There are generally three categories of CBD products on the market, isolates, broad spectrum, and full spectrum. Isolates, as the name would imply, are just one cannabinoid isolated to nearly 100% purity; in the case of CBD products, nearly pure CBD (though other cannabinoid isolates do exist). But what is the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum cbd? Let’s explore below.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD products include the full spectrum of cannabinoids, including THC, though legally to be hemp that THC must remain below 0.3%. Even at those very low levels, some residual benefits from the THC could be noticed, but there is absolutely no chance of euphoria (feeling high).
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD products differ from full spectrum products in the inclusion of THC, that is, broad spectrum products do not contain any detectable THC. Despite their lack of THC, broad spectrum CBD products do still include the full range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids.
A More Accurate Term: Full Spectrum Hemp
As both the terms “full” and “broad” spectrum pertain to all the cannabinoids in hemp, not just CBD, much more accurate terms to use would be “full spectrum hemp” and “broad spectrum hemp.” Technically speaking, the full spectrum of CBD is just CBD, it is only one molecule, but the full spectrum of hemp includes numerous cannabinoids (like CBG and CBN), terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other chemicals.
The main reason it is problematic to discuss “full spectrum CBD” vs. “broad spectrum CBD” is that it encourages the incorrect impression that there are different types of CBD – there are not, CBD is CBD, regardless of the source it is always the same molecule. Since there is just one CBD, it is incorrect to talk about “CBDs,” as it can never be plural; it can be possessive, as in, “CBD’s benefits to the body.”
CBD Isolates vs. Full Spectrum CBD
You may be thinking, “I don’t care about other cannabinoids, I just want CBD,” but even if that is the case, you still may want to consider avoiding products made using CBD isolates. In 2014, a study was done in Israel looking at a full-spectrum CBD product (which included THC) compared to an isolated CBD product, what they found shocked the world.
Those researchers saw that the isolated CBD product had a bell-curve shaped dose response, meaning both high and low doses had little impact, but doses in the middle had a big impact. That is very problematic, as the goal with most medicines or supplements is to have a dose-dependent response, where a low dose has a small impact, and higher doses will have dependably larger impacts. Those researchers then looked at the full spectrum CBD product and saw a clear dose-dependent response. Or, as they put it, “the limitation with purified CBD could be overcome when presented together with other natural components of the plant.”
Benefit of Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum Hemp CBD
While CBD has a wide range of benefits for our bodies such as improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation from exercise, helping with daily temporary stress, and can promote a good quality of sleep, those benefits are truly taken to the next level when it is a broad or full spectrum hemp product.
The full spectrum of phytocannabinoids are needed by our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) for proper, healthy function, just like the ECS needs all the endocannabinoids functioning at normal levels. The ECS is the conductor of the body’s symphony, with receptors in every other system to monitor for optimized function. The technical word for this is homeostasis. It manages homeostasis of the body via triage; meaning it determines which system is most in need and prioritizes each one in that order of need for nourishment. Sometimes this may be the gut and immune system, other times it could be the nervous system and bones.
A great way to get the benefits of full spectrum hemp CBD in your life is with Ojai Energetics’ 100% USDA organic certified, water-soluble, full-spectrum CBD products.
Why Water Soluble Cannabinoids Matter?
While CBD oil or any other cannabinoids in a product will give it more benefits than products without cannabinoids, those potential benefits are still limited due to bioavailability. Our bodies are not perfect for processing CBD and other things, and bioavailability is what amount of something, like CBD, is actually available to your body after you ingest it. A big way to increase the bioavailability and the speed at which CBD and other cannabinoids take effect is by using water-soluble CBD with nano-encapsulation technology.
The patented water soluble colloid delivery in the products in Ojai Energetics’ CBD Starter Kit allow for people to reach an effective dosage of cannabinoids using significantly less oil. Beyond CBD and cannabinoids, colloidal technology improves terpene delivery and allows for ingestible products that actually feel like strains.
