Full spectrum CBD is one of the latest buzzwords out there on the market at the moment. You may have seen full spectrum CBD on different cannabis-based product labels, but what is full spectrum CBD?
And why is understanding the different types of CBD products important for your journey with CBD?
PhytosanaCBD here: we’ve been in the cannabis-based industry for years, and knowing the difference between different CBD products will help you make the most of your cannabis product and experience.
If you’ve come looking for answers as to what full spectrum CBD is, how much to take at any given moment, and how full-spectrum CBD works, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The advantages and disadvantages of full spectrum CBD
- The most common types of CBD products on the market
- Potential benefits of full-spectrum CBD for animals and humans
- Potential side effects of taking CBD-based products
- Legal issues to note about full-spectrum CBD products
Pros and cons of full-spectrum CBD
| Advantages of full-spectrum CBD | Disadvantages of full-spectrum CBD |
| 1. Includes different cannabinoids and trace amounts of THC, specifically 0.3% or less of THC 2. Many people report that full spectrum CBD provides a general feeling of relaxation, resilience to stress, and a sense of balance. | 1. Isn’t the purest form of CBD available. 2. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of full-spectrum CBD. |
Full spectrum CBD explained in detail
What exactly is full spectrum CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is known as a phytocannabinoid. To date, over 100 different phytocannabinoids have been distilled from the cannabis sativa plant.
If that sounds overwhelming to you, not to worry. Most commercial CBD products are derived from hemp species of the cannabis sativa plant, with two of the most well-known phytocannabinoids being CBD and THC.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is the active ingredient of cannabis and derives from hemp. Cannabidiol doesn’t cause the “high” you’ve often heard about in other cannabis-based products.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the psychoactive compound that many people often claim results in a euphoric “high” feeling. In hemp-based products, THC levels must be at or below 0.3%.
What’s more, our body produces substances when we break down food and other substances. Some of the substances found in full spectrum CBD that our bodies can break down include:
- Terpenes: these substances give plants their smell.
- Polyphenols: these substances contain antioxidant properties and affect the flavor and color of the cannabis plant.
- Flavonoids: these substances contain antioxidant properties and affect the plant’s color.
When all of these elements are found together in full-spectrum CBD, the CBD produces what researchers have affectionately termed the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect refers to the idea that the cannabinoids and plant compounds in cannabis plants may work well together.
Nonetheless, this theory is currently under review by the scientific community.
In other words, full-spectrum CBD includes cannabidiol and other cannabinoids, including THC. With that being said, only trace amounts — 0.3% or less — of THC are included in full spectrum CBD products.
The most common types of CBD products
At this point, you might be wondering, “Do other types of CBD products exist outside of full spectrum CBD?”
Yes, absolutely!
CBD comes from either hemp or marijuana, and so different forms of CBD products are available on the market. CBD products found in major retail stores are often derived from hemp plants.
Examples of CBD-based products include:
- Capsules, tablets, and pills
- Oils and tinctures
- Cat and dog-based CBD products
- Tea-based CBD products
- Chewies
- Creams and lotions
Given the variety of ways to take CBD, many people claim that CBD products offer a great deal of therapeutic value. For example, people who use full-spectrum products often do so for a variety of conditions.
Some of those conditions include pain relief, anxiety, nausea, and sleep. With that being said, more research is warranted on CBD’s effectiveness and benefits of full and broad spectrum CBD products.
The reason we say that is because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t yet evaluated all recreational CBD spectrum products’ safety or effectiveness. At present, we know how full-spectrum CBD works, but we need more information on its effectiveness.
Let’s explore how the body processes full-spectrum CBD.
The way that full spectrum CBD works
Speaking of full spectrum CBD, the CBD and THC found in full spectrum CBD can affect the brain in different ways. Research continues to unravel how cannabinoids interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system.
For now, we know that the endocannabinoid system is responsible for a few of our nervous and immune system’s processes. Our mood, thoughts, appetite, pain, and inflammation response can be affected by our endocannabinoid system’s processes.
With that being said, when CBD comes into contact with the endocannabinoid system, the endocannabinoid system helps correct many different imbalances within the body via receptors found in our nervous system.
Factors like which CBD products you eat, how much you ingest, how often you ingest CBD, current medications you take, and even how often you use CBD can affect how long and how profound of an effect CBD has on your body.
Potential benefits of full spectrum CBD for humans and animals
CBD-based products continue to gain interest for their possible applications for our health and well being. Research is ongoing regarding the full range of potential benefits provided
With that being said, while CBD products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases, people who wish to reap the potential benefits of hemp-derived CBD will want to understand how full-spectrum CBD affects our health.
Many people claim that feelings of pain, inflammation, and even sleeplessness are more tolerable when taking CBD products. But, while many studies indicate the possibility of health benefits of CBD, limited studies have determined to what extent CBD helps alleviate these symptoms.
As such, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of CBD.
Potential side effects and risks
In general, people tend to tolerate medicinal cannabis products — such as CBD, CBN, CBG, and other full spectrum products containing CBD — quite well.
Furthermore, ingredients and dosages tend to vary, so what dosage might be helpful for you might not be as helpful for another person. What’s more, the potential psychoactive effects and side effects and risks may include nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.
Therefore, you’ll want to check with your trusted healthcare professional and/or veterinarian to ensure the potential therapeutic effects of hemp and cannabis work for you and your animal friend. Since different compounds tend to affect people in different ways — and since some people need higher amounts of CBD than others to feel the potential effects of CBD — we recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider and/or veterinarian for more tailored advice on CBD consumption.
Your healthcare provider and/or veterinarian can make more informed recommendations for you and your animal friends before you try full spectrum CBD oil, tinctures, and other products containing THC and CBD.
Common legal issues associated with full spectrum CBD
As mentioned earlier, the terpenes and flavonoids of full spectrum and pure CBD come from both hemp and marijuana plants. Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, and as of 2023, the full spectrum CBD oil market is valued at $1.87 billion dollars (DataBridgeMarketResearch, 2024).
The 2018 Farm Bill made growing industrial hemp in the United States legal, so long as the THC content in products is 0.3% or less. With the passage of the2018 Farm Bill, consumers are now able to buy and use full spectrum CBD.
With that being said, if you’re considering buying full spectrum CBD, each state has different laws about hemp and cannabis, for commercial and individual use. We recommend doing your research on each state’s legislation around cannabis and hemp use to better serve your health and wellness needs.
Did you know?
Did you know that CBD products can be used for horses? CBD crumbles, oil, liniment, and more are all available for purchase at your local CBD retailer.
Also, we offer a specialty line of hemp-derived products designed with your animal friend in mind. Chewies, oils, tinctures, and treats for dogs and horses: we have them all.
Before introducing our hemp-based products to animals, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian before supplementing your animal friend’s diet with CBD-based supplements. If you’d like to see what our CBD products look like in action, check out our lively equine and canine friends enjoying their favorite CBD treats here.
Final thoughts on full spectrum CBD oil and products
In summary, full spectrum CBD contains all of the components found in the cannabis plant, including CBG and CBN among other compounds. In contrast, CBD isolate contains only the purest CBD, while removing other compounds from the hemp plant.
While research is still needed to understand the potential side effects, benefits, and risks of full spectrum CBD products, we always recommend speaking with a healthcare provider and veterinarian before trying CBD products for yourself or your animal friends.
But, once you receive the clear from your healthcare provider and veterinarian, come on over to our shop. You’ll find a wide selection of versatile products for your horse, dog, and your wellness needs.
In terms of our CBD offerings, we extract all of our CBD products from 100% organic hemp plants.
Plus, all of our products use the latest technologies and extraction methods. And, it gets better.
All of our products are 3rd-party, lab-verified, all-natural, and non-GMO, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re receiving a quality batch of CBD with every purchase.
To learn more about how full spectrum CBD products can potentially benefit you or your animal friends, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
PhytosanaCBD: All-Natural Full Spectrum CBD Solutions for Horses, Pets, and You!
