If you’ve been looking at CBD products online, you may have come across “spectrum” jargon that you may not be familiar with yet. That’s okay. You’re not the first, and you certainly won’t be the last to ask: What is full-spectrum CBD?
By the end of this post you’ll be able to answer the following questions:
- What is full-spectrum CBD?
- Does full-spectrum CBD contain THC?
- What’s the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD?
- And more…
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that can be found in hemp plants. Full-spectrum CBD is the least altered form of CBD that you can purchase and consume.
Does Full-Spectrum CBD Do Anything?
Full-spectrum CBD provides the same benefits that all CBD products provide users and more. Because full-spectrum CBD products contain other cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to CBD, some users believe that you are also reaping the benefits of the entourage effect— all parts of the plant working together.
Does Full-Spectrum CBD Have THC?
Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts (<0.3%) of THC.
Is Full-Spectrum CBD A Drug?
As of this writing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved of one full-spectrum medication, Epidiolex, a prescription drug used to treat certain severe forms of epilepsy.
While there is no other FDA-approved science that confirms any other medicinal use of CBD, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be helpful to people with inflammation, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep.
In the other sense of the word “drug,” as long as your full-spectrum CBD was derived from industrial hemp, it is considered federally legal and able to cross state lines.
What’s The Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD?
The difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products relates to the cannabinoids present in each.
Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)— the cannabinoid responsible for making users feel intoxicated.
Note: while THC is present in full-spectrum CBD products, such low concentrations should not make average users experience any significant psychoactive effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD is different than full-spectrum because broad-spectrum CBD products have had their THC removed in some way. You might consider broad-spectrum CBD products for a number of reasons:
- Your state of residence requires all CBD products sold in-state to be THC-free.
- You are extra sensitive to THC and would rather avoid it if you can.
- You are subject to random workplace drug tests.
Why Would You Consume Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD products are generally considered to be the most effective and efficient means of consuming CBD. You’ll want to choose a full-spectrum CBD product if you:
- Prefer a more complete CBD experience.
- Prefer more natural, less-processed CBD products.
- Are interested in the potential benefits of hemp’s other organic compounds.
Other Full-Spectrum CBD 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 gummies.
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.
How Long Does Full-Spectrum CBD Stay In Your System?
Full-spectrum CBD can stay in your body for up to several days after use. This estimation is greatly simplified though 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 longer.
When Should I Use Full Spectrum CBD?
If your goal is to use CBD to better manage sleep, then take it shortly before bedtime. But if your goal is to use CBD to better handle the stresses of the day, consider taking multiple smaller doses throughout the day.
Full-Spectrum CBD Wrap Up
Full-spectrum CBD is widely regarded, with good reason, to be the best way to consume CBD. It’s less processed than other forms of CBD and allows users to experience the other whole-plant benefits that hemp has to offer.
Full-spectrum CBD should be the jumping-off point for folks trying to figure out how best CBD can benefit them.
