Published June 30th, 2020 by Jeev Trika

What is the Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, Distillate, and Isolate CBD Products?

CBD remedies come in 4 specific forms, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, distillate and isolate compounds. These forms may differ in potency, effects achieved, dosage used and even time to onset of action. To understand the differences in formulation, we need to explore the chemistry of cannabis and come to an understanding of the entourage philosophy of how cannabinoids work in the body.

The Entourage Effects

The entourage effect is achieved through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an integrated network of cannabis receptors (CB1 and CB2),  endocannabinoid molecules (anandamide and 2-AG) that bind to these cannabinoid receptors, and molecular enzymes that all function in synergy to maintain balance in the body and mind. The ECS is involved in the control of biological functions such as sleep, memory, cognitive performance, pain perception, stress management, mood regulation and immune response to name a few of the most important roles. Phytocannabinoids, present in the cannabis plant, can interact with the ECS.

Cannabinoids and, possibly, terpenes from the cannabis plant interact with the ECS in a synergistic fashion called the entourage effect with each molecule contributing an individual effect in an orchestrated manner all working together to either stimulate or block an effect from happening. The term entourage effect was introduced in 1999 and has evolved since then to mean the sum of its parts is greater than its individual components. The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids have a desirable action when delivered with a greater number of phytochemicals from the cannabis plant manifesting as both an amplification of positive effects and downplaying the undesirable ones.

The term entourage effect was actually invented in 1988 by Mechoulam (who had discovered THC originally) and its potential mechanisms illuminated by Dr. Ethan Russo in his 2011 paper “Taming THC.” Dr. Russo felt that plants are better drugs than the products isolated from them in some cases with cannabis being an example.

Interactions between the various cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenes and flavonoids from the cannabis plant are extraordinarily complex. The entourage effect is the reasoning behind keeping the extractions from the plant as close to the strain extracting from as possible.

Cannabinoids in the Entourage Effect

Among the cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique effect on the body. The cannabinoid spectrum is really what determines whether the product is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.

There are 8 major cannabinoids. The cannabis plant does not make THC and CBD directly; they are synthesized from other cannabinoids. These are:

  • CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid)
  • THCA (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
  • CBDA (Cannabidiol acid)
  • CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid)
  • CBGVA (Cannabigerovarinic acid)
  • THCVA (Tetrahydrocanabivarinic acid)
  • CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic acid)
  • CBCVA (Cannabichromevarinic acid)

THCA and CBDA are the two most abundant cannabinoids in the plant. The cannabinoids by themselves are not intoxicating like THC but several have antimicrobial activities, probably developed as a defense mechanism by the plant.

Following the application of heat and decarboxylation, each cannabinoid yields a different cannabinoid compound such as:

  • CBG (Cannabigerol)
  • THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol)
  • CBD (Cannabidiol)
  • CBC (Cannibachromene)
  • CBGV (Cannabigerivarin)
  • THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
  • CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
  • CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)

While plant cannabinoids may not be psychoactive, their presence may influence how THC affects you. For example, THCV at low doses diminishes THC’s ability to bind to CB1 receptors and at high doses it may activate CB1 receptors in a manner like THC. 

CBN is another plant cannabinoid not produced by the cannabis plant but rather is a degradation product of THC. It is present in higher amounts the older a bud gets. THC becomes oxidized and therefore, less potent.  The presence of CBN will create a more sedating buzz.

THC in the Entourage Effect

The presence of THC in a CBD product adds its own unique fingerprint to the product. In legal states such as Michigan products are available with favorable THC:CBD ratios that stimulate a more therapeutic effect than using either cannabinoid on its own. Ratios of less than .3% THC are available as full spectrum products in all states, which we will discuss later.

THC is known for its psychoactive qualities. It stimulates brain cells to release dopamine creating a euphoric state. It has sedating, relaxing, calming, analgesic ,and anti-spasmodic effects on the body. It has 20 times the anti-inflammatory power of aspirin and twice that of cortisone.  At the same time, it can induce rapid heartbeat, anxiety, depression, and short-term memory recall problems. THC can impair motor skills, especially in new users. THC as an isolated drug is used to treat nausea and vomiting.

THC feels differently when combined with CBD. Studying the entourage effect utilizing THC containing compounds has been difficult due to federal regulations surrounding the drug. So, data on the extent of its effect in the entourage philosophy is limited.

CBD in the Entourage Effect

In 1995, researchers discovered that CBD, the second richest cannabinoid in marijuana plants, could interact with the ECS and other cannabinoids to deliver unique health benefits. CBD, for example, counteracts the high that THC produces. CBD is non-intoxicating. It also interferes with the negative effect’s THC exerts when it interacts with the ECS, the anxiety, the rapid heartbeat, and the depression. This is one example of an entourage effect. In all its interactions, the entourage effect is designed to maximize the effects of the cannabis product.

Research has shown an enhanced pain response and anti-inflammatory results with the use of a full plant extract as compared to a CBD only extract.   CBD acting on serotonin receptors allows depression to be treated with a lower dose of SSRIs than those subjects treated without the CBD, another example of the entourage effect. Dosages of those products that utilize the entourage effects are typically lower than those that are devoid of these effects.

Many members of the entourage system are mediated by the same enzymes, the CYP P450 system, thus keeping CBD in circulation longer and prolonging its effects. Because of this relationship users should always look for an “avoid grapefruit” label as CBD interacts with these medications according to the Food and Drug Administration and may cause an elevated level of the drug or possibly an overdose.

Terpenes in the Entourage Effect

Terpenes are the volatile aromatic compounds responsible for the aroma of marijuana, other plants and botanicals. Similar to CBD, terpenes mitigate the negative effects of THC while amplifying positive effects associated with cannabinoids.

Terpenes are essential oils, the fifth element, or spirit of the plant. Terpenes interact with cell membranes, receptors, 2nd messenger systems and enzymes. While literature is contradictory as to the extent terpenes are involved in the entourage effect, some studies show a clear relationship. A recent 2020 study showed theorized a relationship between the entourage effect of terpenes in a cannabinoid product when treating anxiety and mood disorders. Research points towards a positive terpene phytocannabinoid relationship with regards to pain, inflammation, bacterial infections, fungal infections, cancer, epilepsy, addiction, anxiety, and depression alleviation.

Mice exposed to terpenes in aromatherapy exerted increased activity levels for one hour after exposure indicating terpenes have effects on their own aside from an entourage effect.

Extraction Methods

To develop full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate products, the essential nature of the cannabis plant needs to be extracted, usually with CO2.  Other popular extraction methods include solvent, steam, water-distillation, steam distillation, cold-pressed extraction, maceration and production of essential oils. The method of extraction generally determines quality of the oil produced. Solvents used in extraction methods should be listed on a Certificate of Analysis for the consumer to review. CO2 extraction is the most popular method.

The strain of the plant will determine the fingerprint or chemotype of the solution left after extraction. A full extraction will yield all the cannabinoids in the original product, the terpenes, and the flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory actions of their own and contribute to the entourage effect.

CBD Full Spectrum Extracts

If an extracted product is full-spectrum it means it contains all phytocannabinoids that are naturally found in the plant, including CBD, the chemotype of trace cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and essential oils including a negligible THC content, below 0.3%. 

While full spectrum and whole plant extracts are remarkably similar, whole plant CBD is less refined than full spectrum CBD and contains fats, waxes, and other fibers from the hemp plant. This type of extract can be created using a wider variety of extraction methods.

A downside to using full-spectrum products, depending on your level of use, is the fact you may fail a drug test for THC. Despite the low amount in full-spectrum products a chronic high user could possibly test false- positive. 

Full spectrum CBD products may be found listed here. 

CBD Broad Spectrum Products

These extractions seek to retain the entourage effect with a large complement of phytochemicals and terpenes but without THC.  It allows the user to experience the full spectrum of cannabis without the stigma and intoxication that accompanies cannabis’ most popularized cannabinoid, THC. Hemp, notoriously low in THC (<.3% by definition) is the plant most used for broad spectrum extractions. Broad spectrum can also be created by adding terpenes, minor cannabinoids, and flavonoids to CBD isolate or by taking out the THC from full spectrum extracts through the distillation process.

Premium CBD Oil is a broad spectrum product that can be found here

CBD Distillates

Distillates have the opposite philosophy of the full spectrum extractions.  After extraction by solvents, the concentrated oil is run multiple times through a distillation process to purify it. Some manufacturers call their product a full spectrum distillate, but this term is incorrect and contradictory. If terpenes or other bioactives are reintroduced after distillation, the product could easily be called broad spectrum. Products produced by distillation include THC tinctures and CBD distillates. 

The 20:1 Tincture is a distillate of CBD and THC that you may find here

CBD Isolate Products

An isolate is the purest form of extracted cannabinoids, a crystalline powder with a purity of 99.9%. It is produced through multiple solvent processes after distillation. The extensive processing of this product contributes to its higher price. But you pay for purity. The additional steps used in processing are expensive but crude extracts can be used to start with without concern for residues because of the extensive processing.

The Remedy is a CBD isolate available only in Michigan, a legal medical and recreational state.

Choosing Your Spectrum

The entourage effect is achieved through use of both the Full and Broad-Spectrum products and the isolates that have had terpenes, flavonoids or trace cannabinoids added back in.  It is seemingly the best choice for most people since you can achieve the desired effect at a lower dose that may even be more effective. Beyond their potential bouquet of potential therapeutic effects, all such minor additions give cannabis its depth creating a drama of positive interactions of flavor and smell making cannabis extracts more aromatic and flavorful.

However, every bouquet of extracts carries with it a strong personality with a dominating flavor of its own, one that may change with each batch of extract. In emulsions the diversity of chemicals is also a challenge. Full and broad-spectrum extracts have a lot of variability that makes them unpredictable in terms of flavor.

In contrast, distillates and isolates offer standardization and consistency. They are present in distinct quantities with a single personality and one can use a variety of flavorings to make it more palatable. For many medical purposes, purer extracts may be more desirable because they allow manufacturers to standardize and titrate products based on known and reliable amounts and effects of such amounts. They are also useful for conducting scientific studies when once wants to concentrate on a single chemical such as CBD.

Table 1. Pros and Cons of the Different Cannabis Products

Type of Product

Pros

Cons

Full-Spectrum

Good for those who need a specific CBD:THC ratio; individuals with more severe conditions or conditions that an isolate or broad spectrum could not alleviate; individuals living in states where cannabis is legal.

May fail a drug test; THC may cause local legal issues; carries the natural flavor and aroma of strong hemp

Broad Spectrum

Individuals with a sensitivity to THC; those living in states that have strict THC laws; first time users hesitant about THC.

Less available than other spectrums; may carry a strong, natural hemp flavor

Distillates/Isolates

Good for high doses of CBD;

For people who are sensitive to cannabinoids or THC; those who regularly take drug tests; individuals who prefer light flavor or no flavor

There is no entourage effect

Conclusion

There are four product types to choose from in the CBD cannabis world, each with its own advantages and disadvantages and some only legal in certain states. Knowing the local laws is foremost before shopping for a product and then matching the condition being treated to the most effective formulation and dosage for you as an individual are your first steps to CBD therapy.

As always, there is a ton of information on cannabis at https://www.bestmarijuanaguide.com/best-cbd-oil-and-tinctures

 
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