Understanding Full Spectrum CBD Oil and Why It Is Important
The legalization of cannabis has brought a whole new lingo along with it, and we’re not talking about words like “dank” or “skunky.” Terpenes, isolates, and tetrahydrocannabinol are all part of the CBD shopping experience.
One term comes up again and again: full spectrum. Cannabis brands boast that they offer full spectrum CBD, but what does that even mean? What spectrum are these brands talking about? Does this have anything to do with “isolate” products?
Full spectrum CBD oil offers an experience that many cannabis users want out of their CBD oils, tinctures, or vaping products. Read on to learn the definition of “full spectrum CBD,” how it compares to other products, and why you might prefer full spectrum CBD oil.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
CBD oil doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Manufacturers must extract CBD from the dry cannabis plant. This can even be done at home with the use of ethanol or different types of oils. The end result is a liquid that you can use to manage anxiety, reduce pain, and clear your mind.
Of course, CBD is far from the only active ingredient that gets pulled out of dry herb. A long list of terpenes and cannabinoids also come along for the ride. When this happens, you get full-spectrum CBD.
That’s right. When you’re enjoying full spectrum CBD oil, you’re likely not just enjoying CBD. You get to enjoy a full spectrum of what your hemp or marijuana has to offer.
What Are Terpenes and Cannabinoids?
CBD is just one cannabinoid that may be found in your full spectrum CBD oil. Terpenes will also be present. These active ingredients are crucial to making each strain of cannabis unique. They affect the smell, taste, and effects of the bud or resulting CBD oil.
Linalool, for example, is a terpene that offers a hint of floral and spicy scents to cannabis and other plants. You can find it in strains like Amnesia Haze, Lavender, and Master Kush. Tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, is the cannabinoid that makes you feel “stoned.” Yes, THC will appear in your full spectrum CBD oil.
Will Full Spectrum CBD Oil Get You High?
Not always. Cannabis products with less than .03% THC are unlikely to show up on drug tests or make anyone feel “high.” Hemp, the plant that produces cannabis buds with high THC content, will always contain less than .03% THC.
About Broad Spectrum CBD
CBD products with any trace of THC can make people nervous. If you want to keep your terpenes and cannabinoids in your CBD but do not want THC, consider buying a broad spectrum CBD oil. The main difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum products is the presence of THC.
About CBD Isolate
Some cannabis users want to go even further. They do not want any additional terpenes or cannabinoids in their CBD product. CBD isolate is the product for these users. Additional or alternative extraction methods isolate CBD from other terpenes and put it into an oil with a higher concentration of CBD.
Why Choose Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum CBD products come with extra terpenes and cannabinoids, often at the expense of a lower concentration of CBD. Is the cost worth it?
Many say yes. Full spectrum CBD has become a preference among many cannabis lovers for a few reasons:
Entourage Effect
Research on full spectrum CBD and isolate tends to suggest that full spectrum CBD makes CBD more effective. This is known as the “entourage effect.” Studies done on the entourage effect show that individual terpenes can also provide some of CBD’s most wanted effects, including a reduction in inflammation and pain. Other studies show that CBD can help to reduce some of the unwanted effects of THC, like “the munchies.”
Broad spectrum CBD may not contain THC, but its presence of other terpenes or cannabinoids may also produce the “entourage effect.”
More research must be done to definitely prove the entourage effect and the effects of specific active ingredients, so we will let users be the judge for themselves.
A Full Experience
Many consumers want the additional aromas and tastes that come from a cannabis strain’s lesser-known terpenes and cannabinoids. This rounds out your cannabis experience. Terpenes are so in-demand that many cannabis manufacturers put additional terpenes into their CBD oil for enhanced smell, taste, or effects. With full spectrum CBD oil, there is less of a need for artificial terpenes, essential oils, or flavors.
Less Processing
Extracting full spectrum CBD is so easy and natural that you can do it at home. Homemade CBD isolate is a bit more complicated. Manufacturers go through additional refinement processes in order to produce a pure form of CBD. This may not be a concern of yours, but it is enough for many consumers to opt for a full spectrum product.
These factors may or may not be a deal-breaker as you are choosing your next CBD oil. No one type of CBD oil is safer than the other. Choose based on your personal preference, or experiment until you find the CBD oil that you like the best.
Other Factors To Consider When Choosing CBD Oil
So you’ve chosen whether full-spectrum or CBD isolate is a better product for you. Your work is not done. Other factors will influence the quality, taste, and effects of your CBD oil product. Seek out these other labels or qualifications before you buy:
-Organic
-Cruelty-free or vegan
-non-GMO
-U.S.-grown
-Contains less than .03% THC
-Potency
-Other added ingredients or essential oils
-Carrier oil (MCT oil, coconut oil, etc.)
Where to Get High-Quality Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Excited to try full-spectrum CBD oil for yourself? In California, you don’t have to wait long. You can even get high-quality cannabis products delivered right to your door.
Shop through our entire collection of CBD oils and tinctures. You’ll be calm, cool, and collected in no time.
