Lately, it seems impossible to make it through your day without hearing about CBD oil in some capacity. Whether it’s from a friend, in the news, or just about anywhere else you turn your head. It’s even reached the mainstream in the form of a themed baby shower hosted by Kim Kardashian.
We and our customers are no strangers to cannabidiol of course. But we do sometimes find ourselves fielding questions about what full-spectrum CBD oil means; and how it differs from other products on the market, particularly CBD isolate.
In this article, we discuss:
- What full spectrum means and how to identify its products
- Its benefits
- If full spectrum CBD oil is better than isolate
- The difference between hemp and marijuana
- If is legal
- Where to buy it online
Let’s jump in…
What Does Full Spectrum CBD Mean?
Full spectrum CBD is derived from hemp and contains many cannabinoids beyond only CBD, including THC; along with other elements of the hemp plant, including naturally-occurring terpenes, essential vitamins, fatty acids, protein, and more.
You might sometimes find full spectrum called whole-plant CBD extract for this reason. “We are organic farmers, and we stay as close to the plant as possible,” says Laura Freeman; founder of Laura’s Mercantile and Laura’s Homestead Alternatives.
The alternative to full spectrum is the isolate version (right, in the photo above),; which contains only CBD – the molecule is chemically isolated from everything else in the plant. The isolate version have no identifiable amount of THC, the well-known chemical found in cannabis that creates that euphoric high, and they’re stripped of the other beneficial and nutritional compounds, like terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, and protein mentioned above.
Is Full Spectrum CBD Oil Better Than CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a bit like selling bread that’s been stripped of much of its nutritional value. Every cannabinoid and terpene found in a hemp plant has a specific biochemical effect. Studies have indicated there is a greater benefit when the full spectrum of compounds work together in what is known as the “Entourage Effect.”
In addition, researchers in a 2015 study conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Hadassah School concluded full spectrum was more effective at treating inflammation than isolate, on the basis that other components in the full spectrum extract synergized with CBD.
What Are the Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
While there is much research to be completed; early studies suggest full spectrum CBD may aid in reducing inflammation, joint pain, muscle soreness and recovery. We detail much of this research on our Benefits of CBD Oil page.
Also, there are more than 100 compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, one being cannabidiol of course. Other common cannabinoids you may come across are:
- Cannabicromene (CBC): anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer properties
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV): anti-convulsion, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea properties, as well as its impact on pain and mood disorders. It’s particularly effective in providing symptom relief for Crohn’s, HIV/AIDS, and MS.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor properties. CBG has exhibited positive effects for cancer, glaucoma, inflammation and skin diseases.
- Cannabinol (CBN): sedative effect, along with anti-convulsant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Full spectrum CBD also contains vitamins, essential fats, and protein. Vitamins A, C, E, and B are found in abundance in CBD; along with up to 20 amino acids and essential fatty acids, like Omega 3 and Omega 6. These amino acids speed your body’s ability to make protein; which improves recovery time, and the fatty acids are great for heart health.
Does Full Spectrum CBD Contain THC?
Yes, full spectrum CBD products do contain a small amount of THC, the intoxicating compound found in marijuana.
But, know that Laura’s Homestead Alternatives products are extracted from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC. That’s a requirement by federal law and a measure we ensure by testing every batch of CBD in partnership with an accredited, DEA-registered third-party lab. Test results for every Homestead Alternatives batch can be found on our Certifications page; and customers are able to search for their specific test results.
Will Full Spectrum CBD Oil Make Me High?
CBD products taken at the most commonly recommended dosages have no practical chance of making you “high.” Since full spectrum CBD oil contains such a low concentration of THC, the risk of intoxication isn’t present.
Are Hemp and Marijuana the Same?
There are three species of cannabis plants: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. While both hemp and marijuana fall under the species Cannabis sativa, they are not the same plant. Hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC and a high concentration of CBD; marijuana contains a significantly higher concentration of THC.
Industrial hemp is grown to be durable, as it can also be used to produce fiber. Hemp tends to have very long stalks and fewer flowering buds compared to marijuana. This can make it easier to extract the high amounts of CBD and smaller amounts of THC. Hemp is used to make a number of things — CBD, bricks and hempcrete, fiber, clothing, shoes, and plenty more.
Marijuana plants are typically smaller and have many flowering buds. The primary purpose when growing marijuana is maximizing the concentration of THC.
Is it Legal?
Yes, buying CBD oil is federally legal and we ship to all 50 states. The 2018 Farm Bill removed industrial hemp from the DEA’s purview and removed hemp as a Schedule I substance. This made the production and sale of hemp and its extracts legal, so long as the hemp from which the CBD is extracted contains no more than 0.3% THC.
The USDA confirmed in its memo that states cannot interfere with the commerce of hemp or its derivatives.
Get yout bag of full spectrum Milonga Yerba Mate!
Author: Dr. Nisha Cooch PhD, PMP
Dr. Nisha Cooch conducted her doctoral research in Neuroscience at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIA/NIH). She has also served as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellow with the federal government and taught and conducted research at Georgetown University.
You can check the source here.
