What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is found in the cannabis plant which include marijuana and hemp. THC and CBD are the primary phytocannabinoids found in cannabis but are only two of about 60. Different strains of marijuana and hemp have different levels of cannabinoids. Marijuana plants are high in THC and low in CBD, whereas, hemp plants are high in CBD and low in THC. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive (high) effect. CBD and THC are found in the flower (bud) not the seed and/or stalk. As of December 2018, the Farm Bill was passed that removed Hemp as a Schedule 1 Drug and allowed for the cultivation and sale of Hemp allowing levels no more than 0.30% of THC by dry weight. The information in this article applies to hemp derived CBD.
What is Full Spectrum CBD Extract?
Full spectrum oil will contain low levels of THC if extracted from low-THC (<0.3%) industrial hemp. Such low levels will not product a "high" when used in reasonable doses. Full spectrum contains CBD, low THC and other terpenes found naturally in the plant creating an entourage effect. The entourage effect means that all extracted cannabinoids work in unison together. Terpenes are naturally found in all plants and are responsible for the aromas and taste of hemp strains. Terpenes will be further explained in coming articles. Full spectrum lab results may contain:
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabinol (CBN)
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD contain a limited amount of cannabinoids. The THC is removed leaving CBD cannabinoids and terpenes that provide the entourage benefits. Example below:
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabinol (CBN)
What is CBD Isolate?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been isolated to the single molecule without THC or any other terpenes. An isolate will only have CBD. This product is for those that do not want THC or the entourage effect of terpenes. CBD in this form is more potent and easier to add to a variety of products with precise amounts.
Which CBD product is better?
For those that do not want any THC for risk of drug testing and/or personal reasons, broad spectrum and isolate are the best options. If you want the additional benefits of all the terpenes minus the THC, then broad spectrum is best. If you only want CBD and nothing else, isolate is the better choice. If you want everything the plant has to offer and drug testing does not apply, then full spectrum will offer the entourage benefits.
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