How CBD Works: Full Spectrum & Broad Spectrum CBD

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One of the very best things about adding CBD to your wellness routine is that you have lots of options. How, when and why you take it are all choices you can make. It doesn’t stop there. You can also pick what exactly is in the CBD oil you choose. The elements you find in your CBD oil all depends on the type of extraction process it goes through. The more popular kinds with CBD users is full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Broad-spectrum is what we use in all Amphora products because we believe it will give you the best experience, without the psychoactive properties since there is zero THC.

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Full-spectrum is like the ultimate pick of CBD oils. It's fully loaded and is | the full packaged deal of CBD. It’s one of the most popular forms of CBD oil for those who want to get the most benefits they can from it.

Full-spectrum CBD extract contains all of the wonderful natural elements found in the cannabis plant including CBD, other cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes and flavonoids. It also has only small amounts of THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. The THC must be no more than 0.2% in full-spectrum CBD oil to be legal in the U.K. 

The other better-known cannabinoids found in full-spectrum are Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Many CBD users choose full-spectrum because of the entourage effect it provides. We'll talk about that more later but for now, just know that it's when all of the elements in the plant work together in your full-spectrum CBD oil. CBD alone has so many benefits and works with cells in your body to keep it running smoothly. When you add in all of those other great elements from the cannabis plant, you get a winning combo. People also choose this form because it’s the least processed form of CBD oil.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum is often confused with full-spectrum, but they’re different. This kind of CBD has lots of elements of the plant except it has no THC. During the extraction process, this cannabinoid is completely removed! This form still produces the entourage effect, but just without the THC.

We only use broad-spectrum products at Amphora because of all the benefits it provides, minus the THC. Our specially formulated effects based formulas can help with a variety of health and wellness goals.

Endocannabinoid System

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is found alongside other cannabinoids in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike some other cannabinoids like THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. Meaning you can get the therapeutic benefit of CBD without feeling 'fuzzy-headed'.

It works with your naturally occurring endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help keep balance in your body. The system is made up of endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes that help to regulate so many different functions like mood, pain, sleep and more. It's a fantastic system that is always trying to achieve homeostasis and create overall wellness.

Some of the most popular reasons people use CBD are to help with are anxiety, pain and sleep.

Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is one of the most important terms you need to know when understanding the advantages of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil. Things are better when you have your friends with you. It’s the same with your CBD. CBD is a great cannabinoid on its own, but it can be made so much better when joined by the other elements found in the cannabis plant.  

Research has shown that CBD that is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum as opposed to CBD isolate produced better effects for those who used it. It amped up the benefits of CBD because of the other components of the plant included in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum like terpenes and fatty acids.

Terpenes

Terpene is a word you're going to see a lot when we talk about full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products. With good reason! Terpenes are great. They’re the molecules that create the tastes and wonderful smells you get from plants, fruits and veggies.

They have benefits all on their own, and there are over 200 found in Cannabis plants. Amphora uses terpenes to enhance the overall experience with our effect-based formulas. Some of the more well-known ones are limonene which is a significant component of fruit peels like oranges and limes or Caryophyllene also found in rosemary. Limonene helps reduce inflammation.

Other Forms of CBD Oil

While full spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil offer lots of benefits, there are other types of CBD extracts available out there. It all depends on what kind of effects you’re looking for from your product.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is just like it sounds. CBD, isolated. Isolate is considered the purest form of CBD because it has all other ingredients from the plant removed, leaving only the CBD. It usually looks like a powder and can be easily added to liquid. While you do get the benefits of CBD, there's no entourage effect to be found here. Some CBD users have said that isolate doesn't pack the same punch as full spectrum or broad-spectrum. Without all of the extra elements from the plant, you don't get those added benefits.

Choosing the type of CBD oil you want to use is a personal experience, but full or broad-spectrum is an excellent option. There's a reason it's one of the more popular, quality products on the market. Of course, you want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Make sure you check for a certificate of analysis when looking for a full or broad-spectrum CBD oil product. A certificate of analysis means that it has been tested and has what it says is in there. You can find ours right on our website. Whatever form of CBD oil you choose, make sure it fits with your lifestyle and wellness routine.