Understanding Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum & Isolates in Hemp
Understanding Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum & Isolates in Hemp
The hemp plant offers a multitude of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that can promote wellness. When these compounds are extracted, they can be processed into three primary types of hemp extracts: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolates. Each type contains different compounds and offers various benefits, which can be tailored to individual preferences and needs.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extracts
Full spectrum hemp products contain a wide range of naturally occurring cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, CBN, and trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). They also include terpenes, essential oils, and other plant compounds.
Benefits:
Entourage Effect: Full spectrum products are believed to benefit from the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically to enhance their individual medicinal benefits.
Whole-Plant Benefits: These extracts maintain the full profile of the hemp plant, providing a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness.
Examples:
Tinctures: Oils infused with a full spectrum extract, commonly taken sublingually.
Edibles: Gummies or capsules containing full spectrum hemp.
Topicals: Creams and balms for localized relief.
Process:
The processing of full spectrum hemp begins with the extraction of the hemp plant’s compounds. Common methods include CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction. These techniques aim to maintain the integrity of the full cannabinoid and terpene profile.
Warnings or Contraindications:
Contains THC, which may cause psychoactive effects or show up on drug tests.
Not suitable for individuals who are sensitive to THC or who must avoid it due to legal or job-related reasons.
Broad Spectrum Hemp Extracts
Moreover, broad spectrum hemp products aim to offer an experience similar to full spectrum, but without the THC.
Benefits:
Reduced THC Content: Ideal for those who want the benefits of a full spectrum product without any THC.
Entourage Effect: Still offers a limited entourage effect thanks to the multiple cannabinoids present.
Examples:
Vaporizers: THC-free inhaling products with broad-spectrum hemp.
Beverages: Water, tea, or other drinks infused with broad spectrum hemp.
Process:
The production of broad spectrum hemp involves additional processing steps to remove the THC. After initial extraction, the product undergoes processes such as chromatography to isolate and discard the THC compounds while keeping the rest.
Warnings or Contraindications:
May still contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially be detected in a sensitive drug test.
Isolates
Hemp isolates are pure, isolated cannabinoids, with CBD isolate being the most common.
Benefits:
Purity: Contains 99% pure cannabinoid (e.g., CBD), without other compounds.
No THC: No risk of psychoactive effects or failing a drug screening.
Examples:
Isolate Powders: Versatile and can be added to edibles, drinks, or used to create custom dosage oils.
Cosmetics: Skin care products containing pure CBD.
Process:
Creating an isolate involves additional purification steps after the initial extraction. The specific cannabinoid is separated from all other plant matter and compounds. This often involves winterization to remove fats and lipids, followed by a distillation process.
Warnings or Contraindications:
Lack of entourage effect due to the absence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
High doses of isolates without the balance of other cannabinoids may have diminishing benefits after a certain threshold.
Conclusion
When choosing between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolates, consumers should consider the presence of THC, the desired effects, and the importance of the entourage effect in their hemp products. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your routine, particularly if you have health conditions or are taking other medications.
References:
Russo, E.B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139-154.
Huestis, M.A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804.
Keep in mind that this is a rapidly evolving field, and ongoing research may provide new insights and shifts in these distinctions and their understood implications. Always check for the latest research and legal changes regarding hemp products.
