ULTRA-BROAD, BROAD, AND FULL SPECTRUM CBD – the differences

1. ULTRA-BROAD SPECTRUM CBD

The main difference between Ultra-broad spectrum and Broad spectrum CBD is that Ultra-broad spectrum products contain an even wider range of cannabinoids*, while both Ultra-broad and Broad spectrum products have the THC content removed or reduced to undetectable levels.

Ultra-broad spectrum CBD refers to a type of CBD (cannabidiol) product that contains a wide range of cannabinoids beyond just CBD. These products aim to provide an “entourage effect,” where the combination of multiple cannabinoids leads to a more effective and synergistic therapeutic experience.   In addition to the well-known cannabinoids CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), there are over 100 other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

Ultra-broad spectrum CBD products, have the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content removed or reduced to undetectable levels, and contain not only CBD but also various lesser-known cannabinoids that may have their own unique benefits. Some of the enhanced lesser cannabinoids found in Ultra-broad spectrum CBD include CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin).  (More information about each of these can be found at the bottom of this page)

By including these lesser-known cannabinoids, Ultra-broad spectrum CBD products aim to enhance the overall therapeutic potential of CBD. They capitalize on the idea that these cannabinoids may work synergistically with one another and with other compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids, to create a more comprehensive and effective product.

 

2.  BROAD SPECTRUM CBD

Broad spectrum CBD is a type of CBD (cannabidiol) product that contains a range of cannabinoids beyond just CBD, but with the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content removed or reduced to undetectable levels.  Broad spectrum CBD aims to provide an “entourage effect,” where the combination of multiple cannabinoids leads to a more effective and synergistic therapeutic experience without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

In addition to CBD, Broad spectrum CBD products also contain various lesser-known cannabinoids that may have their own unique benefits. As with Ultra-broad spectrum CBD, some of the enhanced lesser cannabinoids found in Broad spectrum CBD include CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin).

By including these lesser-known cannabinoids, Broad spectrum CBD products aim to enhance the overall therapeutic potential of CBD without the presence of THC. They capitalize on the idea that these cannabinoids may work synergistically with one another and with other compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids, to create a more comprehensive and effective product.

 

3. FULL SPECTRUM CBD

Full spectrum CBD is a type of CBD (cannabidiol) product that contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC and various other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.  The goal of full spectrum CBD is to provide an “entourage effect,” where the combination of multiple compounds creates a more effective and synergistic therapeutic experience.

Unlike Ultra-broad and Broad spectrum CBD, full spectrum CBD does contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), usually in low concentrations (less than 0.3%) to comply with legal restrictions and to avoid causing significant psychoactive effects.  (The extent of this psychoactive “high” can vary widely from individual to individual based upon each person’s own body makeup.)

 

4. THE MOST COMMON “LESSER CANNABINOIDS”

  1. CBG (cannabigerol): CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. It’s also thought to play a role in counteracting some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
  2. CBN (cannabinol): CBN is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is believed to have potential sedative, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects. It may also promote bone growth and help with skin conditions.
  3. CBC (cannabichromene): CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has shown promise in research as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antidepressant agent. It may also promote neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells).
  4. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid in high doses, but in the low doses found in full spectrum CBD, it may have appetite-suppressing, anti-anxiety, and anti-epileptic effects. Some studies suggest it could also help regulate blood sugar levels and support bone health.

Please note exact amounts of each of these will normally be found on product lab reports.  Avoid purchasing any CBD product for which a certified lab report is not available.

* From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A cannabinoid is one of a class of diverse chemical compounds that acts on cannabinoid receptors in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. Ligands for these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body by animals),[1] the phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially). The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.[2][3] Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant.[4] There are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.[5]

** From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The entourage effect is a proposed mechanism by which compounds present in cannabis which are largely non-psychoactive by themselves modulate the overall psychoactive effects of the plant (these resulting principally from the action of the main psychoactive component of cannabis tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabidiol (CBD) is believed to be the major modulatory component of cannabis, mitigating some of the negative, psychosis-like effects of THC.[1][2] CBD co-administration also reduces the negative effects of THC on memory.[2] Myrcene, which is recognized as a sedative component in hops, may be responsible for the sedative effects (“couch lock”) of certain cannabis strains (sedative effects are commonly ascribed to the indica cannabis type). Linalool may also contribute to the entourage effect, modulating the glutamate GABA neurotransmitter systems to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects.[3]