CBD Broad Spectrum

The A-Z’s On Broad-Spectrum CBD

• Introduction
• Summary
• About cannabinoids
• The entourage effect
• Different CBD spectrums
• About broad spectrum CBD
• Ways to take broad spectrum CBD
• FAQ

Introduction

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a derivative of the cannabis Sativa or hemp plant. When taken as a supplement, as an oil or ingestible, CBD has been shown to provide a range of health benefits- from promoting balance to uplifting the mood to relieving pain. While scientists are still looking into the full scope of what a daily supplement of CBD can do for the body and mind, ongoing medical research tells us that CBD has a wealth of benefits, making it a worthwhile supplement.

The difference between broad and full-spectrum CBD is usually in the THC content of each product. So, when CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, it’s often full-spectrum. For the broad-spectrum product, the THC is removed. Broad-spectrum CBD products fall on a wide spectrum, which means some higher-quality products may contain a greater range of therapeutic cannabinoids (making it more potent) where other products may contain less of a variety- both products will be classed as broad-spectrum due to containing more than one type of cannabinoid

Summary

About Cannabinoids

There are three main CBD spectrums out there: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. CBD spectrums are defined by the concentration of cannabinoids present in a product. A cannabinoid is a molecule produced by the cannabis plant, some which are psychoactive and others which simply promote balance and healing in the body. A cannabinoid also has the potential to bind certain receptors in the human body to promote certain processes into action, although exactly what process occurs is dependent on the concentration taken and/or what cannabidiol has been imbibed. Usually a good, legitimate and high-quality brand will offer the correct concentration of cannabinoids for you, according to what you’re looking for- the concentrations and quantities of different cannabinoids within a product depends on what spectrum it falls under.  The possible cannabinoids which can exist in a cannabis-sourced product are:

• CBD (cannabidiol): we’ve established that CBD is cannabidiol- it’s the second most abundant cannabinoid after THC.
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): the most abundant cannabidiol- psychoactive and intoxicating due to its active effect on the Endocannabinoid System.
• Terpenes: aromatic compounds found in most plants, giving them distinctive smells.
• Flavonoids:plant metabolites (which often give fruits and vegetables their flavour) and provide colour and nutrients to a plant.
• Other Phytocannabinoids: these are the rest of the compounds found in cannabis which provide different benefits. They are often split into subclasses known as cannabinoid acids. Other types of phytocannabinoids include cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene.

‘The Entourage Effect’

So why do different CBD-spectrums exist? Well, when there’s as many different cannabinoids in CBD-infused products, we get something known as ‘the entourage effect’. Scientific research tells us that when we consume, vape or even soak ourselves with a high variety of phytocannabinoids, cannabinoid acids, terpenes and flavonoids, we get a more potent experience than if we just used one isolated cannabis compound. The closer the product mimics that actual cannabis plant the better. Since most cannabis plants tend to hover upwards of 60 cannabinoid compounds (and in many strains THC ratios are highest, unless you’re looking at the hemp plant which always has higher levels of CBD to THC), having a higher range and quantity of cannabinoids and cannabis compounds within a product is the best way to mimic the plant. A product with higher levels of cannabinoids can work more effectively than a product which isolates one or two cannabinoids.

This research rationalises that each cannabis-derived compound works synergistically with the other to promote stronger therapeutic effects; essentially, this synergistic relationship might lend itself to help with diseases such as depression, inflammation, epilepsy, infection and even cancer. As science journals and research papers have posited, if we are able to further examine how potent the entourage effect can be in its therapeutic value, we could produce a wider variety of therapeutic products from the cannabis plant. According to further research, it’s been suggested that ‘the entourage effect’ might not just accentuate the medicinal and therapeutic aspects of each cannabis compound- it might even account for new benefits which come about specifically because of the interactions of the compounds.

CBD-spectrums were created to suss out the best way to mimic the cannabis plant, without reaping any of its THC-induced psychoactivity. Scientists have figured out how to keep CBD products safe, non-psychoactive but also therapeutic- and that is to keep THC levels at a minimum while accentuating the variety and ratio of CBD, phytocannabinoids and terpenes. In doing so, the benefits of a product are felt without any chance of intoxication. One could say that many CBD products attempt to mimic the concentrations and ratios of the hemp plant in particular- since hemp is the proud producer of high levels of terpenes, CBD and other healing cannabis compounds, with naturally low concentrations of THC.

Different CBD Spectrums

Full-Spectrum CBD- This is a CBD product which contains all the cannabinoids that can be produced by the cannabis Sativa plant, in varying concentrations. Although CBD is the main player in all of this, providing the highest therapeutic potential, research claims that having a wide variety of cannabinoids in a product is beneficial. Full-spectrum CBD products often contain less than 0.3% THC, rendering any possibility of psychoactivity null. In fact, THC is only added to full-spectrum CBD products to promote ‘the entourage effect’. This means that the CBD (and terpenes and flavonoids) become a lot stronger.

Broad-Spectrum CBD- Essentially, broad-spectrum CBD is just like full-spectrum, containing all the cannabinoids within the product- only without the THC. In many cases, a broad-spectrum product is mostly as good as full-spectrum, because there’s enough of a variety of different cannabinoids to allow for an effective product. The entourage effect still works on broad-spectrum CBD products and oils- and since many countries don’t allow even minute concentrations of THC to be placed in their products (since even concentrations below 0.3% THC still tend to show up on drug tests) broad-spectrum products tend to be more readily available to a wider range of consumers. For those a little weary about THC, even in small frequency, broad-spectrum is the perfect product- effective enough to provide full-body therapeutic benefits without containing any THC.

CBD Isolate- CBD on its own with no added cannabinoids or cannabis compounds, CBD isolate lacks ‘the entourage effect’ making it less potent than the two above. Studies show that, for CBD isolate to be truly effective, higher doses need to be administered. Often CBD isolate is cultivated from the hemp plant and sold individually, without the addition of terpenes, flavonoids or any other cannabis-derived molecule. CBD isolates tend to be cheaper because they don’t promote that full-bodied ‘entourage effect’, which makes it a popular choice for those wanting to start out with CBD without investing too much.

About Broad-Spectrum CBD

Since the cannabis plant has over a 100 different cannabinoids, you can imagine that broad-spectrum CBD products are varied. Likewise, broad-spectrum products are more likely to be sold on a global scale, since full-spectrum CBD is banned in a lot of countries, due to the even trace levels of THC being banned. Even in a country where full-spectrum is legal, you’ll find a higher quantity of broad-spectrum CBD products available, purely because consumers tend to be weary of THC, even when it’s found in such low levels as what full-spectrum CBD products contain. Brands will tend to focus on their broad-spectrum products- and can you blame them? Broad-spectrum is popular, does the job that consumers ask for and fulfills a wide range of needs without raising any hesitation. While the integrity of ‘the entourage effect’ affirms that broad-spectrum will never quite reach the potency of full-spectrum, sans-THC broad-spectrum still sits under a less suspicious gaze.

Because broad-spectrum CBD is so widely sold, it’s important to shop for quality, so you get all the benefits of ‘the entourage effect’. You’ll want to make sure that the broad-spectrum definition of the product does what it claims. To do this, you’ll need to make sure that the product contains a broad variety of cannabinoids within it- from a vast range of cannabinoid acids and additional cannabis compounds to, of course, CBD, terpenes and flavonoids. We, at Alphagreen, pride ourselves on providing a range of high-quality (tried and tested) broad-spectrum CBD products, so you can shop with reassurance.

It is these additional cannabis compounds that should be looked out for when you’re shopping for a good-quality broad-spectrum product: studies show that terpenes, cannabinol and cannabichromene are especially beneficial for the system- so when they’re taken together, ‘the entourage effect’ works to make each already individual compound work better in harmony. Making sure that your product contains these cannabis compounds ensures fully your broad-spectrum product has enough variety of compounds for ‘the entourage effect’ to take place.

Basically, we need to make sure that the CBD product mimics the frequency and ratio of compounds within a cannabis plant. The closer we can get to a product with a variety of compounds and cannabinoids, the better the product works.

Cannabinol (CBN)

One of the major cannabis compounds, said to participate in the entourage effect of a broad-spectrum CBD product, cannabidiol or CBD has some great health benefits. In low doses CBN isn’t psychoactive- and even in normal quantities, CBN doesn’t quite reach the same level of psychoactivity as THC- in fact, if you do see signs of CBN being a mild psychotic, it’s only because very little research has been placed on its psychotic potential. Most likely the reason why people attribute CBN to some lingering psychoactivity is because, when THC is heated or exposed to oxygen, it breaks down to CBN. Secondly, many claim that CBN must have psychoactive tendencies, purely because it’s such a strong sedative. Research tells us that CBN, in lower doses (and especially when influenced by other cannabis compounds) can be a great sleep aid. Infact, CBN’s potential as a sedative is so potent that it actually increases sleep time and promotes deep sleep- it is, infact, the most powerful cannabinoid, out of all the others, to promote sedation.

But promoting sleep isn’t the only thing CBN can do. CBN also has ties to relieving pain, providing antibiotic-like tendencies, reducing inflammation, has some anticancer benefits, can be classed as an anticonvulsant and can even promote the healing and strengthening of our bones.

Terpenes

Another compound to look out for in any broad-spectrum product, terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in a wide range of plants. Terpenes have some seriously great health benefits- not only can they uplift the mood and help to ease anxiety, many terpenes have antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While there’s a vast range of terpenes out there, the general consensus agrees that even inhaling these aromatic compounds can have significant therapeutic effects.

Research tells us that terpenes can bind to receptors- peppermint or spearmint, in particular, was seen to improve mental clarity and cognition, with common terpene compounds such as linalool and limonene have been shown to help release serotonin and dopamine for uplifting the mood, easing anxiety and adenosine for sleepiness, increased feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. In many other cases, terpenes (namely alpha-pinene, the mossy pine scent and limonene) helps trigger focus and cause you and your brain to feel refreshed (which is why you might equate the scent of lemon, orange peel or even grass, pinecones and fresh flowers with alertness and clarity).

Cannabichromene (CBC)

Cannabichromene (CBC) is another beneficial cannabis compound which is only accentuated by harmonious synchronicity of cannabinoids working together to promote the ‘entourage effect’. Its therapeutic potential lies in medicinally and therapeutically aiding the system with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects. Studies also show that CBC holds the potential to improve gastrointestinal hyper-motility in mice; in other words, CBC has the clear potential to reduce any severe and inflammatory gut-related spasms. CBC could potentially be used to counteract an IBD caused by an inflammation in the gut- it could also be used to modulate any other inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Since many CBC (and cannabinoid) receptors are present in the human gut, CBC provides promise.

Ways To Take Broad-Spectrum CBD

Love baths? Try using a CBD bath bomb! Love coffee? Try mixing some CBD oil into your morning latte. Suffering from period cramps? Try CBD-infused tampons.

Hopefully you get the point we’re making here: broad-spectrum CBD is as versatile as it’s effective and therapeutic, For the wellness industry, which stresses that self-care and wellbeing is bespoke and versatile, there’s no better supplement than broad-spectrum CBD, which can adapt itself to infuse within any treat, gummy, tincture, oil or e-liquid.

With many brands releasing topical products to help relax and ease the muscles (CBD creams for joint or muscle pain has become a popular way to ‘naturally’ ease discomfort of late). Likewise, CBD-infused skincare products have a name for themselves (since CBD has been shown to contain a concentration of beneficial antioxidants, promoting youthful, smooth skin). CBD can also be added to any ingestible- as mentioned above CBD oil can be added to any drink, food or dessert and with the steady rise of CBD gummies and sweets have become popular as they provide regular dosage. Suppositories have also become popular for quick and immediate relief of physical pain (to quickly absorb into the tissues and ease cramps, gut related issues or even relax the muscles around the anus or vagina). Vaping CBD is also steadily rising in popularity- as CBD vapes allow for the cannabidiol to absorb into the system to its quickest. Vaping CBD has similar results to ingesting cannabidiol, only when we vape, the CBD absorbs at a higher bioavailability (the CBD only needs to pass through the lungs to get into the bloodstream, instead of traveling into the gut beforehand).

Broad-Spectrum CBD: A Great Option

Broad-spectrum CBD provides the perfect introduction into the world of CBD. And, with broad-spectrum CBD containing all the healing and therapeutic cannabis compounds within it, this type of CBD-infused product provides us with all the harmonious synchronicity we need, without the possibility of THC. Perfect for CBD enthusiasts who want something potent, healing and effective, broad-spectrum CBD products are a fantastic option for those looking to supplement their diet, improve their lifestyle and promote a little balance and harmony in their day-to-day life.