When you explore Green Society Canada, you might question the meanings of terms like full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for its non-psychoactive properties, is notable for its purity. Some products feature only CBD, while others encompass additional elements of the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and characteristics that can impact your CBD experience. With this insight, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD comprises CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all these components except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance the benefits of cannabis due to their entourage effects.
- CO2 and Alcohol extraction techniques are the two common methods to create CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a CBD product that consists of a wide variety of cannabinoids, different forms of terpenes, and trace amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD has a higher CBD concentration but also contains small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not all full-spectrum products contain all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may exist in minimal quantities or be lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide a distinctive aroma, while flavonoids contribute to color and serve various biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD has trace levels of THC, but the THC concentration in full-spectrum CBD oil never surpasses 0.3%. These minimal quantities are insufficient to provoke any psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect indicates that the synergistic impact of cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other elements, amplifies therapeutic advantages. CBD may enhance THC’s effects while mitigating some of its adverse effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also encompass various forms of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. Research into cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) indicates potential in anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains multiple active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum cannabis concentrates do not include detectable levels of THC. Manufacturers typically label it as such and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids present in their products.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains several cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates numerous physiological functions like temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids function by binding to specific receptors within the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. Through this binding process, CBD can help manage the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two primary CBD extraction methods utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, making neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
One of the simplest techniques for producing cannabis extracts in the industry involves using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
Cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures abundant on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes contain a wealth of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and evaporate the alcohol, leaving behind a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced method involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to convert it into a supercritical fluid. The fluid is then passed over the plant material to dissolve the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
A major advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of versatility. By regulating temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while excluding others.
CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
Understanding CBD extraction may seem to concern only manufacturers and CBD companies. However, this process influences the final product’s quality, so it’s beneficial for consumers to grasp the basics.
CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest technique, making it the primary choice for many CBD products.
Key Differences Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
| Criteria | Full-Spectrum CBD | Broad-Spectrum CBD |
| Compounds | CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils | CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils |
| THC Content | Contains up to 0.3% THC | THC-free |
| Suitable for | Those who don’t mind THC and seek the full range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals who prefer THC-free products but still desire the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
These CBD products deliver similar benefits since they consist of nearly identical compounds, minus THC. Full-spectrum CBD may have a more significant impact on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, although both types still provide the same advantages.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal analyzed the medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep issues. Within the first month, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety levels among 79.2% of the patients. 66.7% experienced initial improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies suggest that potent CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive results for patients with social anxiety disorder, particularly when taken orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving approximately 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. Findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates, such as oil, specifically helped enhance pain levels, especially in back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology suggests that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications may improve symptoms in chemotherapy patients. Around 85% of participants in the study preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 indicates that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when administered orally or applied topically, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD shows promise in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and more.
How to Use Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Smoking or vaping: Vaping is the quickest and most effective method for delivering CBD extract into your system, primarily due to its high bioavailability, which can reach up to 60%.
- Apply it topically on your skin: Topicals provide targeted relief and can be used wherever you need it most.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or incorporating them into your food or beverages.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. Although the onset of effects may be slower, they provide longer-lasting results.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors such as weight, health status, and reactions to cannabis. Start with 2-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Gradually increasing the dosage over several days while monitoring your response ensures you find the optimal balance of relief.
Conclusion
The choice between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum depends on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you seek the health benefits of CBD without the influence of THC, broad-spectrum options are likely your best choice. Conversely, if you are open to THC and aim to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products are probably your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary like Green Society Canada is where you can purchase concentrates such as shatter or live resin and the best cannabis extracts, including cannabis, packaged discreetly. Explore multiple selections and discover exciting ways to save on every purchase.
Is there a CBD extract that only contains CBD?
CBD isolate represents the purest form of CBD available. It contains no additional cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant and lacks the synergistic benefits associated with the entourage effect.
Isolates have neither flavor nor odor unless deliberately enhanced with flavorings. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Various methods of consuming CBD can effectively alleviate pain, although the timing and duration of relief can vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but offer relief for only a few hours. Gummies and capsules can deliver longer-lasting relief, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a suitable option.
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