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With over 500 chemical compounds, including 100 cannabinoids, the cannabis plant is pretty spectacular. CBD is just one of these cannabinoids, and it’s so well-known, you’ve probably heard of it.
The way CBD, or cannabidiol, affects the mind and body is extraordinary. It interacts with different parts of the brain and can be used for different medical reasons. It’s also non-psychoactive, unlike THC, another cannabinoid found in cannabis you may have heard of.
Using CBD eliminates the potential for a ‘high’. Instead, many medical cannabis patients who consume CBD champion positive body effects that soothe their symptoms.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is often highlighted as the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and nervous system, influencing mood, pain perception, and other functions. Beyond THC’s well-known ability to create a sense of euphoria, it has demonstrated significant medical benefits, such as alleviating chronic pain, reducing nausea, and stimulating appetite.
Some conditions and symptoms may benefit more from a combination of cannabinoids. The plant’s many compounds, including THC and CBD, can work together to provide targeted and enhanced therapeutic effects. This is where the three main types of CBD products come in: isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum. The difference between them is all to do with the compounds they contain. We’ll be exploring the three types and their benefits below.
Three Types of CBD Products
If any CBD product features a range of compounds extracted from a cannabis plant – like cannabinoids (CBD but also THC, and lesser known ones), terpenes (which is the part of any plant that produces its smell), essential oils and flavonoids – it’s classed as full spectrum. However, full spectrum products, when purchased over the counter, have strict limits on THC content and can only contain trace amounts. Whereas prescribed full spectrum products can contain much higher amounts of THC.
Similarly, broad spectrum can contain a wide range of cannabis plant compounds and terpenes, but it contains no THC. In some instances, this may be the preference for people who are new to medical cannabis.
In both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD, the blend of cannabis plant extracts is vital, because the compounds work better together, and have a more profound impact on the body. This is known as the ‘entourage effect’. While the entourage effect is often associated with THC, broad spectrum CBD can still provide similar benefits due to the interaction of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Isolate is pretty much as it sounds: pure CBD (or THC) with no other compounds. CBD isolate is typically derived from hemp plants, which have very low THC content. The CBD is then extracted and refined to its purest form.
Watch out for over-the-counter CBD, because regulation in the consumer market is minimal. Some brands may claim their products contain isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum CBD, but there’s no guarantee that these claims are accurate. So, it's essential to choose products from reputable brands, and look for third-party lab testing to confirm their claims.
In comparison, the medical cannabis market is highly regulated. Only doctors on the GMC’s Specialist Register can prescribe, and UK-registered private clinics (like Alternaleaf) can facilitate the sale of medical cannabis. These clinics provide access to medical cannabis products that contain both CBD and or THC, depending on your symptoms and needs.
Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD: Key Differences
Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD
There’s growing evidence for full spectrum CBD effects, and its incredible therapeutic potential is mainly due to the entourage effect, as we mentioned before. Here are just some of the issues that patients and studies have said it can help with:
Chronic pain
There’s evidence to suggest full spectrum CBD is better for pain relief than isolate and broad spectrum, and this is largely due to the combined effects of THC and CBD. It’s also thought to be a much safer alternative to opioids, where dependency and accidental overdose can pose a real threat.
Anxiety
This 2022 study showed signs that full spectrum CBD provided a swift reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, with few side effects. Another showed strains high in both CBD and THC made a positive difference on anxiety symptoms.
Inflammation
You won’t struggle to find a study that shows CBD to be an effective anti-inflammatory, especially full spectrum CBD. You can also see how full spectrum outperformed CBD isolate in this 2015 trial.
For more guidance on full spectrum CBD oil, take a look at this article.
Benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD:
Broad spectrum may be better for someone who is just starting out with medical cannabis, as they can avoid THC and its potential psychoactive effects. It may also be beneficial for someone who works in a job where they are drug tested regularly. Unless of course, you’re prescribed it, in which case this shouldn’t be an issue. But starting low and slow is always best, whether it’s broad spectrum or full spectrum.
While broad spectrum CBD can be effective for some conditions, it’s important to note that it may not always be sufficient on its own. THC can offer unique therapeutic benefits that CBD alone might not provide. For example, THC can be crucial in managing severe pain or stimulating appetite where CBD's effects fall short.
Our prescribers will always take your thoughts and feelings into consideration when choosing the right treatment for you. And remember, we’ll only ever prescribe something that is safe to consume.
Summary
Like all forms of cannabis, there isn’t one type that is better than the other. If you’re looking at broad spectrum vs CBD isolate or full spectrum vs CBD isolate, you could argue that choosing broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD may produce more benefits, due to the entourage effect. However, there are lots of things that can affect how your body will react.
And the most important thing to remember is everyone is different. Visit the Alternaleaf website to start your medical cannabis journey. We’re always here to answer any questions or concerns you have.