What's the Difference Between Full and Broad Spectrum CBD?

Many people are starting to find CBD everywhere. It’s in the health food store, it’s in nutrition centers, and it’s online. You can get CBD in a cream, in a CBD oil, and some people even smoke CBD or put it in a gummy to eat. What many people are still confused about is exactly what CBD is, what are its benefits, and what are its cons. Taking the confusion one step further, what are the different types of CBD out there? On many labels you will see CBD full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD. What does this mean? Here is a breakdown of CBD and its components.

 

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. CBD comes from the cannabis plant, and when it is extracted from the plant, it has many properties that can help people deal with ailments and ease certain stresses on the body. The cannabis plant has two components, however, and this is where people can get confused. 


Along with CBD, the cannabis plant also contains THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the chemical component in the plant that is associated with the ‘high’ people feel from marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, is sometimes free of THC, so using CBD will not get you high. CBD can ease the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, insomnia, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. 

How Is CBD Extracted?

There are a few ways that CBD can be extracted from the cannabis plant. 


  • Carbon Dioxide: Manufacturers can produce CBD in a highly concentrated form by using the method of CO2 extraction. By using CO2, oil can be separated out from the plant. This is the most common method.
  • Steam: Steam can also be used to separate out the CBD oils from the cannabis plant, but using CO2 is more effective.
  • Solvents: Solvents are risky to use because even though it can separate out the oil, it can cause a health risk by leaving behind a residue that is not that healthiest and can also alter the flavor of the oil. 
  • Liquid Extraction: By using liquids, manufacturers can separate the oils. A lot of CBD developers are trying to use this method more and more because it is safer and it removes the potential for leaving behind residues or health risks. 

Once the CBD oil is taken out of the plant, it can then be bottled and sold for its health benefits. 

What Are the Different Types of CBD?

There are two main types of CBD: full spectrum and broad spectrum. Each has its benefits and they are separated by one major difference that is either something you want or do not want in your CBD experience. The main difference between the two is THC, and we will look into that in further detail. 

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Whether it’s an oil, a rub, or cream, full spectrum CBD oil contains most of the parts of the cannabis plant. What that means is that full spectrum CBD contains less than .3% of THC. The first question that pops into your mind is: “Can CBD full spectrum get me high?” The answer to this question is tricky because everyone is different. 


According to laws set by the federal government, dry weighed products cannot contain more than .3% THC. More than that is considered a controlled substance and is illegal. When full spectrum CBD oil is manufactured, it is concentrated and when any material goes through a concentration process, its effects can also be concentrated and thereby magnified. This also means you run the risk of failing a drug test if you take CBD full spectrum. 


Depending on the chemistry of your body, a CBD full spectrum can give you a hint of the euphoric effect that THC is known for. It should also be noted that it may not give you any THC effect at all. Since there is more of the cannabis plant in full spectrum, there are a variety of health benefits. 


CBD full spectrum can ease anxiety, promote a healthy inflammatory response, reduce seizures, and provide antioxidant protection. Full spectrum CBD Oil is also known to be a neuroprotective and helps encourage healthy brain function as well as helping to ease muscle spasms. 

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum CBD is all the same things as full spectrum with the exception of THC. There is virtually no THC in broad spectrum. Due to the nature of oil extraction, there could always be trace amounts of THC in the oil, however, there will never be enough to get you high. All the other parts of the plant are present in broad spectrum, so the health benefits are still going to be the same. 


Broad spectrum will help you deal with anxiety and seizures, but can also act as a natural protection against infection. Broad spectrum is good to ingest when you are not feeling well or need the power of an antibiotic without having to take one. Again, just like full spectrum CBD, you do run the risk of failing a drug test because there could be trace amounts of THC in the oil, rub, or cream. Anyone taking CBD oils should be aware of this. 

Conclusion

CBD is a great holistic alternative to pain pills and ibuprofen. With so many natural plant-based benefits, one oil or rub can do it all. With so many of its ingredients coming straight from nature, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals entering your body and altering the way you feel except to give you comfort and a relaxed feeling that will soothe the body and mind. 


Purchase oils, gummies or rubs today from PlantBasedMaryJane.com and start to feel better without the high price tag or jumping through the hoops of Western medicine. Trying an all-natural and holistic approach to your health is the best way you can learn about your body and start to feel better in an organic way that will not make you feel like you’re unwell.