If you are a CBD user or have at least some idea about CBD, you would already have heard about its spectrum options. CBD comes with three spectrum options, namely full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD. Although all of these options are derived from hemp, the ingredient profile of each of these options differs from each other. However, all of these options have CBD as their major compound.
What Is Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil?
Full-spectrum hemp oil refers to CBD oil that contains all the major compounds present in the hemp, in the right amounts. Additionally, it has the following compounds:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is an active cannabinoid in cannabis plants. The cannabis plant, marijuana is known for its high THC percentages while hemp is famed for its high CBD content. THC has several therapeutic benefits but the high it produces in the users is its downside. Legal CBD products are extracted from hemp and they do not have THC greater than 0.3%.
Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinol is being studied for the sedative effects it generates. It is believed to be the cannabis compound that has the potential to give a sense of relaxation to the users.
Cannabigerol(CBG)
It is the precursor to cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the acidic forms of CBD, and THC respectively. CBG also acts as the precursor to cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). When CBG is broken down by cannabis enzymes, it is converted to CBDA, THCA, or CBCA. Apart from the compounds discussed above, full-spectrum hemp oil has many other compounds like flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. The presence of multiple cannabis compounds in full-spectrum hemp oil produces the synergistic action termed as the entourage effect that amplifies the health benefits of the CBD hemp oil.
What is CBD Isolate?
If full-spectrum CBD oil is a multiple cannabinoid product, CBD isolate is the exact opposite of it. The only cannabinoid in CBD isolate is CBD itself. It lacks the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in full-spectrum hemp oil. The entourage effect can only be expected if a cannabis product has more than one cannabis compounds. Hence CBD isolate cannot produce an entourage effect in the users. The benefit of CBD isolate is the lack of THC in it, a feature that saves the user from the trouble of a drug test failure. Although the minimal THC percentage in full-spectrum hemp oil cannot give the users a high, there are chances for a drug test failure.
The profession of the CBD user, the severity of the medical condition they are treating, and the benefits they expect, influences their choice of CBD spectrum.
