Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound derived primarily from hemp varieties of the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a “high” sensation. As the market for CBD products expands, consumers encounter various terms describing product composition. This article defines and explains “Broad Spectrum CBD,” which represents a carefully refined extract.
Defining Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad Spectrum CBD is a hemp extract containing cannabidiol and a wide array of other beneficial compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant. This profile includes minor cannabinoids, aromatic terpenes, and flavonoids. The defining feature is the intentional removal of THC to non-detectable levels.
This extract offers a middle ground between other CBD forms, allowing consumers to benefit from the plant’s diverse chemical components without the psychoactive compound THC. Minor cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) are typically preserved. Aromatic terpenes, such as myrcene, pinene, and limonene, which contribute to the plant’s scent and flavor, also remain intact.
The goal is to retain the original plant’s complexity while excluding THC. This preservation of secondary compounds differentiates it from a pure isolate. Consumers who wish to avoid THC for professional, legal, or personal reasons often choose broad-spectrum options.
Comparing CBD Types: Full Spectrum and Isolate
CBD products are generally defined by three categories: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate. These categories are distinguished by the presence or absence of THC and the inclusion of other plant compounds. Understanding these distinctions is important for selecting the right product.
Full Spectrum CBD is the least processed extract, containing the entire range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the original hemp plant. Full-spectrum products derived from hemp must contain trace amounts of THC, typically up to 0.3% by dry weight. While this level is generally too low to cause intoxication, the presence of THC is the main difference from the broad-spectrum variety.
In contrast, CBD Isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol, consisting of 99% or more pure CBD molecules. This highly refined product has had all other components, including minor cannabinoids and terpenes, completely removed. Isolate is usually a white, odorless, and tasteless powder, and it does not offer the potential benefits associated with the synergistic action of multiple plant compounds. Broad Spectrum CBD strikes a balance by retaining the diverse profile of a full-spectrum extract while undergoing additional processing to remove detectable THC.
Understanding the Entourage Effect
The scientific principle that makes multi-compound products desirable is known as the “entourage effect.” This theory proposes that the various compounds in the cannabis plant work together synergistically, yielding a greater benefit than any single compound used in isolation. The compounds involved include CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes.
The presence of minor cannabinoids (like CBG and CBC) and terpenes (such as myrcene and linalool) is thought to modulate CBD’s effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system. When these components interact, they may amplify potential properties, creating a more robust effect. This suggests a broad-spectrum product could be more effective than a CBD Isolate, even if the isolate has a higher concentration of pure CBD.
Broad Spectrum products specifically aim to harness this synergy without including THC. While the most comprehensive entourage effect occurs in full-spectrum extracts, broad spectrum offers a way to achieve significant co-action between compounds for those who must avoid THC entirely.
How Broad Spectrum CBD is Processed
The creation of Broad Spectrum CBD begins with the initial extraction of cannabinoids from the hemp plant, typically using methods like supercritical CO2 or ethanol extraction. This process yields a full-spectrum extract containing CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and a small amount of THC. The key to creating the broad-spectrum product lies in specialized post-extraction refinement.
The subsequent manufacturing step focuses on the selective removal of THC while preserving other valuable compounds. Techniques such as chromatography, particularly flash chromatography, are commonly employed. This process separates compounds based on their unique chemical properties, effectively isolating the THC for removal.
Fractional distillation is another method used, separating compounds based on their distinct boiling points under vacuum. Through these specialized processes, manufacturers purify the extract, reducing THC to non-detectable levels. The result is a refined oil that maintains the synergistic profile of a full-spectrum extract without the controlled substance.