Full Spectrum CBD: What It Is & How It Works

Less than a decade ago, many people were hesitant to try CBD because of some of the many misconceptions about hemp-derived cannabis products. But they were clearly intrigued by reports of its health and wellness potential. By 2019, the number of US adults using CBD increased to 14% (Brenan, 2019). Today, current polls suggest 26% of Americans are CBD users (Julia, 2022) and market analysts predict a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 17% from 2022 to 2030 (Grand View, 2021). 

As enthusiasm continues to grow, so does the number of people trying CBD for the first time. Of course, some will prefer tinctures and topicals made with non-detectable levels of THC. But others will want to take advantage of everything the plant has to offer by using products made with full spectrum extracts. Although full spectrum CBD won't appeal to everyone, knowing what it is and how it works could be just what you need to decide if our high-quality full spectrum products are right for you. 

What Is Full Spectrum CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid produced in cannabis plants. There are two possible sources, marijuana and hemp. Marijuana plants tend to produce high concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and varying amounts of CBD. Hemp plants produce high concentrations of CBD but only a small amount of THC. That's why most CBD products sold in specialty shops, department stores, and through online merchants are made with the oil extracted from hemp's stalks, stems, and flowers. 

Full spectrum hemp extract retains all the chemicals and compounds produced in the plant without affecting the ratios of each component (Jacobs, 2016). A detailed analysis of the extract will reveal an ample amount of CBD, plus an impressive number of terpenes, numerous flavonoids, antioxidant vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids, and small amounts of more than 140 additional cannabinoids (Jenkins, 2018). Each active plant element has properties that contribute to the health and wellness potential of full spectrum CBD products in different ways (Komarnytsky et al., 2021). 

How Do Full Spectrum CBD Products Work?  

CBD works by interacting with more than 65 molecular targets (Elsaid & Foll, 2020), including the receptors of your endocannabinoid system (ECS). (Marzo & Piscitelli., 2015). As the largest regulatory system in your body, ECS signaling plays a crucial role in nearly every critical function, from your stress responses and immune system function to sleep cycle regulation and pain perception (Mouslech & Valla, 2009). Although most of the evidence is based on lab results, animal studies, and a small number of clinical trials, researchers believe CBD contributes to ECS function in a way that helps promote essential balance (homeostasis) (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). 

While you could use CBD on its own (CBD isolate) to help support ECS function, many CBD users feel the effects of full spectrum products are more robust. Why? Because of the way the combined effects of its many cannabinoids and terpenes help maximize the contributions of each active plant component. It's a property unique to cannabis researchers call an "entourage" effect (Nahler et al., 2019). Broad spectrum CBD also has many of the cannabinoids and terpenes needed to produce an entourage effect, but many feel the modified cannabinoid profile diminishes the impact (Wilkins, 2022). 

Who Has the Most to Gain the from Full Spectrum CBD? 

Adults of all ages could benefit from full spectrum CBD. In return, they'll gain the biochemical contributions of each of the plant's many active components. Like other product types, full spectrum CBD is generally well tolerated, non-addictive, and has an exceptionally low risk of (minor) side effects (WHO, 2020). But it's not right for everyone. CBD users who would rather avoid THC tend to prefer products made with broad spectrum extracts or CBD isolate. 

Broad spectrum CBD has many of the same cannabinoids and terpenes as full spectrum products, but the THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. CBD isolate also has non-detectable levels of THC but none of the additional cannabinoids and terpenes. Although hemp-derived products are considered safe for most people, anyone who has a medical condition or takes medication should consult their healthcare provider before use. CBD (and other cannabinoids) can interact with several medications (Grotenhermen & Müller-Vahl, 2012). 

What Are the Benefits?  

There are two types of ECS messengers your system responds to, the endocannabinoids produced as needed in your body (anandamide & 2-AG) and the phytocannabinoids (plant-sourced cannabinoids) in marijuana and hemp. Both relay urgent signals to your ECS receptors. Ideally, you would have all the endocannabinoids you need for efficient communication. But life is seldom ideal. 

Numerous internal and external factors, including stress, can increase demand or interfere with production (Morena et al., 2015). That's where hemp-derived cannabinoids fit into the equation. But since every system is unique, the only way you'll know how you might benefit from supporting ECS function with full spectrum CBD is to try it. 

With that being said, you may find it helpful to know that of our nearly 2000 survey respondents; most CBD users report positive effects for relaxation, better sleep, discomfort after physical activity, mild or temporary anxiety, and more. Although some people claim CBD works within hours of their first serving, you may need to be patient. Most of our survey respondents report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

Finding the Full Spectrum Product That's Right for You  

The quality of the products you select can have a significant impact on your experience. But 25% of hemp-derived CBD products are never tested for purity (Herrington, 2021) or potency. That's an alarming number given hemp's ability to draw heavy metals, pesticides, and other potentially harmful substances from the soil as it grows. You can protect yourself from investing in low-quality products by sticking with a reputable, transparent brand, a name you can trust. 

CBDistillery® is a respected industry leader with more than 2 million satisfied customers. We rely on natural farming practices, the cleanest extraction methods in the industry, and our products are third-party tested to ensure purity, potency, and consistent quality. When you're ready to try our full spectrum CBD, the following product descriptions could help you decide which of our most popular options is right for you. 

CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Gummies  

CBD gummies are a favorite with first-time CBD users. CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Gummies have a delicious strawberry flavor selected to complement, not mask, the terpene profile of our naturally cultivated hemp extract. Each one gummy serving gives you 30mg of CBD, an amount that seems to work well for most CBD users. Each jar contains 30 lightly sugar-coated hemp supplements. 

CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures  

CBD Oil tinctures are made with a blend of hemp extract and a carrier oil. We use MCT oil (fractionated coconut oil) to help enhance cannabinoid absorption and bioavailability. CBDistillery® 1000mg Relief & Relax Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture gives you 33mg of CBD in every (1 dropper) serving. You can use your tincture to add CBD to foods and beverages or hold a serving under your tongue for 10-20 seconds before swallowing. 

CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Softgels  

Full spectrum softgels could be your best option if you want a convenient, portable product. Formed, filled, and sealed in a single operation, the smooth gelatin shell is easy to swallow and helps protect the contents from oxidation.CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Softgels give your 30mg of CBD per serving and are available in 30 and 60-count bottles. 

CBDistillery® Full Spectrum Topicals  

CBD topicals give you fast, targeted relief as the cannabinoids penetrate your skin. For discomfort after physical activity, try CBDistillery CBDol® CBD Balm, a topical salve with 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD and a soothing blend of botanical ingredients. CBD topicals can be used on their own or to complement the effects of your CBD gummies, tinctures, softgels, or full spectrum powder.   

CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Powder  

CBDistillery® CBD powders are specifically formulated to add cannabinoids to cookies, brownies, candy, smoothies, and more. Each 1-gram jar gives you 850+ mg of highly concentrated Full Spectrum CBDelicious CBD Powder you can use to add the health and wellness potential of hemp-derived cannabinoids to your favorite recipes. You can also add this powder to creams and lotions to make your own full spectrum topicals. 

Are CBDistillery® Full Spectrum CBD Products Right for You?  

At CBDistillery®, we're committed to providing the information people need to make confident decisions about adding CBD to their daily routines. To learn more about the many potential benefits of supporting ECS function with hemp-derived cannabinoids, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide. While you're there, consider browsing our selection or taking our CBD Product Quiz. 

If you're intrigued but still unsure where to start, set up a personal consultation with an expert. You can shop with confidence knowing CBDistillery® products are US Hemp Authority® certified, third-party batch tested, and backed by our 60-day satisfaction guarantee.     

References

Brenan M. (2019) 14% of Americans Say They Use CBD Products. Gallup. 

Elsaid S, Foll B (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1 

Grand View Research. (2021) Cannabidiol Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Source Type (Hemp, Marijuana), by Distribution Channel (B2B, B2C), by End-use (Medical, Personal Use), by Region and Segment Forecasts, 2021-2028. PDF Market Analyst Report Summary. 

Grotenhermen F, Müller-Vahl K. (2012) The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. 109(29-30) Dtsch Arzteb Int 495- 501. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2012.0495 

Herrington A. (2021) New Report Finds 25% of CBD Products Are Not Tested for Purity. Forbes 

Jacobs J. (2016) Difference Between Full Spectrum and Standardized. Natural News Blogs. 

Jenkins, B. (2018) Is Full Spectrum CBD Really Better? Terpenes and Testing Magazine. 

Julia N. (2022) CBD Statistics: How Many People Use It, Demographics, & More (2022 Data Update). CFAH. 

Komarnytsky S, Rathinasabapathy T, et al. (2021) Endocannabinoid System and Its Regulation by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Full Spectrum Hemp Oils. 22(11) Int J Mol Sci 5479. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115479 

Marzo V, Piscetelli F. (2015) The Endocannabinoid System and Its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. 12, Neurotherapeutics 692-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0374-6 

Mouslech Z, Valla V. (2009) Endocannabinoid System: An Overview of Its Potential in Current Medical Practice. 30(2) Neuro Endocrinol Lett 153-79. PDF 

Morena M, Patel S, et al. (2015) Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System. 41(1) Neuropsychopharmacology 80-102. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2015.166 

Nahler, G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? How This Enhances CBD Effects. Marijuana Takers. 

World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2