There are now more ways to consume the cannabis plant than most of us will ever realize. From pairing it within alcoholic beverages, CBD oils, applying topical pastes on the skin, and more, there is almost no end to how cannabis can be used. However, if you are not smoking, then the most common method of consumption uses cannabis extract rather than the whole plant. This thick, lovely golden liquid can be combined with so many other substances to help each person find their personal preference in cannabis consumption.
Cannabis extracts are the foundation upon which most cannabis consumption takes place. This foundation, essentially the differences in the strength and quality of these extracts, is crucial for determining how effective the concentrate is. Terms like distillate and full-spectrum start being thrown around when cannabis extracts are being discussed, but what exactly do they mean, why is full-spectrum a vital term to know, and what are the pros and cons of full-spectrum CBD? Read on for more details.
What Does Full Spectrum Mean, And Why Is It Important?
When it comes to CBD, the term ‘full spectrum’ means that the maximum amount of native phytochemicals remains in the solution following its extraction. These phytochemicals include THC, terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. This extraction process also helps remove all other substances, like unnecessary lipids and non-vegetative byproducts, so the end product is as pure and potent as possible.
To ensure that your CBD is ‘full spectrum,’ the cannabis will need to be tested before the extraction process starts and the end product tested again so that both can be compared to the other. This kind of testing isn’t common, and genuinely full-spectrum products are relatively rare, as most of the beneficial phytochemicals are lost in the processing. These extracts are often darker, while their flavors lean towards more earthy tones.
Because total spectrum products have more phytochemicals such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, these extracts are more complete, more robust, and more natural than other forms of CBD. Even smoking cannabis does not offer as whole an experience as truly full-spectrum CBD oils.
Pros and Cons of Full-Spectrum Distillate
There are very obvious pros, and cons, to taking full-spectrum distillates.
On the pro side, full-spectrum CBD can be used to help with several health issues, chronic or otherwise. This type of CBD can be used as an anti-seizure, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory and even have neuroprotective qualities. Additional uses include helping provide relief from muscle spasms and some mental health conditions. Full-spectrum CBD is by its very nature far more regulated and tested than other forms of CBD, meaning you are guaranteed a certain strength and quality.
As for cons, full-spectrum CBD can be harder to get as it is rarer due to the testing and quality necessary in its creation. And since this form of CBD is so much stronger it can still give a ‘high’ similar to traditional weed, and can even show up on some drug tests that screen for THC.
When it comes to CBD and its development, full-spectrum distillations ensure that the product is as pure as possible while also keeping the production itself standardized across the board. With known, reliable effects users do not have to worry about the unknown and can instead focus on their own wellness.
Whichever way you wish to take CBD products, ensure they are of the highest quality. Abundant Labs offers bulk isolate and THC-free products to suit the needs of any cannabinoid product manufacturer. Contact us today to learn more, or click around our website for further information on CBD and our scientific practices.