Full Spectrum CBD vs. Broad Spectrum CBD: What’s Best for You?

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the best CBD products for you. What are your needs? Do you have any ingredient restrictions? What method of CBD intake works for you? These are good questions to think about, but it’s good to note that there are different variations of CBD to take as well. In this guide, we’ll walk you through full spectrum vs. broad spectrum CBD.

What’s the Difference?

What is full spectrum CBD? It’s the hemp plant extract processed from the cannabis plant that’s comprised of a multitude of components, including over 100 different cannabinoids (including tetrahydrocannabinol or THC), terpenes, vitamins, minerals, and essential fats.

So what is broad spectrum CBD, then? It’s similar to full spectrum CBD in that broad spectrum CBD contains all the same terpenes, vitamins, minerals, essential fats, and cannabinoids; however, it has been processed to have the absence of THC.

While there’s not enough THC in full spectrum CBD to cause any sort of psychoactive effect, there are circumstances that may dictate an individual needing CBD that’s completely free of THC.

Broad spectrum is a solution in such cases and can be made in a couple different ways. The first involves putting full spectrum CBD through a purification process that removes THC, which results in broad spectrum CBD. The second starts with a base of pure CBD (or CBD isolate), and then adds in the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and other ingredients to achieve broad spectrum status.

Which Is More Effective?

They’re both pretty equal in terms of effectiveness because both full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD contain cannabinoids and other components, which result in the “Entourage Effect.” Essentially, this effect is a phenomenon where cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other CBD ingredients interact within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help it function at a higher level.

However, the removal of any cannabinoid from CBD (in this case, THC), can potentially alter the maximum potential of that particular product.

It’s also important to note that the removal of THC to get broad spectrum CBD involves some degree of processing, which can be unappealing to those seeking an all-natural wellness product like full spectrum CBD.

Things to Consider When Choosing CBD Products

There’s really only one major thing to consider when it comes to full spectrum CBD vs. broad spectrum CBD. Will trace amounts of THC affect you negatively in any way?

While it’s highly unlikely, it remains possible that the trace amounts of THC found in full spectrum CBD could potentially show up on a drug screen.

Another thing to consider is that it’s possible for a person to have a sensitivity to THC. This is rare, but broad spectrum CBD eliminates this issue while still likely delivering the potential benefits of full spectrum CBD.

Which Is Better?

This is a question left to the individual and their specific requirements. As we mentioned above, there’s truly only one difference between full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD, and that’s that broad spectrum CBD is full spectrum CBD without THC. That said, the sought-after effect can take place in full spectrum CBD due to the full array of cannabinoids (including THC).