Full-spectrum CBD is an extract containing several compounds of the cannabis plant. While it doesn’t contain THC by itself, some CBD products such as CBD oil, may contain trace amounts that may make a person euphoric or high.
So what are those amounts and what are full-spectrum CBD’s benefits, risks, and legal status? Read on to know all only at Finexwell.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD contains all the natural extracts of the cannabis plant, including THC, the psychoactive element associated with the high.
Although it has become popular because of its potential to alleviate a number of health issues such as anxiety, pain, epilepsy, and inflammation, more research is required to fully back these benefits.
Some additional cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD products are:
- CBG (cannabigerol)
- CBC (cannabichromene)
- CBN (cannabinol)
Apart from these, full spectrum CBD also contains terpenes and flavonoids that give CBD its scent as well as offer a number of health benefits such as serving as an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory to providing neuroprotective properties.
Does Full Spectrum CBD Have THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a substance present in plants and is famous for being a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t make the user high as it doesn’t contain THC.
However, some broad-spectrum CBD products may have trace amounts and a 2017 research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shed light on whether the labels of CBD products available online were genuine.
The researchers also looked for cannabinoids that were present in the products but not listed on the labels and found THC in about 20 of the 90 samples they studied.
This means that while someone who is buying a CBD product may believe that they are going for a product with no CBD THC percentage in it, this may not always be the case.
Types of CBD
There are three types of CBD, each having different compounds and concentrations:
Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD refers to a hemp extract that contains all the natural parts of the cannabis plant such as terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and minor amounts of THC.
They can work together harmoniously to create a euphoric (high) effect which may enhance the therapeutic benefits of CBD more than as compared to when it’s used alone.
Broad-spectrum CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD contains most of the cannabis plant compounds and trace amounts of THC.
It’s a hemp extract (just like full-spectrum CBD) and undergoes an extra extraction process to filter all CBD THC percentage while leaving the remaining organic compounds of the hemp plant intact.
CBD Isolate: CBD isolate products (as the name suggests) just contain CBD with no other cannabinoids or THC. That’s why they may not produce any notable effects.
According to research, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD can create significant responses when people consume them even if the results may not strictly be due to CBD.
Instead, an individual may experience a high because of several compounds working together and producing clinical effects.
No matter the type of CBD, you should always keep in mind the dosage and the potential risks associated with CBD. Especially the women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should totally refrain from its use.
How Does Full Spectrum CBD Work?
Although how CBD works is yet to be fully understood, research suggests that full-spectrum CBD interacts with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) and takes care of various physiological processes, such as pain, appetite, and immune response.
It may work with two receptors in the ECS — CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) in the nervous system and CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2) in the peripheral nervous system — leading to a range of effects, such as anti-anxiety, pain reduction, and more.
However, some other studies indicate that full-spectrum CBD may not impact either receptor greatly, suggesting the need for more detailed research to verify this claim.
Full-spectrum CBD and THC are some of the most studied phytocannabinoids present in the hemp plant and may lead to different effects as compared to other kinds of CBD due to the high (entourage) effect it possesses.
THC is among the major intoxicating and psychoactive cannabinoids that can induce euphoric effects at certain doses. However, due to the tiny amount of THC permitted in hemp-based products in the USA, full-spectrum CBD doesn’t create this effect.
How Much THC Is In Full Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD products are popular for their comprehensive cannabinoid profiles, including a variety of beneficial compounds present in the cannabis plant.
One of these compounds is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component responsible for the euphoric effect associated with marijuana.
However, in full-spectrum CBD products, the CBD THC content is usually very low, making sure that users do not experience any undesirable psychoactive effects.
Legally, full-spectrum CBD products must have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, according to the 2018 Farm Bill in the USA.
This minimal amount is usually sufficient to induce any intoxicating effects but can lead to the “entourage effect”, where various terpenes and cannabinoids work together harmoniously to boost the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
It is crucial to note that the exact CBD THC level can vary a bit between brands and products, so consumers should always check 3rd-party lab test results to confirm the levels of THC in their chosen full-spectrum CBD product.
Understanding the THC in CBD content is important for those who are sensitive to THC or who want to follow strict drug testing policies.
Legality of CBD
Is CBD legal, well although hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal federally, they may not come under some states’ legislation.
Also, selling CBD and/or THC by mixing it with a food item or labeling it as a dietary supplement is prohibited in the USA under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
At the federal level, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has only legalized one CBD product to date. It is used to treat seizures in patients with the following health issues:
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy
- Dravet syndrome, another rare type of epilepsy
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
While the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the definition of cannabis in the Controlled Substances Act, CBD products still have to follow the same legal guidelines as any other regulated product containing a substance.
So, always make sure to check out local legislation before buying/using any CBD products and also before traveling with them.
What Are the Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD?
While presently there’s no solid evidence regarding the health conditions that full-spectrum CBD can treat, research suggests that it is beneficial for people who struggle with anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep issues.
Here are the benefits of full-spectrum CBD in detail:
May Reduce Anxiety and Depression and Improve Sleep
In a 2019 experiment, about 72 patients with anxiety and poor sleep were given 25 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD each along with other treatments for their symptoms. The result was a decrease in anxiety levels and improved sleep scores in all the patients.
May Reduce Pain
A study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences showed that patients who were struggling with severe and long-lasting pain experienced significant relief after using full-spectrum CBD.
On top of that, evidence suggests that full-spectrum CBD can mitigate the neuropathic pain associated with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
May Reduce Nausea and Vomiting
According to a 2020 study in the Annals of Oncology, Full-spectrum CBD may also relieve nausea and vomiting that arise in cancer patients as a result of chemotherapy.
While one-third of the subjects in the experiment also experienced dizziness and sedation after the use of full-spectrum CBD, about 85% of them found this form of treatment better as compared to the placebo.
Helps Manage Some Forms of Epilepsy
A 2017 trial tested full-spectrum CBD on about 120 children and young adults with Dravet syndrome and after 14 weeks, the result was a 50% reduction in convulsive seizure frequency, compared to 27% in the placebo group.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Full Spectrum CBD?
While the data is limited, the available research suggests there are some potential side effects associated with the use of full-spectrum CBD such as:
- Drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Irritability
- Liver problems
- Damage to male fertility
- Mood changes
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
However, a 2018 WHO report indicates that CBD is usually well-tolerated and adverse effects usually happen as a result of medication interactions.
Also keep in mind that full-spectrum CBD is not regulated by the FDA, though it is working on how it may regulate the CBD industry in the future.
For now, there is no guarantee that a full-spectrum CBD product has no side effects, or that it will give you your desired results.
On top of this, standard and daily-use guidelines for full-spectrum CBD don’t exist, and dosages and ingredients may vary to a great extent. It also helps to note that mislabeling is a common practice with CBD products.
Always read the label and the list of ingredients in your full-spectrum CBD product carefully. Also check out for added preservatives, flavorings, or lesser-known ingredients, and double-check them online.
Lastly, while you don’t require a prescription for full-spectrum CBD products, make sure to check with your doctor that it won’t react with any other medications you’re taking currently.
And also that the condition you’re using it for is sensible based on what you know about the substance.
What Are the Differences Between CBD and THC?
Understanding the differences between CBD and THC can get complicated as hemp or marijuana plants contain both. But don’t worry as we will try to sort it out for you.
- CBD stands for cannabidiol, and THC for tetrahydrocannabinol, both of which are found in cannabis plants.
- CBD is usually sold as an oil, is not psychoactive, and has certain medicinal qualities whereas THC is the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana.
- They have different properties and effects on a user despite being made from the same plants. They also have different legal scenarios.
- CBD has a lower tendency to combine with the receptor on its own than THC.
Summary
Full-spectrum CBD has all the natural compounds of CBD such as THC, flavonoids, and terpenes, and is available in various forms such as gummies, oils, and creams. They may help in reducing anxiety symptoms, managing pain, and relieving inflammation.
Research suggests that all the cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, and other plant components of cannabis work together harmoniously to offer the plant’s therapeutic effects.
You should always consult a healthcare professional before using full-spectrum CBD and also check the ingredients, third-party lab test results, and customer reviews when buying a product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CBD gummies have THC?
Yes CBD gummies may have THC, but it usually depends on the product. Some CBD gummies are made with full-spectrum CBD, which contains THC, while some are made with broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, which do not contain THC. So it’s always good to check the product label before buying.
Is CBD Same as THC?
No, CBD and THC are not the same because CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t cause a high whereas THC is psychoactive and causes the high that is associated with cannabis. Both CBD and THC have different uses and effects.
Does Full Spectrum CBD get you high?
No, full-spectrum CBD doesn’t get you high as it contains very small amounts of THC. However, if you are a sensitive individual, you may experience mild psychoactive effects if you consume full-spectrum CBD.
So always make sure to check product labels for CBD THC content before buying any full-spectrum CBD product.
Is Full Spectrum CBD Safe?
Yes, full-spectrum CBD is safe for most people as it contains various terpenes, cannabinoids, and small amounts of THC.
However, it’s crucial to buy your full-spectrum CBD products from reputable sources and talk to your healthcare provider before consuming them, especially if you’re on medication.
Is Full Spectrum CBD Better than Broad Spectrum CBD?
Both full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD have their benefits and neither of them is better than the other. So the choice between them depends on individual preferences and sensitivities to THC.