Full Spectrum CBD: What it is and its benefits.

Currently, all our products at BeLeaf use full-spectrum CBD. While there is a place for broad spectrum and even isolate CBD, you get the most benefit from CBD when the end product is full spectrum.

But what is full spectrum?

Essentially, when we say full-spectrum, we mean nothing is removed during the extraction process. Everything the hemp plant has is used when the oil is produced.

The hemp plant has extremely beneficial cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and THC, providing crucial therapeutic value. Combined, this produces what is known as the "Entourage Effect," which is the effect of cannabinoids and terpenes all working together in perfect synergy. Plus, preclinical research indicates that full-spectrum CBD-rich cannabis oil is effective at much lower doses and has a wider therapeutic window than a CBD isolate. (1) We will always recommend that our customers use full spectrum because of this! 

Keep in mind that full-spectrum oil does have trace amounts of THC. The levels of our federally legal CBD oil has levels of THC that are .3% or lower and will not produce any psychoactive effect.  However, if you cannot have any trace amounts of THC in your blood, it is recommended to take a THC-free CBD (Isolate or Broad Spectrum).

Terpenes are Important

Terpenes are chemical compounds found in every plant on Earth, and they help to enhance the plant's attractiveness to some creatures while deterring others that can harm them. Terpenes are the driving force behind how plants smell and taste and even what color they are.

Terpenes and their benefits are not necessarily a recent discovery; people have been using the plants for aroma therapy for a long time, and those aromas that may help you relax or feel more energized are derived from the plant's terpenes. Linalool, for example, is found in lavender, giving it that all-too-familiar scent that can help you relax. However, linalool can also be found in hemp. As we learn more about terpenes, we discover how they interact with our CB2 receptors and other things they can help.

For most of the time, we've been looking at plants like Cannabis sativa and Hemp for their medicinal uses, focusing on significant Cannabinoids like CBD. But as our understanding of terpenes grows, it's becoming clear that these aromatic compounds are essential, too.

Does The Dose Change With Full Spectrum?

Dosage isn't universal. Each person has different factors that control how CBD and all the other components found in full-spectrum oil are broken down and processed in the body; metabolism plays a significant role, for example. As stated above, it has been seen previously that full spectrum oil seems beneficial at lower doses compared to isolates. So, if you've been using isolates, you can experiment with smaller doses to see if you get the same benefits and adjust your dose. Check out our blog on dosage practices for more information.

(1) https://projectcbd.org/what-is-cbd/cbd-dosage/#type-3-full-spectrum-cbd-rich-extracts