Cannabis 101: Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD

Purchasing CBD products can become rather confusing ... and one of the glaring questions is what is Full Spectrum CBD as opposed to Broad Spectrum CBD? CBTS is here to shed some light on the subject.

The basic and quick explanation is actually quite simple. The main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is the 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 broadspectrum CBD products.

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

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% 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 use.

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

Research points to the existence of the “entourage effect,” which theorizes that when multiple cannabis plant compounds are present along with CBD extract, it increases the health benefits of the CBD product.

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

Pros of full-spectrum CBD Some of the potential health effects of CBD include:

• anti-seizure

• antioxidant

• pain relief

• anti-inflammatory

• antianxiety

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

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

Whether you choose a full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD product, CBTS encourages you to shop quality. There are hundreds of CBD products out there, many of which are not of good quality and will not provide you with the results that you are seeking. We recommend you visit your local dispensary — tell your budtender what your health goal is and they can provide you with a quality product.