What Does Full Spectrum CBD Mean?
What Does Full Spectrum CBD Mean?
Do you know what a full spectrum CBD is? You may have seen the term used to describe certain CBD products, but what does it mean? Here's a quick overview of the whole-plant CBD formula.
What is CBD?
Most people know CBD is a hemp chemical but know little more than that. CBD is short for cannabidiol and one of over 125 phytocannabinoids in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are natural compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a network of receptors and enzymes that regulate many functions in the body, including pain, inflammation, mood, and appetite. All mammals have a cannabinoid system, which is why CBD works for you and your dog.
THC is another phytocannabinoid in the hemp plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't produce the "high" associated with THC. CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD refers to the whole-plant extract of the hemp plant. The plant contains over 500 naturally occurring chemicals. This includes all the plant's phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give hemp its distinctive smell. They also interact with cannabinoids to produce what's known as the entourage effect. This is when the different compounds in the plant work together to create a more potent effect than they would have on their own.
Over 20,000 terpenes exist in nature. Researchers have identified more than 200 different hemp varieties. The most common are myrcene, limonene, alpha-pinene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. They're thought to play a role in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. Over 6,000 flavonoids exist in nature. Research suggests they may have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The most common flavonoids in hemp are quercetin, kaempferol, and catechins.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids interact with the body's ECS to produce various effects. Besides CBD and THC, there are over 100 other cannabinoids in hemp. Some of the most studied include CBN, CBG, and CBC.
The Entourage Effect
As we mentioned, the different compounds in hemp work together to produce what's known as the entourage effect. This is when the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. The different compounds in hemp work together to produce a more potent effect than they would have on their own.
Can THC From Hemp Show on a Drug Screening?
The short answer is yes. Although many drug screenings have a threshold, there's a slight chance that full spectrum CBD could appear on a drug screening. The downside of the full spectrum CBD is that it may contain trace amounts of THC.
THC is fat soluble, meaning it's stored in your body's fat cells. It can take weeks or even months for THC to leave your system entirely. If you're subject to regular drug screenings, choose a CBD isolate instead.
CBD isolates contain no THC, so there's no risk of failing a drug screening. Another option is the broad-spectrum formula, which includes most of the plant's compounds except THC.
CBD is a safe and effective all-natural wellness solution. Choose a full spectrum CBD formula to get the maximum benefit from the hemp plant.
