The potential benefits associated with CBD like Broad Spectrum CBD use has many people clamouring to try it, eager to experience these potential health benefits for themselves. However, before rushing to buy the first product you see or the cheapest one, there are several things you should consider.
Mainly, you need to think about the quality and potency of the product. You will also notice that the label includes the type of extract used in the product. There are three types of extract: isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum CBD. Each describes the spectrum, or range, of compounds within the extract.
Let's jump right in and answer what is broad-spectrum CBD oil & what are the benefits?
What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad-spectrum CBD products include CBD, alongside other cannabinoids and compounds, except THC. These naturally occurring compounds include terpenes, flavonoids, and an array of other cannabinoids.
When you have CBD in conjunction with other naturally occurring compounds, it has an amplified effect; this is called the entourage effect. When you remove some of those compounds, you miss out on the benefits of the entourage effect.
The broad-spectrum extract is an excellent choice for people that may have work-related drug tests, a sensitivity to THC, or don't want any trace THC in their system for any reason. They can still enjoy the entourage effect's benefits and have a broad-spectrum CBD extract without having any residual THC.
Read our similar blog on: What is Full Spectrum CBD?
What's the Difference Between Broad-Spectrum, Full-Spectrum & Isolate?
A spectrum refers to the different compounds that are in the natural extract. So when you think of CBD oil, it's not just the CBD in that oil. There are extra fats, different terpenes, potentially different cannabinoids, and other things that create the oil.
- A full-spectrum product has the entire full-spectrum of naturally occurring compounds found in that extract.
- An isolate product only contains CBD. All other cannabinoids and compounds have been removed to give a pure CBD product.
- A broad-spectrum CBD is in the middle, between an isolate and a full-spectrum extract. It contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but the THC molecules have been removed.
Broad-spectrum CBD provides the entourage effect, as it contains a wide range of compounds. In contrast, CBD isolates only contain purified CBD extract. Thus, isolate products do not offer the same benefits.
In comparison, full-spectrum has a full range of cannabinoids (including trace amounts of THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. Once you remove any part of that spectrum, like THC, or distil it down, the result is a broad-spectrum CBD extract.
What Benefits Can You Expect From Taking a Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?
Researchers determined that CBD may help ease the discomfort of chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, potentially easing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters in a recent pain relief study.
In a study on depression and anxiety, researchers determined that a group of people experiencing social anxiety had significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort before a speech performance when they had taken CBD.
There may also potentially be heart benefits and antipsychotic effects. Studies are ongoing into how Broad Spectrum CBD may help with substance abuse treatment, and there are some suggestions of its usefulness for anti-tumour effects. And for those who have diabetes, it's been shown to have some preventative benefits.
Other possible benefits include:
- Possible pain relief
- May reduce stress
- May help with chemotherapy-related nausea
- Possible acne reduction
- Some neurological disorders.
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System
We all have an endocannabinoid system. This system has receptors throughout our body, and it's involved in most of our bodily functions.
We already know that the endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in handling pain, stress, and anxiety. Our endocannabinoid system keeps us in balance. And CBD is the all-natural fuel that may help keep the system operating optimally.
For more information, read our blog on: The Endocannabinoid System
Can Broad-Spectrum Get You High?
You will not get high from broad-spectrum CBD oil. THC, the psychoactive ingredient, is not present in broad-spectrum products. Legally in the UK, to comply with novel foods regulations, finished products cannot contain more than 1 mg of THC.
In the US and other countries, these levels may differ. Under the FDA regulations in the US, the legal limit for CBD products is 2 mg THC.
How Is Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Made?
Broad-spectrum CBD extracts go through a similar extraction process as full-spectrum, but with an extra refinement process. The raw hemp is treated with a solvent.
However, while the extraction of Broad Spectrum CBD process can use many solvents, the most common extraction method is supercritical CO2. This extraction process is clean and safe; it produces a full-spectrum hemp oil rich in CBD and a diverse range of phytochemicals.
The next part of the process is chromatography. This process separates THC from the rest of the mixture. It simultaneously keeps all the other phytochemicals intact. This method produces a THC-free extract, but the CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients remain.
Even broad-spectrum CBD oils can contain trace amounts of THC, so those looking to avoid THC should look for CBD isolate. Some less ethical companies add isolate to a product to higher the milligram count and charge you more, even though the product is of lower quality.
The best way to distinguish CBD extracts is by checking the Certificate of Analysis and third-party lab testing. In a market where regulations are changing, it is easy to mislead people, so you should only buy from trustworthy, reputable companies.
Choosing Quality Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
The benefits you get from your CBD oil will depend on the quality of the product; look for a product that contains 100% natural ingredients, made using only ingredients tested for purity and quality. Look for products that contain no artificial fillers, flavouring or colourings, just premium ingredients you can trust.
The best option for a CBD product for most people will be a full or broad-spectrum CBD extract. Isolates are a pharmaceutical reduction of CBD without the other cannabinoids. Therefore, reducing its holistic nature and as such. Isolates are the cheapest form of CBD available.
So when you're trying to figure out which CBD product is best for you, you should always consult the labelling. This will tell you if the product contains isolate, broad-spectrum CBD or full-spectrum CBD extracts. Thus, you can make an informed decision about the products that you are buying.
What Dosage Should I Take?
The dose will depend on the effect you want to achieve. It is always recommended that they start with a small dose and build until you find the correct amount. Before starting any CBD oil product, it is always advisable to chat with your doctor.
The recommendation is no more than 10-20 mg until you have built a tolerance. Remember that other factors need to be considered when you are deciding on your dosage:
- CBD tolerance: Start small and check sensitivity. Build slowly according to your individual needs and what you hope to achieve. Keeping a diary can help gauge your progress.
- Personal needs: Individual needs will determine your CBD dosage. These needs will factor in your age, weight, health concerns and the symptoms you want to treat. The potency and individual dose of the capsules, gummies, or oil drops oil also need to be factored into your CBD equation.
- Desired outcome: This will greatly influence the dose you decide to take. If you are taking CBD oil to improve sleep, then a dose of 25 mg per day will probably be effective. However, this may vary if treating other conditions; you may need more or less.
Key Takeaways
It's important to remember that CBD is not a miracle cure. Don't expect to take a few drops of a tincture, and voila, all your symptoms are gone.
Many people make the mistake of using CBD once or twice, and then write it off completely. If it doesn't work to start with, try just starting with a low potency oil. You should check the manufacturer's guidelines for single servings and use them consistently for best results.
If you decide to try CBD, do your research; always check for regulation-compliant companies. Also, discuss your decision with your health professional if you are on any medications.
While the studies into the benefits of broad-spectrum CBD oil is in their infancy, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. Now that we have outlined the basics and potential benefits, making your choice should be a little easier.
Once you check the label and buy from a reputable company that sells quality CBD oil, then all you need to do is choose the spectrum you feel will meet your needs.
If you liked reading this, be sure to check our other blog: The Ultimate Guide to CBD
