The Ultimate Guide to Full Spectrum CBD Oil

The terms “isolate,” “broad spectrum,” and “full spectrum” get tossed around frequently in the CBD world – but what do they mean?

How does a full spectrum CBD oil formula differ from a CBD isolate, and which type of formula is the most effective?

Today, we look to answer all these questions and more with our detailed guide on everything you need to know about full spectrum CBD oil.

Let’s first dive into what full spectrum means and why the CBD community loves it. 

CBD Oil Quick Rundown

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the 60+ cannabinoids within both hemp and marijuana plants.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill made industrial hemp under 0.3% THC legal for cultivation, possession, and use, CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp plants grown in the USA.

When we extract cannabidiol from the hemp plant; beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds come with it.

The concentrations of CBD and the other compounds in the oil will vary based on the extraction method used, how rich the hemp was in cannabidiol, and much more.

What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?

Full spectrum CBD oils have seen a massive rise in popularity since hemp was made legal nationwide.

Full spectrum CBD is the most common form of CBD used for medicinal purposes and is derived from hemp plants that can contain up to 0.3% THC, as well as CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDv, and other beneficial cannabinoids.

CBD oil extracted from the hemp plant that still contains all the flavonoids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds is the full-spectrum CBD experience left intact.

This method of providing CBD oil allows the hemp plant to hold onto its full benefits instead of being refined away. The elements involved with cannabidiol includes other nutrients, such as rich essential vitamins, fatty acids, fiber, and protein.

CBD advocates believe full spectrum CBD is superior to isolate products due to the “entourage effect” that some say occur when bundling the cannabidiol together with other cannabinoids.

The added medicinal properties of the other cannabinoids in the mix provide a heightened, more intense effect overall.

All of our CBD products contain the entourage effect and absorb at a rate of 94%.

The wide array of cannabinoids can live up to their full potential, free of intense refinement or using isolation extraction methods.

The “entourage effect” that keeps people using full spectrum CBD oil instead of a less potent alternative has been described since 1998.

Two Israeli scientists, Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat, garnered a theory that utilizing the whole plant allows it to better affect the body in a way like our own endocannabinoid system. 

Possessing synergy, the cannabinoids within a hemp plant work together to improve functions that the body already performs.

These cannabis researchers determined that there were four basic mechanisms involved for whole plant synergy, or the “entourage effect” people can experience with a full spectrum CBD oil formula.

One of these mechanisms is that a full spectrum CBD oil can affect multiple targets within the body at once.

Likewise, full spectrum CBD oil could improve the absorption of active ingredients, minimize adverse side effects, and help you overcome bacterial defense mechanisms.

CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum

A CBD isolate is just what it sounds like – a product with isolated CBD that contains no other cannabinoids or hemp compounds.

Unlike a full spectrum CBD oil, a CBD isolate product is stripped from everything except for pure cannabidiol.

During the isolate extraction process, the oils, waxes, terpenes, cannabinoids, and even the chlorophyll is removed.

Some still use CBD isolates if they’re sensitive to other cannabinoids, like THC, though the isolate brand you choose plays a massive role in the quality of the product.

Likewise, stay hesitant about the legitimacy that the product is a pure “isolate.”

The CBD industry is still wildly unregulated, so isolate brands may not be as honest as they should about the refinement and testing process.

The reality is every batch of products should be tested through an independent, third-party lab to ensure the isolate only contains 99+% pure CBD, which means it contains a negligible or undetectable amount of THC and other cannabinoids.

Just note that not every CBD isolate brand is a guarantee that your product will contain zero THC or zero other cannabinoids.

While we wait for the industry to become better regulated, we see isolate brands share inaccurate cannabinoids levels while full-spectrum CBD oil companies have every batch of product properly tested.

By the industry’s standards, a full-spectrum formula like the JustCBD full spectrum CBD oil is less likely to cause you to fail a drug test than an inconsistent isolate product.

That’s because every batch is tested through an unbiased party, so you can still be confident that you’re not consuming THC.

What are the Benefits of a Full Spectrum CBD Oil?

Research keeps churning out data on the risks and effectiveness associated with various CBD products, including the ever-popular full spectrum CBD oil.

Especially regarding its potential benefits with few drawbacks, the special focus most researchers keep coming back to is using a full spectrum formula.

While most studies on the impact of full-spectrum oil has been performed on mice, the data we do have shows a great deal of potential and promise.

Anti-Inflammatory

While the study was performed on both rats and mice that experience persistent inflammatory pain, the results reveal promising data that cannabidiol can help with inflammation relief.

This 2012 trial founds that glycinergic cannabinoids, like CBD, helped suppress the persistent inflammatory pain.

Relief for Types of Pain

Beyond inflammatory pain, research suggests that CBD could help with neuropathic pain, as well as various other types of difficult to treat pain.

Researchers find that cannabinoids may help with the management of intense or chronic pain.

Likewise, more recent data explores the cannabinoid delivery system involved with the treatment for pain and inflammation.

Studies Indicate that CBD Could Help You Quit Smoking

Preliminary findings from a 2013 publication saw that CBD reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers.

In 24 smokers who wished to stop smoking, 12 were given a CBD inhaler and 12 were given a placebo.

While the placebo treated smokers showed no differences in cigarette consumption, the smokers given the CBD inhaler saw a 40% decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked during the trial.

CBD: Anxiety and Sleep Helper

A large case series published in 2019 had an objective to determine whether cannabidiol helps improve anxiety and/or sleep.

In a clinical population of 72 adults in the final sample, 79.2% (57 patients) saw a decrease in anxiety.

Likewise, 66.7% (48 patients) saw an improvement in sleep, though the improvement fluctuated for this portion.

Overall, CBD was well-tolerated by everyone except for 3 patients. While controlled clinical studies are needed, this shows cannabidiol could hold some benefit to anxiety or sleep-related disorders.

Though we still need more research on the topic, anecdotal evidence from countless CBD users across the nation also enjoy:

• A more stable mood
• Stimulating relaxation easier
• A better-boosted immune system
• An antioxidant-rich formula that goes the extra mile
• And so much more!

What to Look for in a High-Quality Full Spectrum CBD Oil

 Not every CBD oil advertised as full spectrum is the same.

In fact, it’s the small differences that truly set CBD brands apart.

Let’s look at what you need to look for in a full spectrum CBD oil to tell if it’s high quality and worth trying.

Higher Absorption Rate

Look for a CBD company that mentions the absorption rate of their products.

Not only does this provide some clarity for how well you’re going to consume their CBD, but it also implies that they took extra steps to enhance the absorption rate of their oil.

Some brands can have an absorption rate as low as 6%, meaning you’re not taking in all the cannabidiol you’re consuming.

Having a higher absorption rate means the full spectrum CBD oil works faster, better, and longer.

Lab Results

We can’t stress enough how important independent lab testing is for this industry.

The lab results will show you if a product is for sure free of metals, contaminants and pollutants, as well as display the cannabinoid level content.

Source of Hemp

Where did the CBD brand source their hemp from?

Hemp can be sourced from outside the United States. However, international hemp doesn’t go through the strict regulations we have, nor does it provide the hemp with the nutrient-rich soil and superior cultivation methods we’ve gathered here in the states.

You’ll want to stick with a brand like JustCBD, who handles all aspects of cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing their CBD products within the US. 

Conclusion

When it comes to a CBD tincture, our best recommendation is to go with a full spectrum formula.

Not only do you get the benefits from cannabidiol, but you reap the other benefits received from all the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the plant extract.

When you choose an option like the JustCBD Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil, you ensure you’ll enjoy the highest absorption rate and richest level of cannabidiol available.