Hemp extract, an extract obtained from hemp plants and high in cannabinoids, including CBD, is becoming increasingly popular. As a result, it is starting to appear in various forms. “Full spectrum” is a term you’ve probably seen on hemp products, hemp tinctures, and hemp salves. For those of you who don’t know what that means, here are the basics:
What does “full-spectrum” on a hemp or CBD label mean?
Hemp seed oil should not be confused with full-spectrum hemp oil, an extract obtained only from grown hemp plants. The name “hemp” refers to cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is insufficient to cause psychoactive effects. A CBD oil, on the other hand, can be made from hemp or marijuana. Those cannabis plants with a higher THC concentration are known as “marijuana.”
Full-spectrum hemp oil contains all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals found in hemp. This isn’t the same as a CBD isolate, which contains CBD as the active ingredient.
Full-spectrum oils have numerous advantages.
To get the most out of a full-spectrum product rather than a CBD isolate, all of the hemp plant’s hundreds of chemicals function synergistically. The entourage effect is a term used to describe the synergy that occurs when multiple cannabinoids in cannabis work together to provide a stronger effect than any one of them could have on its own. Integrative physician Robert Rountree, M.D. likens it to a sports metaphor: “You have one outstanding player, but you need the squad.” “It’s all in the mix,” as the saying goes.
So, what exactly are all of those chemicals for, and what do they accomplish? Cannabinoids first impact the body’s endocannabinoid system, the “master regulator system,” which manages the immune, digestive, and central neurological systems.
To maintain a state of equilibrium, or “homeostasis,” our bodies produce endocannabinoids. Researchers, however, believe that a deficiency may cause chronic diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome and migraines in endocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids, or plant-derived cannabinoids, may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms by supporting the delicate balance maintained by our endocannabinoid system.
CBD is perhaps the most well-known and extensively studied among hemp oil and CBD oil’s many phytocannabinoids. There are still many more cannabinoids to be discovered in hemp, and scientists are exploring the potential benefits of each cannabinoid alone, in combination with others, and various combinations.
Cannabinoids are just one therapeutic chemical found in cannabis, and full-spectrum products contain various compounds. Cannabinoid processing is enhanced by the plant’s terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s scent. Other phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, such as flavonoids, which can be found in many foods.
The cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in full-spectrum hemp oil work together to keep you in balance. Instead of a single cannabinoid performing on its own, full-spectrum hemp offers an orchestral experience.
All information presented here is not a substitute or alternative to health care practitioners’ information. Before using any product, please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
