There is a lot of controversy in the cbd business about nomenclature, and one of the most difficult is the usage of the phrases full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. It is crucial to note that there is no formal definition of wide and full-spectrum, leaving the criteria used to define them rather up to interpretation.
For educational reasons, we’ll compare full spectrum distillate to broad-spectrum cbd distillates and explain the advantages both for makers and consumers.
What does the cannabinoid spectrum entail?
Because each cannabinoid responds differently to our endocannabinoid system, cannabigerol (CBC) operates differently than cannabidiol (cbd). The cannabis spectrum is comprised of all 113+ cannabinoids.
The range of cannabinoids incorporated in an extract or final product often determines the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. A “full-spectrum” label indicates that the product includes the whole range of substances found in hemp plants (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.), including the cannabinoid THC. However, owing to the very low quantities of various cannabinoids, detecting their presence may be difficult. This is where confirming the credibility of a product claiming a “full-spectrum” differentiation may be problematic.
Full-spectrum: Advantages and disadvantages
Full-spectrum products include a wide variety of chemicals derived from the cannabis plant. Furthermore, since it is a whole-plant extract, it does not go through the refining phases that wide spectrum and isolate do.
However, if the presence of THC is a concern for the manufacturer or the user, a full-spectrum extract may not be the ideal option. Because of the presence of THC, these extracts may have psychoactive characteristics for certain users, as well as the possibility of testing positive for THC use on drug tests.
Broad spectrum – The same great benefits, but with less risk
Broad-spectrum distillates, on the other hand, fall somewhere in the middle of full-spectrum and isolate goods. Broad-spectrum products such as cannabinoid-rich distillates have been stripped of THC. The extraction procedure is identical to that of full-spectrum, but it is refined further to eliminate any psychotropic chemicals. This guarantees that the positive elements that consumers enjoy about full-spectrum distillates are there without the hazards associated with high levels of THC.
Our broad-spectrum solutions can be relied on by both consumers and producers to be compliant while still giving the advantages of a whole-plant extract.
Process of cbd extraction
There are multiple procedures involved in creating various cbd product types. First, the plant material is properly grown and gathered. Cannabinoids, including cbd, are abundantly generated in the resin glands of hemp flowers, which are predominantly employed in cbd extraction. Different extraction procedures are used by manufacturers to transform raw materials into the oil. Cbd extracts are isolated from plant waxes and other non-essential components.
Manufacturers use crude extraction to remove the essential components. To extract cannabinoids from plant materials, this process needs the use of solvents such as carbon dioxide (co2) or ethanol. Winterization is the next phase. The cbd extract and solvent are mixed together and frozen for 24 to 48 hours. Finally, decarboxylation occurs when cbd extracts are heated to increase their concentration.
