What Is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil and Why It Works

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If you’ve researched cannabidiol (CBD) oil recently, you may have heard the term full-spectrum CBD oil. This type of CBD oil comes highly recommended because of the positive benefits you receive from the full-spectrum blend.

When it comes to a quality full-spectrum CBD product, there’s often more than meets than eye. You want to fully understand how CBD works so you can get the best bang for your buck. 

Full-Spectrum CBD: The Entourage Effect 

Full-spectrum CBD contains a multitude of cannabinoids and cannabinoid acids found within the cannabis plant that work together to provide maximum benefits. These cannabinoids include cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also included are helpful cannabinoid acids, such as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabigeroverinic acid (CBGVA).

Also included are health-benefiting terpenes and flavonoids. These components add scent and coloring to the hemp plant and have general health-impacting benefits, not just when included in CBD. When combined with all of the cannabinoids, these work together to provide the best benefits to CBD users. This combination results in a full-spectrum CBD oil that creates the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect is when all of the above-listed cannabinoids work together to create a more powerful impact than each could do on their own. This effect leads to users experiencing the maximum benefits CBD use can offer. When using a different type of CBD that lacks any or all of these separate components, you won’t receive the full benefits that can be experienced when using full-spectrum CBD. 

Other Types of CBD Oil 

There are two other types of CBD oil to be aware of that may be helpful for you, depending on your intended use of CBD. Each type offers its own benefits, though you won’t experience the entourage effect that full-spectrum CBD offers. 

Broad-Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the same cannabinoids as full-spectrum CBD but doesn’t contain THC. Occasionally, very minimal trace amounts of THC may be found in broad-spectrum CBD, but in general, it won’t include any. This type of oil can be a very beneficial CBD oil for users, even though the lack of THC means the entourage effect won’t be experienced. 

CBD Isolate 

CBD isolate only contains CBD. None of the other cannabinoids are present. Though CBD on its own offers many benefits, when combined with the other cannabinoids present in full-spectrum CBD, it reaches its maximum potential to provide better relief from ailments. CBD isolate is a good option for anyone who is concerned about any trace amounts of THC present in full-spectrum CBD or the possibility of a tiny amount being present in broad-spectrum CBD.

The Many Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD 

Now that we understand the different types of CBD let’s jump into why full-spectrum is the best option based on its many benefits. 

Anti-Seizure 

CBD has shown promising results in helping those who have seizure disorders. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has actually approved one CBD product, and it is specifically for treating seizures. This product, called Epidiolex, is used to help individuals diagnosed with Dravax Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. 

You may find CBD use helpful in treating other forms of seizure disorders, especially with the maximum benefits provided by full-spectrum CBD oil. Always consult with your doctor to see if CBD use is right for you before trying any form of CBD product. 

Pain Relief

Many CBD users are finding much-needed pain relief when using CBD products such as tinctures and topicals like creams, lotions, and salves. Topical products can provide more targeted pain relief. Several people find even more significant pain relief when combining the use of topical forms and tincture forms. 

Anti-Inflammatory 

Just as with treating pain, combining a topical CBD form with a tincture form has a greater impact on anti-inflammatory relief. Lotion with CBD, which includes camphor and menthol, is extra beneficial in relieving inflammatory and pain symptoms. Consistency is vital in receiving relief for inflammatory and pain conditions. Consistent use over time will help you see a more significant impact on symptom relief. 

Anxiety Treatment 

CBD use can bring a greater sense of calmness and lessen anxiety by influencing serotonin receptors in our bodies. CBD is an excellent solution for getting anxiety relief with a much lower risk of side effects than those associated with conventional anxiety medications. When taking CBD in tincture form, some users can find anxiety relief in as little as 15 minutes. 

Muscle Spasm Relief

Everyone knows that muscle spasms can be excruciating, and we want instant relief when we experience them. An extra-strength CBD cream that is highly potent packs a powerful punch and offers fast muscle spasm relief. 

Sleep Aid

Since CBD can provide a sense of calmness, it is also a beneficial sleep aid when taken in tincture or sleep gummy form. An added benefit of promoting better sleep is that when you are well rested, you’ll find that anxiety and depression symptoms are also lessened, so you get many benefits. It could be beneficial to take CBD before bed to promote better sleep and a more restful night. 

Antioxidant 

Antioxidants protect your body from something called free radicals. Antioxidants are very beneficial in helping our bodies with disease prevention by supporting things like our eyes, heart health, and skin. CBD seems to act like an antioxidant and disrupt these free radicals that try to harm our bodies. 

Psychotic Disorder Treatment 

There has been some evidence that CBD is a possible solution to psychosis without the severe side effects of traditional antipsychotic drugs. CBD could be a much-welcomed option for those who live with psychotic disorders and are seeking to manage them without severe adverse side effects. 

Potential Side Effects of Full-Spectrum CBD 

CBD is considered relatively safe, but it is good to be aware of potential side effects such as nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, appetite suppression, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms during CBD use, discuss this with your doctor. It may mean taking a lower dose to experience maximum benefits without adverse reactions. 

There can also be rare medication interactions between CBD and certain medications. You should always consult with your doctor before trying CBD and ensure that it is safe for you to take, especially if you currently take other medications. 

How to Choose a Quality Full-Spectrum CBD Oil 

Because there are various brands, qualities, and concentrations of CBD on the market, you want to be sure you’re doing your homework. Not all full-spectrum products are created equally, so know what to look for before you buy.  

Check the Ingredients 

Quality full-spectrum CBD oil shouldn’t have a long list of ingredients. The base of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids combined with a carrier oil and potentially added flavoring or coloring to make the taste experience more enjoyable is all that’s needed in full-spectrum CBD oil. 

A long list of additives and other ingredients is unnecessary and a sign that the CBD oil is of lower quality. Less is more when it comes to CBD oil ingredients list, as fewer ingredients mean a more potent product with the components that truly matter. 

Read the Third-Party Lab Report 

A high-quality CBD company will be able to provide you with a third-party lab report that verifies that what’s on the label is what is in the bottle. To read this lab report, ask companies for a certificate of analysis (COA). The COA proves they have had a third-party lab do testing to validate their labeling. 

If a company can’t provide you with a COA, then there is a risk that their labels aren’t truthful and that their product could contain harmful contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Steer clear from those companies and stick with ones that can provide honest, third-party lab results through a COA.

Identify the THC Content 

To be legal under the Farm Bill passed in 2018, hemp plants should contain 0.3% THC or less. This results in there being 0.3% or less trace amounts of THC present in full-spectrum CBD. If you find a product that lists a higher amount of THC than this amount, this would be considered a marijuana product. 

With a higher THC content, there would then be the risk of a “high” or psychoactive effect that many CBD users aren’t looking to experience. It is essential to identify the THC content in any potential CBD product and steer clear of those that include a higher content than 0.3%.

Some may be concerned to see THC on the list of cannabinoids included in full-spectrum CBD. While even the trace amounts of THC present can show up on a drug test, the amounts are so small that they do not produce a “high” or the psychoactive effects associated with THC. That being said, if you are in a profession or situation that would cause you to have to take a drug test, then it would be best to avoid full-spectrum CBD, as it could cause you to fail. 

Find the Hemp Source 

The quality of CBD oil will significantly depend on where the hemp plants are sourced from since the hemp source affects THC levels and whether heavy metals, pesticides, or other harmful contaminants are present. Good soil will create a higher quality product with lower harmful pollutants. CBD companies should go to great lengths to ensure they are sourcing their hemp plants from trustworthy farms that provide quality plants. 

Spruce put in this work and found two family-owned farms, one in Kentucky and one in North Carolina, which hold themselves to high, professional standards and offer a high-quality, rare strain of hemp. This strain of hemp came to the United States during the War of 1812. It contains a legal amount of 0.3% THC or less. The resulting full-spectrum CBD oil products are a beautiful blend of health-benefiting cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that give you the entourage effect without unnecessary and harmful contaminants and additives. 

Research the Extraction Method 

There are many possible methods of extraction used when creating CBD oil. Though each method may have its benefits, two main methods are used most of the time. The first is CO2 extraction. This method turns the gas carbon dioxide into a liquid form used to dissolve the hemp plant and extract the CBD oil. 

The superior method of extraction is alcohol extraction. In this method, a form of ethanol or moonshine is used to dissolve the hemp plants and extract all components necessary to create full-spectrum CBD oil. This extraction method is superior because it is the best at fully extracting all these components without breaking them down too much. This process leads to a very potent, and thus more beneficial, product. 

Read Reviews 

As you do when researching any new product, read the reviews. If you see many reviews stating users didn’t experience beneficial results, you’d obviously steer clear. Conversely, if reviews seem to oversell a product, you may also want to steer clear of that one. Reviews should be honest, promising, and realistic regarding what benefits users have experienced. The voice of the people will be very beneficial in helping you determine if you’ve come across a quality full-spectrum CBD product. 

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Dosing Recommendations 

It is always a good idea to start with a low dose and see how your body reacts before going higher. High-quality full-spectrum CBD oil will be highly potent, so it won’t take a large dose to start seeing benefits. Ultimately, taking one full dropper in tincture form is recommended twice daily. Starting with a low dose of 750 mg of CBD oil is an excellent way to see how CBD beginners react and if that amount brings the desired benefits. You can then raise the dosage for challenging symptoms, even up to maximum strength doses. 

Find the Benefits for Yourself with Spruce Full-Spectrum CBD Oil 

If experiencing the entourage effect and relief from pain, inflammation, or anxiety, as well as possible help with seizure and psychotic disorders, sounds appealing to you, it’s time to talk with your doctor and find a high-quality CBD oil to give you the benefits you’re seeking. 

As you follow the steps listed above for finding a quality full-spectrum CBD oil, you’ll find that Spruce is a high-quality company that can offer third-party lab testing results, positive reviews, a reliable hemp source, and a superior alcohol extraction method. The ingredients list in Spruce products is simple, and the THC content of their CBD oils is within legal limits. Providing a quality product is a top priority when creating CBD oils.

There are many excellent benefits available for those who try high-quality CBD oils. When you try Spruce’s full-spectrum CBD oil products, you’ll be well on your way to finding the benefits you desire from CBD oil use. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Full-Spectrum CBD Stronger? 

Yes. Full-spectrum CBD is stronger and more potent because it contains all of the compounds of the hemp plant instead of isolating just CBD or a select few cannabinoids. This combination allows the entourage effect to be experienced, which is feeling maximum benefits from CBD use.

When Should I Take Full-Spectrum CBD Oil? 

Taking full-spectrum CBD oil twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, is recommended. If you’re a new CBD user, start with a low dose and move up until you experience the desired benefits. 

Which Form of CBD Is Most Effective? 

The most effective form of CBD is tincture form. This form is when the oil bottle lid resembles a medicine dropper. You suction up the desired oil dosage, squirt it under your tongue, and hold it there for one minute before swallowing. This form of CBD, taken in this manner, allows the CBD to enter your bloodstream faster, leading to quicker results. 

How Does Full-Spectrum CBD Make You Feel? 

Full-spectrum CBD can make you feel maximum relief without the adverse effect of feeling “high” or experiencing other psychoactive symptoms. It is a highly potent form of CBD that effectively relieves many ailments. 

If you experience any adverse effects like dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, or fatigue, consult your doctor and consider taking a lower dose. CBD should give you quick relief from your ailments and prepare you to face each day ahead or get good rest at night. 

Can You Drive on Full-Spectrum CBD? 

Since the trace amounts of THC are so small in full-spectrum CBD, you shouldn’t experience a “high” feeling or any impairment from taking a full-spectrum oil. In general, CBD is considered to be safe and not cause impairment, so it should still be safe to drive after taking a dose. Since a possible side effect is drowsiness, which could affect driving, it’s a good idea to see how your body responds to CBD use before getting behind the wheel as a new CBD user. 

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