Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD For Anxiety

What is the difference between full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD?

First of all, there are three main types of cannabidiol (CBD). The full-spectrum CBD is an extract containing other compounds of the cannabis plant, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids. The second type is broad-spectrum CBD. The third is CBD isolate, which is the pure form of CBD.

The main difference (Trusted Source) between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD is which compounds they contain.

If a CBD product contains several naturally occurring cannabis plant extracts, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids (including up to 0.3% THC), it is full spectrum CBD.

Broad spectrum CBD also contains several cannabis plant compounds, but it is typically entirely free of THC. That said, there may sometimes be trace amounts of THC in broad spectrum CBD products.

CBD isolate is the third common form of CBD. This is the pure form of CBD, containing no other cannabis plant compounds.

However, although these terms do carry some meaning, “CBD” and related terms are not heavily regulated, so some manufacturers may use the words interchangeably or misuse them.

Extraction

There are three main ways to extract CBD from the cannabis plant. These are:

• Carbon dioxide extraction: This method uses CO2 to separate CBD oil from the cannabis plant. It is a popular extraction method for CBD products and is capable of successfully producing high concentration CBD.

• Steam distillation: With this method, steam helps separate the oil from the plant material. It is a popular method for extracting essential plant oils, but it is not as effective as the CO2 method.

• Solvent extraction: Although this method is effective if solvents are left behind, the process does pose a potential health risk. Solvent extraction can also affect the flavor of the extract.

• Lipid extraction: This process is gaining popularity, as some companies are now trying to avoid CO2 and solvents.

After extraction, the resulting CBD oil is considered full spectrum. Hemp-sourced CBD will have a THC concentration of 0.3% or less.

The extract must go through a cooling and purification process to obtain a CBD isolate product. Further processing leaves behind a crystalline isolate, or CBD crystals.

Full spectrum CBD benefits

Full spectrum CBD has numerous other cannabinoid compounds from the cannabis plant, along with low levels of THC. Usually, the THC quantities are less than 0.3% (Trusted Source) on a dry weight basis, since this is the federal law requirement for CBD products.

This low quantity of THC is not usually potent enough to cause the “high” that people typically associate with cannabis.

However, the levels of THC can increase when the manufacturer creates a concentrate. For example, some tinctures can contain up to 2 milligrams per milliliter of THC, and this can, in some cases, have a euphoric effect.

Full spectrum CBD also contains terpenes from the cannabis plant. Terpenes tend to give plants their scent.

Research points to the existence of the “entourage effect (Trusted Source)”, which posits that when multiple cannabis plant compounds are present along with CBD extract, this increases the health benefits of the CBD.

Because full spectrum products contain compounds in addition to CBD, such as THC, they may maximize the “entourage effect.”

Some of the potential health effects of CBD include:

• antiseizure

• antioxidant

• antianxiety

• pain relief

• anti-inflammatory

It may also ease the symptoms of some psychotic conditions and provide relief from muscle spasms.

One review from 2018 also suggests that flavonoids and terpenes in the CBD may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Broad spectrum CBD benefits

Broad spectrum CBD products also contain additional compounds from the cannabis plant, including cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene, and terpenes.

CBN may have the following potential health effects (Trusted Source):

• antibiotic

• antiseizure

• anti-inflammatory

Most broad spectrum CBD products do not contain THC. However, on occasion, products may have trace amounts.

Like full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD products may also have some additional health benefits due to the resulting “entourage effect.”

Broad spectrum CBD may be more suitable for people who wish to avoid THC, as even the low amounts in full spectrum CBD could show up on a drug test.

Now to the big question: Which to choose – Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD for Anxiety?

There are studies that give scientific proof that Full Spectrum CBD (that includes low amounts of THC plus other cannabinoids, terpenes etc.) produces what is known as an Entourage Effect.

The synergistic relationship between all of the cannabis components has been shown to increase the healing properties of each.

On the other hand, Broad Spectrum CBD does not contain THC at all.

My suggestion is always Full Spectrum CBD. Simply because this is a natural medicine and it just doesn’t make any sense not to get the full benefit out of it.

Nevertheless, this is just my personal non-professional opinion.

Indeed, the information contained on this website is presented for the purpose of educating people about cannabis. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Further Resources:

For More CBD News & Tips:

Benefits of CBD Oil – 12 Amazing Health Benefits of CBD Oil!

What Does CBD Do To You? IMPORTANT To Know!

THC vs CBD: What’s The Difference?

Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.

The information contained on this website is presented for the purpose of educating people about cannabis. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.

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