FULL-SPECTRUM VS ISOLATE

Full-spectrum CBD comprises all the organic elements of the hemp plant, including THC. An isolate is a pure form of CBD. Full-spectrum has terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and CBD. Broad-spectrum has all the elements of hemp except THC.

Different research on the benefits of the hemp plant shows promising outcomes. The hemp, cannabis, and marijuana plants belong to the same family. However, hemp and cannabis were legalized in the US, leaving out marijuana, because they were noted to have numerous health benefits and offer fewer threats to their users than marijuana. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, 0.3% THC levels are suggested to be insignificant, and that cant harm its users. On the contrary, marijuana has over 0.6% of THC. Other elements of the hemp plant are terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD. The presence of either element in CBD products differentiates the types. The types of CBD products are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD is in some products by about 90% of manufacturers since less extraction is involved. It comprises the elements of the hemp plant, including flavonoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). Full-spectrum CBD users benefit from all the elements of the hemp plant. It also offers an entourage effect due to the reaction of various elements. Entourage effect in various elements' ability to boost the therapeutic benefits of products than a single element working independently.

Some of the full spectrum products are gummies, tinctures, and capsules. None of the benefits is approved, although Maaya et al. (2020) believed Full-Spectrum offers unique health and wellness benefits such as reducing stress, pain, and anxiety. The only approved benefit of CBD is for treating epilepsy. Also, the presence of THC in full-spectrum CBD products makes some experts have doubts regarding its effectiveness. The following breakdown will help you understand the benefits of some of the dominant elements found in the hemp plant;

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the dominant element of the hemp and cannabis plants. Various research show it has potential health and wellness benefits. Due to promising outcomes of CBD, including treating epilepsy, it was legalized in the US, although with regulation. According to Teoh et al. (2018), other benefits of CBD include reducing pain, anxiety, and stress and promoting mental health by interacting with B1  receptors around the mind. However, the benefits are yet to be approved. The study above noted that a high potency intake of CBD is likely to have negative health implications, including getting anxious and experiencing severe headaches. Therefore, despite the purpose of usage, it should be moderated.

THC

THC is the short form of tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the second dominant element of the hemp and cannabis plant after CBD. Unlike CBD, associated with numerous health and wellness benefits, it has intoxicating effects (Russo, 2011). The study above discovered that THC triggers the psychoactive effects that would make its users feel "high." The study above suggested that the common side effects of THC are getting anxious, poor memory, fatigue, severe headache, and reduced appetite. However, some research suggests THC has health benefits if taken considerably. According to Daniela et al. (2022), it has anti-inflammatory properties suitable for regulating excess hormone production that would bring imbalance in the body. The study above stated that THC is recommended to reduce stress and anxiety. However, the benefits are yet to be approved clinically.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the third most dominant element of the full spectrum CBD. Unlike THC and CBD, which are a threat to our health when taken in excess, they offer more health benefits. The hemp and cannabis plants have a significant number of terpenes. However, the most dominant ones are limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, myrcene, linalool, and humulene. Also, unlike CBD and THC, only found in hemp and cannabis, terpenes are also found in other plants. They contain healing properties that have made them be used in various clinical research. Terpenes in rosemary are suitable for a conducive respiratory system (Dassault, 2017). Terpenes are responsible for the awful taste of the hemp plant.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids have similar properties to terpenes. The hemp plant has 20 known flavonoids which improve its therapeutic value. Unlike CBD and THC, flavonoids are found in various plants, including fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are responsible for the dark green color found in the hemp plant. Also, flavonoids don't have side effects even when taken in excess. Nile & Park (2014) noted that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties making them suitable for enhancing hormone balance. However, most researchers suggest that flavonoids work best when blended with terpenes, meaning its suitable for the entourage effect. According to the study above, Some common benefits of flavonoids and terpenes are reducing stress, pain, and anxiety.

Isolate

Isolate CBD is the third dominant type of CBD after full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. It is unique from the two since it only has one element; CBD. Isolate CBD is suitable for people evading the psychoactive effects of THC. Also, isolate is recommended for beginners and those looking forward to benefiting from CBD only. However, it is highly concentrated. Therefore, isolate CBD users should use it responsibly, avoiding CBD-related side effects. Isolate lacks other elements, including terpenes and flavonoids. Therefore, its user's cant benefit from the entourage effect.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD is the second dominant. It is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant except THC. Its users benefit from terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD should be used considerably, although it is void of THC. However, broad-spectrum CBD is the best option for the entourage effect of the hemp plant extracts.

Conclusion

Full-spectrum CBD is infused in some hemp-based products. It contains elements of the hemp plant, including THC, CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. It's the best option for the entourage effect since it has more elements than broad-spectrum and isolates, although some people have doubts about its effectiveness due to the presence of THC. On the contrary, isolates might not offer an entourage effect having CBD as the only element. However, it's suitable for avoiding THC-related risks and people targeting the benefits of CBD only. Broad-spectrum is the third type of CBD. Its products are manufactured using all the elements found in the hemp plant except THC. This makes it a suitable option over full-spectrum since it has fewer risks.

Reference

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Teoh, D., Smith, T. J., Song, M., & Spirtos, N. M. (2018). Care After Chemotherapy: Peripheral Neuropathy, Cannabis For Symptom Control, And Mindfulness. American Society Of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, 38, 469-479.