When you start looking for CBD oil or other CBD products, you quickly come across the terms “full spectrum” and “broad spectrum. For many people, the difference between these two types of CBD is not immediately obvious. Yet it is important to understand this difference, because it can make a lot of difference which type of CBD you use. In this article, we will explain what these terms mean and help you make the right choice.
What is full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD is CBD oil that contains the complete spectrum of active ingredients from the hemp plant. This means that in addition to CBD, all other valuable components are also present. These include other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN, as well as a small amount of THC (always less than 0.05%). In addition, full spectrum CBD also contains terpenes, which not only provide the characteristic smell and taste, but also contribute to the product’s efficacy. Full spectrum CBD is obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction of specially grown hemp, with extra high CBD content and low THC content.
The big advantage of full spectrum CBD is that all these substances reinforce each other. We call this the entourage effect: the substances work better together than if you were to take them separately. This is because these substances also naturally occur together in the hemp plant and so have been evaluated to work optimally together.
What is broad spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is made in a similar way to full spectrum CBD. However, the big difference is that with broad spectrum CBD, the THC is completely filtered out of the extract through an additional filtration process. So you get the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes, but without even a trace of THC.
Another form of THC-free CBD is CBD isolate. This is pure CBD (99.9% pure) with no other constituents from the hemp plant. The difference with broad spectrum is that with isolate really all other substances have been removed, while broad spectrum CBD is still rich in valuable cannabinoids and terpenes. In fact, broad spectrum CBD also still gives a good entourage effect: slightly less than full spectrum, but still much more than isolate!
The main differences explained
The main difference, of course, is in the presence of THC. With full spectrum CBD, this is always less than 0.05%, meaning you won’t notice any of this but it can contribute to the entourage effect. With broad spectrum CBD, the THC is completely removed.
This also affects the entourage effect. With full spectrum CBD, this effect is the strongest, because all substances from the plant are present and can reinforce each other. With broad spectrum CBD, the entourage effect is also present, but slightly weaker because the THC is missing. With CBD isolate, there is no entourage effect.
The taste also differs. Full spectrum CBD has a distinct natural hemp flavor, while broad spectrum is often a bit milder in taste. CBD isolate is completely flavorless, which some people actually like.
When do you choose full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD is an excellent choice if you want to take maximum advantage of all the natural constituents from the hemp plant. It is the most complete form of CBD and produces the strongest entourage effect. Many people experience a more powerful effect than other forms of CBD because of this.
The small amount of THC in full spectrum CBD is so minimal that you will not notice it. However, it is possible that this THC may be picked up in a very sensitive drug test. If this is not a problem for you, then full spectrum is often the best choice.
When do you choose broad spectrum CBD?
There are several situations in which broad spectrum CBD is preferable. For example, if your work prevents you from having THC in your blood, or if you have to undergo regular drug testing for work or because of travel. Broad spectrum is also an excellent choice if you are hypersensitive to THC.
Broad spectrum CBD is also ideal for people who want to give CBD to their pets. This is because animals are much more sensitive to THC than humans. With broad spectrum CBD, you can be sure that your pet will not ingest THC.
Quality is paramount
Whether you choose full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD, the quality of the product is most important. A good CBD oil is made via the CO2 extraction method and is extensively tested by independent laboratories. These tests not only check the CBD content, but also look for the presence of pesticides, heavy metals and other undesirable substances.
At Dutch Balance, we only work with A-brands such as Dutch Hemp and Wedihemp. These brands are known for their high-quality products and have each batch extensively tested by external laboratories. So you are assured of CBD of the very best quality.
Personal advice
The choice between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD is very personal. It depends on your specific situation and preferences. Still unsure which form is most suitable for you? Then feel free to contact us. We will gladly advise you in making the right choice.
Want to know more about the effects of different cannabinoids? Then also read our article on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system.
