On the hunt for CBD? With a plethora of CBD products available across the country, it’s easy to find one that works for you. But before you make a purchase, you should understand the different types of CBD, so you know exactly what you are buying.
Most CBD oil is marketed as either “Broad Spectrum” or “Full Spectrum.” Let’s go over what makes each one unique.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is not the only ingredient in full spectrum CBD products. In fact, there are a variety of other cannabis compounds included in full spectrum formulas. Full spectrum CBD blends, such as those found at Cannabiva.com, contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Aside from CBD, you should also expect to find cannabinoids like CBN (Cannabinol) and CBG (Cannabigerol). The cannabis plant produces at least 113 cannabinoids, so it’s not uncommon to have some of them present in a full spectrum CBD product.
In the US, CBD oils containing 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC are considered federally legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill. This is a non-intoxicating amount that should not make you feel high. Most CBD products contain 0.3% Delta-9 THC so that they can be sold in all fifty states, even where recreational Delta-9 THC is illegal. If you do live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, it’s wise to check the CBD oil’s THC to CBD ratio before you buy it.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

Broad spectrum CBD is just like full spectrum CBD, but it doesn’t contain any THC whatsoever. Instead, broad spectrum CBD highlights the unique properties of CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. It also contains the cannabinoids CBG and CBN.
Terpenes aren’t just what make hemp smell so herbaceous, they have therapeutic and medicinal properties just like cannabinoids. Terpenes are found in all different types of plants, not just cannabis. You may recognize antimicrobial pinene, which is found in pine needles and gives off a strong forest scent. Or perhaps you know of limonene, which is found in the rinds of citrus fruits.

Besides terpenes, you will also find flavonoids in broad spectrum CBD. Produced by cannabis and other plants, these phytonutrients are responsible for the colors of fruits and vegetables. They also contain anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

What is the Entourage Effect?

Some cannabis experts believe that cannabis compounds are more powerful together than when consumed on their own. This phenomenon is known as the “Entourage Effect.” They believe that hemp-derived compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have a synergistic effect on the body.

Since each cannabis compound has its own properties, you may have more luck in managing your symptoms.

Which type of CBD is right for me?

CBD products are formulated to include a wide range of beneficial health properties. The main difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products is their THC content.

If you are sensitive to THC, go with Broad Spectrum CBD products. If you don’t mind a little bit of THC in your CBD formula, try full spectrum CBD products. Full spectrum CBD is the most potent formulation – but you may experience the Entourage Effect when consuming either.

Keeping up with the cannabis industry is a big undertaking. As cannabis products gain in popularity, more states are willing to undertake legalization. In turn, this gives more customers access to new products.

If you enjoy cannabis products, you are likely interested in learning about their different effects. But did you know that some cannabis products work differently when combined? Read on to learn more about the CBD Entourage Effect and how it works.

What are the most common hemp-derived compounds?

The cannabis sativa plant, also referred to as ‘hemp,’ produces a variety of compounds with therapeutic and medicinal properties.

The most notorious hemp-derived compounds are cannabinoids, which are simply chemical compounds. There are over 113 known cannabinoids produced by the cannabis sativa plant, but the most abundant are CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). You may have also heard of the rare cannabinoids CBN (Cannabinol) and CBG (Cannabigerol) which have their own beneficial properties.
In addition to cannabinoids, hemp also produces terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the pungent, skunky smell associated with hemp. Terpenes are produced by other plants as well. Lavender produces fragrant Linalool, a relaxing terpene also found in cannabis. Like cannabinoids, terpenes have their own therapeutic effects.

Besides cannabinoids and terpenes, cannabis also produces flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants produced by plants. They are responsible for the vivid coloring of fruits and vegetables. As antioxidants, flavonoids boost immunity and lower inflammation.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The Entourage Effect is the concept that hemp-derived compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than on their own. Some scientists believe that there is a “synergistic” effect on the body when these cannabis compounds are combined.

Does it sound confusing? Consider this. CBD and CBN both contain anxiolytic properties. If you add in the terpene Linalool, which is known to be relaxing, you have a better chance at reducing your anxiety. Think of it this way: It’s a lot easier to hit your target with one hundred arrows instead of just one.

How to Experience the Entourage Effect

If you are looking to add a holistic supplement to your wellness regimen, consider one that will encourage the Entourage Effect.

Since cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids all have their own properties, they interact with the body in different ways. It may be easier to manage your symptoms by consuming products that encourage the Entourage Effect.

There are two types of CBD Oils that can provide a powerful entourage effect. The debate between Full Spectrum CBD vs. Broad Spectrum CBD continues, but in short, both of them have been found to provide synergistic benefits.

If you are sensitive to THC, you can still experience the entourage effect by trying Broad Spectrum CBD oils, which are formulated without any THC.

Full spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, is the most potent formulation. This is because it contains Delta-9 THC. Most full spectrum CBD oils only contain 0.3 % Delta-9 THC, which is the federally legal amount (regardless of the state in which you live.) Luckily, this is a non-intoxicating amount, so you don’t have to worry about getting high from it.

By harnessing the properties of CBD, CBG, CBN, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids, you may encounter the beneficial Entourage Effect. Experiment with different formulations of these hemp-derived compounds to see which one works best for you.