Full spectrum CBD products are becoming more popular because they can help to alleviate several health conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, and inflammation. Although more research needs to be done, more people are testifying about the relief they derive from the product.
Furthermore, full spectrum CBD oils contain all the extracts that naturally occur in cannabis. This includes some amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychoactive ingredient that makes people “high” after consuming marijuana.
An Overview of Full Spectrum CBD
Before we move on to discuss the full spectrum profile, we need to know a little about CBD. It is an acronym for cannabidiol, which is one of the components of cannabinoid, a chemical compound that is present in Cannabis. Most cannabidiol products come from hemp.
The two popular cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is a psychoactive component that causes a euphoric feeling, common among marijuana users. Cannabidiol, on the other hand, comes from hemp and does not naturally cause euphoria except it is mixed with THC.
It is important to note that both marijuana and hemp are different species of Cannabis sativa. They both contain cannabidiol. Hemp has 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol or less while marijuana contains higher concentrations of THC.
Classes of CBD
Since 2018, when the growing and selling of hemp became legal in the States, different forms of cannabidiol have emerged, from oils, gummies, creams, to tablets. Below are the different classes.
- Full spectrum contains cannabidiol as well as every other cannabinoid. It also includes traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of about 0.3 percent or less.
- Broad-spectrum contains cannabidiol and some other cannabinoids. However, it does not contain THC.
- CBD isolate contains only cannabidiol. You can click here to know more about CBD isolate.
Most CBD connoisseurs regard full spectrum products as highly effective compared to the other classes. This is because they contain all the compounds in Cannabis including THC of 0.3 percent. This combination produces an effect that researchers termed an “entourage effect”, which implies that all the components in the product work best together than when cannabidiol is used alone.
How Does Full Spectrum Cannabidiol Work?
THC and CBD, the main cannabinoids in a full spectrum CBD work on separate sections of the human brain. Although research is ongoing on how they can affect the human body, it was discovered that cannabinoids generally help to regulate the endocannabinoid system.
It is a system in the human body that takes care of the immune system and nerve function, including sleep cycle, response to inflammation, mood, and more. The system primarily helps to correct different imbalances in the body using activated receptors around the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Also, it has connections to how we feel pain. This prompted researchers to believe that cannabidiol helps the systems in the human body to achieve optimum balance.
Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved only one cannabis-based medication, Epidiolex. This prescription drug is effective in treating severe epilepsy, a disorder that results in seizures.
Currently, there is little scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of CBD on other health conditions. However, research indicates that a full spectrum product protects against inflammation. It may also help to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, and panic in some persons. You may visit https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/cbd-oil-benefits.html to see more benefits.
Do Full Spectrum Cannabidiol Products Pose Any Risk?
You may ask, “can one get “high” with full spectrum cannabidiol since it contains less concentration of THC?” Well, experts say it does not produce a euphoric or “high” feel. But this answer is not truly clear as it may differ by person and product.
As earlier mentioned, full spectrum cannabidiol contains THC of .3 percent or less, which is quite insignificant. Most experts suggest that such concentration is not powerful enough to generate any significant psychoactive effect.
Also, it may not show up when you take a drug test; however, the possibilities should not be ruled out. Some persons experience mild sedative or psychoactive effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol. Hence, there is a chance that it will show on their drug test.
Full Spectrum CBD Side Effects
Since research on this class of cannabidiol is in its preliminary stage, experts do not have answers to most questions from its consumers. This is with respect to the benefits and disadvantages of using the product for different health problems.
A 2018 WHO (World Health Organization) report shows that generally, cannabidiol is well-tolerated. However, it could have adverse effects due to medication interactions. So, there is a possibility that some side effects may occur. They include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Mood changes
It is important to note that the FDA does not regulate full spectrum cannabidiol. But it is still working to ensure that the industry is regulated soon. Presently, there’s no way to ensure the safety of the products in the market or whether they will work for you.
Additionally, daily and standard use guidelines do not exist because the dosages and ingredients may differ. Worthy to note is the fact that wrong labeling is a common problem with cannabidiol products. Hence, you can consider checking the ingredients closely, then double-check online or you can confirm from a reliable medical source.
Conclusion
Your decision to try a full spectrum product depends on whether you have a high tolerance for THC. Also, if CBD or marijuana is illegal in your location or you could be drug tested without notice, you may want to try other options.
