One of the most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of a hemp extract is through a full-spectrum CBD tincture. Tinctures are designed in order to deliver the quickest and strongest method of absorption because they are administered sublingually. When they are full-spectrum, they pack an even more powerful punch because they hold the entire essence of the hemp plant within their amber-colored bodies. So, what does it mean to be full-spectrum? Keep reading and you will understand.
Hemp Extracts and CBD Products
When marketers label a package as full-spectrum CBD they are using the buzzword “CBD” to their advantage. In reality, CBD is a cannabinoid that is only one part of hundreds of other parts that make up a whole. Technically, there is no such thing as “full-spectrum CBD” because CBD by itself is just CBD. Let us explain…
The hemp plant is made up of a number of compounds that include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG are only a few of the over 100 cannabinoids that are present in the plant. Chemical concentrations of each of these cannabinoids can differ, with strains like Gelato 41 boasting a higher level of THC on average compared to less THC-rich strains. Terpenes and flavonoids, although are not cannabinoids, are crucial components that make up the essence of the hemp extract. When all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other components of the plant come together as one they all work together to provide the benefits that CBD has to offer. This is known as the entourage effect.
There are people that would like to argue that full-spectrum hemp products are not safe because they do contain THC, however, the amount of THC that is present is only enough to help the entourage effect come into action…it is not enough to cause inebriation. The maximum amount that is legal to be in a hemp plant is 3% THC content.
Broad Spectrum Products
There are a lot of products on the market that are labeled as “broad-spectrum” products. In the CBD industry, a broad spectrum extract is one that is void of THC. Developers have formulated a method that can extract the components out of the hemp plant and exclude THC while keeping the rest of the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes intact. Researchers believe that the entourage effect can still come into play even if there is no THC.
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CBD Isolated Products
There are products that are labeled as CBD isolate products. This is where the method of extraction isolates the CBD from the rest of the compounds of the hemp plant and forms a crystalline substance that is void of any of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. A CBD isolated product is merely CBD that has been isolated and brought into a pure form. Without the rest of the components that make up the rest of the hemp plant, the entourage effect will not take place. However, there is evidence that suggests that CBD on its own still carries the same benefits as it would if it had the rest of the components.
THC Content
As we mentioned above, there can only be a tiny amount of THC present in the industrial hemp plant in order for it to be legal. Some people may have serious sensitivities towards even minuscule amounts of THC. In fact, there is evidence that suggests that even a tiny amount of THC that is ingested can turn up in a drug test and cause a positive finding.
THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that are found in the hemp plant, but they are different from each other in many ways. THC has the ability to cause a psychoactive high, which is considered dangerous by some people.
If you prefer to use full-spectrum products, just be aware that there is a minuscule amount of THC present.
Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to enjoy CBD without the rest of the compounds that are present in the hemp plant, it is best to get a CBD isolated product. When it comes to full-spectrum CBD products, don’t let the creative marketers lull you into buying a product that might not be exactly what it says it is. Read the ingredients, and do the research. It could save you a lot of time and money.