There are various CBD products and brands out in the world these days.
It’s good to have a basic understanding of what CBD is and how it works. Including broad-spectrum versus full-spectrum CBD. This will help you make an informed decision about what type of product works best for you.
What is CBD, and How Does it Work?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. To understand what CBD does, it may help to understand a little bit about what cannabinoids are and how they interact with our body’s Endocannabinoid System.
Cannabinoids are the organic compounds that naturally occur in cannabis. THC and CBD are the two best-known cannabinoids, but scientists have identified over a hundred cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Our body’s endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 1990s by researchers studying the effects of cannabinoids in humans. The endocannabinoid system is made of signals and receptors that can be found throughout the body.
We have endocannabinoid receptors in our brain, spinal cord, organs, and soft tissue. Our endocannabinoid systems use naturally occurring cannabinoid-like compounds called endogenous cannabinoids in bodily processes like appetite, inflammation, and immune system responses, just to name a few.
What’re the Differences Between Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum CBD?
Researchers believe that cannabinoids like CBD and THC can bind to our endocannabinoid receptors and help keep our natural endocannabinoids from degrading. While different cannabinoids have different effects on our endocannabinoid system, it’s clear they work together in a symbiotic response known as the entourage effect.
Broad and full-spectrum CBD contain a diverse array of cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other naturally occurring beneficial plant materials found in hemp. This is important because it allows for the entourage effect to occur.
The most crucial difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is that full range CBD may contain trace amounts of THC up to 0.3%. Although this level of THC is minimal, some people prefer an entirely THC-free product.
Broad-spectrum products have no detectable levels of THC but still offer the entourage effect. This is why many people prefer to start off using a broad spectrum CBD product.
What Are Some Ways I Can Use Broad Spectrum CBD?
There are many products made exclusively with broad spectrum CBD and even more ways to use them. The two main ways to use broad-spectrum CBD are either ingesting an edible, capsule, or oil or applying a topical product.
Broad Spectrum CBD Topicals
We have endocannabinoid receptors all over our bodies. One way to activate them is with a broad spectrum CBD topical. CBD topicals come in all shapes and sizes, including creams, lotions, salves, and balms.
CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, so when combined with other therapeutic ingredients such as magnesium or shea butter, it can serve various purposes. CBD topicals can be formulated for specific uses such as face creams, eczema balms, and pain-relieving salves. Just be sure they are made with quality ingredients like those you’d expect in your skincare products.
Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies, Capsules, and Oil
A potent way to reap the benefits of a broad spectrum CBD is through an ingestible like CBD gummies, capsules, or oil. High potency ingestible CBD can lower stress levels, offer relief for anxiety, and help restless sleep.
Gummies and capsules are an easy and convenient way to add CBD to any supplement or wellness routine. They come in various strengths and flavors. Some may even be formulated with other supplements to aid in sleep or relaxation.
CBD oil is one of the most effective ways to use CBD because it can be taken sublingually. By holding CBD oil under your tongue for at least thirty seconds before ingesting it, you substantially increase its bioavailability. The tiny blood vessels under our tongues are one of the quickest ways for our bodies to absorb cannabinoids.
Lastly, no matter how you decide to use your broad-spectrum CBD, the essential thing to look for when choosing a CBD product is a company that offers third-party testing. Third-party testing is an industry-standard and a way to make sure you know what’s going into your body.
