CBD products are obtained from the organic hemp plant. The plant has various elements, including cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. CBD and THC are the dominant elements. Some of the products infused with gummies include gummies, capsules, tinctures, topicals, beverages, and edibles. Besides there are three types of CBD, isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. The three types are differentiated using the chemical elements found in each. Also, the products are infused with different levels of CBD concentrations to cater to the needs of veterans and novices. The biggest issue is finding the best type of CBD among the three.
Different Types of CBD
Full Spectrum CBD
It is the most common because it is manufactured easily. It comprises all the beneficial elements found in the hemp plant. According to various manufacturers, the reason why extraction takes place in full-spectrum CBD is to isolate useful plant elements from other harmful materials that might have infiltrated the plant. Elements used to manufacture the full spectrum include terpenes, CBD, THC, and flavonoids. Unlike other elements found, THC has intoxicating effects. According to the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA), THC levels in each CBD product should be limited to 0.3%. Also, it has strict CBD potency levels. Since some manufacturers label higher potency levels than those in the products, it has limited the variance to 10%.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is closely related to the full spectrum. It is manufactured using all elements found in the hemp plant except THC. It contains terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD. Since it is void of THC, it is highly recommended because it shields one from its intoxicating effects. Some of the common side effects of THC include severe headaches, dry lips, low appetite, and anxiety. However, this is not a thorough pass for taking too much CBD. Multiple health organizations that have developed an interest in CBD products, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have outlined the side effects of taking too much CBD. Some include the tendency to addiction, severe headaches, and loss of memory. However, it is suitable for those who wish to benefit from all the elements found in the hemp plant except THC.
Isolate CBD
It is unique from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. Isolate CBD entails only CBD; it’s void of other elements of the hemp plant, such as THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. Since CBD has been associated with multiple wellness benefits, some people prefer taking pure CBD to benefit from it fully. It is also safe compared to full-spectrum CBD because it is void of THC, which has intoxicating effects. However, taking an isolate form exposes one’s body to the side effects of CBD, such as memory loss due to the high concentrations compared to full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Terpenes and flavonoids found in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD are believed to harmonize the concentration levels of CBD.
Why Full Spectrum CBD Works Better than CBD Isolate
Nearly all manufacturers produce Full-spectrum products. It is also called whole spectrum CBD because it entails all the elements found in the plant. Besides being common, most people also prefer it over isolate for the following reasons;
Users Benefit From all Elements
Although full spectrum CBD contains THC, it helps the body gain all benefits associated with terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD. Terpenes are useful in the hemp plant because they improve the inflammatory effect on the body. It is also believed to reduce pain and offer a relaxing feeling. On the contrary, isolate contains only CBD, limiting you from benefits from other useful elements such as terpenes and flavonoids.
Exposes your Body to the Entourage Effect
Full-spectrum CBD has all the elements found in the hemp plant, which exposes you to the entourage effect. However, the availability of THC in full-spectrum CBD limits this claim. The entourage effect is the ability of various elements to offer more health benefits to the body while taken together compared to a single element. Since full spectrum CBD contains terpenes, flavonoids, CBD, and THC, it is likely to offer an entourage effect. Isolate CBD limits you from getting the effect because it is manufactured with pure CBD.
Offers a More Natural Solution
Most companies manufacturing full CBD products don’t use chemicals to extract the hemp plant’s useful elements. Also, some brands use the whole plant without extraction. On the contrary, manufacturing isolates CBD products requires you to extract THC, flavonoids, and terpenes to remain pure CBD. As a result, various manufacturers use different extraction methods, including alcohol solvents, which might expose the products to harmful chemicals. Also, there are claims that extracting THC fully from the hemp plant is nearly impossible, being the second most dominant element found in the hemp plant, which brings uncertainties about full-spectrum CBD.
Side Effects of Full-Spectrum CBD
Although the full spectrum is common within the CBD market, its biggest disadvantage is the THC ingredient in it, which has intoxicating effects. Marijuana is a plant within the cannabis plant that contains high levels of THC. During the legalization of cannabis-based products in the 2018 Farm Bill in the USA, they considered THC levels. Although the bill states that 0.3% THC found in the hemp plant or full-spectrum CBD products is somehow less harmful, people have gotten “high.” Therefore, full-spectrum users are still exposed to the intoxicating effects of THC, unlike those who prefer to isolate CBD, which is the pure state of CBD.
Conclusion
Broad-spectrum has numerous advantages that make it preferable to isolate CBD. The only reason CBD might be preferred is that it is void of THC. Full-spectrum helps to gain from all the beneficial elements found in the hemp plant, including terpenes and flavonoids. Also, it offers entourage effects due to the availability of different elements, including THC, which some researchers suggest is beneficial in minimizing pain. However, it also has weaknesses, especially due to the presence of THC, which has various side effects. Taking THC for long exposes the user to addiction, memory loss, and severe headaches.
