When buying CBD products, the question of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum often comes up. Of the 26% of Americans using CBD in 2022, a whopping 64% use it for pain relief. The quality and amount of CBD present have different effects on CBD’s potency.
To help you break down the difference and advantages of the two types of spectrums, we’ve made a quick comparison.
Review of CBD and Hemp Plants
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of more than 100 chemical compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp, also a plant from the Cannabis family, is the source of federally legal CBD. Hemp is not to be confused with Marijuana which comes from the same Cannabis family. It is legal across the States, but Marijuana is not.
What Does Hemp Look Like?
Industrial hemp is a stout, aromatic, erect annual plant originating in Central Asia. The leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds are harvested and turned into various products from CBD to industrial rope.
Types of CBD
Since 2018, federal law has legalized growing and selling hemp in the United States. CBD has been showing up everywhere in different forms, such as tablets, oils, creams, and gummies.
There are three main types of CBD.
- Full-spectrum CBD – contains CBD and other cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less).
- Isolate CBD – contains just CBD.
- Broad-spectrum CBD – contains all the same compounds as Full-spectrum, except it doesn’t have any THC.
How It Works
Some consider Full-spectrum CBD products more effective than the other types. Because it contains all of the cannabis plant’s compounds, including 0.3% or less THC, that combination produces what researchers called the “entourage effect.” It means that all of the elements in Full spectrum CBD may work better together than a single cannabinoid used alone.
Broad spectrum is recommended for people concerned about CBD’s psychoactive effects.
Full Spectrum CBD Gummies
Full-spectrum gummies are made with a hemp extract that contains all of the hemp plant’s compounds. All the natural phytochemicals are retained during the extraction process to manufacture CBD gummies.
People choose full-spectrum CBD gummies because they want to take advantage of the ability of all the plant’s compounds to deliver benefits supporting health and wellness.
The THC content in full-spectrum CBD gummies is less than 0.3 percent and is usually much lower. You will not experience a “high” like you would with Marijuana.
Pros and cons of full-spectrum CBD
One of the most significant benefits of full-spectrum CBD is that you’ll get what’s known as the entourage effect. This theory says that when multiple components of cannabis work together, you reap more benefits than when taking each individually.
These components include:
- phytocannabinoids (like CBD and THC)
- flavonoids
- terpenes (compounds that affect cannabis’s scent and flavor)
One 2011 review found that phytocannabinoids and terpenes taken together may help with pain, swelling, and stress. Researchers noted that CBD showed the most promise for certain brain-related disorders and skin conditions.
However, a potential downside to full-spectrum CBD is that if you take a significant enough dose of a potent enough product, you may feel elated due to the THC.
But that does not mean that all full-spectrum products will make you feel intoxicated. Small doses of lower-potency products are unlikely to produce any euphoric effects.
Finally, since full-spectrum products contain THC, you may run a higher risk of testing positive for cannabis should you take a drug test.
Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies
Broad-spectrum CBD gummies are also made with hemp plant extract. They contain the many compounds listed for full-spectrum CBD gummies, with one exception. Broad-spectrum CBD does not contain THC or only contains trace amounts.
Legal CBD products are made with extracts from hemp plants containing less than .3 percent THC, and the THC is stripped out from the section while manufacturing the broad spectrum CBD gummies.
These gummies are usually chosen over full-spectrum CBD gummies by people who want to make sure no THC is detectable in a drug test or want to ensure there are no psychoactive compounds in the product for personal reasons. With regular consumption, THC can build up in your system, so choosing this gummy can avoid any potential detection issues.
Pros and cons of broad-spectrum CBD
One potential plus of broad-spectrum CBD is that you have the highest chance of keeping a clear mind — no THC means no elated feeling.
A drawback, though, is that the lack of THC may not have the same potency in terms of the whole CBD benefits. The “entourage effect” may not be as effective as a full-spectrum gummy.
That’s not to say broad-spectrum products won’t give you any of the entourage effect benefits at all. Broad-spectrum CBD still contains other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may offer benefits beyond CBD alone.
Which One Is Safe To Take Before A Drug Test?
Full spectrum CBD gummies contain all the beneficial compounds of a cannabis plant, including THC. Since it has THC, people taking Full Spectrum gummies won’t be able to take a drug test.
Broad spectrum, on the other hand, contains all the exemplary compounds of the hemp plant minus the THC content. Since they don’t contain THC, individuals taking them can take the drug test without worries.
Bottomline
To answer the question: Which is better, Full-spectrum or Broad-spectrum CBD gummies? It will depend on the person’s needs. For people whose jobs require regular drug tests, Full Spectrum gummies are not for them. For people looking for a more robust gummy with all compounds, then Full Spectrum gummies are for them.
Both types are effective and formulated to address various wellness needs. The informed choice is up to the consumer to make.
Do you have additional questions about full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD gummies? Chat with us today! Our always-ready Stirling CBD customer support would be more than happy to answer them for you.
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