If you are new to cannabidiol (CBD), you will quickly find that there is a long list of new words that you need to learn to navigate your way around. This can make facing CBD fill incredibly intimidating. But have no fear, because we here at Panacea Life Sciences are dedicated to making sure that people understand CBD and all of the words surrounding it. After all, one of the keys to living a healthy life is knowing what you are putting into (or, in some cases, on) your body.
To help with your CBD education, we want to talk about full-spectrum CBD, what it is, and what you can expect when you take it.
Going over CBD in general
To understand what to expect from full spectrum CBD, you need to have a general understanding of CBD. So, let’s get into it.
Cannabis plants, including the variations hemp and marijuana, contain a class of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. There are many of these compounds, with over 113 that researchers have identified so far. CBD is one of these cannabinoids. However, there is one other cannabinoid that is much more famous. It is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC’s fame is drawn from its psychoactive effects on people. That means that it creates the “high” that many associates with individual cannabis variations. CBD often gets thrown in with THC in people’s minds, causing them to believe that it causes the psychoactive effects as THC. However, it does not cause any sort of high or any psychoactive effects.
While CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp, most CBD products are made using CBD that has been extracted from hemp. There are many reasons for this, but one is simply eased of extraction. Hemp has high levels of CBD and less than 0.3% THC content. This makes extracting the CBD much simpler. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains very high THC levels and concentrations of CBD that vary wildly. This makes marijuana less than ideal for extracting CBD.
Another reason why CBD manufacturers prefer hemp over marijuana is because of the legal status of the plants. In 2018 a new version of the Farm Bill was passed that allowed for the growth and sale of hemp across the country (with restrictions in individual states). The Farm Bill was able to accomplish this because it affects all things agricultural in the United States. It is reviewed every five or so years and is passed again. The 2018 version federally legalized hemp, among other things. Meanwhile, marijuana is still federally illegal in the United States. Some states have legalized it, either for general or medicinal use, but it is still considered a controlled substance.
In the last decade or so, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies on CBD. Most of them have been aimed at trying to figure out what benefits the cannabinoid may be able to offer people. While this research is still preliminary, much of it has been incredibly promising. For example, some studies, like this one, have shown that CBD may be able to help its users achieve a higher state of calm. While other studies, like this one, have suggested that CBD could be useful in improving joint health.
What is full-spectrum CBD oil, and why is it unique?
Not all CBD extracts are the same, as you may expect. One of the main differences between extracts is what is in the extract besides CBD. The term “extract” would suggest to some that it consists of just what it claims to be, but this is the case.
As mentioned earlier, cannabis plants have many cannabinoids. Over 113, if you recall. That means that when something is taken from a cannabis plant, in this case, hemp, it is rarely alone. CBD extracts, while CBD is the primary compound found in the extract, there are other cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds. The name “full-spectrum” comes from the fact that this extract includes the full spectrum of compounds and cannabinoids found in hemp. This consists of the infamous sibling of CBD, THC. However, as discussed above, hemp does not have THC very much in it (less than 0.3%). It certainly does not have enough to cause a high.
So, what is the point of full-spectrum CBD? Why not just have it be CBD on its own? While it appears that CBD has an effect on people on its own, its effects are stronger when in the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes. If you want a secure CBD experience, you will wish to understand the “entourage effect.” This is when compounds build upon each other to create a more substantial effect. Because CBD is the main compound in CBD oil, it is what you are likely to feel the strongest. But the entourage effect could help to heighten CBD’s effect.
While this increased strength may be desirable, you need to be careful when using any CBD product to avoid adverse side effects. CBD is considered safe overall; there still are some adverse side effects that are generally associated with taking too much CBD. They tend to include things like diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. As you can see, these are not overly dangerous, but they are still no fun and should be avoided. Because the entourage effect adds to the CBD’s power, you may need less than you would expect to get your wanted result and prevent these side effects.
Other kinds of CBD oil
As mentioned above, there are a few different kinds of CBD extracts out there. After reading about the full spectrum, you may decide that it is not for you. That is okay. You still have other options. Let’s go over what those are.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum is not too different from the full spectrum. As with the full spectrum, broad spectrum is not extensively processed and has many cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds found in the hemp plant with the CBD. But it has one significant difference. Broad-spectrum CBD oil has non-detectable THC, (aka extremely low levels). Like with full-spectrum, the name “broad spectrum” gives you a good idea of what is in it, in the sense that it a wide range of compounds, but not all of them.
This makes broad-spectrum an excellent option for those interested in getting the entourage effect but are concerned about the presence of THC. As mentioned before, the THC level in most full spectrum CBD oils is not enough to cause any sort of high. However, it may still show up on a drug test. So, if your employer has strict rules concerning THC, broad-spectrum CBD oil could be your solution.
CBD isolate
Despite the potential benefits of having other compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes in a CBD extract, some may be poor. Everyone reacts to CBD a little bit differently. As a result, full and broad-spectrum CBD oils may be too strong for certain people, causing them to experience adverse side effects. If you think this maybe you, then you may want to try a CBD isolate.
CBD isolate exactly what it sounds like. It is just CBD isolated so that it is on its own with no other cannabinoid, compounds, or terpenes. The effects of CBD isolate are not likely to be as strong as the effects of a full or broad spectrum. The flipside is that the results are more likely to be purely CBD effects. Making them feel clearer, without the clouding of other compounds.
When you shop for a CBD product, you should be able to find just about any kind of product in whatever CBD extract version you prefer. So, no matter what kind of extract you think you would prefer after reading this, you should be able to get it in an edible, and oil, a topical, or a capsule. This way, you can get a product that works for you with extract that is best for you.
Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you may have. But if it has not, that is okay. You can reach out to us at Panacea Life Sciences with any comments, questions, or concerns. You can do that by either visiting our Contact page or by emailing us at [email protected]. If your items are all answered, and you are ready to start shopping for some CBD, why not check our full range of CBD products? Here at Panacea Life Sciences, we are not only dedicated to education, but also to providing our customers with high-quality CBD products to fit just about every lifestyle. We offer several different kinds of products in the full spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. No matter who you are, you can find your CBD fit with us.
