There are three different types of CBD or Cannabidiol. The two that help the most with medical and mental health are broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD). The difference is found in the naturally occurring compounds within the plants that are extracted for use.
The cannabis plant contains more of the CBD compound than the THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the main difference between the two.
Main Differences
A broad-spectrum CBD will contain different cannabis plant compounds, but will not have any THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the chemical compound accountable for the psychological effects of marijuana.
When a CBD extract contains many different naturally occurring compounds, like Terpenes and up to 0.3 percent of THC, it is considered the full-spectrum CBD.
Extraction Methods
Another main difference between these two compounds is the process by which the medicinal properties are extracted. The main extraction techniques are:
Steam Distillation – This method utilizes steam to separate the precious oils from the plant materials. This is a highly effective way of extraction, yet it is not as popular as the CO2 method.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – this technique uses carbon dioxide to separate the CBD oil from the cannabis plant. This method will produce high-quality and better concentrations of CBD.
Lipids – this procedure is used not only for CBD but for hemp plants as well. It includes applying heat, pressure, and time to the plant in order to encapsulate the compounds into a fat-like oil or lipid.
Solvent – this is an effective way to extract the compounds from the plant, however, it may be harmful to one’s health. Depending on which solvent is used and if there are any trace amounts left behind in the resulting CBD, it is not the most ideal method. It will also affect the flavoring of the extracted compound.
Currently, the Lipid Extraction method is the most popular because it does not depend on chemicals, solvents, or CO2. Not all CBD manufacturers use this method and you would beware to read about the method of extraction before consuming a product. Some methods will allow trace amounts of THC through, and this will show up on a drug test.
Benefits of Each
Broad Spectrum Benefits – this type of CBD product may include a few additional compounds like Cannabichromene, Cannabinol (CBN), and Terpenes.
Benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, antibiotic properties, and possible anti-seizure properties. Everyone has a different chemical makeup and therefore, each individual will react to the CBD and other plant-based medicines in slightly different ways.
Full Spectrum Benefits – this compound seems to have more benefits than the broad-spectrum type of CBD. It may also contain low levels of THC, but not more than the law allows which is 0.3 percent.
Along with antibiotic properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-seizure properties, the full-spectrum aids with anxiety relief, pain relief, and boosting antioxidant levels.
You may need to try both types of CBD in order to find the one that works best for your health issues. You will need to give each of them a chance to work before deciding which one is right for you. There are also different strengths of this plant extract that will affect your health.
