What are Hemp CBD Spectrums?

As hemp based CBD products continue to grow in popularity, a common question that is being asked is: What are CBD spectrums? 

When it comes to reading labels on hemp-based CBD products, the spectrums are descriptors that help the consumer to know what cannabinoids are still remaining in the end product they’re considering. Once the hemp plant is grown and harvested, it goes through an extraction process that pulls the compounds from the plant, itself. Once these cannabinoids have been extracted, they can then be separated out for specific goods that are available to the public.

For those who are new to shopping for hemp CBD products, these terms can be a bit confusing. Here is a breakdown of what each term means so that you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you want, and nothing that you don’t.

Full-spectrum: Sometimes referred to as “whole plant”, Full spectrum means that all of the cannabinoids that grew in the plant are still together in the end product. This includes CBD, CBG, CBN and the scant, non-psychoactive amount of THC (.3% or less). While there is still a lot of research to be done, the studies that have been executed into this subject have shown that cannabinoids often “play well together” in what is referred to as “The Entourage Effect.” 

Once the extraction of the crop has taken place, another process to separate the individual cannabinoids can happen. It is this separation that influences if the product is labeled as Broad Spectrum or Isolate.

Broad Spectrum: Hemp CBD products that are labeled as Broad Spectrum products are those where the THC has been removed but the rest of the natural cannabinoids are still intact. This is a popular option for those who  may not be comfortable with the idea of THC but want the potential benefits that are often associated with a multi-cannabinoid profile.

CBD Isolate: The separation process can be taken another step further, allowing for specific cannabinoids to be isolated out and used as individual ingredients. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most dominant cannabinoid in hemp and the most utilized in current consumer goods. What looks like a crystalline powder substance, isolated cannabidiol can be easily added to a carrier oil like MCT or included into edible products like treats and candies.

As with any wellness product that is available to the consumer, it is always good practice to do research and ask your physician if CBD may be something that can be integrated into your lifestyle and wellness routine.

It is also good practice to review the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) of the product that you're considering. These testing results will show the concentrations of which cannabinoids are in the end product. Quality, compliant brands will have these readily available on their website and often through Quick Response (QR) codes on packaging and labelling

By taking the time to understand which terms mean what for the products that you’re shopping for, you can feel confident in the choice that seems right for you.