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Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD Explained

Dale blog imageAuthor: Dale Hewett
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If you are familiar with CBD products, it is not uncommon to have tried to compare broad spectrum vs full spectrum CBD. These are, simply, terms used to describe the content of different cannabinoids, or the presence of THC in a CBD product.

They are very important in giving the consumer a general idea of what to expect from the CBD product in terms of therapeutic benefits. If you are just coming across the words for the first time, then there is no need to worry, this article shall discuss the differences between these terms and what to expect from them.

TL;DR – Broad spectrum CBD has near 0.0% THC, while full spectrum can have up to 0.3% THC content. Neither CBD product types will get you high, though. There is a spectrum known as CBD isolate. An isolate is not really a spectrum, though, because it only contains isolated CBD – nothing else. Most people will be better suited with either broad spectrum CBD or full spectrum CBD.

Different Spectrums of CBD Extract

A cannabinoid spectrum, or CBD oil spectrum, is a term used to describe the presence or absence of certain cannabinoids in a product.

Cbd In Cannabis

Two terms you will run into are: full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD.

The cannabis plant is rich in several plant-based chemicals including essential oils, cannabinoid compounds and terpenes. The combination of these compounds in a CBD product is what defines the spectrum.

The cannabinoid family consist of over 124 different members with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) as the most studied members.

CBD spectrums are classified as:

  • full-spectrum CBD
  • broad-spectrum CBD
  • CBD isolate

For this article, we will focus on the full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD products.

For those who are interested, though, here is a picture of what CBD isolate looks like:

Cbd Isolate Powder

It’s just white powder. That’s it. The CBD molecules have been isolated from everything else – hence the name ‘isolate.’

When CBD products first came out, CBD isolate items were everywhere. Now days, most of the scientific community has concluded that people will benefit from broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD much more than a CBD isolate.

This is because there are other beneficial compounds in the full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils (or other forms of CBD products) that a CBD isolate lacks.

What is the Main Difference Between The Two Spectrums?

It all comes down to THC content. Both spectrums contain all of the beneficial compounds within cannabis, however, a full spectrum will contain up to 0.3% THC content.

Alternatively, a broad spectrum CBD product will contain near 0.0% of THC.

This is the only difference.

Let’s talk about CBD and THC for a minute…

What is CBD? What does CBD Stand for?

If you are already familiar with CBD, or cannabidiol, you can go ahead and skip this part of the article.

Before we address the different spectrums, we might as well discuss a bit about what CBD is, what it stands for, and where it comes from.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of approximately 120 different phytocannabinoids within the cannabis family. The term phytocannabinoid is a scientific term that means ‘plant chemical.’

Cannabidiol became legal for use in 2018 after the Farm Bill was signed, and introduced as new legislation. The Farm Bill covered a lot of things, including legally distinguishing the hemp plant from marijuana, and legalized hemp and hemp-derived goods.

The catch is that hemp-derived goods, like different CBD oils, must contain less than 0.3% THC content. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is another cannabinoid known for getting people high. THC remains under the controlled substances act.

What is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. There are many different forms of THC, but the most popular forms are: delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC.

These are all cannabinoids, similar to CBD, but they are still completely different. THC is notorious for getting people high. This is why it remains on the list of controlled substances within the United States. It is also illegal in many different countries throughout the world.

THC can be found in high amounts within marijuana, and very low amounts in hemp. On the other hand, CBD is found in high amounts within hemp, and low amounts within marijuana.

Broad spectrum CBD oil will contain near 0.0% THC, while full spectrum may contain up to 0.3% by law. Regardless, neither spectrum will get you high.

What is the Difference in Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD?

Now that you know what the different types of spectrums are, let’s take some time to discuss what makes them different.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil Products

Full-spectrum CBD oils contain all the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, with a THC content nearing 0.3%. These compounds include terpenes, essential oils and cannabinoids (THC inclusive).

They are prepared with the sole aim of maximizing the potentials of the hemp extract for maximum benefits.

Information gathered from scientific research has shown that the presence of CBD can inhibit the psychoactive side effects of THC; hence, the reason why THC is often found in full-spectrum products.

Because of federal regulations, it is required that all full-spectrum CBD oil products contain no more than 0.3% of THC.

Key Points of Full Spectrum Products

Broad Spectrum CBD Products

This is a term used to define CBD tincture products containing all the necessary chemicals found in the cannabis family of plants – except for THC.

A broad spectrum CBD product is widely utilized in cases where people are interested in enjoying the full benefits of the plant without the presence of THC.

CBD Products for Sale by New Phase Blends

Key Takeaways of Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Products

Discover: CBD Oil For Sleep by New Phase Blends

Will Either Spectrum Get Me High?

As long as you are taking legal, hemp-derived CBD oils, you cannot, and will not get high. This is because there isn’t anywhere near enough THC in these products to cause any intoxicating effects.

Regardless of the difference between full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD, neither have the ability to get you high because of the lack of plant compounds responsible to cause a high (THC).

 

Is Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD Better?

To be completely honest, there is no ‘better’ option. CBD, and other cannabinoids, can work differently for different people. There are also other compounds that come along with extracted cannabinoids from cannabis. These include terpenes, which are also beneficial.

Both spectrum extracts are nearly identical, except for the THC content.

If you think a bit of THC is better for you, than stick with a full spectrum extract. If you want a CBD oil with no THC, stick with a broad spectrum oil. It’s that simple.

CBD and Drug Testing

We’ve talked a lot about THC in this article, so far. This may make some readers curious about CBD and drug testing, and whether or not you may test positive for anything on one.

While we have a full article on this (you should definitely check it out), I will summarize by saying this:

It is possible, but unlikely, that you can test positive for THC after using full spectrum CBD hemp extract. It is also possible to have a false positive on very poor quality urine drug tests.

If you are frequently drug tested, or have concerns, stick to broad spectrum extracts.

Related: How Long Does CBD Oil Stay in Your System?

Does Full Spectrum CBD Have THC in It?

Yes, it does. Remember, by law, full spectrum CBD may contain up to 0.3% THC in that particular product. This is the major difference between the spectrums. While this amount of THC is not enough to feel, and not enough to get you high, it is still found in full spectrum items.

CBD Starter Kit Bundles

Confused on what to buy? Check out our CBD starter kit bundle. This bundle comes with several different forms of CBD products. You can see which type of product you like best. Maybe you like them all, maybe you prefer a balm, or a CBD tincture. With this kit, there is no guessing. You get it all.

Difference Between Full Spectrum CBD Oil and Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Choosing the right CBD spectrum is a product of choice – nothing else. One is not necessarily better than the other. Whatever spectrum CBD oil you choose, it won’t get you high. Since the limits of THC are at 0.3%, it is no where near enough to cause an intoxicating reaction.

Some people want a broad spectrum CBD oil, because they do not want any trace of THC in their bodies – not even a little bit. That’s just fine.

Others feel like the tiny bit of THC in the full spectrum CBD oil helps them a little bit. That’s fine also.

There really is no right answer, as long as you are happy with the results.

Take into consideration your health conditions, body chemistry, and rules guiding the use of hemp derived CBD. Both products have been identified to produce outstanding results.

You can also consult with your physician for information on whether a full spectrum extract or broad spectrum extract best suits your needs.

If you feel you can benefit from the use of CBD, please head over to our CBD store and find the right fit for you.

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Commitment to Quality Information

When it comes to understanding both the science and benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), it is extremely important to trust the source of your information. This is exactly why our team at New Phase Blends includes experts in the field of cannabinoid research and development, including frequent correspondence with certified medical professionals and PhDs in relevant fields. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest scientific research and clinical studies related to not only CBD, but also its effects on the human body.

Our website also includes an About Us page, where you can learn more about our team, mission, and commitment to providing accurate, reliable information about CBD. Additionally, all of our products are third-party lab tested for quality and purity, and we make the results of these tests easily accessible to our customers.

We understand that choosing a CBD product can be a daunting task, especially with so much conflicting information available online. That’s why we strive to be a one-stop-shop for all your CBD education and product needs. From beginner’s guides to detailed explanations of different types of CBD products, we provide comprehensive information to help you make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into your wellness routine.

We hope you find our website to be a valuable resource in your journey to learn about CBD and its potential benefits. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, who are always happy to help.

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Some articles you read may contain content created by the use of AI tools. This content is always edited by a human. We fact check any AI content, and ensure the information produced is accurate, up to date, and relevant to the article it may be contained in. All content is verified against peer reviewed data on CBD written by PhD’s and respective experts in their field of medical science.

Our goal in using AI content is to increase the user experience by increasing content production, and quality. This results in more information becoming available to the reader more frequently.

About the Author - CBD Expert Dale Hewett

Dale Hewett is the owner and founder of New Phase Blends. He discovered his passion for CBD use after suffering from injuries sustained while on Active Duty in the US Army. His number one priority is introducing the same CBD products that he himself uses for relief to others who can benefit from them.

Dale holds a Master Degree of Science, and is the inventor of the popular, patent-pending CBD-based sleep aid known as ‘Sleep.’ He’s given multiple lectures on CBD to institutions such as Cornell’s MBA student program, and Wharton’s School of Business.

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