Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring active compound that can be extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis is a family of plants that contains compounds known for having multiple effects on the body.
Many people are asking, ‘Will CBD get me high?’ The short answer is no. CBD doesn’t produce psychoactive effects (e.g., euphoria), meaning it won’t get you high, unlike its counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Despite its growing popularity, information about CBD can be quite confusing. This is especially true when it comes to full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates—the three main types of CBD extracts.
But don’t worry as you’re on the right page. This post will discuss everything you need to know about these CBD extracts, so read on to learn more.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Contents
This CBD contains every extract found in cannabis, including trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive part of the plant associated with the high sensation.
Here are other extracts it may contain in addition to THC:
- Flavonoids: There are approximately 20 flavonoids in cannabis plant. These compounds are believed to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Terpenes: Cannabis contains about 150 terpenes, affecting its orange, citrusy scent. Like flavonoids, terpenes may have therapeutic effects.
- Cannabinoids: Aside from THC, this CBD may contain more than a hundred cannabinoids in trace amounts.
Recently, this type of CBD has been popularized for its ability to help relieve a range of conditions. These include epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation, but more studies are needed to support the claims regarding its health benefits.
What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Like its full-spectrum counterpart, broad-spectrum contains a wide range of extracts found in cannabis plant. These include cannabinol, terpenes, and cannabichromene.
Typically, broad-spectrum doesn’t contain THC. But some products may contain trace amounts. This is made possible by the following THC extraction methods:
- Lipid extraction
- Carbon dioxide extraction
- Solvent extraction
- Steam distillation
Note that different strains of cannabis, as well as plant classifications and extraction methods, may affect the composition of CBD products.
What Is CBD Isolate?
As the name implies, CBD isolate contains no other active compounds found in cannabis plants aside from CBD. In other words, it’s the purest form of CBD you can purchase. It’s ideal for people who have sensitivity to other cannabis compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, which may come out as an allergy.
A CBD isolate powder is a great way to start if you’re interested in CBD isolate. It’s more versatile compared to other products and can be dabbed, orally ingested, vaporized, or smoked with herbs.
Aside from its powdered form, other CBD isolate products may include tinctures, oils, topical creams, gummies, and confectionaries (e.g., chocolates).
What Are The Benefits Of Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD offers several benefits, including:
Health Benefits
This CBD is known for its anti-seizure, antioxidant, pain-relieving, anxiety-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help alleviate muscle spasms and some symptoms of mental health conditions.
In addition, a study found that this type of CBD can potentially treat dental health problems. It stated that the terpenes and flavonoids in CBD might have anti-microbial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This is why people are sometimes advised to take full-spectrum CBD when they experience toothache, tooth decay, or gingivitis.
The Entourage Effect
This is a theory stating that the therapeutic power of CBD can be enhanced when combined with other compounds. These include flavonoids, terpenes, and a few other cannabinoids.
Broad-spectrum may consist of compounds found in full-spectrum CBD. However, it typically doesn’t contain THC, which may amplify the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD.
Note that this CBD contains trace amounts of THC (maximum of 0.3% according to federal law). But there’s nothing to worry about, as the concentration is too small to make you feel high and produce a euphoric effect.
However, it depends on how much you take and the potency of your chosen CBD product. If you take a large dose or multiple products at once, there’s a chance of experiencing psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Availability In Multiple Locations
This CBD is one of the most popular CBD products in the market. It’s available in topical creams, gummies, sprays, oils, capsules, and pills.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Full-Spectrum CBD?
Despite having great benefits, this CBD has a couple of drawbacks too:
Contains THC
Some people don’t want even a trace of THC in their products. If you’re one of them, this CBD might not be your best option, especially when you worry about the results of your drug test. In addition, be careful when buying CBD products because they might contain higher concentrations of THC than they claim.
To prevent mislabeled CBD products, look for those tested by third-party organizations and governing bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This way, you can be sure that everything stated in your CBD products are factual.
Legal Issues
According to federal law, full-spectrum CBD products should contain 0.3% of THC. These CBD products are often derived from hemp plants, a type of cannabis with 0.3% THC.
Although these products are considered federally legal, they may still be illegal under the laws of some states. In addition, some products might be marijuana-derived. They might contain more THC than what’s considered federally legal. You can find them at dispensaries in regions where cannabis is legal.
If you plan to buy this CBD, make sure to check the amount of THC in a specific product to give you an idea of what you’re looking for.
What Are The Benefits Of Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Here are the benefits broad-spectrum may offer:
Additional Compounds
Broad-spectrum may contain some compounds not available in full-spectrum. These include cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene. Additionally, CBN is believed to have antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-seizure properties.
Typically Has No THC Levels
Broad-spectrum typically has no THC, but some products might contain trace amounts. However, such amounts are too small to produce psychoactive effects. This makes it an excellent option for people interested in CBD without getting high or euphoric.
A Range Of Health Benefits
A 2021 study suggests that broad-spectrum products may help relieve pain and anxiety, improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, and alleviate seizures of epileptic individuals.
Entourage effect may also occur since broad-spectrum contains terpenes and other cannabis compounds that may work with CBD. This may amp up the benefits of CBD in the body, resulting in additional health benefits.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Of course, broad-spectrum is no perfect solution. Here are some of its drawbacks to consider before choosing which CBD products best suits your needs:
No THC Levels
The lack of THC levels can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. It’s a good thing because you won’t feel high or euphoric when taking broad-spectrum products. However, it might not have as many benefits as full-spectrum because it lacks an essential cannabinoid that may amplify its positive effects.
Trace Amounts Of THC
As mentioned earlier, broad-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC, though they typically don’t. In addition, be mindful of the products claiming ‘THC-free’ in the market because they might contain low THC levels.
Rarely, even trace amounts of THC can lead to positive drug test results. So, if you’re planning to undergo drug testing, it might be a better idea to avoid using CBD or THC products in the meantime.
The Entourage Effect
This was seen as a benefit a while ago, but it could also be a potential disadvantage. The theory states that taking various cannabis compounds at the same time may produce a stronger effect on the body than taking them separately. That being said, opting for a full-spectrum product is more beneficial.
While it may sound great, note that this is only a theory. Older research suggests that CBD with THC produces better results when taken together. However, a 2020 study states that the research lacks significant data to back up its claims.
This effect might be true to some, but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on this theory to maximize the benefits of CBD products. Always keep in mind the possible risks full-spectrum carries.
What Are The Benefits Of CBD Isolate?
Like full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, CBD isolate has its own benefits:
Pure CBD
CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD and contains no levels of THC and other cannabis compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. This is a perfect solution for those who require CBD alone to relieve their symptoms.
Flavorless And Odorless
CBD is known for its earthy, bitter taste, which might be unpleasant to work on. Other people also describe the smell of CBD to be skunk-like. If you want a flavorless and odorless option, you should consider CBD isolate.
CBD isolate often has added flavoring to mask the unwanted smell and taste associated with CBD. Some products may be labeled as unflavored, so they should be taste-free and scent-free.
Higher CBD Doses
CBD isolate allows you to take higher dosages of CBD without the fear of getting high and euphoric because of THC. But before you do so, make sure to seek medical advice from a primary care physician to address potential side effects, especially when taking other medications that may react with CBD.
Negative Drug Test Results
With CBD isolate, you don’t have to worry about the results of your upcoming drug test. However, there’s a possibility of showing up on test results because even ‘THC-free’ labeled products may contain THC.
What Are The Drawbacks OF CBD Isolate?
If you plan to use CBD isolate instead of others, take note of the following drawbacks:
Adverse Reactions
Generally, CBD isolate is a low-risk substance, which is especially true as it contains no THC. However, some people may experience adverse reactions, including diarrhea and changes in appetite (e.g., an increase or decrease).
Other side effects of taking CBD isolate may include overfatigue, drowsiness, and dry mouth. CBD isolate can also interact with other medications, especially blood thinners.
No Entourage Effect
Since CBD isolate contains no other cannabis compounds, you might miss out on the benefits offered by entourage effect. But don’t worry, as taking CBD alone is still beneficial.
How To Shop For CBD Products?
As of this writing, the FDA doesn’t guarantee the quality, effectiveness, and quality of CBD products in the market. This is true except for Epidiolex, an FDA-approved prescription CBD medicine that can help treat seizures associated with the following conditions:
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Dravet syndrome
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate the CBD market, it’s possible to encounter some CBD products that might be mislabeled or misrepresented. Here are a few tips to consider when shopping for CBD products, whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate:
- Check For Current Certificate Of Analysis (COA): The COA will indicate everything the product may contain such as terpenes and flavonoids for full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. Also, the certificate states that the product is free from pesticides, molds, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Look For Transparent Manufacturers: Learning how CBD manufacturers source their hemp and produce their goods shouldn’t be a problem. Visit their website and go to pages that may reveal more information about them. If you can’t find anything, that manufacturer is a red flag. Look for another one instead.
- Avoid Empty Promises: Although many have stated how CBD products help them, they’re no miracle or cure-all. In fact, experts have yet to conduct more research to find conclusive evidence and data. If a product promises to treat this and that, it’s most likely a false claim and nothing more.
- Prepare For A Trial And Error: It’s difficult to find a product that suits your body in one purchase, no matter how great they are. You might need to do experiments until you find the right CBD product that works best for you. If your first purchase didn’t work, try others of different formulations, dosages, and ingredients.
Follow these simple tips to find the right CBD product for your body.
Final Thoughts
The main kinds of CBD extracts in the market are broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum contains 0.3% or less THC while broad-spectrum CBD typically has none; but sometimes it might contain trace amounts. On the other hand, CBD isolate is pure CBD with no other cannabis compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and THC. But like broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate may contain trace amounts of THC.
Use this comprehensive guide if you plan to buy CBD products to avoid scams, as the CBD market isn’t regulated yet by the FDA.
