CBD is a Spectrum and Here’s Why You Should Know About Them

The word spectrum paves the way for the imagination of colors, be it a rainbow or the famous Pink Floyd triangular prism. 

Like colors have a range, so does CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol. What is CBD? It is one of the many chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant or popularly known as hemp or simply cannabis. 

CBD products are swaying the market at an unprecedented speed. According to one report the CBD market is growing at an extraordinary annual compound growth rate of 30% 

There’s a reason for this popularity. CBD benefits include the treatment and studies of chronic pain, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. FDA has approved Epidiolex, CBD formulated medicine to reduce seizure frequencies amongst patients with Dravet & Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. 

The unconventional popularity has filled the market with plenty of varieties, from full spectrum to broad-spectrum to CBD isolate. But what are these varieties and how are they different from each other? Is broad-spectrum CBD better than CBD isolate? 

We will address these questions and more so that you can make an informed decision for your health 🙂

Looking Beyond CBD 

The cannabis sativa plant contains multiple chemical compounds called phytocannabinoids or simply cannabinoids. It includes CBD and also many other kinds.

What are these “other” kinds? The most popular cannabinoid is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a psychoactive compound responsible for the high people feel while consuming cannabis. 

Similarly, we also have cannabigerol or CBG, terpene, terpenoids, flavonoids, cannabinol, or CBN. 

Each of these compounds has its therapeutic value. For example, CBG has the potential to offer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer relief. Terpenes are responsible for the fragrance impressions which may vary based on various CBD products and its stain. 

So, it isn’t just CBD that makes it therapeutic. A lot of other elements come together to create what is popularly known as the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect is the theory that all hemp compounds work more effectively when taken together.

Umm, so what is the role of the spectrum here? We already know that the best possible outcome is achieved when all cannabis/hemp chemical compounds come together and not just CBD. 

The answer to that question is need and choice as a consumer. Let us see how need and choice play a role while choosing a CBD-based product.

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum & Isolate

As pointed out before, the cannabis sativa plant has multiple compounds responsible for an overall positive impact on health. The key player is CBD. 

Beyond CBD, we also have other naturally occurring elements. 

So, if you’re okay with THC concentration in your CBD product then the full spectrum is a good idea. Full-spectrum has got it all and produces an entourage effect in its entirety. 

What if you’re sensitive to THC? Even 0.3% of it? Or what if you don’t want it in your body? 

Well, the answer is broad-spectrum CBD! 

Broad-spectrum products contain every single chemical compound but THC. There is a disadvantage to it, that is, the reduced entourage effect. The good news is that it will help you get off the illegal hook. 

The legal/illegal hook varies across the world. In the USA, for example, only hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. It is true for the federal law only as the state laws may vary. 

To know more, you can dive into our CBD laws series by clicking here. 

The third method of consuming CBD is to take ONLY CBD. Yes, just one compound. It is the most researched and has well-established literature around it. So many people believe in simply taking it as an isolate and avoiding other compounds altogether. 

Is Full or Broad or Isolate Better Than The Other?

The right question is, what is your need? If you want to avoid THC or are not comfortable with it then broad spectrum/isolates are good options.

At Ozia, we have three formats of CBD products ranging from tinctures, powder, to gel caps. Our broad-spectrum CBD contains 0% THC. 

We want our customers to have access to affordable and highest-quality CBD products. That is why we maintain a full-plant profile that preserves naturally present cannabinoids found in hemp such as CBD, CBG, and CBN as well as a complete terpene profile giving it the “entourage effect”.  

Feel the difference today by placing your first order and save 25% by signing up on our website and we will send you a coupon.  You can also save up to 20% going forward with our subscription model 😀

If you do not want any other kind of phytocannabinoids in your choice of CBD product then an isolate is perfect for you. The disadvantage of CBD isolate is the absence of an entourage effect. 

It is important to note that CBD isolates are not ineffective. They are very potent and impactful in their ways. Please make sure to do your research as there are some artificial isolates circulating in the market from unscrupulous companies.

Take time and try to figure out your comfort with THC, desire for the entourage effect, and other bodily needs. We have simplified the different CBD spectrums for you in a table. We hope that it helps 🙂

Now get free shipping for US orders over $25. No coupon code is required. 

Full Spectrum	Broad Spectrum	Isolate
Includes all naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant including THC	Includes all naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant except THC	Includes only CBD and no other naturally occurring compounds
May fall under illegal umbrella depending upon THC level/concentration	Products fall under the legal area especially the USA Federal law but state laws might differ	They are legal but state laws might differ
Maximum entourage effect	The entourage effect wears off a little due to THC absence	No entourage effect

References:

Dawidowicz, A. L., Tomczyk, M. O., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104915

Marinotti, O., & Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating Full-Spectrum Hemp Extracts from CBD Isolates: Implications for Policy, Safety and Science. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517–526. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2020.1776806

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD? Plus, 7 Best Products to Try. (2021, January 21). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/full-spectrum-cbd#cons