Today, there is some standard labeling that is being used to describe the various types of hemp-derived products that are currently on the market. These descriptions focus on the chemical makeup of the hemp oil used in the product. The chemical makeup is called spectrums. Basically, spectrums are used to describe the cannabinoid and terpene content of a CBD product.
FULL SPECTRUM
Full spectrum is the “King” of the spectrums. Full spectrum contains the full profile or all of the cannabinoids and terpenes that are in the hemp plant from which the product was extracted. This means that there will be THC, CBD, all the phytocannabinoids and all the terpenes that is found in the plant.
These products offer the maximum potential therapeutic benefits as they contain a whole-plant chemical profile.The only issue that some have with this type of extract is that it contains a trace amount of THC. While the levels are at non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high, there can still be an issue for those who are drug tested.
Regular use of a full spectrum product can put you at risk of failing a drug test with a false-positive result. If you regularly get drug tested, you may not want to use full spectrum product. But, if you're not at risk of being tested, then a full spectrum product is the number one recommended choice of the experts.
BROAD SPECTRUM
The answer to the THC issue found in full spectrum product has resulted in the making of broad spectrum. These products contain the full spectrum of all the cannabinoids and terpenes without the THC. The removal of the THC results in the product providing maximum therapeutic benefits without the risk.
NOTE: There seems to be a little bit of confusion when it comes to some companies labeling or marketing their product as broad spectrum. Some will say that it includes THC, which means that they have chosen the incorrect labeling for their product or they do not understand CBD.
Broad spectrum is CBD and all the other constituents without THC. Any product that contains THC falls into the full or whole spectrum category. For those who get regularly drug tested or cannot consume THC for whatever reason, broad spectrum is the recommended choice, but until it is fully understood, it is best to contact the company or manufacturer to confirm the THC omission.
CBD ISOLATE
An isolate is a crystalline substance that is created through further processing of a full spectrum extract, removing all plant materials and compounds except for the CBD. This leaves only the CBD in an isolated form with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. Isolates can contain up to 99% of concentrated cannabidiol or CBD and has a variety of uses.
Before broad-spectrum products were introduced to he market, an isolate was the only way to consume CBD without also consuming THC. The downside of an isolate is that it strips away all the other compounds, losing many of the benefits that its counterparts have to offer. When compared to a product containing a wider spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, isolates do not offer the same medicinal benefits.
Since broad-spectrum products are on the market, isolates are only recommended as an additive to increase the CBD content of an existing product. But, for best results look for a broad-spectrum product.
Before purchase it always best to ask an informed retailer or distributor whether or not their products contains the legal amount of THC for the state you live in. At the time of this article, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp derived products to contain up to 0.3 percent of THC. The International Hemp Company hopes the US will change this limit in the coming future.
Article Written By: Joyce Brown - Gaia Health & Beauty
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