When you explore an online dispensary like MMJ Express Canada, you might be curious about the meaning behind terms such as full or broad-spectrum CBD. CBD, known for being non-psychoactive, is recognized for its purity. Some products feature solely CBD, while others include additional components from the cannabis plant.
Understanding the differences between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum cannabis extracts reveals unique compositions and traits that can impact your journey with CBD. With this knowledge, you can choose the best extracts online Canada that meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Full-spectrum CBD encompasses CBD, THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, while broad-spectrum CBD contains all these elements except THC.
- Both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum enhance cannabis benefits through their entourage effects.
- CO2 and Alcohol extraction methods are the two prevalent techniques for creating CBD extracts.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a product that incorporates a diverse array of cannabinoids, various terpenes, and small amounts of THC.
- Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD boasts a higher concentration of CBD but also includes trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Not all full-spectrum products contain all 100-plus cannabinoids, as some may be present in small quantities or lost during extraction.
- Terpenes and Flavonoids: Terpenes provide the plant’s unique aroma, while flavonoids contribute color and serve multiple biological functions. The combination of terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD may enhance the entourage effect.
- THC: Full-spectrum CBD includes trace levels of THC, with concentrations not exceeding 0.3%. These small amounts are not enough to produce psychoactive effects.
Entourage Effects in Full-Spectrum
The entourage effect posits that the combined impact of cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components, amplifies therapeutic benefits. CBD may enhance THC’s effects while mitigating some of its undesirable effects.
Full-spectrum cannabis concentrates also contain various types of cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBDV, CBDA, and CBD. For instance, research on cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) shows potential in anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a type of extract that contains several active compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and terpenes. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum concentrates do not have detectable THC. Manufacturers typically label these products accordingly and may provide details about the specific cannabinoids in their offerings.
How It Works
Broad-spectrum CBD retains multiple cannabinoids that can produce an entourage effect without THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological functions such as temperature, energy metabolism, appetite, and digestion.
These cannabinoids bind to specific receptors in the ECS known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are distributed throughout the body. This binding process allows CBD to help manage the body’s natural response to inflammation and pain while also influencing mood and anxiety symptoms.
Extraction Process of CBD
The two main methods for extracting CBD utilize alcohol or CO2 as solvents. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, making neither inherently superior.
Alcohol Extraction Method
This straightforward method for producing cannabis extracts involves using alcohol as a solvent, with ethanol being the preferred choice.
The cannabis plant material is soaked in ethanol to dissolve cannabis trichomes, the tiny, hair-like structures found on the plant’s flowers and leaves. These trichomes are rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds.
After soaking, manufacturers remove the plant material and purge the alcohol, resulting in a full-spectrum CBD extract.
CO2 Extraction
This advanced technique involves pressurizing and heating CO2 to create a supercritical fluid that is then passed over the plant material to extract the trichomes and produce a CBD-rich oil.
A key advantage of CO2 extraction is its high level of adjustability. By manipulating temperature and pressure, companies can selectively target specific compounds while leaving others behind.
CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, making it more commonly used by larger CBD companies.
While the extraction process may seem relevant only to manufacturers and CBD companies, it significantly influences the quality of the final product, making it beneficial for consumers to understand the basics.
CO2 extraction is regarded as 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 desire the full range of cannabis compounds. | Individuals who prefer THC-free products but still want the benefits of other compounds. |
Benefits of Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD
Both types of CBD products offer similar benefits, as they contain nearly identical compounds except for THC. However, full-spectrum CBD typically has a more pronounced effect on symptom management compared to broad-spectrum CBD, even though both provide substantial benefits.
Reduce Anxiety and Depression While Improving Sleep
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal reviewed the medical records of 72 patients with anxiety or sleep issues. Researchers noted a reduction in anxiety levels in 79.2% of the participants within the first month, while 66.7% experienced improvements in their sleep scores.
Social Anxiety
Reviews of human studies indicate that potent CBD cannabis extracts can yield positive effects for patients with social anxiety disorder, especially when taken orally in doses ranging from 300 to 600 milligrams.
Chronic Pain
A 2021 survey involving around 250 patients from seven pain management clinics in Southern California examined their experiences with CBD. The findings indicated that CBD cannabis concentrates, such as oil, significantly improved pain levels, particularly for back and neck pain.
Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
A 2020 study published in the Annals of Oncology suggested that combining CBD with anti-nausea medications could enhance symptoms for chemotherapy patients. Approximately 85% of participants preferred this treatment over a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research from 2020 has shown that both full- and broad-spectrum CBD, when taken orally or applied topically, demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. This aligns with scientific studies and anecdotal evidence that indicates CBD’s potential in alleviating inflammation across various conditions, such as 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 way to deliver 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 applied where needed most.
- Take it sublingually (under the tongue): For oils, this method involves placing them under your tongue or adding them to your food or drinks.
- Add to edibles or capsules: Extracts in capsules and edibles offer a more straightforward experience. Although the onset of effects may take longer, they deliver a longer-lasting impact.
Dosage is crucial and varies based on factors like weight, health status, and individual reactions to cannabis. It’s advisable to 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 decision between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD depends on your goals and sensitivity to the ingredients. If you’re looking for the health benefits of CBD without THC’s influence, broad-spectrum options might be your best choice. Conversely, if you’re open to THC and wish to maximize the potential benefits of CBD, full-spectrum products from MMJ Express Canada are likely your optimal selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get the best CBD extracts and different concentrates?
An online dispensary, like MMJ Express Canada, is the perfect place to purchase concentrates such as shatter or live resin, along with the best cannabis extracts, including CBD oils, conveniently packaged. Explore various selections and discover exciting ways to save on each 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 are devoid of flavor and odor unless intentionally enhanced with flavorings, making them particularly appealing for customers who find the natural, earthy taste of standard CBD products unappealing.
Which method of consumption can relieve pain better?
Multiple consumption methods can effectively alleviate pain, though the timing and duration of relief may vary. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual administration provide rapid onset but only offer relief for a few hours. Gummies and capsules can yield longer-lasting effects, sometimes up to 8 hours. For localized pain, topicals are a suitable choice.
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