When you go looking for CBD oil or other CBD products, you soon come across the terms ‘full spectrum’ and ‘broad spectrum’. For many people the difference between these two types of CBD is not immediately clear. Even so, it is important to understand this difference, because which type of CBD you use can matter a great deal. In this article we 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 compounds from the hemp plant. This means that alongside CBD, all the other valuable constituents are present too. Think of other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN, but also a small amount of THC (always less than 0.05%). Full spectrum CBD also contains terpenes, which not only give the characteristic smell and taste, but also contribute to the character of the product. Full spectrum CBD is obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction of specially grown hemp, with an extra high CBD content and a low THC content.
What characterises full spectrum is that all these compounds are present together in the extract, just as they occur in the plant. This is where the entourage effect comes in: the idea that the compounds act differently together than on their own. Research into this is still limited and often done in the lab.
What is broad spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is made in a similar way to full spectrum CBD. The big difference, though, is that with broad spectrum CBD the THC is completely filtered out of the extract through an additional filtration process. So you do get the other cannabinoids and terpenes, but without a trace of THC.
Another form of THC-free CBD is CBD isolate. This is pure CBD (99.9% pure) without other constituents from the hemp plant. The difference from broad spectrum is that with isolate all the other compounds really have been removed, while broad spectrum CBD is still rich in valuable cannabinoids and terpenes. So broad spectrum still contains a wide range of plant compounds, isolate does not.
The most important differences explained
The most important difference is of course the presence of THC. With full spectrum CBD this is always less than 0.05%, too little to get you high. With broad spectrum CBD the THC has been completely removed.
The difference lies in the composition: full spectrum contains all the compounds from the plant, broad spectrum everything except THC, and isolate only CBD.
The taste differs too. Full spectrum CBD has a pronounced natural hemp taste, while broad spectrum is often somewhat milder in taste. CBD isolate is completely tasteless, which some people find pleasant.
When do you choose full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum suits you if you want an oil with all the natural compounds from the hemp plant. It is the most complete form of CBD.
The small amount of THC in full spectrum CBD is so minimal that you do not notice it. It is possible, though, that this THC is picked up by a very sensitive drugs test. If that is not a problem for you, full spectrum is a logical choice.
When do you choose broad spectrum CBD?
There are various situations in which broad spectrum CBD is preferable. When you may not have THC in your blood because of your work, for instance, or when you regularly have to undergo drugs tests for work or because of travel. If you are hypersensitive to THC, broad spectrum is a good fit too.
Want to give CBD to your pet? For pets there is separate CBD oil based on isolate, without THC and terpenes. Animals are much more sensitive to THC than people.
Quality comes first
Whether you choose full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD: pay attention to the quality of the product. A good CBD oil is made through the CO2 extraction method and is extensively tested by independent laboratories. These tests check not only the CBD content, but also look at the presence of pesticides, heavy metals and other unwanted compounds.
At Dutch Balance we work with brands such as Dutch Hemp and Wedihemp, which have every batch tested externally. That way you know what is in the product.
Frequently asked questions about full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD
What does full spectrum CBD mean?
Full spectrum means the oil contains the complete spectrum of compounds from the hemp plant: besides CBD also other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN, terpenes and a small amount of THC, always less than 0.05%. The extract is obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction. That THC will not make you high, but a very sensitive drug test may pick it up.
What is broad spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum is made in the same way as full spectrum, with an extra filtration step that removes the THC completely. The other cannabinoids and terpenes remain. That is the difference from CBD isolate, which is pure CBD without any other compounds from the plant. Broad spectrum suits you if you do not want or are not allowed to take in THC, for example because of your job or drug tests.
What percentage of CBD is best?
There is no best percentage. A higher percentage only means there is more CBD in each drop, and how much you take in depends on the number of drops. Start low, for example with 2 to 3 drops of 5% CBD oil, and stick to the dosage on the label. Whether you choose full or broad spectrum is a separate choice.
Personal advice
The choice between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD is very personal. It depends on your specific situation and preferences. Are you still unsure which form is most suitable for you? Then feel free to get in touch with us. We are happy to advise you in making the right choice.
Would you like to know more about the different cannabinoids? Then also read our article about cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system.
