Full-spectrum CBD isn’t a new term. It’s a type of CBD that you might have come across if you’re not new to CBD. For most people, full-spectrum CBD is just another product in the market. But that’s not even close to what it is. This post will help shed some light on when full-spectrum is, how it works, and its benefits
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
A full-spectrum CBD like the one found on this website, is a CBD type containing all the beneficial compounds found in the Cannabis plant naturally. These compounds include:
Cannabinoids: The most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. The cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis plant, responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis and some medical benefits. Some studies have shown promising results from CBD to treat epilepsy, cancer tumors, chronic pain, autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and other diseases.
Terpenes: Terpene is a fragrant essential oil produced by plants containing therapeutic properties on its own or when combined with other compounds like cannabinoids. It has been known to provide anti-inflammatory effects when used alone or together alongside terpenoids in natural products, including hemp extracts containing full-spectrum CBDs. There are currently no scientific studies confirming the results of terpenes on humans.
Flavonoids: Flavonoid is a secondary metabolite found in plants with various health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to have neuroprotective properties that can help treat Alzheimer’s disease. However, more studies need to be conducted before the full extent of these beneficial compounds is known.
How Does Full-Spectrum CBD Work?
When CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant, it takes all other compounds found naturally in the plant. The term full-spectrum means that this CBD contains a broad range of these beneficial components and not just one isolated compound like cannabidiol (CBD).
Studies have shown that full-spectrum oils provide a more comprehensive range of benefits than single-molecule supplements. Full-spectrum CBD may produce different effects when combined with THC, lowering blood pressure while increasing mental awareness.
Many people seeking relief from medical conditions such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis but don’t want to get high would prefer taking a whole-plant extract very rich in cannabinoids rather than an isolate that contains just CBD.
What are its Full-Spectrum CBD Benefits?
There are several benefits associated with full-spectrum CBD. Some of them include:
Healthier Alternative
Full-spectrum CBD is a healthier alternative to synthetic drugs that may produce unwanted side effects on the body, such as nausea or vomiting. It can be addicting, while natural cannabis doesn’t have any potential for abuse.
Scientific studies have shown that it reduces seizures and other symptoms related to epilepsy without producing a high euphoric effect.
Easier Dosage Regimen
Since it contains more than just one compound found in whole plant extract, medical patients can take smaller dosages.
It reduces their reliance on addictive painkillers like opioids which do carry serious risks such as addiction, overdose, and death.
People taking CBD for anxiety will have to take a higher dosage of isolated CBD compared to full-spectrum oil.
Faster Relief
It has also been found that the relief provided by whole-plant extracts is faster since it allows cannabinoids and terpenes to work together synergistically rather than separately to release their maximum medical benefits.
Some studies showed better results when THC was combined with other cannabis compounds instead of being used on its own. This can help patients achieve optimum therapeutic effects while reducing undesirable side effects caused by single compound supplements such as high blood pressure, which may occur if pure CBD isolate were taken on its own.
Entourage effect
A 2015 study published by The Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that whole-plant extract is more effective than using isolated cannabinoids such as CBD alone.
This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, occurs when all compounds present in cannabis work together synergistically to provide therapeutic relief and not just one compound like CBD, which will only produce limited effects.
For example, full-spectrum CBD oil has been shown to help reduce seizures better than pure cannabidiol (CBD) supplements because it contains various other naturally occurring chemicals, including terpenes and flavonoids.
These additional components interact with cannabinoids like CBD, allowing them to produce maximal medicinal benefits while reducing side effects caused by taking too much or to dosage of these beneficial substances.
Furthermore, there is also evidence of cannabis being an effective treatment for cancer and other medical conditions such as anxiety.
However, many experts believe that these benefits can be maximized when cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically rather than separately to provide the most optimum therapeutic effect.
Drawbacks of Full-Spectrum CBD
Even though it’s a beneficial product with multiple positives, full-spectrum CBD has some drawbacks like any other CBD product. They include:
Contains THC
One of the main drawbacks of full-spectrum CBD is that it contains a tiny amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which can produce mild psychoactive effects or be high in some people.
This may make specific individuals feel drowsy, disoriented, dulled senses, and impaired coordination. For this reason, those who are suffering from anxiety often choose pure CBD oil instead since they need to be alert all day long as part of their daily routine.
Not always legal
In many countries where cannabis remains illegal, such as the United States and Canada, products containing THC like whole plant extract remain unlawful even if derived from hemp rather than marijuana flowers. That’s because, unlike its cousin compound found in marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive.
Is full-spectrum CBD right for you?
Isolated CBD supplements may be beneficial for those who need to control their anxiety and feel drowsy or impaired during the day.
However, whole-plant extracts offer a more effective treatment option. They contain other naturally occurring substances such as terpenes and flavonoids that work synergistically with cannabinoids like CBD.
They release maximum medical benefits while reducing the side effects caused by taking too much of these substances. This allows cannabis users to experience relief faster without worrying about experiencing psychoactive effects.
Furthermore, it has been found that full-spectrum oil is also more effective than isolated CBD at treating cancer and various mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and compulsive disorder (OCD).
Wrap Up
The use of full-spectrum CBD is more effective than pure CBD at treating medical conditions. It is safer, but it also produces effects similar to those experienced when smoking marijuana.
However, the main drawback of using this product over isolated cannabinoids like CBD supplements or tinctures is that they can produce psychoactive effects in some people, making them feel drowsy, disoriented, and dulled senses impaired coordination.
For this reason, those suffering from anxiety or another mental health condition often prefer pure CBD oil instead since they need to be alert all day long as part of their daily routine.