What is full-spectrum CBD?

As you start to explore the world of CBD products, you’ll learn new terms that might leave you a little confused. Many products will be described as “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum”. You might also see products labelled as “isolate”. These terms all refer to the cannabinoid profile of the product, so it’s helpful to be able to understand what they mean.

There are many reasons to care about the cannabinoid content of your product. For starters, you might have to avoid THC for religious or employment reasons. Secondly, it’s important to understand what is in the product you are taking, and this can be a key indicator of quality.

What is full-spectrum CBD?

When we talk about the “spectrum” of a CBD product, we are talking about the cannabinoids that make it into the final product. During the process of extracting cannabinoids from the hemp plant, it’s possible to choose which ones make it into the finished product by heating the oil to remove certain cannabinoids. 

THC is often the only cannabinoid manufacturers are concerned about. This is because THC levels need to be below a specific amount for it to be legal. This threshold is different depending on where you are.

A full-spectrum CBD product contains CBD, plus THC and other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. A broad-spectrum product contains the same, but with the THC removed. And an isolate only contains CBD, with all other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids removed.

Is full-spectrum CBD legal?

Yes, full-spectrum CBD is legal in the UK, provided it contains less than 0.2% THC. The only way to confirm the THC content is with third-party lab testing. To check if your CBD seller has carried out this testing, you should always look for a certificate of analysis.

Remember that CBD isn’t legal everywhere in the world, so if you are travelling with CBD, always check it’s allowed wherever you are going. This is particularly important if you are travelling with our CBD pendants. 

Will full-spectrum CBD get me high?

No, full-spectrum CBD will not get you high as the THC content is not sufficient. Trace amounts of THC are thought to be beneficial for supporting the endocannabinoid system. But these small amounts are not enough to alter your mental state. You might feel more relaxed when taking CBD, but you won’t have a psychoactive response.

You also don’t need to worry about CBD showing up in a drug test. Since a typical drug test is looking for traces of THC, and the THC in full-spectrum CBD products is so low, you should have no issues. If you are worried about THC showing in a blood test, you should choose a broad-spectrum CBD product to be safe.

What are the benefits of full-spectrum CBD?

The amount of THC left in a full-spectrum CBD product is incredibly low, so it won’t have a significant impact on the effects. However, when all of the plant compounds are combined, it creates a synergistic effect. When the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work together, this is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect”.

Since the hemp plant contains many beneficial compounds, not just CBD, it’s helpful to keep the finished CBD product as close to nature as possible. Imagine you are planning a meal. You could eat a bowl of cucumber, and this would certainly be healthy. But if you mix it up, add in some leaves, other veggies, a protein source and healthy fats, suddenly you have a delicious and nutritious salad. 

The entourage effect works in a similar way. By enjoying more of the compounds in the hemp plant, you’ll enjoy greater benefits for your endocannabinoid system and wider health.