Speaking of cannabis, there are many variants to start with. However, picking out the right one is the main consideration. Out of them all, full spectrum CBD is particularly popular for its remarkable benefits. Full spectrum CBD is a hemp derived substance that contains each of the extracts that are all naturally found in the cannabis plant. It also includes a very small amount of THC in it. THC is the actual psychoactive element that associates marijuana with its “high” after-effects.
Full spectrum CBD has recently become extremely popular for its number of health benefits that are associated with health issues like pain, inflammation, anxiety, and epilepsy. But, more research is required that would fully back up the claims that are made regarding the medicinal use of CBD.
If you, too, have been intrigued by the use of CBD and want to know more about it, you are just at the right place. In this article, we shall discuss what full spectrum CBD actually is and if it is at all as beneficial as it claims to be.
What Are The Types Of CBD?
Before you learn more about full spectrum CBD, it is important to know a bit more about the different types of CBD available in the market. This will help you draw a proper line of differentiation when you finally choose to buy a CBD product for yourself.
- Full spectrum CBD – it contains CBD along with every other cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. This also includes traces of THC.
- Isolate CBD – it only contains CBD.
- Broad spectrum CBD – it contains CBD along with other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, but zero THC.
Certain CBD connoisseurs believe that full spectrum CBD is way more beneficial in comparison to its other forms. This is because full spectrum CBD contains every single component that is available in the hemp plant. When used together, these components create the entourage effects that may never happen when you use each of the cannabinoids alone.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD is one of the three major types of CBD. It particularly refers to products that contain CBD along with the other active compounds that are available in the hemp plant. These compounds may include –
- Terpenes – a natural chemical compound class that is naturally found in plants.
- Flavonoids – natural substances available in plants that have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in them.
- Other Cannabinoids – this may also include THC.
As per federal law, CBD products that are extracted from hemp plants usually contain a maximum of 0.3 percent THC by their dry weight.
In comparison to the other variants of CBD, full spectrum CBD contains a much wider variety of compounds that operate together to create what we know of as the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect happens when plant-based compounds synergistically work to enhance the psychoactive effects of the main ingredient. This may include changes in thoughts and feelings, moods, etc. However, more research is still needed to come to a conclusion on how the said things happen.
How Is Full Spectrum CBD Made?
The production process of extracting all the compounds from the hemp plant to make a full spectrum CBD product may vary widely from one brand to the other. However, one of the most popular trends in the industry is to use solventless extraction. It is a process that dates back thousands of years but has been improvised with modern technology.
Solventless extraction uses very specific levels of pressure and heat to make sure that the important plant compounds are preserved while at the same time removing any risk of residual solvents in the final batch.
How Does Full Spectrum CBD Work In The Body?
The two main cannabinoids that are found in full spectrum CBD products – THC and CBD – work on very different areas of the brain. Researchers have yet to find out the complete effects of these cannabinoids on the body. However, it is found that these cannabinoids usually help regulate the endocannabinoid system in the body.
This system is responsible for all the immune and nervous functions, along with the sleep cycle, mood, regulation of the inflammation response, and so on. In general, the endocannabinoid system corrects a number of imbalances within the human body through activated receptors that are present all across the peripheral and central nervous systems.
It is also associated with the ways we feel pain, which has led researchers to assume that CBD works in the body to achieve better balance. The endocannabinoid system is formed of molecules known as endocannabinoids that are produced in the body to continue all the important functions.
Endocannabinoids bind themselves and activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which tell the ECS to do certain functions. CB1 receptors are available in the brain and the spinal cord and help regulate and reduce pain. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are mainly present in the immune cells and may help reduce inflammation.
CBD prevents endocannabinoids from breaking down. This means they can keep the receptors active for a long time and improve their effects on the body.
However, CBD does not directly interact with the receptors; THC does. THC can bind itself with the receptors, creating pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and euphoric effects.
Benefits Of Full Spectrum CBD
While there is limited research on the benefits of full spectrum CBD on the body, some studies particularly point towards the many benefits that CBD has to offer. For example, full spectrum CBD, in comparison to CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, offers improved benefits because of the entourage effect. However, more research is still needed to come to a conclusion about the same.
Some of the most popular benefits of full spectrum CBD products are:
Reduces Stress And Anxiety And Improves Sleep
CBD is high in calming properties that are particularly beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress. It is one of the more natural and safer alternatives to the usual anxiety medications. Because of its calming properties, CBD is also an excellent remedy to treat sleep irregularities.
Reduces Pain
While how much it works in humans is yet to be found out, CBD is known for its pain-reducing properties. It works with the endocannabinoid system in the body in a way that reduces how the sensation of pain is communicated to the brain.
Reduces Nausea And Vomiting
Full spectrum CBD is also notoriously popular for reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It is also very effective in cases of motion sickness or car sickness.
Helps Reduce Symptoms Of Epilepsy
Medications for epilepsy may sometimes have an adverse effect on the body. Full spectrum CBD is an excellent option to control the symptoms of epilepsy without any side effects. With that being said, BCD does not cure epilepsy from the roots. It only helps manage the symptoms, which can give you momentary relief.
It Is More Potent Than Other Forms Of CBD
When you compare with broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, full spectrum CBD has more potency. This means it works better in any given condition. Hence, you would be able to experience a change much more easily than with the other variants.
Drawbacks Of Full Spectrum CBD
While full spectrum CBD comes with a number of benefits, there are drawbacks, too.
Full spectrum CBD may produce positive urine tests and drug test results. So, it is not the best option for people who undergo these tests on a regular basis. It might also not be the best option for people who are very new to the use of CBD. It may have potent effects.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration claims that CBD of any sort may:
- Change the way specific medications work
- Cause liver injury
- Makes people feel extremely drowsy and sleepy
- Cause diarrhea and reduces appetite
- Cause severe mood changes like agitation and irritability
There is only one CBD product that the FDA has approved for consumption – Epidiolex. This treats certain forms of epilepsy. This means there are no other CBD products in the market that have received backing from the FDA. Hence, it is possible for some manufacturers to use unproven, misleading, or false health claims about the products they sell. There is also a contamination risk during the manufacture of the product. One simple way to ensure the quality of the CBD product you buy is to do some thorough research about it first. Go to their website and see if they have a third-party test certificate to ensure the quality of their products.
Who Should Use Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum CBD oil is the best for people who want to get full benefits of the product. It might also be a good option for people who have used CBD products in the past and are on the lookout for formulas with more potency.
Researchers have associated CBD with pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic effects. As a result, people who live with anxiety or chronic pain may think about using full spectrum CBD to get its full fledged benefits.
Who Needs To Stay Away From Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD is particularly not for people who are not looking forward to using THC for any purpose.
People who undergo regular urine or blood tests must also avoid using full spectrum CBD as it tends to produce positive results.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children must not consume CBD under any condition unless their doctor advises them to do so.
Additionally, every kind of CBD product may contain allergens like dairy, coconut, or soy. People need to go through the ingredient list very carefully before buying any product to ensure that it does not cause any reactions or side effects.
Can You Use Full Spectrum CBD On Dogs?
Yes, you can easily use full spectrum CBD on dogs. CBD has medicinal benefits that are extremely helpful for the well-being of your pet. Just like humans, dogs, too, have an endocannabinoid system that controls major functions in their body.
In cases of seizures, anxiety, arthritis, pain, sleep issues, motion sickness, etc, CBD can be particularly helpful. However, CBD for dogs is not the same as CBD for humans. While their composition and purpose are almost the same, human CBD should never be given to dogs under any circumstances. There are many brands in the market that particularly sell CBD products that serve pets. Make sure to check their authenticity so that you only give the best quality CBD to your furry friend. Also, make sure to check the THC content. Even the slightest amount of CBD can turn out to be dangerous for your pet. So, in no way should the product exceed the limit of 0.3 percent of THC. The lesser, the better it is for your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Here are the answers to some of the most asked questions on Google.
Ans: This totally depends on the individual preference of the person using it. If you have used other variants of CBD before, and are okay with consuming THC every day, full spectrum CBD is a good option for you. But, if this is your first time, or if you do not wish to take in any amount of THC, broad spectrum THC it is.
Ans: There are three main types of CBD –
Full spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD
CBD isolate
Ans: While it may not work as good as full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD is still effective in relieving pain, reducing anxiety, improving skin health, and helping with sleep.
The Bottom Line
Full spectrum CBD is one of the most potent, and highly beneficial forms of CBD available. Full-spectrum CBD products contain every single of the cannabinoids that are present in the hemp plant. This also includes THC, which gives a “high” sensation after consumption.
In case you wish to avoid the consumption of THC, going for the broad spectrum is also a feasible option. However, if you get regular blood or urine tests done, it is better to stay away from full spectrum CBD as it shows up in the results.
Also, if you are thinking about giving full-spectrum CBD to your pets, you may go ahead with it. It reduces pain and inflammation in your dog while improving their overall well-being.
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