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Is Full Spectrum CBD Better?

The products available with CBD today are everywhere you look!  They are even at the grocery store now! 

If you have already asked your physician if CBD is okay for you, then you are on your way to experimenting with CBD.

As you embark on this journey, the next hurdles you need to overcome are deciding what form of CBD you prefer. 

Yes, it comes in all different forms, shapes, and sizes.  There are CBD tinctures, CBD softgels (capsules), CBD topical beauty products, CBD gummies, and more.  Once you’ve decided that, unfortunately, there are a few more.  (Not even going to mention making sure that you purchase from a respected, and trusted company, as that is critical.)

You now have to decide if you want CBD that is full-spectrum or CBD isolate.  You may not even know the differences.  These terms identify the cannabinoid type in the product.

Know that if you are confused about this, you are not alone.  We’re here to break it down for you and make it easy to understand and then decide what suits you best.

What is CBD?

As a refresher, cannabidiol or CBD, for short, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis and hemp plants.  Hemp-Derived CBD products have less than 0.3% THC which means that you won’t get the psychoactive experience of “getting high” as you do from marijuana. 

CBD which is extracted from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC is therefore legal for sale and consumption without a medical marijuana license and physician’s prescription.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD products carry a robust range of cannabinoids, such as CBDV, CBD, CBN, CBG, THC, etc.… and the acidic form of these molecules.  When these cannabinoids are extracted from the hemp plant, the entire extract is used to produce the product for consumption.  To break that down more, you are getting a healthy dose of all of the cannabinoids that were in the hemp plant.

Due to federal laws, all CBD products must be extracted from the hemp and not from marijuana (aka the cannabis plant).  Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC and therefore, the extract only contains amounts that meet with that criteria.  The amount of THC in a full spectrum CBD product will not get you high.

For consumers that are worried about full-spectrum products that contain THC, rest assured that it is only found in quantities that are 0.3% THC or less.  Reputable manufacturers will ensure on their product labels, ingredients, and lab reports that information to reinforce this fact.

What are the benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Tinctures?

First, full-spectrum does not have to be just a tincture.  You can purchase full spectrum softgels, full-spectrum gummies, and even full spectrum topical beauty products.

Some consumers prefer a full spectrum product because of what is termed the entourage effect.  When the various cannabinoids and terpenes are working in concert with the minuscule levels of THC, the result may be more enhanced than the result of a CBD isolate.  The minor cannabinoids and terpenes, many believe, and scientific research is beginning to measure and uncover the mechanisms, play a big role in the entourage effect.

Full-spectrum CBD tincture interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) sending neurotransmitters throughout the body to aid in the maintenance of homeostasis.  This is the body’s balance which is vital.

Full-spectrum CBD products may have many health and wellness benefits.  Complete and conclusive scientific studies are still limited however there has been an explosion of research and development. 

While CBD has been around for centuries all over the world, and both hemp and cannabis have been incorporated into a range of cultures’ health and wellness practices we are only just learning, in the modern era, the tremendous potential for the plant is not just in health and wellness.  The benefits, anecdotally, are extremely encouraging.  And, the ways they can positively impact the lives of humans and animals are increasing by the day.

The other (minor) cannabinoids, which are found in hemp in small quantities possess benefits all their own, and research is just starting to identify the wellness benefits of each of the minor cannabinoids:

CBN – abbreviation for the word cannabinol, another chemical compound known as a cannabinoid.  Mildly psychoactive but won’t affect your mental state.  Recent studies have shown that CBN can be a powerful sedative.

CBG – the abbreviation for cannabigerol, is another non-psychoactive compound found in the early stages of the hemp plant. It works within our physiological systems to produce some really remarkable effects. When combined with CBD, these two compounds work synergistically to provide a powerful entourage effect. Anecdotal evidence and some scientific studies tout its support for inflammation, discomfort in muscles and joints, and nausea.

CBC – abbreviation for cannabichromene, is a powerful, non-psychoactive cannabinoid.  It will not cause a person to feel “high.” CBC, like THC and CBD, has been anecdotally shown to encourage the human brain to grow by increasing the viability of developing brain cells in a process known as neurogenesis.  It may also have nutritional benefits as anecdotally shared.

CBDV – abbreviation for cannabidivarin, is one of many molecules derived from cannabis and hemp plants. This is another cannabinoid and is partially responsible for the many effects and therapeutic benefits.  Like CBD, CBDV does not have any psychoactive effects.

THC – abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.  This cannabinoid is found in very small amounts in the hemp plant and is believed to greatly enhance the benefits of CBD and the other minor cannabinoids.  CBD products contain 0.3% THC or less.

Terpenes, mentioned earlier, can be extremely helpful in boosting the effectiveness of CBD.  For familiarity, these molecules are aromatic and produced by plants and you may not realize that you know more about them than you think. 

Heard of aromatherapy – there are specific terpenes used for its benefits.  Linalool is a terpene found in lavender, myrcene is a terpene found in black peppercorns, limonene is a terpene found in lemons… and they all can be found to a greater or lesser level in hemp and cannabis. Some terpenes may aid in improving sleep, while others may “juice up” your sex life.

The presence of the minor cannabinoids and terpenes in full-spectrum CBD products appears to increase effectiveness due to the entourage effect.  Anecdotally, many say they prefer full-spectrum CBD to improve their well-being. 

However, for those that are in jobs that require random drug testing, you may want to stay away from THC in its entirety and opt for a CBD isolate, which contains non-detectable levels of THC.

What is CBD Isolate?

This would be considered the most basic form of CBD.  Isolate products contain nothing more than pure CBD hemp.  There are no other cannabinoids or terpenes included.  It’s just CBD void of detectable levels of THC, unlike full-spectrum that typically contain between 0.1% and 0.3% THC.

You might be surprised to learn that it’s difficult to produce isolates because there are many additional steps that need to be taken in order to remove unwanted compounds, isolate the CBD, and create the product. 

These pain-staking steps in isolating the CBD are crucial and making sure you purchase these products for a respectable company is important given the extraction methods needed to produce the highest quality product.

The only downside to CBD isolates is that they don’t provide the enhanced benefits of the entourage effect, like a full spectrum product with the minor cannabinoids and a small amount of THC can. 

However, for those that are tested randomly and regularly, this format of CBD  may be the best option to consider.

Should I use a Full Spectrum or CBD Isolate Product?

Now that you are no longer a novice in understanding each of these, you have to decide between them.  We cannot tell you which one is best for you.  You have to look at the pros and cons of each and determine what suits you.  Each has its benefits.

Full-spectrum CBD has many advantages because of its potency, terpenes, and contribution to the entourage effect.  It is powerful, aids more readily with stress and discomfort and many incorporate it into their daily wellness regimen.  Some even add it to their recipes.

CBD isolates are potent forms of CBD purely.  There is absolutely no risk of THC in the product for those concerned about having any trace of THC in their system.  It’s also good for those that live in states heavily regulated by stringent laws that restrict having any product with THC in it. 

Why do some companies only sell THC free products?

Some companies only produce CBD products with no THC in them. There are a few reasons why this may be the case, but one glaring one is that these companies are providing fewer effective products. These companies may be uncomfortable handling any products with THC in it and transporting those products across state lines despite the authorization permitted under the Farm Bill of 2018.

At High Falls Hemp NY, we grow hemp under licensing from the NY State Department of Agriculture & Market and are permitted to grow hemp with a compliant level of THC. Products created with the same compliance requirements are also permitted under our licensing. We are very grateful for this authorization, as this allows us to make the best and most effective wellness products.

What works best for you?

At the end of the day, you have to determine what you prefer.  Full-spectrum products are great for some while isolates are better for others.  It’s truly a unique experience to the individual, their lifestyle, and their desires.

Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong.  The introduction of CBD into your daily health and wellness regimen may provide you with many benefits.

At High Falls Hemp NY, we produce the highest potency, highest quality full-spectrum, and isolate products on the market. 

Our full spectrum tinctures do not contain terpenes, but we also have a CBD terpene tincture that can be used in combination with our full spectrum tinctures or by itself. 

We own the process from the seeds in the ground on our farm to the product we deliver to our customer’s doorsteps. 

Our CBD is proudly grown in the USA and every product is triple lab tested, supported by verified reviews, and because we believe in the quality of our products so deeply, we offer a 30-day risk-free trial.