4 Health Benefits of Broad-Spectrum CBD

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From edibles to oils, there are many different ways to effectively do your cannabidiol. But there are also multiple kinds of CBD oil itself. 

The three main types of CBD isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. CBD isolate only contains CBD, whereas broad-spectrum and full-spectrum contain other natural compounds from the cannabis indica flower. 

Isolate v.s. Broad-Spectrum v.s. Full-Spectrum CBD

CBD Isolate

• Contains pure CBD
• Doesn’t include any THC above 0.3 percent
• Doesn’t contain any additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant compounds
• Typically odorless and tasteless

Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil

• Contains CBD and other cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, CBC, and CBV. These are sometimes referred to as “CBD-derivatives,” too.
• Contains terpenes, such as limonene, linalool, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene
• Doesn’t contain any THC above 0.3 percent

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

• Includes all compounds from the cannabis plant
• Less refined than CBD isolate and broad-spectrum oils
• Contains up to 0.3 percent THC
• The most natural form of CBD oil

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils may also be more effective than CBD isolate due to the “entourage effect” of the additional compounds working together. 

According to a Frontiers in Plant Science journal review, the “entourage effect” is a theory that cannabis compounds are more effective when used together rather than isolated. 

The review cites multiple examples in which cannabis-based medications with CBD-isolate or THC-isolate are less effective than whole-plant extracts. 

That isn’t to say that CBD isolate is ineffective, but it may be more beneficial when taken with other cannabinoids and terpenes. 

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds in all plants and foods — not just cannabis. They influence the aroma and flavor of the plant and have therapeutic properties, as well. 

To know whether you’re purchasing a broad-spectrum CBD oil, keep an eye out for a label on the products. You could also buy from a reputable supplier, like Lazarus Naturals, which sells certified broad-spectrum CBD products. 

Health Benefits of Broad-Spectrum CBD 

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More Cannabinoids = More Symptom Relief

Broad-spectrum CBD products have other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. These cannabinoids have beneficial properties that provide additional types of symptom relief. 

According to a Progress in the Chemistry of Natural Products journal review, the most common cannabinoids are: 

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
• Cannabivarin (CBV)
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

CBD is the most researched non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anti-anxiety, and anti-tumor effects. CBD acts on receptors within your endocannabinoid system and receptors outside of it — such as your serotonin and potentially your adenosine receptors. 

CBN, CBG, CBC, CBV, and CBDV all work within your endocannabinoid system in different ways. CBG appears to have neuroprotective properties, as it effectively reduces brain inflammation when given with CBD in a Medicina journal study. 

CBDV has also demonstrated neuroprotective properties due to its anti-seizure and anti-convulsive properties, according to an Epilepsy & Behavior journal review. 

These are just two prominent examples of the therapeutic potential of other cannabinoids. There’s still a lot to learn about their effects, but current research reflects promising results for these other compound’s safety and efficacy. 

Terpene Therapy for Mood Boosts and Better Sleep

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Citrus is known for its refreshing, energizing properties, whereas lavender is commonly used for stress-relief. This is due to the terpenes found in these plants. 

Terpenes have been utilized in the aromatherapy industry for a while now. But their presence in cannabis plants also has a significant impact. 

The terpenes found in cannabis plants influence the way a strain smells, tastes, and affects you. For example, strains high in limonene (a citrusy terpene) boost your mood and energy. They’re classically associated with sativa strains. 

On the other hand, strains high in linalool (a terpene also found in lavender) have soothing, anti-anxiety effects. They’re commonly found in indica strains but may also be present in sativas or hybrids. 

While there’s more focus on the effects of terpenes in medical and adult-use cannabis industries, the same principle applies to CBD products. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD both contain beneficial terpenes you wouldn’t get from using CBD isolate. 

There Are Multiple Anti-Inflammatory Cannabinoids

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s one of the main reasons why there’s so much spotlight on the cannabinoid.

Inflammation is associated with an array of chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. 

But CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory or antioxidative properties. According to an Antioxidants journal review, multiple CBD-derivatives display similar benefits. 

Some Cannabinoids Are Anti-Epileptic

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition. It affects 3.4 million children and adults in America, according to the CDC. 

There is a lot of research on the safety and efficacy of treating epilepsy with cannabis. But the psychoactive effects of THC are often a concern when treating children with epilepsy. 

CBD and CBDV both show promise as epilepsy treatments without psychoactive effects. A Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment review cites multiple studies that demonstrate both cannabinoids’ anticonvulsant and anti-seizure properties. 

In Conclusion

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There’s more to CBD than just one cannabinoid. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products contain additional compounds from cannabis plants that may boost the health benefits of CBD. This is known as the “entourage effect.”

While there’s still a lot to learn about the effects of other cannabinoids and terpenes, research thus far supports their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-anxiety properties.