UNDERSTANDING SPECTRUMS: "WHAT DOES FULL SPECTRUM CBD MEAN?"

CBD products are derived from the cannabis plant, containing two primary elements; cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Different institutions have attached CBD products to various wellness benefits such as reducing pain, stress, anxiety, and depression rather than the hemp plant. However, they have also been associated with some side effects, including red eyes, dry lips, diarrhea, and severe headaches if taken in excess. Unlike CBD, which has been associated with various benefits, THC has intoxication effects that affect the legality of CBD products in 14 states in the USA. As a result, the federal government and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) limit THC levels to 0.3%. The articles focus on the understanding of the spectrums found in CBD products.

What are Spectrums?

Spectrums are simply the three types of CBD; isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. The elements found in the hemp plant help to differentiate the three types of CBD. Full-spectrum contains all the elements found in the hemp plant; CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the elements in the hemp plant except THC. Lastly, isolate is the pure state of CBD, void of terpenes, flavonoids, and THC.

What does Full Spectrum CBD Mean?

Full-spectrum is also known as the whole spectrum because it entails all the elements found in the hemp plant. Full-spectrum CBD products are widely available since manufacturers find it easier to use the whole plant, unlike extracting some elements. Some products manufactured in full-spectrum include gummies, tinctures, topicals, vapes, and capsules. Full-spectrum contains terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and CBD.

CBD

CBD is the most dominant chemical element found in the hemp plant. The plant contains a significant number of CBD associated with various wellness benefits. According to multiple studies, CBD is believed to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. CBD-infused products were legalized in 2018 after multiple trials on a therapeutic clinical trial that posed potential benefits of the hemp plant. However, they have been identified might pose side effects related to it, especially when taken in excess. Common side effects include red eyes, dry lips, and severe headaches. FDA is keen on various brands manufacturing CBD products since most of them label different potency levels from the ones in the products.

Therefore, pay attention to concentration levels to avoid overdosing. This can be achieved by getting CBD products with QR codes which will help you assess individual item lab results. Although FDA admits to the fact that variance could be a result of various factors, it should not exceed 10%. Also, the FDA has not approved various wellness or health benefits associated with CBD products.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the second dominant chemical element in the hemp plant. Unlike CBD, which is associated with various potential health and wellness benefits by research, THC has intoxicating effects. High THC levels are likely to get someone “high” and pose other threats such as red eyes, dry lips, anxiety, and severe headaches. The hemp plant was legalized in the Farm Bill 2018 because it contains low THC levels of up to 0.3%. Also, FDA is strict on 0.3% levels of THC to shield the consumers from the potential side effects of taking too much of it. Marijuana has not been legalized in the USA and European countries because it contains more than 0.3% THC levels.

The availability of THC in full-spectrum CBD is the primary disadvantage compared to other types of CBD. According to experts, they recommend broad-spectrum CBD or isolate CBD because they are void of THC. Also, it’s recommended to scan the full-spectrum CBD product QR codes to check on its concentration as a precaution.

Terpenes

Terpenes are also dominant in the hemp plant. The plant is considered to have 150 terpenes, including humulene, pipeline, myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene. Terpenes affect the hemp plants’ fragrance. It is responsible for the smell and taste. It is also believed to offer some therapeutic benefits, such as relaxation. Although some journals have been published recommending high levels of terpenes for increasing brain alertness, no clinical evidence has been offered. Also, they are believed to offer an entourage effect when working together with CBD and flavonoid.

Flavonoids

Unlike CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids only found in the hemp plant, flavonoids are also in different plants such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Its benefits are similar to those offered by terpenes. The hemp plant has 20 unique flavonoids which offer an entourage effect while working with CBD and terpenes. Also, Pellati, Federica, et alshow that flavonoids offer anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties.

Drawbacks of Full-Spectrum CBD

Despite all the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, it also has some weaknesses that make other spectrums preferable.

It Contains THC

People looking for health benefits from CBD products might not find it useful due to the availability of THC. Also, THC levels found in full-spectrum CBD products might expose you to positive drug tests, which might deny you a job, being allowed you to travel, or get you to the wrong side of the law. Some of the common side effects of THC include red eyes, dry lips, and severe headaches. Although FDA warns against full-spectrum CBD exceeding 0.3%, some brands mislabel, exposing you to these side effects.

It’s Not Always Legal

14 USA states, such as Idaho, are yet to legalize CBD products due to the availability of THC in CBD products. Also, the rest of the 36 states that have legalized these products are strict on THC levels to be under 0.3%.

Conclusion

There are three types of CBD spectrums; full, broad, and isolate. People differentiate the three using the elements available in each. Full-spectrum is the most popular, unlike the rest because it doesn’t require critical extraction. Although it has numerous advantages, it has some disadvantages. THC is among the major weaknesses of full-spectrum CBD because it has intoxicating effects, which pose threats to your general well-being.

References

Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., &Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis Sativa L. And Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids: Their Chemistry And Role Against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, And Cancer. Biomed Research International, 2018.