Cannabidiol (CBD) hit the market like a wrecking ball after the 2018 Farm Bill passed. The industry made 2.8 billion dollars in 2019.
It’s easy to see why CBD products are so popular. CBD is a natural, safe compound that eases many painful conditions.
CBD is just one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. These helpful compounds do everything from reducing swelling to easing nerve pain.
The CBD market can be overwhelming for new users. The trick is to take the time to learn about CBD before you go shopping.
Think of this as your first lesson. It’s time to learn the difference between broad spectrum CBD and full spectrum CBD.
The key to understanding why full spectrum CBD works better is to learn about the compounds in cannabis. These compounds are called cannabinoids.
CBD is one of the better-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. It doesn’t induce giddiness like it’s well-known cousin THC.
Scientists continue to study the effects of CBD. In time we may learn that it helps with even more chronic health conditions.
THC is the only chemical in cannabis that makes you feel high. Without the THC, cannabis products won’t have a psychoactive effect.
CBD and THC are the most talked about cannabinoids. Other helpful cannabinoids include:
On their own, each of these cannabinoids provides some relief for certain conditions. But research suggests that cannabinoids work the best when consumed together. This cannabinoid cooperation is called the Entourage Effect.
For instance, if you pair CBN with THC, the pair act as a powerful sedative. Yet in a study from the 1970s, CBN on its own didn’t make participants tired at all.
Cannabinoids aren’t the only compounds found in cannabis. There are over 100 kinds of terpenes, as well. Terpenes are also found in herbs and fruits.
Terpenes determine the way a strain of cannabis will taste and smell. These chemicals adapted over time to attract pollinators and keep away predators.
The way hemp is grown determines which terpenes are dominant. You could grow the same cannabis strain in two types of soil, and they wouldn’t taste the same.
Terpenes work in the Entourage Effect to further ease certain problems.
The most common terpenes are:
Without terpenes, cannabis products are bitter.
Full spectrum CBD products harness the power of the Entourage Effect.
Industrial hemp is processed to extract all of the cannabinoids and terpenes. From there the full spectrum extract is used to make your favorite CBD products.
You may have also heard about broad spectrum CBD. This type of CBD extract is processed in the same way as full-spectrum. After extraction, broad spectrum CBD is further processed to remove all traces of THC.
There are also cannabinoid isolates on the market. These products contain only one specific cannabinoid. CBD isolate is often sold as a white powder you can mix into foods.
The problem with CBD isolate is it doesn’t work as well as full spectrum CBD. People use broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate to avoid THC altogether. In doing so, they aren’t getting the full benefits of CBD.
Keep in mind; legal CBD products cannot have more than 0.3% of THC. That amount is so low; the product will never get you high.
There are three common methods to extract cannabinoids from cannabis.
CO2 extraction became the method of choice over recent years. It uses CO2 from dry ice to extract everything except chlorophyll from cannabis. There are no lingering residues from this extraction method.
Olive oil is the oldest, safest extraction method. Decarboxylated cannabis is combined with olive oil and warmed to extract the cannabinoids. The problem with this method is the resulting CBD oil spoils quickly.
Liquid solvent extraction is the most dangerous method. It uses flammable solvents like propane to break down the cannabis. This method often leaves dangerous residue in the CBD product.
Full spectrum CBD works best because it has more cannabinoids. Why is that important? Because the more cannabinoids there are, the more it affects the endocannabinoid system.
Every animal on earth has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for sending messages from cell to cell.
The ECS is a vital part of maintaining homeostasis. Without this natural balance in the body, people get sick.
Bodily functions controlled by the ECS include:
As you go about your day, your body produces endocannabinoids to work in the ECS. Some people, unfortunately, don’t produce enough endocannabinoids. Scientists believe this deficit leads to chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
There is hope for those who lack natural endocannabinoids. CBD and other cannabinoids from cannabis work in the ECS just like endocannabinoids.
Bursting with beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, full spectrum CBD is the best choice. Broad spectrum and CBD isolate don’t give you the benefits of the Entourage Effect.
To get the most out of your money, you need to buy high-grade CBD products.
When you’re ready to try CBD, visit the K’Dara shop. All of our products contain full spectrum CBD. This way, you know the CBD you’re buying is the best quality possible.
K’Dara’s organic products are formulated by a pharmacist to ensure they’re safe. Our full spectrum CBD products are frequently tested to ensure their quality.