The True Power of Full-Spectrum Cannabis
There’s a lot of talk regarding the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and CBD oil, but really, we’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of marijuana products on the market, but the best benefits occur when all bioactive components can work together. Whole-plant therapy lets you get the most from your cannabis by utilizing the many combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more in their combined form. In fact, the cannabis plant contains over 500 medical compounds. Getting a true full-spectrum product presents more challenges, but the benefits greatly outweigh the costs.
What Does Full-Spectrum Mean?
Cannabis plants consist of hundreds of compounds that all work in unison to provide unique results. This is referred to as the “entourage effect” and it really allows cannabis products to live up to their full potential.
“Think of the entourage effect in terms of synergy…
It’s the concept of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.”
In order to make full-spectrum products, the extracted bioactive compounds have to be reincorporated into the product without compromising any aspect of the full profile. The goal is to include all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc. in the final product so they may all still work together. The extraction process also removes unwanted components including chlorophyll, lipids, and fats. However, some products still do contain lipids and fats, but true full-spectrum products keep only what is desired. In the end, you’re left with a product that preserves the natural ratios of the cannabis plant without the undesired components.
The Importance of the Entourage Effect
Many people don’t give enough credit to the entourage effect, choosing instead to focus on the THC percentage. In reality, an extract can be chock full of THC but if it lacks the other compounds, you may feel as though it is lacking. It could potentially feel flat or have negative side effects. A more balanced product with lower THC levels is likely more able to provide the results you’re looking for. In fact, studies show that the right balance of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), along with other full-spectrum compounds offer more effective treatment for some health conditions such as pain and inflammation. This isn’t to say that THC and CBD don’t have benefits on their own, they still do. However, the full symphony of components working together outshines the individual benefits of these compounds to highlight the true power of cannabis plants.
The Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil has a vibrant presence of several important components. It often includes minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc. This type of CBD oil is often also enriched with several vitamins including A, C, E, and Complex B. This combination in conjunction with terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids, etc. boosts nerve and body functions. It even helps balance a healthy metabolism. Full-spectrum oil also includes a variety of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 for heart health.
Using full-spectrum extract oil may help prevent and improve some mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and stress. It may also help to reduce or eliminate pain and has been shown to be a useful option in both Alzheimer’s and cancer treatment. Essentially, it’s easy to see how a full-spectrum oil can help both the body and the mind utilizing the power of cannabis. Many individuals also use it as a daily supplement.
Choosing the Right CBD Oil for You
When choosing an oil, you want to think about your goals. Consider what it is that you hope to accomplish with the CBD product. Many people who choose full-spectrum oils aren’t necessarily worried about THC. Instead, they’d rather have the full benefits of the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the whole cannabis plant. It is also a more natural or “raw” product that appeals to many people.
Some additional things you may want to consider when selecting an oil include where you live. While full-spectrum CBD is legal in many states, there are some states where it is not legal. Also, if you have an employer that does drug testing you may consider choosing a zero THC formula. It’s important to remember that CBD oils are allowed to have 0.3% of THC by volume. This means that if given a drug test, it is possible to fail using full-spectrum CBD products. Instead, consider a broad-spectrum oil that still has all of the cannabinoids and compounds without the THC.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Dosage
The dosage depends on a number of factors including the concentration of the oil, the condition you’re treating, how your body responds to cannabis products, and your weight. It’s a good idea to speak with a medical professional about recommended dosage and to check to make sure that using a full-spectrum oil won’t cause problems with any of your current medications or treatments.
You can also express any questions or concerns to the knowledgeable staff at your local dispensary.