Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum CBD: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD is one of the most important steps in bringing cannabis into your self-care routine. So what’s the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD? 

Broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD alongside minor cannabinoids so you get a more well-rounded experience. You’re not getting any THC, though. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD DOES contain THC alongside all the other minor cannabinoids.

Ultimately, picking between broad-spectrum vs full-spectrum CBD is pretty simple:

• Do you want to avoid a high? Stick with broad-spectrum CBD.

• Do you live in a state with an adult-use marijuana program? You can legally buy full-spectrum CBD gummies if you want a bit of psychoactivity. 

• Are you trying to stay clean in case of drug testing? Steer clear of full-spectrum CBD, which can cause positive test results.

• What are your goals with CBD? Sometimes, full-spectrum will actually be the better choice since THC has its own therapeutic potential as well.

Whatever you’re looking to get out of cannabis, you can buy CBD products online at Medterra. Shop now or learn more about full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD below!

Fast Facts on Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum CBD (and Isolate)

Overview of CBD

CBD is short for cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating compound found in hemp and marijuana. It’s become really popular for a wide range of uses, from stress management to sleep support, physical comfort, and overall balance.

The way it works is through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors located throughout the body and brain. What’s interesting, though, is that CBD doesn’t have the same strong binding affinity for EC1 and EC2 receptors. It works indirectly through the ECS.

You’ll find CBD in gummies, oils, and capsules, each of which has its pros and cons. CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in hemp, too, which is where the conversation on full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum comes into play. 

What’s the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD?

These are two types of CBD extract. The difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD really comes down to THC content.

What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?

Broad-spectrum CBD gummies contain cannabidiol along with many other naturally occurring cannabinoids - including CBG, CBN, CBC, and more. They also have hemp-derived terpenes, which influence the effects of cannabis as well.

What they don’t have, though, is any amount of THC. The psychoactive cannabinoid is intentionally removed during the extraction process. This is why broad-spectrum CBD is so popular among those who want the most well-rounded experience possible, without any risk of intoxication or positive drug tests.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD is the true, unaltered form of hemp extract. It contains CBD, THC, and all the other secondary and minor cannabinoids with terpenes, flavonoids, etc. But, full-spectrum CBD often contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight so that it aligns with the 2018 Farm Bill.

This is the type of CBD you go with when you want to tap into the entourage effect of cannabis. This is a phenomenon where all the different cannabinoids and terpenes work in synergy to amplify the effects of one another. 

Full-spectrum CBD isn’t necessarily going to get you high, though it’s possible depending on the exact formula and how much you take. This can be a good or bad thing depending on what your goals are. 

Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum CBD: Which is Right For You?

One isn’t necessarily “better” than the other in looking at broad-spectrum vs full-spectrum CBD side-by-side. It’s all a matter of personal preference. You might even find that you want both types of CBD in your arsenal for different occasions. 

What Are Your Goals With CBD?

Some ailments could be alleviated better with the help of THC, while CBD and secondary/minor cannabinoids are enough on their own in other instances.

Full-spectrum CBD can be a better fit for stress support, physical discomfort, or nighttime use, for example. But it could be too much for daytime use when you want to stay totally present and coherent. In these cases, broad-spectrum CBD would make more sense.

It’s also worth noting that some broad-spectrum CBD formulas contain complementary ingredients that replace THC. For instance, some of our CBD gummies for sleep are THC free but have melatonin, L-theanine, and more to bring an enhanced calming presence.

How Comfortable Are You With Psychoactive Effects?

This is the biggest distinction between full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD. One has the potential to produce mind-altering psychoactive effects, the other does not.

Some people want the high as part of their self-care routine. It definitely helps with unwinding in some cases. In other instances, though, THC can feel overwhelming - even in small amounts. We have a lot of customers who prefer to avoid it altogether because it can make matters worse, especially for managing anxious feelings.

Do You Live in a State With an Adult-Use Marijuana Program?

What you actually have access to is another important consideration between broad-spectrum vs full-spectrum CBD. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabis products in all 50 states, including broad-spectrum gummies. You can buy these online in just a few clicks.

Full-spectrum gummies, however, are another story. These are not readily available online because of recent legislation changes. So, you’ll have to purchase them through licensed dispensaries, which aren’t available in all 50 states yet. 

Are You Worried About Drug Testing?

This is another important question if you’re weighing full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD gummies. Even though the amount of THC is really low in full-spectrum products, it can be enough to trigger a positive drug test result. 

So if you are subject to drug testing in your workplace, you’ll probably want to stick with broad-spectrum CBD just to be safe. How long do CBD gummies stay in your system, though, when THC is present? It can be anywhere from a few days to a month or longer, depending on:

• Metabolism

• Your dosage and frequency

• Body fat percentage

• Diet and exercise habits

At any rate, broad-spectrum CBD is the safer pick. 

How Does CBD Isolate Compare?

There are also CBD isolate gummies, which are pure CBD. Nothing else. That’s great if you want the most straightforward option without any exposure to secondary/minor cannabinoids or terpenes. 

However, we think you’re leaving quite a bit of potential for relief on the table! The simplicity of CBD isolate is also its trade-off. The support you’re getting is very one-dimensional. Some people find they need higher amounts of CBD isolate to get the same noticeable effect from broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. 

Nevertheless, CBD isolate has its place - and we have many great options in store for you here at Medterra if you want to go this route as well. That’s the key takeaway: cannabis is individualized, so there are no right or wrong answers about which form is best for you! 

Bringing Our Broad-Spectrum vs Full-Spectrum CBD Comparison to a Close

That does it for our comparison of full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD gummies! We hope this guide has left you feeling totally clear on the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD and which is right for you.

But no matter what types of CBD edibles you’re drawn towards, Medterra makes the best CBD gummies for sale online. You can also buy CBD capsules online, CBD topicals, and CBD tinctures.

Everything we make, be it CBD capsules vs gummies, is carefully crafted from US Hemp Authority Certified raw material. We have strict lab-testing procedures in place, too, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting the pure, potent products you crave.

Don’t settle for less than the best, be it full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate. Shop Medterra’s CBD lineup and get Mother Nature’s finest shipped to your door today!