There have been more than 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis plants. The two most well-known, however, are THC and CBD. THC is the one that produces the plant’s signature high. CBD, on the other hand, has no psychoactive effects. For those looking to reap the benefits of cannabis without the mind-altering effects, CBD products are the way to go. If you’ve been looking at potential products, you may have noticed that some carry the label “full-spectrum” while others say “broad-spectrum.” Many say that full-spectrum CBD is the best way to go, but is it really better?

Understanding Full-Spectrum CBD

When you see the words “full-spectrum CBD” on a product label, it’s telling you that the product is an extract (or contains an extract) that has nearly all of the same compounds as the original plant. Along with CBD, it has nearly all of the other cannabinoids from the plant, including THC, CBG, CBC, and CBN. It also has a variety of terpenes, flavonoids, and more.

How Full-Spectrum Is Different from Broad-Spectrum

Another common product label is “broad-spectrum.” These products are similar to full-spectrum ones, with one very notable difference. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain a range of cannabinoids and other compounds, but they’re missing THC.

What About Isolates?

You may also come across CBD isolates. These are the purest forms of CBD products, as they contain only cannabidiol. Unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products, they don’t have any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or other compounds. The biggest difference between the two is that broad-spectrum products don’t contain any THC, where full-spectrum options do. The amount of THC varies from one product to the next.

Is Full-Spectrum CBD Better?

So, is full-spectrum CBD better than broad-spectrum and isolate products? Both full- and broad-spectrum CBD provide what’s known as the entourage effect, a phenomenon in which the cannabinoids are more effective together than they are alone. The terpenes also play a role, providing their own benefits while also enhancing the benefits of the cannabinoids.

While both full- and broad-spectrum products both produce the entourage effect, the benefits of full-spectrum CBD are likely to be more significant than those of broad-spectrum. One of the reasons for this is because full-spectrum CBD products are closer to the profile of the original plant, so it’s able to provide more of the same benefits that cannabis buds offer.

Despite being closer to the original strain, and often thought to be the best option, determining if full-spectrum CBD is better than other products isn’t that simple. The truth is that it all depends on you. If you’re sensitive to THC, a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate product may be the better option. If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience, then a full-spectrum CBD product may be the best. If you only want the benefits of CBD, then you may do well with an isolate.

While full-spectrum CBD products provide significant benefits, the answer to whether or not it’s better than other CBD products depends on you. Determine your needs and goals to help you find the best product and achieve optimal results.