Broad-Spectrum vs. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: Different Types of CBD Oil Explained [2022]

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The CBD industry has three major types of CBD extracts: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate. However, we only hear of the full and broad-spectrum CBD oils most of the time. The difference between these two widespread extracts is in their chemical composition. CBD oil is a natural constituent of the hemp plant. It is one of the essential parts of the plant.

Over time, CBD oils have gained a reputation for helping users obtain the best feelings one can get from consuming cannabis. Unlike smoking and vaping, these oils offer a safe way to enjoy cannabis. These products are even more critical because you can use them discreetly without causing public discomfort.

Sometimes you may need to cool off after a long and stressful day. Even when you face challenging moments, these CBD oils offer a proper way for you to calm your nerves. Since they do not leave the user with the trademark cannabis smell after consumption, you can use them at any time. Hence, you can squeeze in a drop under your tongue to help you overcome challenging situations. CBD oils remain the safer choice for experiencing cannabis because it is safe, versatile, and convenient.

Whether broad or full-spectrum, one drop of this oil will help you reach a calmness you have never experienced before. However, you need to note that broad and full-spectrum CBD oils have merits and demerits. Read on to find out the difference between the two types of CBD oils you will commonly see.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Full-spectrum CBD oil gets extracted such that it retains all the compounds within the hemp plant. The content of the hemp plant found in full-spectrum CBD oil includes terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. The types of cannabinoids include CBD and THC. THC is well-known for its abundance and because it can cause intoxicating effects, which we often refer to as a high. In contrast, CBD does not create any high feeling in users and is the second most abundant. Some states do not allow the sale of CBD oils with any THC in them.

You will find most of the other naturally-occurring cannabinoids present in the hemp plant in CBD. These naturally-occurring cannabinoids promote what is known as the entourage effect on users. The entourage effect is when these cannabinoids work with the body to offer therapeutic effects.

What is Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Like full-spectrum CBD oils, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids. However, it does not contain the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes that high effect. Hence, you will likely not experience any mind-affecting effects with this oil. Interestingly, you can still benefit from the entourage effect. The only difference is that you will not have the high of consuming full-spectrum CBD. The lack of THC in broad-spectrum CBD oils makes them a good candidate for athletes. Further, other individuals looking to enjoy CBD oils without the effect can opt for broad-spectrum products.

The Difference Between Full and Broad-Spectrum CBD Oils

The main difference between the two oils is the chemical compound. Full-spectrum CBD has all the compounds and cannabinoids occurring naturally in the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum also aligns with the former in this regard. However, the only difference between the two is that you will not find THC in broad-spectrum oils. Further, you may be positive on a drug test if you consume full-spectrum CBD oils. Though the THC percentage in full-spectrum is less than 0.3%, you may still test positive. However, there is no risk with broad-spectrum since it does not contain any traces of THC.

Benefits of Using These CBD Oils

When you consume CBD, it affects your body function in several ways. The cannabinoids present in these oils work with your body’s endocannabinoid system receptors. These are some of the benefits you can obtain by consuming these products:

  • Blocks Pain

The compounds in these oils have pain-relieving qualities. Thus, people with chronic pain can benefit from consuming these oils. Further, you can orally consume these oils or use them as topicals to relieve joint pain. The oils also help with sensitive skin. Agreeably, a study asserts that the best way to ease pain symptoms is to use an array of cannabinoids. Note, however, that these cannabinoids do not treat pain. Instead, they help with the symptoms. While pure CBD isolates may effectively relieve pain, broad-spectrum CBD is far more effective. Broad-spectrum CBD is more effective because it contains several cannabinoids working together. Hence, the term entourage effect. The combined effects of these compounds give out the best pain-relieving benefits to faithful users.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects

CBD boasts efficient anti-inflammatory qualities. Several studies support the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. These studies reveal that both broad and full-spectrum CBD used in topical and oral forms helps with inflammation. Anecdotal and scientific research confirms that you can use CBD to reduce inflammation in several conditions. These conditions include dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. Note that these oils do not treat inflammation, but help reduce the inflammation. Hence, the healing process becomes faster than usual.

  • Prevents Nausea

Broad-spectrum CBD oils may help with nausea. While there is limited scientific data to back this claim, users of the product testify to its benefits. Its use is prevalent among cancer patients trying to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

  • CBD Possesses Brain Protective Abilities

The ECS system is essential in modulating the brain’s neural pathways. These oils combine with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. The resultant effect is that these compounds help to treat neurological disorders. In addition, a study confirmed the ability of CBD to reduce spasms in patients who have multiple sclerosis. Studies suggest that THC has more potent effects on these disorders. However, broad-spectrum CBD has a higher potential in protecting the brain.

  • Improves Mental Health

It is common knowledge that CBD relieves stress, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and depression. A study showed that people with SAD felt better after using CBD oils. Individuals with SAD tend to suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression due to weather and light changes in the winter.

There are many more benefits of consuming CBD. Some of these benefits have scientific backing, while the others only have testimonies from personal experiences. However, you can use CBD to help with asthma, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and high blood pressure. Additionally, you can find it useful for epilepsy, cancer, addiction, withdrawal, etc.

How to Use These CBD Oils?

There are several ways to use complete and broad-spectrum CBD oils. Whichever way you decide to use these oils is up to you. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your options can help you make informed decisions.

You can consume these oils via a dropper administered under the tongue. Alternatively, you can add drops of these oils to your beverages or food. These oils act as potent supplements; hence, they give you various usage choices. You also get to choose the dosage you want to consume. Note, however, that you must start from the minimal dosage as a newbie. Once you have gauged your tolerance level, you can increase your dosage. You can regulate your consumption by simply adding or reducing the number of drops you administer.

Another effective way to use these oils is by applying them to your skin rather than orally. Creams, gels, and balms have gained prominence over time. In addition, you can also use soaps, bath bombs, and roll-ons infused with CBD. These topicals help people suffering from various inflammatory conditions of the skin. These conditions could include acne, eczema, or psoriasis. When you apply these CBD topicals directly at the source, they help to reduce inflammation, irritation, and pain.

The Production Process For These Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD Oils

There are several methods for extracting these cannabinoids from the hemp plant. However, the best manufacturers use the CO2 method, which is more efficient. Others use the ethanol extraction process, which is as effective as may be considered safe when properly conducted. Hence, you will obtain little or no chemical residues in the final products.

A final step is needed for broad-spectrum CBD to extract the THC from the products. The process is known as flash chromatography. Thus, we will discuss the different extraction processes below:

  • CO2 Extraction

Carbon (IV) oxide extraction is one of the most efficient ways to extract cannabinoids and CBD from hemp. There is little or no risk of leaving behind any harmful substances in the finished product. Super-cold carbon dioxide gets contained under high pressure before blasting through organic matter. The organic matter is usually raw hemp. Once the CO2 gets blasted through the raw hemp, the terpenes and cannabinoids get dissolved and obtained as liquids. The excess liquid gets evaporated. Thus, highly concentrated CBD oil is left behind with its complete cannabinoid profile, including THC.

  • Ethanol Extraction

The ethanol process uses high-proof alcohol, which is usually pure. The plant material in hemp soaks in the alcohol for some time to release the plant’s terpenes, cannabinoids, and other oils. Next, you strain off the plant material to leave behind a residue filled with other cannabinoids and CBD. Again, the product contains THC. You can evaporate the excess liquid once you separate the liquid from the plant material. The resultant residue is the highly-concentrated full-spectrum oil.

  • Flash Chromatography

Flash chromatography is used to distinguish the products of the extraction process from THC. Unlike the other methods, flash chromatography is quite complex and requires technical know-how. Manufacturers mix certain solvents to complete the isolation process. In addition, you may need to wash the products a few times to obtain pure extracts free from THC. Note that the CBD content may get reduced during the process. Hence, broad-spectrum CBD does not have the exact cannabinoid percentage as full-spectrum CBD.

Will Using CBD Oils Show on Drug Tests?

Since the tests screen for THC, you will only fail it when using full-spectrum CBD oils. Broad-spectrum CBD oils do not contain THC since they undergo different processes to remove the THC. Further, CBD and other cannabinoids are not tested in these tests. Hence, if you are using a CBD oil with broad-spectrum CBD, you will not test positive during a test.

If you are worried that you may test positive during a drug test but must use CBD oils, you must use a product with only broad-spectrum CBD. Unlike CBD isolates, you will still obtain the entourage effect without any high caused by the THC. To ensure that you consume pure products without THC, always check the laboratory test results beforehand. If your job requires routine drug tests, it is best to stick to one product that offers CBD without THC.

Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum, and CBD Isolate – Which Is Better?

Most people prefer full-spectrum CBD because it affects several health conditions. The effects of full-spectrum CBD are due to the entourage effect. In addition, the presence of THC seems to have more positive effects than broad-spectrum, which also gives the entourage effect but does not contain THC. Note, however, that broad-spectrum is still effective at addressing several health conditions. With broad-spectrum CBD, you still get the benefits of the entourage effect to some extent. However, the product does not contain a comprehensive cannabinoid profile with several benefits. It is possible that the presence of additional cannabis plant compounds may increase the effects of CBD products.

On the other hand, CBD isolates are suitable for people who react to other cannabinoids. The isolates are ideal because they do not contain any other cannabinoids. While the isolate is good, it does not offer any entourage effect, unlike full and broad-spectrum CBD.

When you compare the three products, you will want to make a choice. You need to consider certain factors before picking the type of extract. For instance, you will find broad-spectrum CBD easily in Europe and the United States. You will find broad-spectrum CBD oils in health stores, dispensaries, and some supermarkets. Broad-spectrum CBD oils are common because they do not contain THC, a banned compound. You may find full-spectrum CBD oils with THC too. However, the THC level must be less than 0.3%. Further, you could still fail a test if you consume these full-spectrum CBD oils. Hence, most people prefer to go for broad-spectrum CBD oils instead. With THC Free Broad Spectrum extracts, sometimes heat or synthetic solvents can be used during processing that harms the natural complexity of the plant’s cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum CBD oils will always remain first because they have the best cannabinoid profile. Broad-spectrum CBD also provides a good profile but lacks THC. Hence, you will find it ranking second for the effects. CBD isolates rank last because you will not benefit from the earlier entourage effect. While this ranking prefers full-spectrum CBD oils, this does not mean one is better than the other. We can say that the choice depends on you and your preferences. Some people cannot use THC due to their jobs which require frequent drug tests. Moreover, others may not take THC due to some adverse reactions to the compound. Hence, these individuals may either use broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolates. These products do not contain THC and have little to no adverse reactions.

Will Broad Spectrum CBD Oils Get You High?

Broad-spectrum CBD oils offer benefits to users without the high effect. You will not get high when using the product because it does not contain THC. THC is the compound that provides the high observed in full-spectrum CBD oils. You will only get the entourage effect when you use broad-spectrum CBD products. Moreover, broad-spectrum CBD oils offer all the health benefits you may desire but without the psychoactive effects. One top consideration when comparing full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD is how the small amounts of THC in full spectrum affect you.

It is worth noting that although full-spectrum CBD oils contain trace amounts of THC, they will not give you an intoxicating high. Full-spectrum CBD oils contain as little as 0.3% THC, which is within the legal limit and not harmful. Hence, you can only enjoy the illusion of getting that euphoric feeling without putting yourself at risk or affecting your daily activities. Since the concentration is relatively minimal, the effect is also limited. Hence, you can use it to feel calm and relaxed, but it will not get in the way of your work or studies. Avoid operating heavy machinery when taking CBD oils to be on the safe side. 

Are CBD Oils and CBD Topicals the Same?

CBD oils and CBD topicals do not mean the same thing. While CBD oils get consumed by squeezing the oil under the tongue, you only use CBD topicals superficially. Hence, you can only obtain the benefits of topicals by rubbing them on the body. You will only get the benefits of CBD oils by taking them orally, sublingually, or mixed with your drinks or food. CBD oils and topicals are all effective, but the effects take time. All these products help against inflammation, arthritis, joint pain, and more.

Where Can You Buy These CBD Oil Products?

There are several great full and broad-spectrum CBD oil products on the market. However, you need to obtain your products from trusted brands with proven track records in the cannabis industry. Buying from unknown brands may prove costly, and sometimes you may end up with products that do not deliver the desired effects. Further, you may fall prey to scams if you buy from unknown brands. Thus, before you make any purchase, it is best to do thorough research.

We researched on your behalf to ease the stress of going through the internet to source the best products. We have come up with two brands that offer excellent CBD oils at mouth-watering prices. Also, these brands have excellent customer-centric policies that make shopping easier. Both brands offer excellent money-back guarantees for their products. In addition, you get to converse with professional customer service teams that act swiftly.

If you need authentic, potent, and efficient CBD oils, you can trust Exhale Wellness and BudPop to deliver the best. You do not need to worry about your safety because all the products sold by these brands have undergone laboratory safety tests by third-party laboratories. You can find the results of these tests on the brand’s official website. Likewise, you can only purchase these products from the brand’s official website. Do not worry, and the billing is also discreet. Hence, no one will know what you ordered when your billing and shipment arrive. Also, you will not get scammed since you are buying directly from the official websites. You can visit the websites, make your choice, and order away.

Final Thoughts: Is Broad-spectrum, Full-spectrum, or Isolate CBD Oils The Right Choice? 

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils have almost the same cannabinoid profile. However, full-spectrum CBD contains THC, and this compound offers a high effect. Further, these oils have an entourage effect and offer brain-protecting features. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD oils provide the entourage effect without the high feeling because these oils do not contain THC. The extraction to isolate CBD from all the other cannabinoid compounds goes further than usual to ensure safe human consumption. In a full spectrum extract, the oil goes through the cannabinoid extraction process and filtration, however, none of the cannabinoids or other compounds are removed.

The type of CBD oil product you choose depends on your needs. Hence, we cannot say which is better between the broad and full-spectrum CBD oils. Thus, the product is suitable for people who do not want THC. Since broad-spectrum CBD oils do not contain THC, they do not get detected during drug tests. Thus, you may want to use these oils if you need the benefits of CBD but do not want to fail a drug test.

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD oils contain less than 0.3% THC in their composition. However, the amount of THC in the product is enough to detect during a drug test. If you use this product, you may want to refrain from its use before a test. Note also that CBD oils and topicals are not the same things. Topicals work by external application. On the other hand, CBD oils work best when taken orally. You can also use your CBD oils as additives on foods and beverages. 

Getting the best CBD oil products can be a lot sometimes. Hence, we selected two of the best brands for you. You can either purchase your products from Exhale Wellness or BudPop. These brands have safe, efficient, and potent CBD oil products to meet all your needs. Further, these brands have mouth-watering offers that will blow you off your feet. Whether you are a newbie or an old-time user, you can trust these brands to deliver. 

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