CBD products are obtained from the organic hemp plant, associated with various wellness benefits. CBD-infused products include gummies, vapes, topicals, beverages, capsules, and tinctures. These products have become common in the USA since 2018 after being legalized in a farm bill. There are three types of CBD; isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. The three types are differentiated using the elements available in each from the hemp plant. Elements found in the hemp plant include terpene, cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and flavonoids. Also, CBD products are manufactured at different potency levels to address veterans’ and novices’ needs. The biggest question remains, is full-spectrum CBD better than the rest?
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum is the most common type of CBD available in the market. It is easy to manufacture because it uses all elements of the hemp plant, unlike other types where specific elements have to be extracted. Full-spectrum comprises CBD, THC, isolates, and flavonoids. However, THC found in full-spectrum CBD makes it still questionable, unlike other types of CBD which are void of it. During the legalization of the Farm Bill in 2018, the hemp plant was recommended, unlike marijuana, because its THC levels are below 0.3%. Marijuana has high levels of THC, which is associated with various side effects such as severe headache, memory loss, loss of appetite, and red eyes. Therefore, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has been strict on CBD-based product manufacturers to ensure THC levels are limited to 0.3% for consumer protection.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is somehow related to the full spectrum. It contains all the beneficial elements of the hemp plant except THC. Users of broad-spectrum CBD find it beneficial because it has organic elements of the hemp plant except for THC, which has diverse side effects such as memory loss if taken for long. Also, it offers an entourage effect due to the benefits associated with terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD. Broad-spectrum is recommended to beginners because they are not exposed to THC, which might have more reactions on the body due to the intoxication effect. However, it is not advisable to take too much of it because CBD still has side effects. High CBD concentrations can expose you to addiction, severe headaches, memory loss, and red eyes.
Isolate CBD
Isolate CBD is unique from the broad-spectrum and full spectrum. It is the pure form of CBD, void of terpenes, THC, and flavonoids. Most manufacturers manufacturing isolate CBD products use the CO2 extraction method because it is effective and poses fewer threats to contaminating the environment and products. Also, it does not permit the user to take too much CBD because its concentration is way higher than the one in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. It is recommended for novices because they will not be exposed to the side effects of THC, especially as a new product is being introduced to the body systems.
Is Full Spectrum CBD Better than the Other Types?
Full-spectrum CBD might not be considered a better solution than isolate and full spectrum. This is because it has side effects as well as benefits. Full-spectrum contains similar features as broad-spectrum, only that broad-spectrum is void of THC, which gives it an added advantage. Some of the benefits of full-spectrum CBD include;
Benefiting From All Elements
Using full-spectrum CBD helps to benefit from all elements found in the hemp plant; THC, CBD, flavonoids, and terpenes. Terpenes and flavonoids have been associated with various benefits for the general well-being of the human body. Unlike other elements only found in the hemp plant, flavonoids are also found in various organic elements such as fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are believed to offer medicinal values such as acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, according toAtalay, et al. (2019).,. Besides, terpenes also have unique benefits, including boosting your energy levels and offering a relaxing environment that can help in enhancing sleep.
Offers Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is the ability of several elements to work together to offer an improved solution compared to a single element. When CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids work together, they are likely to offer a better solution to the human body, unlike each extracted and used independently as in isolate CBD. Isolate CBD is void of other significant elements of the hemp plant, limiting its functionality in improving the general wellness of the human body.
Disadvantages of Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum has one major shortcoming that limits it from other spectrums, especially broad-spectrum CBD.
Presence of THC
Unlike broad-spectrum and isolate CBD, full-spectrum CBD is THC. The availability of THC in the hemp plant was among the reasons why hemp-based products were legalized in 2018 in the USA, even though its potential benefits were established in the early 90. The products were legalized after finding out that the hemp plant has 0.3% THC levels, and its impact might not be that diverse, unlike high levels found in marijuana. Also, since CBD has similar side effects as THC, they might heighten the risks when used together. You are likely to be exposed to complete memory loss if you subject yourself to high concentrations of full-spectrum CBD. Therefore, users are recommended to Assess THC and CBD potency levels to ensure they are within the limited range stated by the FDA; THC (0.3%) and CBD (10%).
Conclusion
Although full spectrum CBD has various benefits, it might not be the best solution due to the presence of THC. Broad-spectrum is highly recommended because it shares similarities with full-spectrum but is void of THC, making it the best solution. Therefore, enjoy all the benefits of full-spectrum using broad-spectrum without exposing yourself to the side effects of THC. However, using a broad spectrum is not a guarantee of evading THC completely. Being the second dominant element of the hempplant, extracting it fully might not be guaranteed even with the CO2 method of extraction, which is the most effective.
References
Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.
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