When exploring Just Cannabis Canada, you might find yourself questioning the meanings behind labels like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, a non-psychoactive component, is recognized for its purity. Certain cannabis contain solely CBD, while others encompass additional elements of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can shape your CBD experience. This knowledge empowers you to choose the best extracts online Canada tailored to your requirements.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD includes CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, while broad-spectrum CBD comprises all these components except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and alcohol extraction methods are the two predominant techniques for creating CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a CBD product featuring a diverse array of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD boasts a higher CBD concentration alongside small quantities of THC and other cannabinoids. Not every full-spectrum product contains all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may exist in minimal amounts or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes contribute a unique aroma to the plant, while flavonoids impart color and perform various biological roles. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may lead to the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD features trace levels of THC, but the THC concentration never exceeds 0.3%. These minimal amounts are insufficient to produce psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect proposes that the synergistic interaction between cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, enhances therapeutic advantages. CBD may amplify the effects of THC while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also encompass multiple forms of cannabinoids, including CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Research into cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) suggests promising anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a CBD extract encompassing various active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not contain detectable levels of THC. Manufacturers typically label it accordingly and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological functions such as temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. This attachment process enables CBD to aid in managing the body’s natural responses to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary CBD extraction methods utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has its own unique strengths and limitations, making neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest techniques for producing cannabis extracts in the industry is using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred option.
Cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes hold a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and purge the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid is then circulated over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
A key advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By managing temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
Due to the expensive equipment required, CO2 extraction is more often employed by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem relevant only to manufacturers and CBD companies. However, the extraction process significantly impacts the final product’s quality, so it’s beneficial for consumers to grasp the fundamentals.
CO2 extraction is recognized as the most efficient and safest technique, making it the primary choice for many CBD products.
Key Differences Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
| Criteria | Full-Spectrum CBD | Broad-Spectrum CBD |
| Compounds | CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils | CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils |
| THC Content | Contains up to 0.3% THC | THC-free |
| Suitable for | Those who don’t mind THC and desire the full range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals preferring THC-free products while still benefiting from other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
Both cannabis provide similar benefits as they contain nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD typically has a stronger impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both still deliver the same advantages.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal analyzed the medical records of 72 patients facing anxiety or sleep challenges. Within the first month, researchers noted a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of the patients, while 66.7% experienced initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive outcomes for patients with social anxiety disorder, particularly when consumed orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving around 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. Findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates, such as oil, notably improved pain levels, especially in back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology suggests that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could enhance symptom relief in chemotherapy patients. Approximately 85% of participants in the study preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 has shown that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when taken orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD is promising in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and more.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or Vaping: Vaping is the fastest and most effective method to deliver CBD extract into your system, primarily due to its high bioavailability, which can reach up to 60%.
- Apply it Topically on Your Skin: Topicals provide targeted relief and can be applied wherever needed.
- Take it Sublingually (Under the Tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or mixing them into your food or drinks.
- Add to Edibles or Capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. While effects may take longer to onset, they tend to last longer.
Dosage is crucial, varying based on factors like weight, health status, and individual reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over a few days while monitoring your response ensures you find the optimal balance for relief.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re seeking the health benefits of CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. Conversely, if you are open to THC and wish to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products may be your ideal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary is the place to purchase concentrates like shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, including CBD oils, all packaged discreetly. Explore multiple selections and discover exciting ways to save on every order.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate represents the purest form of CBD available, containing no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant, and lacking the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates lack both flavor and odor, unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings, making them particularly suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can alleviate pain more effectively?
Multiple methods of consuming CBD can effectively relieve pain, although the timing and duration of relief vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide quick onset but offer relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules can provide prolonged relief, sometimes lasting up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a suitable choice.
Related Article:
