Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD: What's the Difference?

Navigating the world of CBD (cannabidiol) and the hemp plant might feel a bit overwhelming — but don’t worry, we’re here to help. 

The first thing to know is the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD – the two main types of CBD you’ll come across.

You can find both full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD in all sorts of products, from topicals to tasty gummies. Understanding what these terms mean before diving deeper into your CBD journey is key.

So, let’s explore full and broad spectrum CBD, why the difference matters, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the best products for your needs.

What Are the Basics of Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD?

Say hello to full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD, your new BFFs from the hemp plant world. Here’s the scoop on full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD to get you started.

Full Spectrum CBD

Spotting “full spectrum” on a CBD or hemp oil label means you’ve hit the jackpot of plant compounds from the cannabis plant. True to its name, full spectrum CBD delivers the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the plant — picture over 100 unique cannabinoids, 150+ terpenes, and around 20 flavonoids joining forces to bring you health benefits galore.

Cannabinoids steal the show, but terpenes and flavonoids add their own fragrant flair and extra perks.

But wait, there’s more — full spectrum CBD even brings a tiny amount of THC along for the ride, with up to 0.3 percent (tetrahydrocannabinol) per dry weight. This THC content sets full spectrum CBD apart — but it’s not enough to get you “high.” 

Curious about your full spectrum CBD’s extraction and content? Don’t forget to peek at the certificate of analysis (COA) to discover the precise percentages of THC, CBD, and total cannabinoids in your batch. Trustworthy brands make this info easily accessible on every product page.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD might be the life of the cannabinoid party, complete with a dash of THC, but broad spectrum products still pack their own punch. They show up without THC while still flaunting a bunch of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Sure, broad spectrum might miss a few cannabinoids found in full spectrum due to the extraction process, but don’t fret — there are still plenty of goodies in each batch of broad spectrum CBD, with compounds like CBG, CBN, and others.

Combine those with terpenes and flavonoids, and you’ve got the perfect cocktail of broad spectrum CBD extract. Just keep in mind that the trace  levels of THC in full spectrum CBD help you achieve the most benefits.

Looking for a specific product type? You’re still likely to find it with broad spectrum CBD — AKA, you aren’t going to miss out on your preferred method of intake. From drops to topicals and edibles like gummies, there’s a product out there to suit your needs.

What Are the Pros, Cons, and General Benefits of Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD?

We’ve honed in on the key difference between full and broad spectrum CBD: full spectrum extract contains trace amounts of THC (0.3% maximum), while broad spectrum extract contains none.

But what does this mean for the pros and cons of each variant, and how does this influence your decision-making process in the CBD marketplace? Let’s dig deeper and see how these differences play out in your CBD routine.

Full Spectrum CBD

With full spectrum CBD, you’re in for a treat with the whole shebang, including a smidgen of THC. Don’t get us wrong, though; the THC won’t send you to cloud nine, but it might help fuel the entourage effect, letting cannabis compounds harmonize for bonus perks.

You can think of the entourage effect as the cannabis plant’s secret sauce. When CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids join forces, they amplify one another’s strengths. This synergy creates a more potent and well-rounded cannabis experience. It’s like a supergroup of cannabis compounds, rocking the benefits stage together.

Some full spectrum CBD users report feeling extra soothed, comforted, and wrapped in relaxation and wellness — this is what many users are hoping to get from CBD, and full spectrum certainly delivers on its promise.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD serves up most full spectrum perks, minus the THC twist — and this has its own ups and downs, depending on your goals and needs.

For example, with THC being MIA in broad spectrum CBD, the entourage effect’s power might take a little dip compared to full spectrum. Since THC is a major cannabinoid star and key in therapeutic benefits, giving it the boot might put a damper on the glow of other compounds in the product.

However, you can still score big with broad spectrum CBD, especially if a THC-free life is your jam.

How To Take Each Type of CBD

Both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD are great entry points to the CBD lifestyle, and there’s something out there for everyone. There’s an array of ways to incorporate these types of CBD into your daily routine — let’s explore some methods and serving sizes to help you make the most of your CBD. 

Method

Whether you want to go all-in with full spectrum CBD or try some broad spectrum without THC, you’ve got options:

Oils, Drops, and Tinctures

Oils, and drops, and tinctures, oh my! What’s the lowdown on these types of CBD, you ask?

Allow us to explain — truth is, oils, drops, and tinctures are all different ways to describe the same thing. Think of them like your best friend who has a whole handful of different nicknames, all of which are used regularly. 

These liquid goodies make taking CBD a breeze. Whether you’re looking for relief from feelings of stress and tension, support for mood, or support for your mental clarity, drops are a convenient way to achieve just that.

Just place a few drops under your tongue or mix them into your favorite drink. Start with a low serving size, like 5 to 10mg, and gradually increase it to find your CBD sweet spot.

Oils and tinctures tend to deliver a good balance of quick-acting CBD effects that also last for a considerable duration. You may notice heightened effects of full spectrum CBD in drop form, as the compounds enter the bloodstream more rapidly. Our Full Spectrum CBD Drops for Calm + Focus offer an ideal starting point.

Capsules and Softgels

If you’re all about convenience and consistency, pop a CBD capsule or softgel into your daily supplement lineup. From general cognitive support to support for focus and clarity, relief from feelings of tension, and wellness support while traveling, softgels are a quick way to get the benefits you want. They come in pre-measured serving sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 50mg per capsule, making it easy to track your CBD intake.

Softgels can be taken discretely and offer a familiar format (like a vitamin) to get started with CBD. If you want to take full spectrum CBD for the first time, try these Cognitive Support CBD Softgels on an empty stomach for faster absorption. 

Gummies and Edibles

Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD gummies and other edibles are a tasty and convenient way to get your cannabinoids, even while on the go. Start with one gummy (usually around 5 to 25mg) and see how you feel before munching on more.

Gummies are a universal favorite in the CBD world, so keep your favorite gummy products on hand. Our Peaceful Mind CBD gummies are extra strength, with 15mg of CBD per serving to help you chill out, unwind, and melt away the day’s tension. These gummies help support feelings of general serenity and relaxation, transporting you to your happy place. 

Topicals

Fancy a soothing massage with a CBD twist? Creams, lotions, and balms infused with full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD are perfect for applying directly to your skin. Topical products are a great way to catch some relief from pesky muscle tension while also working to soothe and nourish skin for all the good vibes. 

No need to worry about serving sizes here; just slather on as needed and enjoy the bliss!

Serving Size

When using CBD, you’ll find that most products recommend starting with a low amount (around 5 to 10mg) and slowly introducing more as your body gets used to it. 

Your CBD journey is uniquely yours, though — no two people are exactly alike, and no two CBD journeys are exactly alike, either. From body weight and metabolism to personal preferences, a range of factors can add twists and turns to the equation and play a role in your chef’s kiss serving size. 

As the age-old saying goes, “Start low and go slow” — only you know what works best, feels best, and brings you some real zen best, so go with your gut.

Also, don’t forget to give your body some time to adjust. You might not feel the full effects of CBD right away, so don’t get discouraged. Good things take time.

CBD has a snowball effect — as you stay consistent and keep making it a regular part of your routine, you’re tacking on more and more (and more) goodness. It might take a few weeks of daily use to get into the groove and really find your peak chill mode, and that’s normal.

And, of course, no CBD adventure would be complete without a little homework.

Make sure to choose high-quality full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD products from reputable brands. Look for third-party testing, certificates of analysis (COAs), and customer reviews to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

Goals

There’s a time and place for any CBD product, so learn to use different types depending on the situation in front of you. For example, you may find that full spectrum CBD products are ideal for sweeping you into the realm of relaxation and easing physical (and mental) tension after a long day, while broad spectrum CBD oil ignites your focus and helps you slay your to-do list without THC.

As your CBD preferences come into focus, you’ll learn more about timing your servings for maximum effect. Many users find benefits from starting the day with a lower dose of broad spectrum CBD, while full spectrum products come in handy later in the day for relaxation.

Expect More From Your CBD

CBD products are more varied than you might think — full spectrum and broad spectrum are rockstar rivals with unique perks, and knowing the difference is the perfect place to start. Choosing between products can feel like deciding between two flavors of ice cream. It’s tricky but fun, and it pays off. 

The key to finding your perfect match lies in experimenting and exploring. It’s a quest for the ultimate balance, and once you find it, you’re in for some real chillaxation.

Sources:

Cannabidiol (CBD) – StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf

Comprehensive Comparison of Industrial Cannabinoid Extraction Techniques | Frontiers

Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals | NIH

Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects | PMC