If you have spent some time in the CBD space, you may have come across the term broad-spectrum CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD is a lot like full-spectrum CBD and contains various compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, with one exception–broad-spectrum CBD typically contains only trace amounts, or 0% THC.
In this article, we will discuss why you would choose to use broad-spectrum CBD instead of other forms of CBD extract.
Table of Contents
1. The Three Main Types of CBD Extract
2. Pros and Cons of Full-Spectrum CBD
3. Pros and Cons of Broad-Spectrum CBD
4. Pros and Cons of CBD Isolate
5. Are Different Types of CBD Better for Different Uses?
6. How to Choose the Best CBD Product for You
7. FAQs about Broad-Spectrum CBD
8. Conclusion
1. The Three Main Types of CBD Extract
The three main types of CBD extract are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.
Full-Spectrum Extract
Full-spectrum extracts, also known as whole-plant extracts, contain all the naturally occurring compounds from the cannabis plant including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds.
The presence of these compounds gives full-spectrum extract a wider range of potential health benefits than just CBD alone. It is important to note that full-spectrum extract may contain trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3% by law).
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Broad-Spectrum Extract
The broad-spectrum CBD extract is similar to the full-spectrum in that it contains multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the cannabis plant.
The difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum is that broad-spectrum typically has a very low amount of THC, if any at all.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is an extract containing pure cannabidiol with no other cannabinoids or terpenes present. Because there are no other compounds present in CBD isolate, you will not experience any “entourage effects” from this type of extract. [1]
However, isolates may be beneficial to those who need high doses of CBD or prefer not to consume any amount of THC whatsoever.
When choosing which type of CBD extract you would like to use for your individual needs it is important to do your own research and consider factors such as potential health benefits, potential side effects from other compounds present in full/broad-spectrum products, what condition/ailment you are treating and/or trying to prevent, etc...
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2. Pros and Cons of Full-Spectrum CBD
Pros
Full-spectrum CBD offers the most comprehensive benefits of any type of CBD extract. Because it contains many other compounds from the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, users may experience the so-called “entourage effect” or synergistic benefit when consuming full-spectrum extracts. [2]
RELATED: Understanding the Entourage Effect of Cannabinoids
This means that they are more likely to get maximum relief from their condition or ailment than with CBD isolate alone.
In addition, full-spectrum extracts contain trace amounts of THC, which may offer an additional therapeutic benefit for some conditions.
Cons
The major downside to full-spectrum extract is that it may contain small amounts of THC, which could cause problems for those who are subject to drug tests in their workplace. For this reason, many people choose to use a broad-spectrum extract instead if they need to avoid any amount of THC in their products. [3]
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3. Pros and Cons of Broad-Spectrum CBD
Pros
Broad-spectrum CBD is an ideal choice for those who want all the potential health benefits provided by the cannabis plant without any trace amounts of THC. As mentioned before, broad-spectrum CBD products contain multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may provide a synergistic benefit to their users. [2] (Click to tweet)
In addition, as broad-spectrum extract typically contains 0% THC, you can use broad-spectrum CBD products without having to worry about failing a drug test due to trace amounts of the compound. [3] (Click to tweet)
Cons
The biggest downside to using broad-spectrum CBD is that it may not be as effective as full-spectrum extracts in treating certain conditions or symptoms due to its lack of THC. Some studies have shown that full-spectrum extracts offer more complete relief from pain and inflammation than CBD isolate, or broad-spectrum extract alone.
Furthermore, since there are fewer compounds present in broad-spectrum CBD products compared to full-spectrum extracts, there may be less potential for synergistic effects from the other cannabinoids in the product.
Related: The Entourage Effect: The Science, Benefits, And Potential Of Full Spectrum CBD
4. Pros and Cons of CBD Isolate
Pros
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available, containing no additional cannabinoids or terpenes. Because there are no other compounds present in CBD isolate, there is no risk of experiencing any unwanted side effects from other compounds.
Also, since there are no trace amounts of THC present in CBD isolate products, you can use these products without having to worry about failing a drug test due to small amounts of THC. [3]
Cons
Despite its potential benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with using CBD isolate products...
Since it does not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes, users will not experience any “entourage effects” when using this type of extract. This means that they may not get as much relief from their condition or ailment as they would with full-spectrum extracts or broad-spectrum extracts.
Studies have shown that full- and broad-spectrum CBD extracts tend to provide more complete relief from pain and inflammation than CBD isolates. (Click to tweet)
So, while some may prefer this type of product because it contains no trace amounts of THC whatsoever, others may find that the lack of synergy among different cannabis plant compounds makes it less effective than other types of extracts at treating certain conditions and symptoms.
5. Are Different Types of CBD Better for Different Uses?
Yes, different types of CBD can be better for different uses. CBD isolate, for example, is the purest form of CBD available and contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes. This makes it ideal for those who want to take advantage of the potential health benefits of CBD without any risk of experiencing unwanted side effects from other compounds.
However, since CBD isolate does not contain any other cannabis plant compounds, it may not be as effective at treating certain conditions or symptoms due to a lack of synergy with other compounds.
On the other hand, full-spectrum extracts contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. This means that users will experience the so-called “entourage effect” or synergistic benefit when using full-spectrum products, potentially providing them with more complete relief from pain and inflammation than they would get from CBD isolate alone.
Full-spectrum extracts may also contain trace amounts of THC, which could offer an additional therapeutic benefit for some conditions. However, as these products do contain small amounts of THC, they may be unsuitable for those who are subject to drug tests in their workplace.
Finally, broad-spectrum extracts provide many of the benefits associated with full-spectrum products but without containing any trace amounts of THC whatsoever.
As such, broad-spectrum CBD products are a great option for those who need to avoid any amount of THC in their supplement regimen but still want to reap the potential health benefits provided by the cannabis plant's various compounds and cannabinoids. (Click to tweet)
Broad-spectrum extracts may not be as effective at treating certain symptoms as full-spectrum products due to their lack of THC; however, they offer a much safer alternative if you need to avoid even trace quantities of THC in your supplements.
RELATED: Looking Into CBD and Drug Testing
6. How to Choose the Best CBD Product for You
When it comes to choosing the best CBD products, there are a few key considerations that should be taken into account.
- It is important to understand the different types of CBD extract so that you can determine which form would best suit your individual needs.
- Purchase from a reputable source. Look for brands that provide lab tests for each of their products. This will ensure that you receive a safe and effective product free from contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides that could pose risks to your health if consumed at high levels. Also, take a look at who the brand is - do they seem to really care about their products and customers?
- Look into how their products are extracted and processed. Some CBD products are made using harsh solvents and chemicals during the extraction process, which could negatively impact the quality of their final product. Instead, opt for a brand that uses safer and more natural extraction methods like CO2 extraction. [4]
- Consider factors such as taste or texture when choosing a product – this can help you find something that best suits your individual needs and preferences. For example, some people may prefer capsules over tinctures due to the convenience associated with taking capsules day or night without having to measure doses accurately or endure strong tastes or textures associated with tinctures. Similarly, other users may prefer topicals over ingestible forms of CBD because topicals provide greater targeting abilities and can be applied directly to affected areas for quick relief from localized pain or inflammation.
7. FAQs about Broad-Spectrum CBD
What are the most common FAQs about broad-spectrum CBD?
1. What is broad-spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of hemp extract that contains various cannabinoid compounds and terpenes from the cannabis plant but without any THC. This form of CBD offers many of the same potential therapeutic benefits as full-spectrum products but without any risk of experiencing unwanted side effects caused by THC.
2. Why would I use broad-spectrum CBD instead of other forms of CBD extract?
Broad-spectrum CBD is a great option for those looking to experience some of the potential therapeutic benefits associated with cannabis compounds and cannabinoids but without any risk from THC or its associated side effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD products are also a good choice for those subject to drug tests in their workplace since they contain no THC whatsoever, not even trace amounts. (Click to tweet)
3. Are there any downsides to using broad-spectrum CBD?
The main downside to using broad-spectrum CBD products is that they may not be as effective at treating certain conditions or symptoms due to their lack of THC, which could offer additional therapeutic benefits for some conditions when taken alongside other cannabis compounds and cannabinoids. As such, users should always consider their individual needs before deciding on whether or not to use broad-spectrum extracts over other forms of CBD extract.
4. How do I know if a product contains a broad-spectrum extract?
Most reputable brands will clearly label their products so you can easily identify what type of extract they use (i.e., full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate). In addition, look out for third-party laboratory test results which will show what cannabinoids and terpenes are present in the product, allowing you to verify the contents before purchasing it.
5. How do I choose the best broad-spectrum CBD product for me?
When choosing a broad-spectrum CBD product, consider factors such as how you will be using it (e.g., orally or topically), any potential side effects you may experience from its use, and your individual preferences in terms of taste or texture. By considering these factors, you can find a high-quality broad-spectrum extract that best meets your needs and helps you achieve your health and wellness goals.
8. Conclusion
We normally prefer full-spectrum extracts, if you have read any of our previous blog posts or taken a look at our site you will see that we state this over and over. However, we also understand that each person comes with their own unique set of circumstances, and this is why we feel it is important to offer as many different options as we can.
In the end, it is up to you which form of CBD extract you choose. Some people may prefer broad-spectrum CBD products because they offer a variety of therapeutic benefits without any risk from THC. Others may find that full-spectrum CBD products work best for them due to the inclusion of other cannabis compounds and cannabinoids. It is important to consider your individual needs before making a decision so you can be sure to select the product that is right for you.
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