When visiting an online dispensary like Kootenay Botanicals Canada, you might find yourself curious about terms such as full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for its non-psychoactive nature, is notable for its purity. Some products feature only CBD, while others contain additional components from the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can shape your CBD experience. With this insight, you can choose the best extracts online Canada tailored to your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD includes CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD has all these elements except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and alcohol extraction methods are the two common techniques for creating CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD product that contains a wide variety of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD typically has a higher CBD concentration but also includes small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not all full-spectrum products contain all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may be present in minimal quantities or may be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes contribute a unique scent to the plant, while flavonoids provide color and serve various biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD contains trace levels of THC, but the THC concentration in full-spectrum CBD oil never exceeds 0.3%. These minimal amounts are not enough to produce psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the combined impact of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, enhances therapeutic benefits. CBD may amplify the effects of THC while mitigating some of its negative effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also encompass various cannabinoid forms, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Research on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) suggests potential anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains a range of active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not contain detectable levels of THC. Manufacturers often label it accordingly and may provide information about the specific cannabinoids in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that produce an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates numerous physiological functions such as temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids attach to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, found throughout the body. This interaction allows CBD to help manage the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain, while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary methods for extracting CBD utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has its unique advantages and disadvantages, making neither method inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest ways to produce cannabis extracts in the industry is through alcohol extraction. Ethanol is the preferred alcohol.
Cannabis plant material is submerged in ethanol to extract cannabinoids from the trichomes, the small, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and eliminate the alcohol, leaving behind a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. This fluid then dissolves trichomes from the plant material, producing a CBD-rich oil.
One significant advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By controlling temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires costly equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction might seem relevant only to manufacturers and CBD businesses. However, the extraction process impacts the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for you to understand the basics.
CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest method, making it the primary choice for many CBD products.
Key Differences Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
| Criteria | Full-Spectrum CBD | Broad-Spectrum CBD |
| Compounds | CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils | CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils |
| THC Content | Contains up to 0.3% THC | THC-free |
| Suitable for | Those who don’t mind THC and want the full range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals who prefer THC-free products while still wanting the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products offer similar benefits due to their nearly identical compounds, excluding THC. Full-spectrum CBD tends to have a stronger effect on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both provide comparable benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal analyzed the medical records of 72 patients experiencing anxiety or sleep problems. Within a month, researchers noted a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of the patients, with 66.7% reporting improved sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive results for patients with social anxiety disorder, particularly with oral doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving roughly 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. Findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates like oil effectively improved pain levels, especially for back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study in the Annals of Oncology found that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could enhance symptoms in chemotherapy patients, with about 85% preferring this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 indicated that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when taken orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD is promising for alleviating inflammation across various conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and acne.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the fastest and most efficient method for delivering CBD extract into your system due to its high bioavailability, which can reach up to 60%.
- Apply it topically on your skin: Topicals provide targeted relief and can be applied where needed.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or mixing them into food or beverages.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. While effects may take longer to onset, they provide a longer-lasting impact.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors such as weight, health status, and reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over a few days while monitoring your response ensures optimal relief.
Conclusion
The decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends on your goals and your sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re seeking the health advantages of CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options are likely your best bet. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and wish to maximize CBD’s potential benefits, full-spectrum products are likely the optimal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary like Kootenay Botanicals Canada is where you can purchase concentrates such as shatter or live resin, along with the best cannabis extracts like CBD oils, packaged discreetly. Explore various selections and discover exciting ways to save on each purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available. It contains no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant and lacks the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates have no flavor or odor unless intentionally enhanced, making them particularly suitable for customers who dislike the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products.
Which method of consumption can alleviate pain more effectively?
Various consumption methods for CBD can effectively relieve pain, although the timing and duration of relief may vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but only temporary relief. Gummies and capsules may offer longer-lasting effects, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a fitting choice.
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