How to choose your CBD oil
Amongst the multitude of CBD products, you have probably noticed that there are several types of oils available for purchase. Depending on your country of residence, you can buy full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. These three types of products may seem similar, but they are actually very different from each other. But how are they different? And how do you choose the right CBD oil? In this article, we will explain the nuances and discuss the pros and cons of each type of oil. First, let's talk about cannabinoids and their importance for our health.
Cannabinoids and our well-being
Cannabinoids are the natural phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. Over 113 cannabinoids have been identified, with CBD and THC being the most studied. Cannabinoids are important to our well-being because they interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters located in the brain, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and immune system.
It controls a wide range of biological functions, such as memory, cognitive performance, pain perception, stress management, mood regulation and immune response, to name but a few.
The effects of cannabinoids
In 1995, researchers discovered that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC could benefit the body and brain in many ways. Later, they discovered that each cannabinoid has a unique relationship with the endocannabinoid system. For example, THC induces psychoactive effects while CBD, on the other hand, is not intoxicating. In other words, it won't get you high. In fact, it can even modify the psychoactive effects of THC. It has a range of health benefits, such as relieving stress and altering the perception of pain.
In low doses, CBD can be mildly stimulating, while in higher doses it tends to have sedative effects. Other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG) or cannabinol (CBN) have their own set of effects. This complete collection of cannabinoids is called the "cannabinoid spectrum".
Hemp extracts: What makes them different?
All CBD products are extracted from the cannabis plant, using solvents such as CO2 or ethanol. During extraction, all cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids are extracted from the plant and dissolved in oil for easy administration and storage.
Depending on the cannabis plant used in the process, the cannabinoid profile of your CBD oil will differ. For example, hemp extracts contain little or no THC (usually less than 0.3%), making them non-psychoactive, but they also have high levels of CBD. In contrast, some selectively grown marijuana strains may have a much higher CBD/THC ratio.
Depending on the purpose of the final product and the legislation of the country in which production is done, producers use a different spectrum of cannabinoids depending on the cannabis crop used. Now, what happens to the cannabinoids after the initial extraction determines whether the extract is full spectrum, broad spectrum or a CBD isolate. Each term refers to the degree of processing of the product.
Let's look at the meaning of each cannabis spectrum.
Full spectrum CBD
If an extract is full spectrum, it means that it contains all the phytochemicals naturally present in the plant: CBD, traces of cannabinoids, terpenes and essential oils. Full spectrum industrial hemp extracts also have negligible THC content, usually less than 0.3%. All of the active components extracted from hemp work together to amplify the health benefits of each individual cannabinoid. This is called the "entourage effect" (which is a term we will explain to you).
But be aware that although non-psychoactive, full spectrum CBD can give you a false positive on a drug test, especially if you consume high doses of CBD oil daily. That's where broad spectrum CBD comes in.
Choosing the right full spectrum CBD oil
There are also different forms of full spectrum oils: at Naturalpes for example, we offer RAW and GOLD. RAW is the result of the first extraction of CBD cannabis flowers. We recommend it for daily use. The GOLD oil follows a refining method called "decarboxylation": this first extraction is heated in order to clean it and to obtain a softer and purer oil.
Discover our full spectrum oils through our RAW and GOLD range.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol and all other substances present in the plant except THC, which is completely removed after the extraction process. As broad spectrum extracts contain several cannabinoids, they also produce the "entourage effect". It therefore contains the whole spectrum of cannabinoids except THC.
Discover our broad spectrum oils through our WELLNESS range.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate embodies the purest form of this cannabinoid, made by extracting it from its natural environment and removing it from all other ingredients. The advantage of using CBD isolate over other formats is the higher concentration of CBD per dose, as the isolate is usually 99% pure. However, there is no entourage effect - you can only benefit from the effects of cannabidiol.
The entourage effect
Let's talk about it because it is a phenomenon that deserves an explanation. The entourage effect refers to the synergy achieved by all the components of cannabis. These components work together to enhance the potential benefits and advantages of the plant. Each compound can amplify the therapeutic properties of the others, while mitigating their potential side effects.
Other cannabinoids found in full spectrum and broad spectrum extracts include
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabivarol (CBV)
- Cannabigerovarin (CBGV)
Because of the benefits of the plant and its active ingredients, full-spectrum CBD products are more popular (and often more expensive) than their broad-spectrum counterparts and CBD isolates. It is also more difficult for manufacturers to maintain consistent ratios when using a full spectrum extract, which increases the cost of producing these oils. At Naturalpes, your well-being is more important and we don't want you to go without a full spectrum because it would be more expensive. Therefore, our oils are priced the same, whether they are full spectrum or broad spectrum.
Full Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
Prior to 2015, we believed that CBD isolate was more effective than broad spectrum CBD because of its higher CBD concentration. However, in 2015, this myth was debunked by a study conducted by the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem. In this study, researchers found that subjects treated with full-spectrum CBD noted higher levels of relief than the group that used CBD isolate.
The scientists also concluded that the full spectrum of cannabinoids provided better effects with higher doses, while the effects of isolated CBD remained constant even with increased dosage.
Terpenes: what are they?
You may have noticed that many full spectrum CBD products tout the health benefits of cannabis terpenes. Terpenes are molecules that are responsible for the unique aroma profile of plants, fruits, vegetables and spices. Aromatherapy has been based on the use of terpenes for many centuries.
Cannabis contains over 200 terpenes which, like cannabinoids, also bind to different receptors in the body to provide a range of potential health benefits. For example, one of the characteristic terpenes in cannabis plants is beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which is also found in black pepper or oregano. For this reason, some varieties of cannabis are recommended for patients with gastrointestinal problems.
Which cannabinoid spectrum should I choose?
Armed with all this information, you may still be unsure? Are you wondering why you should choose one type of oil over another? First of all, you should abandon the idea that one spectrum is essentially better than the others. Everyone reacts differently to CBD and has different needs. So it is on this basis that you should base your decision, i.e. which spectrum of CBD will work best for you. To help you in the decision making process, we have listed the pros and cons of each spectrum type.
Full Spectrum CBD
Advantages:
Allows the user to benefit from the entourage effect
+ The most natural and least processed form of CBD
Contains terpenes and flavonoids - additional health benefits
Disadvantages :
- May occur during a drug test
- THC content may cause problems depending on local legislation
- Carries the natural flavour and aroma of hemp, which is quite strong
The full spectrum oil is perfect for :
CBD users who also want the benefits of THC
* People with severe symptoms where single, broad spectrum CBD products are not sufficient.
People living in countries or regions where THC is legal (or legal up to a certain percentage).
Broad Spectrum CBD
Advantages:
+ Offers all the advantages of the entourage effect
Less processed than an isolate
No risk of psychoactive effects
Disadvantages:
- Less research done on its effectiveness compared to full spectrum
- Generally less choice than full spectrum or isolates
- May have the strong taste of natural hemp
Broad spectrum oil is ideal for :
CBD users whose health condition is such that the isolate alone cannot help
People sensitive to THC
* People who do not wish to risk failing a drug test
* People living in places with strict THC regulations
New CBD users fearing the effects of THC
CBD isolate
Advantages:
+ The most concentrated form of CBD
+ No risk of psychotropic effects
+ Very versatile
+ Safe for all types of users
+ Odourless and tasteless
+ You can pass a drug test with CBD isolate
Disadvantages:
- Does not offer the benefits of the entourage effect
CBD isolate is for :
* CBD users who have been recommended to take very high doses of CBD
* People sensitive to THC or other cannabinoids
* People who are afraid of failing a drug test
* CBD users who prefer unflavoured products
* People living in countries or regions where THC is illegal
In summary
There are many factors that can influence your preference for one type of oil over another. Your weight, lifestyle, preferences or history with other substances - each of these factors can influence how you respond to different cannabinoid profiles. For some, broad-spectrum CBD may be the best choice as it produces a certain entourage effect without the psychoactive effects of THC. For others, a high dose of pure CBD may be enough to relieve their symptoms and still others will need more THC to feel a real difference.
There is still a lot of research to be done to evaluate the effectiveness of each spectrum and its effects. To choose your CBD oil, the best thing to do at the moment is to take our advice and try it for yourself to determine which option is best for you. If you need more advice or information, please feel free to contact us directly via chat, email or phone. The Naturalpes team is here for you.