CBD oils are the most widely consumed form of CBD product. They are known for easy delivery methods, precise dosing, and quick-onset effects. Many Americans use it on a daily basis to keep their mood, anxiety, and stress levels in check through their day-to-day routine. For new consumers, choosing the best CBD product for their needs can be quite confusing because it comes in so many varieties.
People often find themselves stuck between choosing from the two most famous categories, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oil. Selecting the right CBD formula is crucial; it can mean the difference between experiencing powerful, whole-plant benefits or missing out on certain effects.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key distinctions between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD to help you choose the perfect oil for your needs, preferences, and wellness goals.
What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
A full-spectrum CBD oil is made with a complete hemp-based CBD extract. In simple words, it contains all the components of a hemp plant, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients.
It’s believed that due to this complete hemp compound profile, full-spectrum CBD oils generate a superior entourage effect in users as compared to broad-spectrum isolates. Anecdotally, it’s reported that full-spectrum CBD oils promote a higher level of better sleep, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of calm and well-being.
Since it’s a full-spectrum extract, there’s also the presence of THC, but only in trace amounts. It’s capped at a maximum of 0.3%, but for some, this can be a cause for concern. THC is mainly known for its intoxicating properties and produces a feeling of “high” when consumed.
Though the 0.3% level is just not enough to create such an intoxicating high, many people still hesitate to consume it. Plus, there are chances that it can still show up on an upcoming blood or drug test. Also, some people are sensitive to THC use; hence, they might stay away from full-spectrum oils, even when levels are negligible.
The terpenes and phytonutrients in full spectrum extract have their own set of unique properties, which further enhances the overall effect of all the cannabinoids. The most common problem with the CBD industry is mislabeling and wrong claims of cannabinoid levels.
Reputable brands like Colorado Botanicals, which specialize in full-spectrum CBD, go to great lengths to ensure their products contain exact amounts of THC and other cannabinoids as written on the label.
What is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
In simple words, broad-spectrum CBD oil is nothing but a full-spectrum formula with THC completely removed from it. To make a broad spectrum, companies put the hemp extract through another special refining process, which completely annihilated the levels of THC in it.
Since all other components, like cannabinoids, phytonutrients, and terpenes remain intact, users can still experience the entourage effect. This is the major reason for Broad Spectrum CBD Oil’s popularity, as people get to experience the whole hemp plant benefits without worrying about any risk of exposure to THC.
Just like full-spectrum oil, broad-spectrum is equally effective in treating conditions related to anxiety, sleep, stress, mood, and focus. Though some believe that its impact may be slightly less than the full spectrum, most day-to-day users won’t be able to notice the difference.
Anecdotally, you’ll find reports from both groups: people who find the full spectrum more potent and those who find no difference in potency even with the broad spectrum. The specific spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes can also vary between brands and products.
Many people find broad-spectrum oils to be perfectly balanced and an ideal solution, especially those who are concerned about drug testing or sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC.
Just like with any CBD product, it’s essential to source broad-spectrum oils from reputable companies that can provide third-party lab test results verifying the accurate cannabinoid profile and complete removal of THC. So if you are not concerned with a slight difference in the potency of the effects, it’s best to go with the one with the best offers, discounts, and pricing.
Factors to consider between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Now that we know the difference between the two, let’s pinpoint the major factors before you decide to stock up on your monthly supply.
- Intensity of Effects: If you want to experience the maximum therapeutic benefits that the hemp plant has to offer, full-spectrum CBD may be the better choice. The entourage effect created by the complete cannabinoid profile may produce more potent and holistic effects. But if you’re concerned about.
- Upcoming blood work: One of the major concerns when using cannabis products is the risk of failing an upcoming drug test. Since full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, there is a possibility of it getting picked up as a positive result.
It can be troubling because it’s the major constituent of marijuana, which is usually placed under the control substance list. Your employer may not believe that it’s just from CBD. Broad spectrum CBD, on the other hand, is a safer bet for those who need to pass drug screenings.
- Preferences and Sensitivity: Some individuals may be more sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC, even in small quantities. These users may prefer the “cleaner” profile of broad spectrum CBD. For this group, taking full spectrum CBD oil may result in more drowsiness and fatigue, which can hinder productivity. Whereas some may respond better to the synergistic effects of the full spectrum formula.
- Product quality: Regardless of whether you choose full spectrum or broad spectrum, the quality and transparency of the brand are essential factors. Always look for third-party lab test results to verify the accurate cannabinoid profile and ensure the product is free of contaminants. Also, make sure to check the complete ingredient list so that you don’t end up consuming inferior-quality oil.
Takeaways
In conclusion, for your day-to-day usage, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils will be equally effective. Just stick to a brand like Colorado Botanicals, which gives you the latest lab test reports and offers subscription savings so that you can stock up monthly.
The major difference between both kinds of oils is the presence of THC, but only in trace amounts. For most people, it won’t make much difference, and its concentration in full-spectrum oils is simply not enough to make people high.
Still, if you have an upcoming drug test or sensitivity to even negligible amounts of THC, broad-spectrum CBD oil will be a better choice.
It’ll also depend on the area you live in or the city you are planning to travel to. Some places only allow zero-THC CBD oils, making broad-spectrum oils a more sensible choice. For your pets also, a broad spectrum CBD oil is a better option, as there is not enough research to show whether THC is safe for animals.
So yeah, choose the one that fits best in your budget and fulfills your requirements. Also, make sure to start with a low dose and then gradually increase it week by week.
