WHY WE CHOOSE FULL SPECTRUM vs BROAD SPECTRUM CBD or CBD ISOLATE
We appreciate all forms of CBD, and understand that different products can benefit individually from the various forms of CBD, with the right data and testing to ensure its right for the specific product. After a lot of research and testing, we’ve found that full spectrum CBD works best for our product and the discomfort that we aim to address.
Okay, but what is full spectrum CBD?
We get it – there are a lot of buzzwords, confusing terms, and marketing claims in the cannabis industry and CBD space. Let’s make it easier to understand.
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MARIJUANA
A political term that describes cannabis plants that have been selectively bred for higher THC content - the main psychoactive cannabinoid. Not-so-fun fact: the term “marijuana” was coined in the early 1900’s and used by the U.S. government in anti-cannabis campaigns to propel racist and anti-immigrant propaganda.¹ As such, we and many in the industry prefer to use the term “cannabis” instead.
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HEMP
Hemp and marijuana are actually the exact same plant species, Cannabis sativa. “Hemp” is a legal term, not a scientific one. It describes a cannabis product that contains less than 0.3% THC - making it legal to sell at the federal level. Because of their low THC content, hemp products don’t get you “high”.
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THC
The cannabis plant contains cannabinoids – substances that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body’s central nervous system.² Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most famous because of its psychoactive effects. As with other psychoactive substances like coffee or alcohol, THC can have both positive and negative effects and associations.
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CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System – a complicated system that regulates a wide range of bodily functions and processes (which is why CBD can be used to treat so many seemingly-dissimilar ailments)³. CBD is most commonly known for its medicinal benefits – for seizure treatment, antidepressant effects, discomfort relief, inflammation reduction, and more.⁴ Though it can promote feelings of relaxation and reduce anxiety, CBD does not have psychoactive effects.
SO WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH DIFFERENT
TYPES OF CBD PRODUCTS?
CBD ISOLATE
Just like it sounds, CBD Isolate “isolates” CBD from all other cannabinoids. CBD Isolate products do not contain any other cannabinoids such as THC, CBN, or CBG. Because of the removal of all other components of the cannabis plant, CBD isolates are inherently a more heavily processed product. Although CBD isolates may offer certain benefits, the effects may be less noticeable when compared to a full-spectrum CBD product.⁵
BROAD SPECTRUM CBD
Broad spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and plant extracts found in cannabis except THC. Broad spectrum CBD products are a great option for those with sensitive endocannabinoid systems or for anyone who’s workplace enforces stringent drug tests. Though more effective for discomfort treatment than CBD isolate products, broad spectrum products may not last as long or be as powerful as full spectrum CBD products.
FULL SPECTRUM CBD
Full spectrum CBD is the whole plant left in its most natural form – all cannabinoids, plant extracts, essential oils and terpenes intact. Full spectrum has what researchers call an “entourage effect” – meaning that all of the natural plant compounds interact with each other and within the body synergistically, working better together than any single cannabinoid used alone. Essentially, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!
SO WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF CBD PRODUCTS?
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Just like it sounds, CBD Isolate “isolates” CBD from all other cannabinoids. CBD Isolate products do not contain any other cannabinoids such as THC, CBN, or CBG. Because of the removal of all other components of the cannabis plant, CBD isolates are inherently a more heavily processed product. Although CBD isolates may offer certain benefits, the effects may be less noticeable when compared to a full-spectrum CBD product.
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Broad spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and plant extracts found in cannabis except THC. Broad spectrum CBD products are a great option for those with sensitive endocannabinoid systems or for anyone who’s workplace enforces stringent drug tests. Though more effective for pain treatment than CBD isolate products, broad spectrum products may not last as long or be as powerful as full spectrum CBD products.
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Full spectrum CBD is the whole plant left in its most natural form – all cannabinoids, plant extracts, essential oils and terpenes intact. Full spectrum has what researchers call an “entourage effect” – meaning that all of the natural plant compounds interact with each other and within the body synergistically, working better together than any single cannabinoid used alone. Essentially, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!
FULL SPECTRUM CBD OFFERS THE BEST NATURAL RELIEF
Data, research, and testing has led us to this conclusion. Full spectrum CBD has helped us develop a product that aligns best with the level of discomfort management we’re aiming to help you achieve.
FULL SPECTRUM PRESERVES THE BENEFICIAL ELEMENTS OF THE PLANT, LEAVING ALL THE POWERFUL CANNABINOIDS INTACT TO DO THEIR THING, WHILE ALSO UTILIZING THE NATURALLY OCCURRING TERPENES, ESSENTIAL VITAMINS, AND FATTY ACIDS TO BRING YOU THE HIGHEST EFFECTIVE POTENCY OF HEMP-DERIVED CBD. ALL WITH LESS THAN 0.3% THC.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING CBD
quality
Product quality in the CBD industry can unfortunately vary widely. Pay attention to the potency of products, how their hemp is farmed, and always check for third-party lab tests – this ensures that the quality and potency of what you’re purchasing has been confirmed by an unbiased, fully licensed source.
TRANSPARENCY
Did you know that only 42% of CBD brands share their third-party lab results with consumers? And 28% of brands don’t carry out any testing for pesticides in their products?⁶ While the world of CBD is wonderful, the industry can have its problems. Know what you’re buying.
Supporting you & the planet
WE’VE PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH SMALL FAMILY-RUN FARMS TO PROVIDE THE BEST QUALITY NON-GMO, PESTICIDE-FREE, ORGANICALLY GROWN U.S. HEMP TO MATCH OUR PRODUCTS STANDARDS.
A FULL SPECTRUM CBD BALM DESIGNED TO ADDRESS EVERY DISCOMFORT.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
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Absolutely! Our line is made of 100% vegan ingredients and always will be.
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We've proudly partnered with small family-run farms to provide the best quality, non-GMO. pesticide-free, organically-grown U.S. hemp.
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It does, but don't worry! There is less then 0.3% THC in our products. Just enough to make us effective (and legal at the federal level), but not enough to get you high.
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While full spectrum CBD is not illegal, please be aware that it still could cause a positive drug test. If your employer does test for THC, you should avoid any CBD products that are labeled full spectrum, as they contain trace amounts (>0.3%) of THC.
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We always recommend that you consult your doctor prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
sources
¹ Alex Halperin, “Marijuana: is it time to stop using a word with racist roots?”, The Guardian, 2018
² Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD, “What are Cannabinoids?”, News Medical Life Sciences, 2019
³ Crystal Raypole, “A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System”, Healthline, 2019
⁴ Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH, “Key Differences to Know About CBD vs. THC”, Verywell Health, 2022
⁵ Ruth Gallily, “Overcoming the Bell‐Shaped Dose‐Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol”, Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 2015
⁶ Emma Francis Stone, Ph.D., “CBD Market Transparency Report: Only 7% of Brands Test for Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Microbes”, Leaf Report, 2022