Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD: Which Is Right for You?

Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

The three types of CBD oil are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum retain numerous other cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to CBD after the extraction process while isolate retains only CBD with no additional compounds from the hemp plant.

While hemp-derived full-spectrum oils retain small amounts of THC (<0.3%) in addition to all other naturally occurring compounds found in the plant, broad-spectrum oils are further refined after extraction to remove the THC.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The ECS is a network of receptors in the brain and body that support neuronal activity and plays an important role in the regulation of processes and functions, including sleep, mood, pain, inflammation, and memory. CBD and other cannabinoids interact with this system to provide potential benefits like relief from minor aches and pains, anxiousness, and sleeplessness.

Neuroscientist Josh Kaplan, Ph.D. writes in regards to the endocannabinoid system, “[a]dditional cannabinoids retained in full- and broad-spectrum oils like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) interact directly with the ECS by either acting on the cannabinoid receptors or by increasing levels of the endocannabinoids. Though some cannabinoids, like cannabichromene (CBC), don’t seem to affect the ECS directly, they can augment the effect that other cannabinoids like CBD and THC have on the ECS through non-ECS mechanisms.”

Kaplan also notes that β-caryophyllene, one of the more common terpenes in cannabis and hemp, can affect the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and is potentially the only terpene to directly stimulate the ECS. This demonstrates the symbiotic relationship the cannabinoids in CBD oil and the ECS have and how their cooperation results in a slew of benefits.

The Entourage Effect

If you know anyone passionate about CBD oil, you’ve likely heard of something called  the entourage effect. This phenomenon suggests that when CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes are all taken together they become more effective and provide greater benefits than when a single cannabinoid is taken alone. When taking full- and broad-spectrum oils, you’ll likely experience this effect because the cannabinoids are believed to work in concert with one another to provide the greatest range and degree of benefits. Since isolate only retains a single cannabinoid, you’re not going to experience the entourage effect.

So Which Type of CBD Should You Choose?

Now, what does all of this mean for choosing the right type of CBD? When deciding between full- and broad-spectrum CBD oil, it really boils down to personal preference. If you’re hesitant because of the stigma around THC or are worried about testing positive on a drug test for a job, broad-spectrum is likely the best choice of the two. There is a possibility that the use of full-spectrum CBD oils can lead to a positive drug test—especially, since it retains a small amount of THC from the hemp plant.

At the end of the day, what matters most is the results. If you find that one or the other works best for you, stick with it.

Feals Is Your Premium Source for Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing a simple, healthy, and better way to feel better. We provide high-quality hemp-based CBD products designed to help you keep a clear head and lead a balanced life while feeling your best. We rigorously test internally and with third parties for quality and safety to ensure we’re delivering the purest, cleanest, and most potent full-spectrum hemp products.

If you still have questions about the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil, our CX team would be happy to answer your questions and help guide you on your journey to finding your best self-care routine.