You may have been hearing a lot about CBD lately, but with so many different kinds available, even experienced CBD consumers can get confused. Below we’ll go over what broad spectrum CBD is, its benefits, and the differences between broad spectrum CBD, full spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate so that you can make an informed decision and find the products that fit your needs best.
Let’s back up a bit. CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of over 100+ cannabinoids that can be extracted from hemp. Scientists have found that these plant compounds have a better effect on the body when they work together, rather than alone. This phenomenon is called the entourage effect and, up until recently, was only associated with full spectrum CBD products which contain minute amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). Charlotte's Web offers two separate collections of products that are formulated as broad-spectrum (without THC) where you can enjoy the benefits of the “entourage effect”.
Broad spectrum CBD is one of three main forms of CBD, the other two being full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Broad spectrum CBD products contain every cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, except for THC, the compound in marijuana that gets you “high.” This means that people who may be subject to drug screenings can still get the benefits of the “entourage effect” without the small chance of their CBD products triggering a positive drug test.
Yes and no. THC-free† CBD can be broad spectrum, but not all THC-free† CBD products are. As we’ll talk about in a bit, some brands use extraction processes that remove the THC and other cannabinoids along with it. By doing so, these THC-free† products are no longer considered truly broad spectrum. However, Charlotte’s Web has pioneered a new refinement process to ensure THC is removed to less than 0.01% and the other beneficial cannabinoids are left intact. The exact amount of cannabinoids in each bottle can be seen in that batch’s Certificate of Analysis.
Read our blog post on THC-Free CBD to learn more.
Now that you know what broad spectrum CBD is all about, let’s go over how it’s different from both full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate as well as the benefits of each:
CBD Isolate products differ from broad spectrum CBD products in that isolates only contain the CBD cannabinoid and nothing else while broad spectrum CBD products contain additional cannabinoids other than THC. The benefit of CBD isolate is that you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without worrying about consuming THC. However, by only consuming the CBD cannabinoid, you’re missing out on the added benefits of the “entourage effect” we talked about earlier.
The difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD is THC. Full spectrum CBD contains a variety of cannabinoids in the hemp plant, including THC, whereas broad spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids in the hemp plant, except for THC†. The benefit of full spectrum CBD is the enhanced “entourage effect” that comes with consuming cannabinoids together. However, because THC is present, full spectrum CBD products may trigger a positive drug test.
Broad spectrum hemp extracts found in our two product lines: THC-free† and Performance Collection combine the best of both worlds. You don’t have to worry about consuming THC while also getting the added benefits of a variety of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Keep reading to learn about how broad spectrum CBD is made.
To create the best broad spectrum CBD on the market, Charlotte’s Web has developed a sophisticated extraction method and processing technology called Supercritical Fluid Chromatography. This eco-friendly process produces a true broad spectrum extract unlike some other brands that use processes that tend to strip out most of the beneficial compounds along with the THC.
Charlotte’s Web Broad Spectrum THC-Free CBD oil is perfect for people looking for the added benefits of a full-spectrum extract without consuming THC. To learn more about CBD, read our blog posts on why CBD may not be working for you and how much CBD is right for you or contact us directly.
THC Free† means trace amounts less than 0.01% or 100ppm
