Choosing a CBD product is a matter of personal preference. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know your preference. That’s why The Brothers Apothecary is here to help break down the different options.
Today, we are doing a deep dive into broad spectrum CBD, how it differs from full-spectrum and isolated CBD, and discover which option may be best for you!
What Is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is an ideal middle ground between full spectrum and isolated CBD. As one of the main forms of cannabidiol (CBD), Broad-Spectrum CBD contains a range of naturally occurring compounds from the plant.
However, there is no sign of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
So, when you use broad-spectrum CBD oil, you still get the beneficial terpenes, flavonoids, and over 100 cannabinoids along with your CBD. The interaction between these nourishing plant parts allows for the entourage effect, which takes place when various cannabis plant compounds work together to provide even stronger effects.
What Other Types of CBD Are There?
Along with broad spectrum CBD, you can also find isolated CBD and full-spectrum products. While all three options are capable of working with the body’s endocannabinoid system to soothe physical discomfort, help relieve stress, and promote full-body relaxation. They differ slightly based on which other hemp plant parts are included in the final product. Let’s dig deeper.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum, or whole plant, CBD extract includes all nourishing plant parts: the terpenes, flavonoids, natural fatty acids, and cannabinoids, including THC. Full-spectrum CBD oil, such as our own Dragon’s Lair Oil, can produce a powerful version of the sought-after entourage effect.
Isolate
CBD isolate is just what it sounds like–an isolated form of CBD. To create isolated CBD extract, all other plant cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are filtered out, leaving you with an extract that is over 99% CBD.
Products that use isolated CBD extract, such as our Soothing CBD Body Butter, are soothing and easily digestible.
Does Broad-Spectrum CBD Cause a High?
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. With no trace of THC, broad-spectrum CBD products will not cause a high.
And even full-spectrum CBD products don’t contain enough THC to cause a high, as hemp and CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC content in dry weight. While this small amount of THC can interact well with the CBD and strengthen its effects, it would not cause a high.
Will Broad-Spectrum CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
One benefit of broad-spectrum CBD is that it shouldn’t show up on a drug screening test. Drug tests look for THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Despite THC being a cannabinoid that closely resembles CBD, the two have slightly different molecular struggles that set them apart.
While full-spectrum CBD containing less than 0.3% THC content is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, it is possible that certain drug tests could pick up even that trace amount. If you are drug tested regularly or have one coming up, using third-party tested broad-spectrum CBD is a safe choice.
Who Can Benefit From Using Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the soothing properties of CBD.
The beneficial effects of CBD are strongest when the various plant parts and compounds can work naturally together. This means that if you are experiencing physical discomfort, such as sore muscles or swollen joints, the soothing effects of a broad-spectrum CBD product may provide stronger support and more relief than an isolated CBD product.
While studies suggest that the entourage effect is at its strongest when THC is included, a full-spectrum CBD product may not be the best option if you are sensitive to THC or if you need to undergo drug tests for work.
Broad spectrum CBD makes the entourage effect accessible to anyone who wants to avoid THC.
How Long Does It Take for Broad-Spectrum CBD To Kick In?
Broad-spectrum CBD typically kicks in between ten minutes to an hour, depending on the method of intake used.
A broad-spectrum CBD smoking blend will kick in quickly, as the cannabinoid is inhaled directly into the lungs and can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Consuming a broad-spectrum CBD edible, on the other hand, may take an hour before you feel the effects, as it must move through the digestive tract before reaching the bloodstream.
What Are the Disadvantages of Broad Spectrum CBD?
The main disadvantage of broad-spectrum CBD is that the entourage effect isn’t as strong without the THC content, so you may not experience the most intense form of benefits that CBD has to offer. However, broad-spectrum CBD can still be hugely beneficial for your well-being.
Many people who are sensitive to THC don’t mind swapping out a more concentrated version of the entourage effect for the piece of mind that having a THC-free product may bring, depending on your needs.
Are There Any Risks When Taking Broad Spectrum CBD?
While CBD is considered extremely safe, there are a few precautions to keep in mind.
Potential Side Effects
CBD can also potentially interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or blood pressure medication. If you take any other medication or have any concerns, it is best to check in with a healthcare professional to ensure you are using CBD in a way that is safe for you.
While CBD is considered extremely safe even when consumed in high doses, too much CBD can occasionally lead to mild side effects, including drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, or head and neck tension.
Working your way up from a low dose and keeping your daily CBD intake under 150 milligrams can help you avoid any potentially unwanted side effects.
Precautions
The main risk associated with CBD comes from using products that are inaccurately labeled. To avoid these risks, you want to make sure you always use products that are third-party tested and are transparent with their test results.
Third-party lab tests ensure that ingredients are accurately labeled, that the dose listed on the product is true to what is inside, and that there is nothing contaminating the product, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
When using a third-party tested broad-spectrum product, you can feel confident that there are truly no traces of THC included.
Here at The Brothers Apothecary, we source all of our products from trusted, organic industrial hemp, and all of our products include QR codes linking to the full lab-tested results.
How Much Broad-Spectrum CBD Should I Use?
We recommend starting with about ten milligrams of CBD and then add another five to ten milligrams per day until you feel the desired effects. While everyone is different, an average dose of CBD is 20 to 50 milligrams.
Most people don’t need more than 150 mg a day to feel the benefits of broad-spectrum CBD.
Is Broad-Spectrum CBD Potent?
Different products have different potency when it comes to broad-spectrum CBD. Because broad-spectrum includes a number of plant compounds, it may be more potent than isolated CBD.
The Bottom Line
Broad-spectrum CBD products are a great option if you want a THC-free product, but still want to experience the benefits of the entourage effect.
Whether you are interested in broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolated CBD products, you can find them all at The Brothers Apothecary shop!
Sources
Jesse Richardson is the co-founder of The Brothers Apothecary. He's an avid tea drinker and the primary creator behind The Brothers' products. An undergraduate of UCLA for Political Science, Jesse currently studies Medicinal Plants at Cornell University and The International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences.
