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What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full-spectrum CBD oil refers to pure hemp oil that has all the same cannabinoids that were present in the original hemp plant. There are hundreds of different cannabinoids present, but some of the most famous are:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
Each of these cannabinoids can be used on its own. Listing a whole range of health benefits, but with a full-spectrum CBD oil, you get a little bit of them all. The three you are most likely to have seen are CBD, CBG, and THC.
However, it isn’t just the cannabinoids that make our CBD oil a valuable addition to your complete diet. When you purchase a full-spectrum CBD oil, it will use hemp seed carrier oil. This hemp seed oil also contains many essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, fiber, protein, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and terpenes.
Health Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
CBD products allow the cannabinoids to work together in what is called the entourage effect. However, it isn’t just the cannabinoids that make our CBD oil a valuable addition to your complete diet. The Hemp seed carrier oil also contains many essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, fibre, protein, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and terpenes.
The health benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil go beyond it being a source of CBD. The array of cannabinoids found in full-spectrum hemp oil has been shown in studies to work together. This is called the “entourage effect.” Together, these compounds work together to magnify their healing properties. The mix of cannabinoids, essential nutrients, protein, and healthy fats work together to keep balance in our health.
Many other CBD products are made up of CBD crystals or isolates. This means CBD has been taken away from everything else.
The more you take out of the original plant, the more processing the product has to go through.
1. Pain Relief
One of the most well-documented uses of full spectrum CBD oil is for pain management. The combination of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids works synergistically to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. This makes it a popular choice for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.
2. Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Full spectrum CBD oil is renowned for its calming effects. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. The presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes further enhances these effects, providing a natural alternative to traditional anxiety medications.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Many users of full spectrum CBD oil report better sleep quality. The relaxing properties of CBD, combined with the mild sedative effects of certain terpenes, help to promote restful sleep. This can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders.
4. Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects
The anti-inflammatory properties of full spectrum CBD oil make it effective in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, cannabinoids like CBD and CBC have shown potential neuroprotective effects, which could be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
5. Skin Health
Topical applications of full spectrum CBD oil can improve skin health. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to reduce acne, soothe irritated skin, and combat signs of aging.
The Entourage Effect
The health benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil go beyond it being a source of CBD.
The array of cannabinoids found in full-spectrum hemp oil has been shown in studies to work together. This is called the “entourage effect.” Together, these compounds team up to magnify their healing benefits. The mix of cannabinoids, essential nutrients, protein, and healthy fats work together to create balance in our health.
Why It Matters
The entourage effect is a crucial concept in understanding the benefits of full spectrum CBD oil. This phenomenon occurs when the various cannabinoids and terpenes in the oil interact with each other, amplifying their individual effects. Research suggests that the entourage effect makes full spectrum CBD oil more effective at addressing a variety of health issues compared to CBD isolate.
Key Components of Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Cannabidiol (CBD): The primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its potential to alleviate anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The psychoactive component in cannabis. In full spectrum CBD oil, THC is present in trace amounts (less than 0.3%), contributing to the entourage effect without causing a high.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): Known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG has potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): Another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may help with pain relief and neuroprotection.
- Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that provide distinct scents and flavours, such as myrcene, limonene, and linalool. Terpenes also have their own therapeutic properties.
Will Full Spectrum CBD Oil Make You High?
Even though full-spectrum CBD oil contains THC, it will not make you high. THC is the only cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that has the effect on your brain of making you high or stoned.
Whilst THC is present in full-spectrum CBD oil, it is in such a small amount that it would never be able to make you high. It is illegal in Europe and the UK to sell any CBD oil with a THC content higher than 0.2% and 0.3% in THC-controlled states in the USA.
Although the THC content is low enough to ensure that you don’t feel any psychoactive effects, it is still dosed highly enough to experience the therapeutic benefits from it. We’d call that a win-win.
What Are the Different CBD Oils and Products?
With so many CBD companies out there, all offering CBD oil using fancy words promoting what they offer, it can be quite hard to figure out what to look for and what to buy. So here is a little CBD encyclopedia so you can make up your own mind:
CBD isolate is 99.9% pure CBD oil
During the CBD isolate extraction process, everything contained in the plant matter is removed, including any traces of THC, terpenes, waxes, oils, chlorophyll, and more. What you’re left with is pure CBD…and nothing else.
Full Spectrum CBD oil
Full Spectrum CBD Oil, on the other hand, contains everything the plant contains. Full-spectrum CBD is full of all terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil
This is a little bit of both. Broad-spectrum CBD is full-spectrum CBD without any THC.
PCR stands for phytocannabinoid rich
In this case, typically, using alcohol distillation, the most dominant phytocannabinoids (THC and CBD) and terpenes are separated. This process allows to the production of extractions that are 0.0% THC and preserves a partial set of terpenes from the original plant.
How to Use Full Spectrum CBD Oil
1. Sublingual Administration
Taking full spectrum CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue) is one of the most effective methods. This allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, providing fast relief from symptoms. Hold the oil under your tongue for at least 60 seconds before swallowing.
2. Topical Application
For localized relief, apply full spectrum CBD oil directly to the skin. This method is ideal for treating conditions such as joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin issues. Massage the oil into the affected area for optimal absorption.
3. Ingestion
Full spectrum CBD oil can also be ingested by adding it to food or beverages. This method has a slower onset of effects but provides longer-lasting relief. Common ways to ingest CBD oil include mixing it into smoothies, salad dressings, or baked goods.
4. Inhalation
Inhaling full spectrum CBD oil using a vape pen or other vaporizer offers the fastest onset of effects. This method is suitable for those seeking immediate relief from acute symptoms like anxiety or pain. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with respiratory issues.
Dosage Guidelines
Determining the right dosage of full spectrum CBD oil can be challenging, as it varies based on factors such as body weight, the severity of the condition, and individual tolerance. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. Consulting with a healthcare professional experienced in CBD use can also provide personalized dosage recommendations.
Potential Side Effects
While full spectrum CBD oil is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
These side effects are typically mild and temporary. To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it is essential to use high-quality products from reputable manufacturers and to follow recommended dosage guidelines.
More from our blog section
Cannabinoids
A term used to refer to molecules that are found in the hemp plant and/or that interact with cannabinoid receptors. They can be classified
as phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, or synthetic cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids
Chemicals produced by your own body, that target cannabinoid receptors we all have in our bodies.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are produced in the laboratory to mimic endocannabinoids or phytocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids
Over 113 varieties are naturally found in the hemp plant.
CBD-Rich (sometimes referred to as “Enriched”) Extracts
Preparations from hemp plants that are higher in CBD than
plants bred historically for recreation.
Whole plant Medicine
This term is used to describe products utilizing the full spectrum of compounds hemp has to offer.
What Does CBD Oil Do?
CBD oil has an enormous range of health benefits. Ranging from pain management and inflammation reduction. Over to severe illnesses to help people sleep better at night, through to improving skin conditions. We have only begun to scratch the surface of what CBD oil and CBD, in general, can do for us.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
The main reason CBD oil has these effects is the way that it reacts with our bodies. This happens in your body’s very own endocannabinoid system (or ECS for short). Your ECS is largely responsible for the way that your body regulates several functions. Here we are including the immune system, inflammation, sleep, hunger, pain, and memory.
When you suffer from certain illnesses or even stress, your body’s ECS, hormone, and chemical levels can become unbalanced. Your body naturally strives towards a state of balance known as homeostasis. When you consume or use cannabinoids like CBD oil, they can help your body to return to a state of natural homeostasis.
Can I Fail A Drugs Test Taking Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
When you take a drug test, the test is looking for levels of THC in your body. This is because, as mentioned above, THC is the only psychoactive cannabinoid. Drug tests do not test for CBD.
There are many stories out there. Stories on the internet from people claiming to fail drug tests after taking full-spectrum CBD oils. However, these seem pretty far-fetched. Most drug testing companies do not check for levels of THC remotely near what is present in full-spectrum CBD oil. In fact, most testing companies explicitly state this in their testing policies.
If you are still concerned about failing a drug test. If you want any additional piece of mind, there are always other CBD options available to you. Including CBD isolates and broad-spectrum CBD oils.
Choosing the Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil
1. Source of Hemp
High-quality full spectrum CBD oil starts with premium hemp. Look for products made from organically grown hemp, as this ensures the absence of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
2. Extraction Method
The extraction method used to produce the CBD oil affects its purity and potency. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard, as it preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes without using harmful solvents.
3. Third-Party Testing
Reputable manufacturers provide third-party lab test results, verifying the potency and purity of their products. These tests should confirm that the oil contains the advertised levels of cannabinoids and is free from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides.
4. Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Isolate
Ensure that you are purchasing full spectrum CBD oil, as some products labeled as “full spectrum” may actually be broad spectrum (containing no THC) or isolates (containing only CBD). Full spectrum products offer the most comprehensive benefits due to the entourage effect.
Conclusion
Full spectrum CBD oil offers a natural, effective solution for a wide range of health issues, from pain and inflammation to anxiety and sleep disorders. By understanding the components and benefits of full spectrum CBD oil, you can make informed decisions about incorporating it into your wellness routine. Always choose high-quality products from reputable sources to ensure you receive the full benefits of this powerful natural remedy.
