Full-spectrum cannabis extract, often known as whole plant extract, maintains the complete profile of the cannabis. It contains a variety of cannabinoids like THC, THCa, CBD, CBDa, CBN, CBG, terpenes, and other compounds, namely proteins, sterols, esters, phenols, and flavonoids. Cannabis manufacturers tweak some techniques to keep valuable terpenes, phenols, proteins, cannabinoids together as much as possible using different extraction techniques.
Full spectrum extract includes natural constituents of herbal medicinal substances, obtained when the substance is decocted using the traditional water method; these extracts do not focus on the concentration of any one particular constituent but concentrate all water-soluble materials within the herbal substance without affecting the constituent’s natural ratio.
How Does Full-Spectrum Extract Work?
Full-spectrum cannabis extract promotes the entourage effect, where various compounds work in sync synergistically to enhance the therapeutic results. This means that the individual cannabinoids boost each other’s effects, resulting in better efficacy than the isolate. Studies and research have also shown that using this in its complete form can allow deeper penetration into the body, thus offering a vast range of benefits.
Benefits of Full Spectrum Cannabis Extract
Therapeutic benefits:
1. Pain relief
A lot of people turn to full-spectrum cannabis extracts for their ability to reduce pain. Studies have also shown that combining terpenes and cannabinoids in such extracts can offer a more effective pain relief solution than isolated compounds.
2. Anxiety and stress reduction
Full-spectrum cannabis extract can play a vital role in reducing overall anxiety and stress levels. A lot of components work together for promoting emotional well-being and relaxation. This further makes them a good option for those looking for natural alternatives to anxiety and stress medicines.
3. Improved Sleep
Another benefit of full-spectrum cannabis extract is its ability to help with sleep issues. People who face disrupted sleep or insomnia may find these extracts helpful as they relax the body and make one fall asleep, thus promoting better rest overall
4. Anti-inflammatory
Full-spectrum extracts provide relief due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The availability of cannabinoids and terpenes in these extracts also contributes to the entourage effect.
Holistic Health
Apart from the therapeutic benefits, full-spectrum cannabis extract also contributes to overall well-being and good health. The presence of terpenes and cannabinoids enhances the nutritional profile of the extract, thus offering essential compounds that support the endocannabinoid system. This further promotes homeostasis, therefore supporting balanced health.
How Full Spectrum Cannabis Extract Differs from Other Extracts
Full spectrum vs. broad spectrum
1. Full spectrum Extract
Full-spectrum cannabis has several components of cannabis such as THC, cannabinoids, and terpenes. Full-spectrum products will have less than 0.3% THC. In places where cannabis is legal, you may even find full-spectrum products with higher THC.
2. Broad spectrum Extract
Broad-spectrum cannabis doesn’t contain THC- in theory. It may still contain some traces, but it is less than the full spectrum. Also, it includes other cannabis plant components such as terpenes but not as many as the full spectrum cannabis extract.
Full spectrum vs. Isolate
1. Full spectrum Extract
Full spectrum is the whole plant hemp extract, which contains all of the plant’s active compounds. The full spectrum is as close to the original plant as without lighting it up.
2. Isolate
As its name suggests, isolate is pure CBD. It is made by isolating the CBD from other compounds pulled from the hemp during extraction, thus leaving behind a tasteless, white, odorless crystalline powder that contains over 99% CBD. It is CBD in the most concentrated, purest form.
Which one to choose?
Choosing between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate comes down to one’s personal choice and needs.
Full spectrum is perfect if you want the full power of the hemp and don’t mind some traces of THC. It offers the strongest entourage and additional benefits from other plant compounds available. The broad spectrum is similar, but it suits those who wish to have a rich cannabinoid experience without THC. Last but not least, isolate is the perfect choice when you want pure CBD and is excellent for those seeking targeted CBD effects.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Even though full-spectrum cannabis extract offers a range of benefits, both therapeutic and holistic, you still need to be aware of the potential risks involved. Let’s check out the risks involved:
1. THC content
You need to check the THC content in the extract to be sure of what you are using. As full-spectrum extract contains much higher levels of THC than the natural plant, it has a stronger and long-lasting effect.
2. Quality and purity
To know a full spectrum extract’s quality and purity levels, you must check key factors like visual inspection, consistency, composition, labeling accuracy, and lab test results. Third-party lab tests are essential to confirm the presence of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds and ensure that there are no harmful contaminants.
3. Side effects
Some common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, etc. The FDA also states potential side effects like reduced appetite, mood changes, and gastrointestinal distress.
How to Use Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract
The full spectrum cannabis extract comes in different forms like oils, capsules, tinctures, edibles etc. Depending on the lifestyle and preferences of the individuals, one can choose the most suitable way of consumption.
1. Oils and tinctures
Full spectrum oils and tinctures are cannabis extracts containing a full range of terpenes, fatty acids, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and phytonutrients naturally occurring in the cannabis plant.
2. Capsules
Full spectrum capsules contain whole plant hemp extract having a full spectrum of naturally occurring synergistic terpenes and cannabinoids that have the potency of 15mg/capsule or soft gel.
3. Topicals
Topicals are one of the best products to use as they help relieve pain and skin complications like redness or dryness. They are easy to use and provide targeted, concentrated effects on the required areas.
Dosage and start low
You must take the required dosage according to your requirements, lifestyle, and health needs. Before using any product, you must speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your dosage. It is always recommended to start with a low dosage and see how it suits your body, assess your tolerance, and that too if you are new to concentrates. Several factors determine the dosage a person can take, like the usage, administration method, weight of the person, etc.
Best practices
It is essential to use appropriate equipment and devices like water pipes, vaporizers, and dab rings for concentrates to ensure safety. Also, one must understand that these extracts produce strong psychoactive effects so it is better to use them in a comfortable setting and avoid using heavy machinery or driving after using them. Another practice is to ensure that the concentrates have been purged of any residual solvents appropriately from extraction to avoid potential risks.
Conclusion
Full-spectrum cannabis extracts, though a little pricier, offer a complete holistic experience as they preserve the various terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds in the cannabis. This extract enriches the user’s overall experience and leverages the entourage effect for therapeutic effects.
Choosing full spectrum extracts is just like opting for a harmonious, rich orchestra over a single instrument, thus capturing the full potential of the plant to heal, inspire and delight.
