How Cannabinoid Compounds and Full Spectrum Products May Offer a Therapeutic Advantage
You might have noticed the term “full spectrum” tossed around a lot in the CBD/Cannabidiol industry. So what does it mean? How can using a combination of different compounds maximize your benefits? That's exactly what we are here to figure out!
It’s important to understand the Entourage Effect and how it works before you buy full spectrum CBD oil to make sure you choose the right product for you. To do this, you've got to look at what makes full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate products different from each other.
About Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate Cannabidiol Oils
Full spectrum Cannabidiol products include numerous plant medicines that are called cannabinoids along with other phytochemical compounds found naturally in the cannabis/hemp plant. This usually includes up to 0.3% of THC. Alternatively, broad-spectrum Cannabidiol has all of these compounds, minus the THC. Isolates generally contain cannabidiol only. Whether you prefer isolates or full spectrum products is usually a matter of personal preference and tolerance. Here is a quick breakdown of the three types of Cannabidiol extracts:
Full Spectrum Cannabidiol Products
Full spectrum Cannabidiol products usually contain Cannabidiol and a range of other minor terpenes and cannabinoids naturally produced by hemp plants. In other words, the full spectrum of hemp compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Broad Spectrum Products
In contrast, broad spectrum products contain all minor cannabinoids and Cannabidiol while excluding THC. These products are ideal for those seeking max benefits but steering clear of THC itself.
Isolate Products
Isolate products contain only CBD/Cannabidiol and nothing else. These products are ideal for Cannabidiol users looking to stick to what their systems are most comfortable with and adapted to.
An Entourage of Benefits: Combining Compounds for an Enhanced Effect
This brings us to the Entourage Effect, a phrase referring to the synergistic advantages derived from all of the compounds found in hemp plants. Understand that Cannabidiol is just one advantageous cannabinoid among many. When Cannabidiol is paired with THC and other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, a more robust therapeutic result is attained.
Clinical research shows full spectrum products deliver the most effective therapeutic benefits among the three types of Cannabidiol extracts. This is because terpenoids, flavonoids and cannabinoids interact with one another as they bind to the various receptors in the brain and body.
So what are the key players in this effective full spectrum entourage effect? They are Cannabinol, Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol, Cannabichromene and THC. (Remember, broad spectrum CBD oil products have everything that full spectrum products have except for THC.)
Here’s a breakdown of these compounds to give you a better understanding of how they work together to create superior entourage benefits.
Cannabidiol/CBD Oil
Cannabidiol comes from the Sativa plant. This non-intoxicating chemical produces a relaxed feeling, though does not create the “high” that some experience from THC. In fact, Cannabidiol is entirely non-psychoactive. Cannabidiol benefits include relief from anxiety, pain, depression, fibromyalgia, inflammation, and more.
Cannabigerol/CBG Oil
Cannabigerol, or, CBG is a minor cannabinoid that has numerous potential benefits identified in clinical study. CBG oil is shown to protect nerve health, support healthy brain function, relieve inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, stimulate appetite, and even lower cholesterol.
Cannabinol/CBN Oil
Cannabinol Oil (CBN) also comes from the Sativa plant. This cannabinoid is known to be mild, at around 25% as potent as THC or less. In larger doses, Cannabinol Oil may produce mild psychoactive effects. CBN Oil benefits include pain relief, immune support, insomnia relief and appetite stimulation.
Cannabichromene/CBC Oil
Cannabichromene, or CBC for short, is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid that is abundant in hemp. Although it is not psychoactive, it is still very powerful. This unique compound supports healthy brain function by increasing the viability of new brain cell growth. This process is known as neurogenesis, and it can help keep your brain sharp as you age. CBC may also help bind to neurological and neurotransmitter receptors. It is also thought to enhance pleasure sensation, improve motivation, regulate sleep, promote appetite, and reduce pain.
THC in Full Spectrum Cannabis Oils
THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the substance that produces the “high” that many people enjoy from consuming marijuana products. Full Spectrum CBD oil will contain very small amounts of THC while Broad Spectrum CBD Oil will have all of the cannabinoids listed above, minus the THC.
Cannabis Terpenes
Full spectrum Cannabidiol will also usually contain terpenes from the cannabis plant. Terpenes are resinous, fragrant chemical compounds that can be found in various plants, not just cannabis. In cannabis, they can make a certain strain taste or smell different from others. The terpene content in different cannabis strains, plants, and even fruits and vegetables varies significantly. The higher the terpene content is, the more fragrant, potent, or flavorful, things will be.
Inside the Body: How Does The Entourage Work Together?
THC, Cannabidiol, minor cannabinoids, and certain terpenes interact with your body’s very own ECS (Endocannabinoid Systems). The ECS is an internal bodily system that regulates many different biological processes ranging from appetite and memory to sleep and immune function. When you pair Cannabidiol with other compounds known to interact with your endocannabinoid systems, the effectiveness of every compound is also increased. This is the heart of the entourage effect. Think of it as a full-body workout as opposed to simply doing curls with your left arm. When you stimulate your entire ECS, the benefits you experience will be much more far reaching and robust.
Is the Entourage Effect a proven thing?
Absolutely! Science supports this effect unequivocally. Many research papers have been written describing the well-established benefits of the entourage effect. Leaders in medicinal cannabis research have conducted studies supporting the benefits of full spectrum products versus isolates as well. In these studies, the results indicated that even users who had minimal benefits from Cannabidiol isolate products could attain substantial advantages from full spectrum products.
Should I go for Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum cannabidiol products?
When it comes to choosing between full and broad spectrum products, it will all come down to what you are looking to achieve. Do you want a healthy boost without the possibility of any psychoactive effects? If so, broad spectrum CBD products are probably the best option for you.
However, if you prefer the way that THC makes you feel and want to get the most benefits from your CBD oil right away, full spectrum is definitely worth looking into. Or, maybe you’re a purist looking to benefit from just one compound at a time. If so, isolates are an excellent option for you. You might even want to try all three Cannabidiol products types to see which one feels best for you personally. Either way, there are plenty of health benefits to be enjoyed and they are all supported by independent clinical research!
Final Thoughts
Now you know the most important facts about the three Cannabidiol product types! The next time you are deciding what products will work best, you'll be able to buy with confidence because you know how to target the exact benefits you need. Remember, it all comes down to what you’re looking to achieve with CBD oil. Take your time and test out your options. This is your journey, after all. Before you know it, you’ll have your favorite products pegged and be on track to a healthier, calmer, and pain-free life!
