When buying CBD, there are so many options to choose from. Not only are there many suppliers, all varying in quality and choice, there is also a matter of having to select the type of CBD you desire in your products.
Cannabidiol is utilized for a wide range of effects and impacts, which is continuously being studied by scientists and researchers to gain more insight.
The three primary types of CBD you can generally find in cannabidiol products includes full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Each of these selections has its pros and cons, and in this article, we focus on the qualities of broad-spectrum CBD, which is often described as a “happy-medium.”
What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol, also called CBD (and sometimes called just “hemp”), is a cannabinoid present in the industrial hemp plant. It is extracted with several methods, the highest quality and purest being CO2 supercritical closed-loop extraction. CBD is extracted from the stalks, flowers, stems, leaves, etc. of the hemp plant and is considered more of a “full-plant” extract.
CBD is revered by some individuals for its ability to support the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a system every human possesses that is responsible for maintaining body homeostasis and regulating functions such as hormones, reproduction, sleep, mood, appetite, and more.
Understanding Full-Spectrum CBD
Before we dive into understanding broad-spectrum CBD, it’s essential to explain the two alternatives, full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD is often the type of cannabidiol sought after because it contains not only high quantities of CBD but also other cannabinoids which are naturally occurring in the industrial hemp plant. The reason why the occurrence of these other cannabinoids is important to some individuals is due to a theory called the entourage effect.
The entourage effect states that the impacts of cannabidiol (CBD) is stronger or more effective when in union with the other cannabinoids naturally present in hemp. Some of these other cannabinoids could include CBC, CBA, CBN, and many more. In fact, there is said to be over 100 different cannabinoids naturally occurring in industrial hemp.
On the flip side, this also means that trace amounts of THC, the cannabinoid in cannabis that gets you high, is also present in full-spectrum CBD. The legally permitted amount in the United States, and many other regions in the world, is 0.3% or less THC, truly marginal amounts, which is why CBD generally won’t produce intoxicating effects.
This trace amount of THC present, however, can still show up on drug screenings, which is why full-spectrum CBD may not be suitable for individuals who have to undergo drug testing for a job or life requirement.
That’s where the two alternative CBD extracts come into play – CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD.
Understanding CBD Isolate
CBD isolate contains only cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids. For this reason, there is no potential for the entourage effect to take place because the CBD has been isolated from all other cannabinoids present in industrial hemp harvests.
The good news is that CBD isolate also does not possess even trace amounts of THC, meaning it shouldn’t show up on a drug screening.
Individuals who perhaps don’t subscribe to the entourage effect theory also believe CBD is actually more effective in an isolated form, like with CBD isolate, and so it can be a more desired compound by some.
What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD is often described as a “happy-medium,” and the reason why is because all of the THC (even trace amounts) are removed from the extract. Meaning this option contains a wide variety of cannabinoids beyond just CBD (CBC, CBN, CBA, etc.) but still doesn’t contain any THC (0% THC).
For those who appreciate the potential of the entourage effect theory but are also concerned about trace amounts of THC showing up on a drug screening, broad-spectrum CBD may be a suitable alternative.
Why Buy Broad-Spectrum CBD?
If you are concerned about trace amounts of THC in your full-spectrum CBD extract showing up on a drug screening but still want to reap the potential benefits of the entourage effect theory, then this is a brilliant reason to buy broad-spectrum CBD.
Additionally, in some countries, such as Australia, only a 0% THC amount is permitted in CBD products, meaning legally only broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate are allowed. For those who live in regions with stricter laws and regulations when it comes to the types of cannabidiol that are legal, broad-spectrum CBD could be a wonderful alternative.
Also Read: How Can CBD Brands Improve The Quality Of Their Products?