CBD and CBD products have been all the rage ever since the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized cannabis in all 50 states. CBD or cannabidiol is one of the main active compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component, CBD is popular for its therapeutic effects and numerous health benefits.

If you’re in the market for CBD products, you’ll likely come across terms like full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. Choosing full-spectrum CBD vs broad-spectrum CBD can be quite challenging, especially if you have no clue what both are. If this describes your predicament, worry not; we’re here to help.

Today, we’ll be highlighting all you need to know about full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. This includes what they are, their pros, cons, and what makes them different.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and contains most of the plant’s organic compounds. Some of these compounds include terpenes, phytocannabinoids, to name a few. This CBD form may contain THC but in trace amounts that can’t make you high.

Research suggests that full-spectrum CBD could be more effective than other CBD extracts. This could be because it contains most of the organic compounds responsible for numerous health benefits.

Although it won’t get you high, you can expect the entourage effect from full-spectrum CBD.

How Do You Get Full-Spectrum CBD?

Most manufacturers derive full-spectrum CBD from hemp. Hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content. Producers must first harvest and dry the hemp before extracting the CBD from it.

What Are the Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD?

Some people don’t mind a little bit of THC with their CBD products. Although full spectrum CBD won’t get them high, the slight buzz will do just fine. However, overconsuming this CBD form may lead to psychoactive effects.

That said, here are a few benefits of full-spectrum CBD:

• You get to experience the entourage effect fully
• It may have more health benefits compared to the other CBD forms
• Some users prefer hints of THC in their CBD products

These are just a few of the many benefits of full-spectrum CBD. However, this CBD form isn’t without its downsides. Some of its cons include:

• Some states have strict regulations on full-spectrum CBD
• Some people don’t like how it tastes
• Organizations and companies may have stringent rules concerning THC

Remember, the THC in full-spectrum CBD may not be enough to make you high. However, if you’re okay with a little THC in your CBD, it’s just what the doctor ordered. Just be sure to check your state’s CBD laws before buying this CBD form.

What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?

Just like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD is also an extract of the cannabis plant. However, unlike full spectrum CBD, it doesn’t contain THC, even in trace amounts. This makes it ideal for individuals who want the health benefits of CBD minus the THC.

This CBD form still contains terpenes and cannabinoids like CBG and others. Various extraction methods are used to get this CBD form. Some of these extraction methods include:

• Solvent extraction
• Lipid extraction
• Steam distillation
• Carbon dioxide extraction

Manufacturers extract broad-spectrum CBD from hemp. They have to conduct several tests to ensure the extract contains no THC. THC might be present but not in quantities enough to be picked up by THC-testing methods.

What Are the Benefits of Broad-Spectrum CBD?

For personal or work reasons, some people prefer not to have even a trace of THC in their CBD. That way, they can enjoy all the CBD benefits minus the high.

Here are a few pros of broad-spectrum CBD:

• You can pass THC drug tests after consuming it
• It’s a THC-free CBD form with all benefits
• It’s devoid of any intoxicating properties

However, broad-spectrum CBD also has its cons which include:

• You don’t get the complete entourage experience with this CBD form
• It may still contain very little amounts of THC

That said, broad-spectrum CBD has been an excellent choice for most people. Apart from its therapeutic effects, the CBD form has tons of health benefits. This includes reducing chronic pain, fighting cancer, and even fighting cancer.

Full-Spectrum CBD Vs Broad-Spectrum CBD: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is the amount of THC in each. The latter contains almost zero THC, while the former contains trace quantities of the compound.

Despite having THC, getting high from full-spectrum CBD is almost impossible. However, for legislation reasons, this CBD form may not be a viable option for some people. THC may also show up in drug tests and raise issues with your employer.

If you want the full benefits of CBD minus the THC, get broad-spectrum CBD products like broad-spectrum distillate. If you don’t mind a little THC in your CBD, full-spectrum CBD will do just fine.

What About CBD Isolate?

One lesser-known type of CBD form is CBD isolate. As the name suggests, CBD isolate is a cannabis extract that consists of pure CBD. Unlike the other extracts, CBD isolate doesn’t contain terpenes, phytocannabinoids, or THC.

Manufacturers have to extract all other compounds from cannabis extract to obtain pure CBD. This leaves a crystalline form of CBD. They then grind and mix the crystal CBD with base materials like water to make it easier to consume.

Full-Spectrum CBD vs Broad-Spectrum CBD

When you put full-spectrum CBD vs broad-spectrum CBD, the better choice depends on your specific needs. If you want CBD benefits minus the psychoactive effects, get the latter. If you’re okay with THC in your CBD products, you can get the former.

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