The meaning of the two terms
In the context of CBD and CBD oils, the terms full spectrum and broad spectrum come up again and again. But what exactly do they mean and what should you know about them?
During production, the female flower of the hemp plant is used for both full and broad spectrum oils, as this is where the highest cannabinoid content is found. In principle, a hemp plant can produce over 100 different cannabinoids. The best known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Full Spectrum CBD Oil – the full power of the hemp plant
The term full spectrum in CBD oils means that, in addition to CBD, the oil contains other cannabinoids and plant substances found in the hemp plant. Full spectrum CBD oils contain the natural and untreated full extract and thus the full spectrum of active ingredients.
Specifically, full spectrum CBD oils contain all the important cannabinoids, terpenes (which give the plant its scent), flavonoids, and other ingredients from the hemp plant. The cannabinoids and terpenes in these oils work more strongly in combination than in isolation, thereby offering more health benefits. This is also known as the “entourage effect” (the interaction of several substances).
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil – no detectable THC content
Simply put, broad spectrum CBD oil is very similar to full spectrum CBD oil. This is because broad spectrum CBD oil also contains terpenes and flavonoids from the hemp plant in addition to the cannabinoid CBD. The only difference between the two oil variants is the respective THC content – while this is below 0.2% in a full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil contains no THC at all or undetectable amounts. This means the latter also includes all the benefits of the entourage effect, just without the THC content.
Why are there two different products?
Even though the THC content in full spectrum CBD oils is very low, they contain other cannabinoids in addition to CBD, including THC within the legally permitted limits. Not everyone wants to consume THC or may be sensitive to it, yet they still want the interaction of various plant substances (entourage effect). For these people, a broad spectrum CBD oil can be a suitable alternative, as it contains other cannabinoids but generally functions without THC.
Which oil is the right one?
Fundamentally, there is no right or wrong, as each oil has a different function and benefit depending on the situation and tolerance.
