What Is Full Spectrum CBD and Can It Benefit Me?

Full spectrum CBD has seen a massive surge in the wellness industry over the years. It has been touted for its potential ability to help manage many symptoms of different conditions. As a result of a growing CBD market, it’s nearly impossible to round the corners without seeing an influx of various CBD products readily available on the market shelves.

The market is flooded with a massive selection of CBD, choosing what’s best for you can be a little overwhelming. To help you quickly identify first-rate products from not-so-good ones, CBD products are often labelled according to your needs and preferences.

You might have probably come across something described as full spectrum CBD. But, what exactly does it mean?

Full spectrum CBD, also known as whole-plant CBD, is one of the most sought-after forms of CBD. When formulating a CBD product, the cannabis plant usually undergoes different types of extractions to come up with distinctive end products. When we say full spectrum CBD, it means that the product contains small amounts of all the cannabinoids and other chemical compounds present in the plant, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and moderated THC.

While CBD may function independently, a study in the British Journal of Pharmacology suggests that the entourage effect of full spectrum CBD may work more effectively than a single cannabinoid used alone.

Full spectrum CBD contains small amounts of other cannabis compounds, like flavonoids and terpenes, as well as a very small amount of THC. CBD isolate, on the other hand, contains CBD only. (As per its name, the CBD is "isolated" from other cannabis compounds by extraction).

To get a better understanding of cannabidiol full spectrum products, let's start by explaining CBD and other compounds found in full spectrum products and why they are important.

CBD is one of the many naturally-occurring substances (also called cannabinoids) in the cannabis plant. CBD does not create the feelings of intoxication.

THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that produces an intoxicating sensation when consumed. While CBD and THC are technically related, they have some key differences that will help you determine how they are used.

Have you ever wondered how lemons and tangerines got their citrus scent? And, why do chamomile plants smell so lovely? All the credit goes to the same class of aromatic compounds, known as terpenes. Aside from the scent they provide, terpenes may also have their own potential therapeutic benefits that range from reduced symptoms of inflammation and to possible improved immune function.

Simultaneously, the cannabis plant contains 20 different flavonoids. CBD full spectrum compounds are also present in all kinds of plants, including fruits and vegetables. Similar to terpenes, flavonoids found in cannabis are also ascribed to have positive effects on human health

Full spectrum CBD extracts contain all the flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis, including a tiny amount of THC (up to 0.3%). Broad-spectrum CBD also contains several cannabis plant compounds, but all of the THC has been removed from the product, though there may be trace amounts. Broad spectrum CBDs may be useful for people who are worried about the slight risk of a full spectrum product triggering a positive drug test.

While broad spectrum CBD may produce an entourage effect, it may not be as effective as full spectrum CBD which contains the presence of the cannabinoids of the whole plant. Full spectrum CBD contains too little THC to trigger psychoactive effects, but enough to syncretize with CBD and other compounds.

With an impressive entourage effect, full spectrum CBD is purported to show benefits for supplementing treatments. Many CBD connoisseurs prefer full spectrum CBD products for their reputed ‘entourage effect’. This theory is what researchers dub the collaboration of all the plant elements to provide a more efficient result.

Many cannabinoid experts argue that the best therapeutic effects can be achieved by cannabidiol full spectrum products that take advantage of all the valuable compounds found in cannabis.

Full spectrum CBD takes advantage of what is called the “entourage effect.” The combined effects of these valuable substances may make full spectrum CBD more effective than isolates.

Let's take a look at some of the compounds found in full spectrum CBD.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is the raw form of CBD, and is deoxycarbolated into CBD by heat. This heat can be produced by fire when CBD is smoked, or by sunlight when cannabis plants are cured and dried.

While CBDA has largely been ignored by researchers more interested in CBD, recent studies suggest CBDA has many beneficial properties of its own. Cannabidiol full spectrum CBD products contain CBDA as well as CBD.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a potent cannabinoid that may enhance the potential therapeutic effects of other cannabinoids. CBG shows promise in tackling symptoms of pain, inflammation, appetite stimulation, relaxation, and a variety of skin conditions.

Taking CBG an hour before bed to help your mind and body unwind. CBG can also be useful for stress relief, better focus, pain relief, inflammation, and improving your appetite. Clinical studies suggest CBG may help alleviate IBS symptoms and intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma.

Cannabichromene (CBC) is another non-intoxicating cannabinoid. But while it does not have psychotropic effects, the CBC molecule has been shown to bind to receptors which have been linked to pain perception and inflammation in arthritis.

CBC has many of the same properties as CBD and THC and is found in tincture oils and other therapeutic hemp-based products like cartridges and edibles. But CBC has also shown promise in fighting acne and alleviating depression when combined with THC, CBD and other cannabinoids.

Cannabinol (CBN) is similar to THC. While it has mild psychoactive properties, CBD compounds containing CBN are legal so long as the CBD product contains a level under 0.2%.

Along with the cannabinoids listed above, the cannabis plant contains over 100 other cannabinoids. Other active chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant include terpenes and flavonoids. The roughly 150 terpenes found in the cannabis plant give it its distinctive fragrance, while the flavonoids are responsible for its dark green colour.

CBN is used to help you sleep better. Many CBD users report that CBN makes them very drowsy, and CBN has earned the name "the sleepy cannabinoid." CBN may also improve the pain-relieving qualities of CBD in a full spectrum CBD extract.

What you buy from over-the-counter is well-regulated and monitored under different state laws. While studies on CBD’s therapeutic potential are still in the pipeline, it is essential that you take your time when selecting full spectrum CBD products.

CBD and Cannabidiol full spectrum is experiencing a research renaissance through global legalisation efforts, medical scientists gain a much more detailed perspective on how this potent cannabinoid might change the healthcare industry. A vast development is clearly observed as more and more CBD-infused products are being introduced to the market.

Full spectrum CBD products are mostly derived from hemp, a cannabis strain that is deemed safe and non-intoxicating.This quality is something a lot of users look for in any therapeutic product - something that may help with specific disorders without altering our cognitive brain activity.

Indeed, consumers are far more cautious and picky when it comes to CBD shopping. From checking the label to using digital tools, there are many who attempt to diversify their own CBD knowledge in order to properly articulate and fulfil their needs. One of the most important things to consider is the type of CBD product you are purchasing.

As mentioned above, CBD products can be classified into three different types according to CBD content. These include full-spectrum, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Take note that these categories are relatively formulated for specific uses and functions, which is why there is no particular type that is considered better than the other. What works for you may not work for someone else, as it all depends on a person’s individual tastes and needs.

Any full spectrum CBD product that contains less than 0.2% THC is considered legitimate. Essentially, using spectrum CBD oil at any recommended dosages may have no practical chance of abuse or intoxication. Another reason many proponents opt for full spectrum CBD is that it makes a popular option. It is widely available, and you can easily find CBD edibles (like capsules or gummies), sublingual sprays or tinctures, and topicals (like balms, full spectrum CBD oil, creams, or lotions) in full-spectrum form.

Perhaps the biggest pro of using full spectrum CBD is its purported entourage effect, which allows you to maximise the potential benefits of the synergy that may occur when all the cannabinoids and other plant compounds are working together.

Full spectrum CBD may also offer a myriad of potential health benefits:

Medical practitioners all over the world are continuously conducting new studies to add to a growing body of evidence that suggests there may be potential into a further examination of the therapeutic potential of CBD.

Customers who use our CBD products for pain relief tell us:

“The capsules are helping to reduce pain in my joints, especially my knee.”

“Great help with chronic pain levels”

“As someone with chronic pain/fatigue I would recommend anyone give it a try for 6 weeks, it has made a difference for me.”

Another study evaluated the effectiveness of omega-6 fatty acids for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. It is believed that hemp contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid responsible for relieving pain that is often associated with PMS.

When it comes to overall wellness, we can’t just talk about the body while disregarding the mind. Taking CBD could potentially make your mind more relaxed and it interacts with the serotonin receptors in the brain. Full spectrum CBD can impact a racing mind and help you feel calm.

Here are reviews from people using our cannabidiol full spectrum products for anxiety:

“I’ve noticed a big difference in feeling calmer throughout the day.”

“I use it for anxiety and sleep and it most definitely helps :) :)"

“The oil seems to give an instant calming affect which is helpful in moments of stress.”

CBD and cannabidiol full spectrum may help improve sleep and In smaller doses, full spectrum CBD ensures that you get the full synergistic potential benefits of all the cannabinoids and natural compounds found in hemp.  

Full spectrum CBD might help people sleep better by potentially promoting relaxation and tranquillity. On the flip side, CBD in full-spectrum form may also help stimulate alertness to overcome daytime sleepiness and enhance the sleep-wake cycle. Check out our blog on CBD for sleep here.

Customers using CBII CBD products for sleep report:

“I’ve been... sleeping all the way through the night, where previously I would wake up … and struggle to get back to sleep.”

“I drop off within minutes and if I wake up it takes no time for me to fall asleep again.”

Cannabidiol full spectrum is filled with vitamins and fatty acids that may help maintain the glow and youthfulness of our skin. These nutrients work together to combat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, all of which distress the skin cells and cause various conditions. Full spectrum CBD products are essentially used by many to potentially restore affected skin areas to their natural bliss with their organic antioxidant properties.

With all the impressive benefits proposed by science, it isn’t hard to imagine how full spectrum CBD may do wonders in your overall well-being. 

A potential downside, though, is that full spectrum CBD products might make you feel high - if you take them in a large enough dose for a sustained period of time. Full spectrum CBD is potent enough, even in small quantities, it is not ideal to consume more than the recommended daily dosage. 

CBD full spectrum is available in a variety of products with specific uses and applications. While there are products designed for swallowing or huffing, others are simply applied to the skin. Unless you’ve tried them all before, now comes the truly hard decision: Which method is best for you?

This method is probably one of the easiest ways to take CBD, researchers found that it takes the slowest route for any substance to reach its target points. As a result, oral/edible consumption may hold a low bioavailability- the rate and amount of substance absorbed into the bloodstream. For instance, consuming CBD edibles could allow you to absorb anywhere from 6% to 20% of the CBD you originally ingested.

However, this all depends on the individual’s metabolism. We call our comprehensive collection of CBD capsules the feel-good capsules, as they hold all the potential benefits of full spectrum CBD oil, plus a range of different vitamins, such as Vitamin B3, D, C, and Zinc.

The sublingual method occurs when CBD drops are placed underneath the tongue for a few minutes. From here, CBD full spectrum oil, gummies, or food is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through capillary-rich glands found underneath your tongue and along the gums and cheeks.

This method aims to avoid the ‘first-pass’ effect of digestion, where substances are filtered throughout the digestive process and lose potency. In other words, it may deliver full spectrum CBD into your bloodstream more efficiently than oral ingestion. By taking our full spectrum CBD oil sublingually, your body may likely receive up to 35% of the CBD, including small amounts of THC and other essential natural compounds.

When full spectrum CBD is applied to the skin, the active ingredients are likely to reach their localised potential targets, such as muscles, inflammatory cells, and other pain-perceiving nerves. The chances of reaching the bloodstream through this process are minimal unless the product is designed for transdermal activity, a topical method that involves technology to increase the number of active ingredients that can pass through the skin barrier.

The topical method may not clearly manifest bioavailability, as CBD administered this way does not enter the bloodstream, but it may still be beneficial for on-the-spot treatment. If you want to get the best results from this method, you may wish to combine CBD topicals with oral or sublingual CBD products.

The process wherein full spectrum CBD is inhaled provides the fastest route to get CBD circulating through your bloodstream. Very similar to the sublingual method, inhalation also avoids the filtering process that occurs in the digestive system when CBD is swallowed.

This way prevents the likelihood of a reduction in its bioavailability, which often ranges between 34% and 46%. During the intranasal process, full spectrum CBD enters the respiratory system through the nostrils, usually via the use of a vape pen. The active ingredients are then delivered to the lungs, where they can easily reach the bloodstream.

Each of our bodies may respond differently to CBD, meaning there is no standard recommendation when it comes to choosing the best way to take it. Whether it be oral, sublingual, topical, or intranasal, every method delivers CBD to your body in a different way. This notion of individuality may influence your decisions concerning selecting the right product that suits your needs, and the frequency of using it to get your desired effects. Let’s try to do some groundwork on each of these methods to determine which is the best option for you.

More and more people are becoming increasingly health-conscious and are trying to figure out the right dose of CBD to take. As you can see, there are several ways to incorporate CBD into your daily lifestyle. Each of them may vary in the way they may interact with the body.

Hence, researchers cannot assure that one method or dosage is more efficient than the rest. However, it is a general rule to always start small when it comes to CBD consumption. If you notice some potential positive effects during your first try, you can always move your way up by gradually increasing your CBD dosage until you reach your desired results.

The amount of CBD you should take depends on a range of variables, including your weight, previous or current health conditions, metabolism, and the CBD concentration in your chosen product. That is to say, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding how much CBD to take, and which method is right for you.

Measuring your desired CBD dosage is made simple, as most CBD products like oils, gummies, and capsules come with instructions that indicate the amount of CBD in a single serving. You can locate this information on the packaging of the product.

For instance, our full spectrum CBD oil in 100 mg concentration specifies that there are 10 mg of CBD in every one mL dropper- an ideal option for those who are beginning their CBD journey towards wellness. In most cases, we recommend taking 6-12 drops of CBD oil daily, starting with a lower dose and working your way up.

After monitoring your body’s response to CBD for at least a week, you can start increasing your CBD oil intake up to 24 drops a day. Likewise, you can increase your CBD oil concentration from 100 mg to 200 mg and all the way up to 500 mg bottle. From there, you can determine the amount of CBD you need in order to find a balance, where you can enjoy its potential benefits without overwhelming your body and senses.

Every drop of CBII 5% CBD oil is full spectrum and developed under stringent quality conditions. Our CBD oil available in Medium (2%) and Strong strengths (5%), and was voted the #1 CBD oil by the Evening Standard.

Unlike THC-free broad spectrum CBD oils, CBII full spectrum oils contain a tiny percentage of THC which syncretize with the other terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoid compounds to provide maximum benefits for sleep, stress and pain.

CBD gummies are a very convenient way of taking CBD, and an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting their CBD gummies. Full spectrum CBD gummies contain all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, so they can provide the entourage effect which results in improved efficacy for all the compounds. FSA guidelines recommend taking no more than 70mg of oral CBD daily, and CBII's CBD gummies are an easy way to monitor your dosage.

CBD balms alleviate pain and soothe your skin. CBD balms are an excellent choice for people seeking relief from joint aches, inflammation, dermatitis, and chronic pain, as you can apply the medication directly to the area that hurts. CBD balms can provide pain relief after a hard workout and on days when old injuries are flaring up again. CBII's CBD balm is a cannabidiol full spectrum product that also soothes with the calming scent of lavender, eucalyptus, and ginger extract.

As discussed earlier, full spectrum CBD products are generally well-regulated with a maximum level of 0.2% THC throughout most of the EU. Even so, your body can still accumulate THC, especially if you take them in high doses on a regular basis. If you are a full spectrum CBD user and you feel at risk of being tested positive for a mouth swab drug test, you don’t have to worry, because there are a few ways to pass.

The main objective of conducting drug tests is to screen any trace amounts of THC or THC-COOH (one of THC’s primary metabolites). THC and THC-COOH won’t likely appear in oral fluids, like saliva. It can only stay around for 72 hours, or longer in cases of continuous heavy use.

One of our primary concerns when consuming CBD is the chance of failing a drug screening. CBD and cannabidiol full spectrum doesn’t show up on a drug test, but THC does. Since full spectrum CBD products include THC alongside the rest of cannabinoids and natural compounds that make up the whole plant, consuming them in high doses for sustained periods of time might lead to a positive drug test result, even if you haven’t felt any intoxicating effects.

A 2017 research on safety and side effects of CBD illustrated that chronic use of CBD in high doses of up to 1,500 mg daily could be well-tolerated by humans. However, things are a little different when it comes to full spectrum CBD.

One of our primary concerns when consuming CBD is the chance of failing a drug screening. CBD doesn’t show up on a drug test, but THC does. Since full spectrum CBD products include THC alongside the rest of cannabinoids and natural compounds that make up the whole plant, consuming them in high doses for sustained periods of time might lead to a positive drug test result, even if you haven’t felt any intoxicating effects.

If you are expecting a mouth swab test in the next few days, the best way to pass is by simply taking a break from any full spectrum CBD products until the drug test is done.

To ensure that your saliva is free from any suspicious metabolic remnants, make sure to drink lots of fluids and teas prior to the test. Rinsing the mouth with water can keep your saliva flowing, which, in turn, clears any THC or THC-COOH trace amounts from the mouth.

THC and its metabolites do not dissolve in water, but do dissolve in lipids. Because they are lipophilic molecules, they tend to be best absorbed by a variety of entities in the body (including fats). To draw the THC and THC-COOH out of your saliva and keep them in your fat cells, you need to consume high-fat foods like whole eggs, dark chocolate, or fish oil.

Full spectrum CBD is one of the most widely-available forms of CBD products. It is known for its entourage effect, because it reserves all the essential cannabinoids and natural compounds in the cannabis plant during the extraction. These substances include CBD, flavonoids, terpenes, and a well-regulated amount of THC- all of which may show promise in providing possible therapeutic effects to the body.

Although the current evidence pointing to CBD’s efficacy is limited, many studies believe that CBD is more powerful when it functions alongside other full spectrum cannabis oil compounds. With an impressive entourage effect, full spectrum CBD is purported to show benefits for supplementing treatments.