What Is Full Spectrum Hemp?

Hemp, a plant that has long been in the shadows, is stepping up to the forefront of the wellness scene.

As hemp extracts, rich in cannabinoids like CBD, become more popular, a term is emerging that resonates in products like supplements, tinctures, and creams: full spectrum. But what does this expression refer to?

To understand what full-spectrum CBD oil is, you need to understand what it is not. Most hemp or CBD products do not contain only CBD, they have slightly different formulas that may vary from one producer to another.

But in general, these formulas fall into three groups: isolated, broad spectrum, and full spectrum.

Isolated CBD is CBD that has been isolated from all other parts of the hemp plant. It is pure cannabidiol, perhaps with some traces of other substances from the extraction process, but at least the vast majority of it is CBD.

Isolated CBD has some advantages. For one thing, it’s essentially the same no matter what brand of product you use, so you know what you’re getting. If you like the way one isolated CBD product makes you feel, you’ll probably like another one too. And it won’t make you fail a drug test either, because it doesn’t contain THC.

“Broad spectrum CBD” is a bit of a misleading term, because it’s not just CBD.

It’s a hemp extract that contains CBD plus other cannabinoids, and possibly terpenes and other hemp compounds.

If that sounds a little vague, that’s because it is: different manufacturers create broad-spectrum formulas that have varying properties. But what defines broad spectrum is that, while it contains more than just CBD, it contains no detectable amount of THC.

Now that you know these two terms, let’s move on to what really matters to us for now, full spectrum.

When we talk about full-spectrum hemp oil, we are referring to the extract exclusively derived from hemp.

Hemp, in botanical terms, refers to a cannabis plant with 0.3% or less THC, insufficient for psychoactive effects. In contrast, CBD oil can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana, the latter with higher levels of THC.

Full-spectrum hemp oil contains all the naturally available compounds of the hemp plant, including CBD, more than 100 cannabinoids, and a variety of terpenes and flavonoids. This is in contrast to an isolated CBD product that will only contain a single cannabinoid – CBD.

First, cannabinoids affect the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the immune, digestive, and central nervous systems.

Our bodies produce their own endocannabinoids to help us maintain balance or homeostasis. It is theorized that we can sometimes be deficient in endocannabinoids, which can lead to chronic conditions.

One of the most talked about and researched phytocannabinoids in hemp oil and CBD oil is CBD. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Scientists are exploring how many cannabinoids can be derived from hemp and what their capabilities are individually, collectively, and in various combinations.

Furthermore, cannabinoids are just a few of the beneficial compounds present in cannabis that end up in a full-spectrum product. Terpenes, responsible for the aroma of cannabis, enhance how we process the plant’s many cannabinoids. And flavonoids, also abundant in tea, fruits, vegetables, and more, are phytonutrients known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Finally, when you consume full-spectrum products, you have all these little guys working for you, generating a greater range of effects than if they were consumed alone or separately.

When you opt for full-spectrum products instead of an isolated CBD product, the hundreds of compounds in the hemp plant work together to boost the overall benefits of the product.

Researchers call this synergy the “entourage effect“: when cannabis compounds work together, they are more powerful than any cannabinoid alone. Some of the main benefits of full-spectrum products are:

• Relaxation

• Sleep enhancement

• Aid in sports recovery

• Improved mood

• Stress management support

• Support body and mental balance

With full-spectrum hemp oil, cannabis-derived compounds, including all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, come together to benefit your body and help you maintain harmony.

In short, full-spectrum features an entire orchestra rather than the solo performance of a single cannabinoid.

Full-spectrum hemp is like a party where all the guests (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) work together to make you feel great. So, go ahead and give it a try and discover how full hemp can be your new feel-good friend!