What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Nowadays, there is a wide range of CBD products with their own specific features. For many people, a variety of CBD products like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolates is great news because it allows them to choose the types of products that suit their needs and preferences. For others, though, this classification can be confusing. This means that customers are not sure what they are buying and what the properties and characteristics of the products are, which can potentially lead to disappointment and even a waste of money. Effectively understanding the differences between them can help you make a better choice and find the best option to suit your needs. In this article, we will explain the differences between the three types of CBD products in simple terms. We will also focus on broad-spectrum CBD, the methods used to produce it, as well as its effects and peculiarities to help you understand whether it’s what you are looking for or not.

1. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolates?

Among the wide range of CBD oils, there are three major players on the market: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolates. Let’s review each of them below.

If we imagine a complex of three common types of CBD products as a pyramid, full-spectrum CBD oil is at its base because of its compounds. Since it contains cannabinoids (cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol) and cannabis components (terpenes and flavonoids), full-spectrum CBD can give you the “entourage effect”. According to the study, the range of different compounds in the cannabis plant may make the potential health benefits of cannabidiol more noticeable. Another study suggests that the combination of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol in full-spectrum CBD can make it more effective for pain than isolate. In addition, the presence of all the major compounds ensures that full-spectrum CBD products retain the smell and taste of the cannabis plant.

By guaranteeing only 0.3% THC content, producers not only comply with the regulations of most European countries but also ensure that their products are safe and will not in any way affect people’s productivity or ability to perform important tasks. This form of CBD has a distinctive marijuana flavour, but the extract is often mixed with other oils, including MCT oil, weedseed oil, coconut oil and others. Some studies suggest that the CBD compound is more effective when paired with THC. That is why full-spectrum oil is often chosen by those who want to experience CBD’s maximum potential benefits.

CBD isolate tops our pyramid because it only contains cannabidiol. Once the CBD concentrate has been extracted and separated, it undergoes winterization, during which any remaining waxes, terpenes or cannabinoids are extracted. It produces an isolate that is the purest CBD product (with 99% CBD). Isolates are perfect for professional athletes because they don’t contain THC, which means they won’t fail a drug test. Additionally, CBD isolate doesn’t contain terpenes or flavonoids, and because it doesn’t have any smell or taste, you can add it to your food. As the study shows, CBD isolate can give possible health benefits, but the effect may not be as noticeable as if you used the full-spectrum. Since it only contains CBD, which is a natural compound derived from plants, isolate products are suitable for vegans.

Broad-spectrum CBD products are located in the middle of our pyramid. Although it is richer in compounds than CBD isolate, it doesn’t contain all the compounds like full-spectrum CBD (particularly tetrahydrocannabinol). To produce a broad-spectrum product, full-spectrum CBD extract undergoes an additional process called liquid chromatography (it is selectively bound to the tetrahydrocannabinol and removed at low temperatures while leaving the other synergistic cannabinoids, terpenes and amino acids intact). According to the study, broad-spectrum CBD is more likely to have beneficial health effects than CBD isolate, like full-spectrum.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is somewhere in between the other two forms, but what exactly is it? This form contains various naturally occurring cannabis compounds (terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids) but not the THC compound. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain no or only trace amounts of psychoactive compounds and are very unlikely to give you an entourage effect (high sensation). Unlike isolates, it has a robust cannabis earthy smell or even some additional flavours when supplementary terpenes (volatile molecules that produce smells and flavours) are incorporated. To determine whether a product contains any flavourings or colourants, examine the packaging or the description of the product’s composition.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is great for those who want to avoid THC, for example, if they have to undergo a drug test that detects THC.

2. Broad-spectrum CBD extraction process

The differences between the three major types of CBD oil mentioned above come about during the extraction process.

Simply put, CBD extraction is the processing of hemp to obtain CBD oil. The processes for extracting CBD oil are diverse and important for consumers to understand because each method can produce highly differentiated products.

The extraction process is followed by winterization, which involves removing waxes, solvents, unwanted fats or chlorophyll to produce a hemp oil containing CBD, minor cannabinoids and terpenes. These two processes make all the difference and determine what kind of CBD you will end up with. All the types of CBD mentioned above are created differently.

Carbon dioxide extraction is one of the most widely used and prominent methods at present. This method uses CO2 to separate the CBD oil from the cannabis plant. It is capable of successfully producing highly concentrated CBD and also allows producers to extract full-spectrum CBD. To obtain broad-spectrum CBD, the extract undergoes an additional chromatography process to separate the THC components.

There are also other extraction methods:

• Steam distillation (steam is used to separate the oil from the plant material).
• Solvent extraction (while this method is effective when no solvents are used, the process does pose a potential health risk and can also affect the flavour of the extract).
• Extraction with olive oil (raw hemp is heated to a certain temperature, then mixed with the oil and heated again to yield the cannabinoids).
• Lipid extraction (this process is gaining popularity as some companies are now trying to eliminate CO2 and solvent emissions).

However, these methods are not as effective as CO2 extraction. You can find more interesting information about CBD oil extraction methods in one of our previous blog articles.

3. Use of broad-spectrum CBD oil and its possible effects

Like other CBD oils, broad-spectrum ones can be used in the following ways:

• orally;
• sublingually;
• topically;
• inhalation.

Being able to consume broad-spectrum CBD oil in different ways means that the human body’s various systems interact in the process. This being the case, the time taken for an individual to experience its possible effects can vary. You can find more information about ways to take CBD products, including broad-spectrum CBD oil, in one of our previous blog articles.

Generally speaking, CBD can affect non-endocannabinoid receptor sites in the brain that improve mood and minimise stress. Broad-spectrum CBD oil may have antiseizure and antioxidant effects. Additionally, some studies have found it to have antibiotic effects and potentially be useful in relieving pain and reducing inflammation, as well as anxiety.

4. Potential side effects of taking broad-spectrum CBD oil

Broad-spectrum CBD oils can cause various side effects in people’s bodies and minds. According to this study, taking CBD can increase the risk of liver toxicity. It is important to keep in mind that CBD, like grapefruit, can affect enzymes that are vital for drug metabolism. Another study showed that taking CBD can lead to a dry mouth and eyes.

Inhaling CBD, for example, can cause asthma or other lung diseases. This means that some side effects of taking broad-spectrum CBD oil may occur depending on how it is consumed. In addition, don’t forget that CBD laws vary not only from country to country but also from region to region within a country.

Sometimes, side effects can be a result of taking a low-quality CBD product. One of the most important things you can do is to be a watchful consumer and keep an eye on the results of third-party tests when you are planning to or have already ordered a product. Look at the actual content of the product and its compliance with what is indicated in the product and its documentation.

5. Final thoughts

The reason why CBD extracts come in such varied forms is mostly due to the complexity of the extraction methods and the compounds that remain in the resulting product. The effects of each form can also differ, creating a choice for CBD users with different needs and preferences. Experimentation with forms and ways of delivering CBD are among the key factors driving the CBD industry forward in the long term and promising an exciting future for the market. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is just a drop in a sea of products. We at Marry Jane are pleased to present you with a wide variety of products that you can find in our offline and online stores. Please ensure that you always put your safety first. If you are trying CBD for the first time, make sure you start with lower doses. Talk to your doctor if you are using CBD as an alternative treatment, especially if you are taking other medication. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

6. Sources

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