Extraction 101

What is the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil

In the previous section, we covered the distillation process and the different options you have for distilling crude oil to produce a finished CBD product. This guide will go into greater depth on the differences between those products and their individual benefits.

There are two main options when distilling crude: full-spectrum and broad spectrum CBD. These two are very similar to one another except for one key difference, and that difference will probably be the determining factor in which you choose.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Full-spectrum CBD Oil contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids that the original hemp plant did. That means they have all the CBD, THC, and any other minor cannabinoids that were in the hemp before processing. They also have the plant’s flavonoids and terpenes, both of which are important in preserving the plant’s full botanical profile and effects.

When an extract has the full range of cannabinoids, it will offer the benefit of the full entourage effect. The entourage effect is the reported phenomena that makes cannabis extracts with multiple cannabinoids more effective and potent than those with a single isolated cannabinoid. With a full-spectrum extract, you’ll the the complete strength and benefits of the entourage effect.

Terpenes and flavonoids play a role too. Flavonoids are crucial compounds found in plants that have multiple benefits, including antioxidant qualities. Terpenes are the compounds that give plants their unique smells and tastes. Different cannabis strains smell the way they do thanks to their terpenes. Research suggests that terpenes also play a role in the effect a cannabis strain has. Once again, having the terpenes in combination with all the natural cannabinoids offers the greatest benefit.

Of course, full-spectrum CBD oil does contain THC. In states where recreational marijuana isn’t legal, the highest concentration that it can have is 0.3%. It’s not nearly enough to produce intoxicating effects, but it is present, and that might be a serious drawback for some people. In states where recreational marijuana is legal, it’s possible to have higher concentrations of THC in full-spectrum CBD oils, and these may produce intoxicating effects.

What is Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is nearly identical to full-spectrum CBD oil, but the THC has been removed though a remediation process like the one used by the ENTEXS RMD-T line of THC remediation systems.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil provides many of the same benefits as full-spectrum oil. The entourage effect will still come into play, and the terpenes and flavonoids will still be in the oil, adding those benefits too. However, since broad-spectrum oils go through an additional process, they will not have the full benefit of the entourage effect without the THC. The remediation process will also strip some of the other cannabinoids from the oil, including CBD. If you use an efficient system, like the RMD-T series, the losses will be minimal.

With broad-spectrum oil, you’re sacrificing some of the benefits but eliminating the complications that THC brings.

Which One is Right for You?

Are you alright with THC? Really, that’s the essential question. If you’re comfortable with a small amount of THC in your CBD oil, full-spectrum oil is ideal because it features the full cannabinoid profile and the complete entourage effect.

If you’re looking to avoid THC, broad-spectrum oil is best. It still has nearly the same benefits as the full-spectrum oil, but you don’t need to worry about the potential effects of THC. Broad-spectrum oil is also a better option for people that need to pass drug tests, even though there is always the chance of trace amounts of THC slipping through.