What Is Full-Spectrum CBD? Cutting Through The Jargon

Posted on by TJ
Jar of full spectrum CBD hemp flower

If you’ve looked at CBD online, chances are you’ve seen “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” jargon. (To be honest, we’re guilty of it too.) You may not be familiar with the jargon— that’s okay— it isn’t user-friendly. If that’s the case, you aren’t the first and certainly won’t be the last to ask: What is full-spectrum CBD? 

In this post, we’ll try to address,

  • Questions about full-spectrum CBD
  • What’s in it
  • And, what differentiates full-spectrum from other types of CBD

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD? 

Full-spectrum CBD is CBD that contains all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that are found in the hemp plant when they’re harvested. Full-spectrum CBD is also the least-altered form of CBD you can purchase and consume. 

Most CBD products you’ll find on the market will be labeled either full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, and this demarcation mainly refers to the presence of trace amounts of THC present in the product. 

By definition, the only hemp product that is always full-spectrum is hemp flower as you cannot extract its cannabinoids without destroying the flower in the process. 

Does Full-Spectrum CBD Do Anything? 

Full-spectrum CBD provides the same benefits other CBD products do and more. Because it contains other terpenes and cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC— some users believe you can reap additional benefits from full-spectrum CBD via the entourage effect. 

Does Full-Spectrum CBD Contain THC?

If a product is made with full-spectrum CBD, it contains trace amounts of THC. However, if that product contains more than 0.3% of delta-9 THC by dry weight it would technically be considered an illicit cannabis product. 

Is Full-Spectrum CBD A Drug? 

While no FDA-approved science confirms the medicinal use of full-spectrum CBD, there is some evidence suggesting that CBD may be helpful to people with inflammation, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep.

Why Would You Consume Full-Spectrum CBD?

You might consider full-spectrum CBD products if you: 

  • Prefer the complete CBD experience 
  • Prefer less-processed CBD products 
  • Are interested in the potential benefits of hemp’s other organic compounds 

You might also only purchase full-spectrum products because of their price point. Because they’re relatively easy to make, full-spectrum products tend to be less expensive than other infused products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies Show Up On A Drug Test?

Full-spectrum CBD gummies may show up on a workplace drug test. The caveat is that drug tests are not looking for CBD, but rather the trace amount of THC present in full-spectrum CBD. 

If you are subject to random workplace tests or believe you’ll need to take a test in the coming weeks, play it safe and avoid full-spectrum CBD gummies. 

Instead, you may want to check out Sunset Lake CBD’s Sour CBD Gummies. These gummy bears are infused with 25mg of pure CBD isolate, meaning they only contain CBD and no other cannabinoids. 

How Long Does Full-Spectrum CBD Stay In Your System?

CBD can stay in your body for several days after use. This estimation is greatly simplified as everyone’s metabolism is different. If you use CBD frequently, in larger doses, and eat fatty foods, expect full-spectrum CBD to stay in your system that much longer. 

When Should I Use Full Spectrum CBD? 

If your goal is to better manage sleep using CBD, take it before bedtime. If your goal is to use a full-spectrum CBD topical to manage joint pain, then use it as needed. 

Using full-spectrum CBD is all about context and dosage. The best way to know when and how to use full-spectrum CBD is to first learn how CBD affects you.