CBD oil at full spectrum (Full-Spectrum) and CBD oil in broad spectrum (Broad-Spectrum) are two types of hemp extracts, but they differ in their chemical composition.
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Full spectrum CBD oil: This oil contains all the natural components present in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids (such as CBD and traces of THC), terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds. The idea is to preserve all molecules to maximize their combined effects thanks to a phenomenon called entourage effect. Imagine a football team where each player has a specific role; Together, they play better than a single isolated player. Likewise, the different hemp components work in synergy to strengthen their benefits.
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Broad spectrum CBD oil: This type of oil also retains several hemp components, but it is purified to completely eliminate THC while keeping other cannabinoids and terpenes. This allows you to benefit from part of the entourage effect without risk of THC consumption, which can be important for some people sensitive or concerned about local laws.
Chemical composition
The two types of oils share certain common elements, but their difference lies mainly in the presence or not of THC:
Full spectrum oil:
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Cannabinoids: Contains CBD, CBG, CBN, as well as traces of THC (generally <0.3 % in the United States and <0.2 % in the European Union).
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Terpenes: Present in significant quantities, these aromatic compounds participate in the entourage effect.
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Flavonoids: Natural antioxidants that support therapeutic properties.
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Maximum entourage effect: All components work together to amplify beneficial effects.
Large spectrum oil:
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Cannabinoids: Contains CBD, CBG, CBN, but No THC.
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Terpenes: Preserved, although their concentration can be slightly reduced during the purification process.
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Flavonoids: Present, but potentially fewer than in full spectrum.
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Partial entourage effect: Although the absence of THC decreases the extent of this effect, the other components continue to collaborate to offer advantages.
The importance of the entourage effect is based on studies suggesting that cannabinoids act better together than only. For example, a review published in Frontiers in Plant Science (2020) indicates that the interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes can improve the effectiveness of treatment against anxiety and pain.
Advantages and disadvantages
Here is a comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages specific to each type of oil:
Full spectrum CBD oil:
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Benefits :
- Maximizes the entourage effect thanks to the presence of all natural components.
- More effective for certain conditions such as chronic inflammation, according to a 2015 study published in Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
- Often cheaper because it requires less industrial treatment.
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Disadvantages:
- Contains traces of THC, which can be problematic in some countries or for people undergoing doping tests.
- Can cause light side effects in individuals sensitive to THC.
Broad spectrum CBD oil:
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Benefits :
- Ideal for those who want to avoid all THC consumption while enjoying the benefits of the CBD.
- Complies with strict THC regulations in many countries.
- Less likely to cause psychotropic or secondary effects linked to THC.
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Disadvantages:
- Less effective than the full spectrum due to the absence of THC, which limits the entourage effect.
- Generally more expensive due to the additional purification process.
In terms of legislation, the European Union requires that CBD products have a THC rate of less than 0.2 %. In the United States, the threshold is set at 0.3 %. These standards make oils with broad spectrum particularly attractive for consumers anxious to respect these strict limits.
Synthetic comparative table
| Features |
Full spectrum CBD oil |
Broad spectrum CBD oil |
| Presence of THC |
Traces (<0.2 % or <0.3 % depending on the regulations) |
No THC |
| Entourage effect |
Maximum |
Partial |
| Preserved components |
Cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids |
Cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids (less) |
| Therapeutic efficiency |
Superior |
Average to good |
| Tolerance |
Low risk of THC -related side effects |
Very good |
| Legal compliance |
Depends on the local threes of THC |
In accordance with almost all regulations |
| Price |
Generally cheaper |
More expensive |
Conclusion
The choice between a full spectrum oil and broad spectrum oil depends on your personal needs, your THC tolerance and the legal constraints in your region. If you are looking for optimal efficiency and are not affected by the presence of THC traces, full spectrum oil is ideal. On the other hand, if you want to avoid any risk linked to THC while enjoying the benefits of the CBD, opt for a wide spectrum oil.
To deepen, consult resources such as:
Frontiers in Plant Science (2020)
Title: "The 'Entourage Effect': Terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders"
Summary: This review explores the entourage effect and how the interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes can improve treatments for mood and anxiety disorders.
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org (Look for the article via the site.)
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (2015)
Title: "Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders"
Summary: A study that examines the therapeutic effects of CBD, including its effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety disorders, with a mention of the importance of the entourage effect.
DOI: 10.1124/Jpet.115.225674
Link: https://jpet.aspetjournals.org
European Journal of Pain (2016)
Title: "Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-Related Behaviors in a rat Model of Arthritis"
Summary: A study that shows how CBD can reduce inflammation and pain, highlighting the potential advantages of formulations containing several hemp components.
DOI: 10.1002/EJP.818
Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Faq
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect refers to the synergy between the different components of hemp, such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Together, these components amplify their beneficial effects, offering higher efficiency compared to the use of a single isolated component.
Is there THC in full spectrum CBD oil?
Yes, full spectrum CBD oil contains traces of THC, generally less than 0.3 % in the United States and 0.2 % in the European Union. However, these levels are too low to cause significant psychoactive effects.
Does broad spectrum CBD oil contain THC?
No, broad spectrum CBD oil is purified to completely eliminate THC while retaining other cannabinoids and terpenes. It is therefore suitable for people wishing to avoid any consumption of THC.
Which CBD oil to choose to avoid positive doping tests?
If you are subjected to anti -doping tests, it is recommended to choose a wide spectrum CBD oil because it does not contain any THC. Complete spectrum oils, although containing tiny traces of THC, can potentially lead to positive results in some cases.
What is the price difference between the two types of oil?
Full spectrum CBD oils are generally cheaper because they require less industrial treatment. On the other hand, wide spectrum oils are often more expensive due to the additional purification process to eliminate THC.
What oil is the most effective in relieving pain?
Studies suggest that full spectrum CBD oil is often more effective in relieving pain, thanks to the maximum entourage effect it offers. However, wide spectrum oil remains a good option for those who wish to avoid THC while benefiting from part of this effect.
