Why Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum CBD is Best

The Entourage Effect

As we have mentioned previously, one of the most significant benefits to full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products is known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect comes into play when various compounds within the cannabis plant or able to work together synergistically to offer the highest potential for benefits. So what stands broad spectrum in full-spectrum CBD products apart from CBD isolate, and why are they able to produce the entourage effect and CBD isolate isn't?

The answer to the question is simple. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products do not specifically isolate CBD from the Cannabis or hemp plant. Instead, they extract all of the phytochemicals, phytonutrients, proteins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other vital aspects of the plant and remove the THC. With these compounds all being able to work together, they can provide a higher rate of relief and benefits.

Each of these compounds offers a substantial list of potential benefits in themself. When working together, it is believed that they also amplify each other's effects. In a paper published in 2011 by Dr. Ethan Russo name Taming THC The Potentials Cannabis Energy And Vital Cannabinoid Terpenoid Entourage Effect, the interactions between terpenes and cannabinoids were investigated in hopes of finding synergy to treat aspects such as depression, pain, inflammation, anxiety, epilepsy, cancer, addiction, and bacterial infection.

The 2011 paper, with a follow-up to a previously released report in 2008 concluded: "good evidence shows that secondary compounds in cannabis may enhance the beneficial effects of THC." It is thought that even when THC is only present in minimal amounts that the entourage effect is still consistent.

It is easy to see how the entourage effect could come to be and how these compounds could amplify the impact of one another. This is especially true when you look at the potential benefits of many cannabinoids, along with the benefits of terpenes, for example. THC, CBD, and many terpenes have been scientifically proven to offer a relaxing and sedative effect, to provide relief from pain and inflammation, and to have antioxidants and antifungal properties.

When consuming a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD, you are reaping the benefits of all of these compounds. In comparison to consuming CBD isolate, where you were only reaping the potential benefits of CBD itself, you can easily see how broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD products may be the best choice for many.

According to Healthline.com, in a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, it was determined that synthetic cannabinoids when taken together may offer potential benefits for the treatment of fungal infections, epilepsy, cancer, anxiety, inflammation, and pain.

Evidence has concluded that CBD may help to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. When consumed together, it is believed that CBD naturally balances and traditionally mitigates the often intense psychoactive effect.

In 2018 research proposed that when flavonoids when consumed along with CBD could improve CBD’s therapeutic potential.

However, as with anything surrounding this plant, there is much more research needed. This is especially true, seeing how not all research has come to the same conclusion. For example, a 2019 study looked at terpenes alone and in combination with cannabinoids and specifically their effects on cannabinoid receptor CB1 and CB2. Researchers in that study concluded that the effects of THC on said receptors remained unchanged after the addition of terpenes.

It seems there will always remain controversy in the area of broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD vs. CBD distillate. What used to be the gold standard of CBD distillate is starting to see a change favoring full spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD. As more science is being conducted studying cannabinoids, this research is pointing towards solidifying the concept of the entourage effect.

With broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD containing a wide variety of cannabinoids along with vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, it's easy to see how it stands to be more effective than when utilizing a specific cannabinoid by itself. It's kind of like medicine working better with food. CBD works better in conjunction with other cannabinoids, according to countless consumers and by some suggested research.