Full Spectrum CBD vs. Broad Spectrum CBD

Did you know that not all CBD is created equal?

It’s true. Studies consistently find that up to 70% of the CBD products on the market today are mislabeled. And even products that are labeled properly may be missing something. 

Missing what, you may ask? Good question. There are two primary types of CBD available on the market today — full spectrum, and broad spectrum — and one of them misses out on several helpful compounds. Keep reading to learn more.   

• What is full spectrum CBD?
• What is broad spectrum CBD?
• What to look for in premium full spectrum products

What is full spectrum CBD?

Let’s start off by talking about the best type of CBD of all: full spectrum CBD. As you might assume from its name, full spectrum CBD contains a full array of the hemp plant’s most active ingredients. 

We’re not just talking one or two ingredients here, either. Not even close! Hemp is incredibly diverse; it contains hundreds of active compounds (more on those next). And full spectrum CBD, by definition, is made in such a way that it contains most of them. 

What’s in full spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum CBD’s top compounds can be grouped into four major categories: 

• Cannabinoids
• Terpenoids (also called terpenes)
• Flavonoids (also called flavones)
• Pigments (most of these double as antioxidants)

Cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD

• CBD
• CBDa
• THC
• THCa
• CBG
• CBGa
• CBC
• CBN
• CBT
• CBL

Terpenoids in full spectrum CBD

• Alpha-bisabolol
• Caryophyllene
• Cedrol
• Eucalyptol
• Guaiol
• Alpha-humulene

Flavonoids in full spectrum CBD

• Cannflavin A
• Cannflavin B

Pigments in full spectrum CBD

• Chlorophyll
• Carotenoids
• Anthocyanins

Minus the pigments, every other compound you see listed above is present in our Full Spectrum CBD+THC Oil. The hemp plant’s unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes isn’t found anywhere else in the natural world. 

How is full spectrum CBD made?

Full spectrum CBD products are made through a process called extraction. During this process, hemp’s active ingredients are ‘pulled’ out of more fibrous biomass with the help an airtight extraction rig and a solvent like CO2. 

This initial extraction produces a rich extract that must be purified to have its CO2 removed. Once it’s been purified, the extract is infused into whatever product it’s destined to become! 

Full spectrum CBD: the pros

It’s tough to know where to start when it comes to listing all of full spectrum CBD’s benefits. So let’s begin with something obvious: full spectrum CBD stays as close to nature’s original design as possible. Why’s that so important? Because nature knows best. 

While this concept might sound a little too esoteric, it’s becoming increasingly well-supported by the scientific research. Studies show that full spectrum extracts are up to four times more effective than CBD alone. They are also less likely to cause side effects — making them easier to dose — and more likely to engage the entourage effect. [1][2] 

Full spectrum CBD: the cons

Full spectrum CBD is remarkably free of downsides. That being said, an extremely small subset of people may actually be mildly allergic to it. (Allergic to its terpenes, that is, not the CBD itself.)

What is broad spectrum CBD oil?

Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum in almost every way, with one major exception: it doesn’t contain any THC. Broad spectrum CBD products are popular among people who, for whatever reason, don’t like the idea of taking any amount of THC.

How it’s made

Broad spectrum CBD products start off the very same way full spectrum products do. After they’ve been extracted, though, things begin to differ. Broad spectrum CBD must have its THC content removed. 

Different manufacturers use different processes to do this. Among the high-tech options are processes like fractional distillation and spin-column chromatography. The end result is a CBD extract that’s free of THC, yet still contains terpenes and trace cannabinoids. 

Broad spectrum CBD: the pros

Broad spectrum CBD products are thought to be nearly as effective as their full spectrum counterparts. Their extra processing means they may also have a more refined (ie. less earthy taste) than full spectrum products. Some people also opt for full spectrum products if they’re concerned about the possibility of upcoming drug tests, though this is more of an imaginary issue than an actual one, as full spectrum CBD products are also drug-test friendly. 

Broad spectrum CBD: the cons

Broad spectrum CBD is certainly better than no CBD, but in some ways it still misses the mark. 

Its lack of THC means it may not be able to permeate your body’s endocannabinoid system quite as thoroughly as full spectrum CBD does. (Studies show THC can ‘open up’ certain endocannabinoid receptors, allowing CBD to work better.) [3]

What to look for in premium full spectrum products

Remember how we said that not all CBD is created equal? That’s even true among full spectrum CBD products. Some of them possess a fuller spectrum of active compounds than others. 

More specifically, many full spectrum products available on the market today are full spectrum in name only. These products may claim to be full spectrum, but above and beyond CBD, THC, and a select few terpenes…they’re missing some things. 

fiveTM’s full spectrum CBD is different. In addition to including all of hemp’s most important ingredients, our CBD products include them in a true-to-nature 5:1 ratio. In case you were wondering, yes — that’s where the name comes from. This ratio is thought to activate your body’s endocannabinoid system better than any other, and many of our customers confirm that our full spectrum CBD works for them when other full spectrum products haven’t.

Summing things up

The science is clear: full spectrum CBD products are the very best CBD products you can find on the market today. Their power is all-natural, their health benefits are nearly endless, and their side effects are virtually nonexistent. What more could you ask for?

Just be sure to get a product that’s actually full spectrum. Broad spectrum CBD is still beneficial, but it pales in comparison to what you can experience when you trust that nature knows best. 

Still want to learn more about full spectrum CBD? If so, here’s a little more info to help get you on your path.