this compound is still in its early stages, preliminary studies have shown it to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and chronic pain management properties. Some people have also suggested the compound may help in combating acne.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol is another very important cannabinoid. It is called the mother compound because it gives birth to all other cannabinoids of the cannabis plant.
Interest in CBG has heightened because of its ability to reduce intraocular pressure and treat glaucoma. Some studies have also shown it to act as powerful neuroprotection and stave off conditions like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in cannabis and many other plants. They are responsible for the weed’s characteristic smell and its medicinal effects.
Many terpenes have therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, sedative, and pain-relieving. In Full Spectrum CBD, terpenes contribute to the entourage effect.
A 211 review article indicated that many terpenes locked themselves in a synergistic relationship with cannabidiol. These included:
- pinene
- myrcene
- caryophyllene
Some studies have also suggested that the combination of terpenes and CBD may improve acne, MRSA, and severe neurodegenerative disorders.
What Are the Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full Spectrum CBD is superior to CBD isolate in many ways. Some of these include:
Whole Plant
There’s no substitute for whole plants. That’s how nature intended the cannabis plant to work together and produce various effects. In isolated form, CBD may not have the same potency and efficacy, and therefore, may not provide the best the cannabis plant has to offer. This has been proven by science with the exploration of the entourage effect.
Another great benefit of using Full Spectrum CBD oil is lesser exposure to adverse side effects. For people who are worried about failing drug tests and experiencing negative psychological effects most often associated with THC, full-spectrum CBD offers a great alternative. In this product, THC’s unwanted properties are less pronounced because of CBD’s counteracting hand.
Better Taste and Medicinal Value of Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum oil tastes and feels a lot better than isolate. This is because it contains various aromatic terpenes that provide a flavorful touch.
The strong fragrance of pinene and the warm slice of myrcene imbue Full Spectrum CBD with a subtle delicacy. Of course, if you like the odorless and tasteless isolate, you can go with it. But, we’d recommend full spectrum CBD all the way, not just for its sensual qualities, but overall medicinal value as well.
Final Thoughts
Full Spectrum CBD oil is the subject of extensive scientific research. Many of the studies exploring CBD’s potential to treat arthritis, acne, Multiple Sclerosis, and many other conditions have used Full-Spectrum CBD as the main medication.
So, if you’re in the market for a cannabis product that maximizes your chances of improving your condition, full-spectrum is the optimal choice. However, make sure the vendor you’re buying your product from is reputable and supports independent third-party lab testing. This is the only way to make sure your product is, in fact, full-spectrum and not some other counterfeit crap.
