What are CBD Spectrums and Cannabinoids?

Scientist in a laboratory using a pipette to analyze CBD spectrums and cannabinoids

Everything you need to know about CBD Spectrums, Cannabinoids, and The Entourage Effect CBD, or Cannabidiol, is just one of 113 active ingredients, or cannabinoids, that scientists have been able to isolate from the hemp plant.

As researchers continue to decode the secrets contained within this ancient plant, a more diverse range of natural compounds are becoming available to consumers, with a broadened range of applications and effectiveness that anyone interested in holistic wellness deserves to know more about.

Isolates and Spectrums: What is the difference?

The profile and type of cannabinoid compounds present in CBD products are commonly referred to as a "spectrum." This includes terms like Isolate, Broad Spectrum, and Full Spectrum, which describe the composition and range of compounds found in most CBD products.

  • CBD Isolate:

    • Contains mostly pure CBD, with trace amounts of inert plant matter and organic oil and flavorings.

    • No other cannabinoids are present.

  • Full Spectrum:

    • Contains a full profile of all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.

    • Includes THC (less than 0.03%), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

  • Broad Spectrum:

    • Contains a range of cannabinoids present in full spectrum, minus THC.

    • Offers beneficial cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC, and CBDV, in addition to CBD.

Does CBD get you high?

Full spectrum products contain small amounts (less than 0.03%) of the cannabinoid known as THC, the psychoactive ingredient in the marijuana plants, in addition to the wide variety of cannabinoids. While not intoxicating at this concentration (it won’t get you high), THC is still problematic for some people due to drug testing and other possible issues. The solution? 

Isolate and Broad Spectrum extracts, which through advanced laboratory processes like CO2 extraction and chromatography, remove THC and leave the beneficial cannabinoids behind. Medterra’s Isolate CBD contains only CBD in its cannabinoid profile, while our Broad Spectrum features a handful of beneficial cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, CBC and CBDV, in addition to CBD (and no THC). To be clear: Isolate and Broad Spectrum products do not get you high.

Cannabinoid Families: What is the Entourage Effect?

Many consumers have reported increased efficacy and positive benefits from Broad Spectrum hemp extracts when compared to CBD-only Isolates. While more research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon, when a grouping of active cannabinoids produces an effect that is greater than the sum of its parts, scientists call it the “entourage effect.” This appears especially pronounced when the extract is produced from techniques that leave the cannabinoid profile intact, like Medterra’s CO2 extraction and chromatography, rather than removing and then re-adding compounds after.

CBG Rising

Beyond CBD, one of the cannabinoids generating significant excitement among researchers is CBG, or Cannabigerol.

  • CBG (Cannabigerol):

    • Often referred to as "the mother of all cannabinoids," CBG is the first active compound produced early in the life cycle of a hemp plant.

    • Enzymes act upon CBG, rendering the rest of the 100+ cannabinoids.

    • Research suggests CBG may have a range of benefits, such as slowing bacterial growth and reducing inflammation by acting on the body's CB1 receptors.

Due to initial challenges in isolating CBG, it has been slow to enter the market, but scientific advancements are making it more readily available and affordable.

Whether you’re researching CBD for the first time or a seasoned veteran, you now understand the important differences between Isolate CBD, Broad Spectrum, full spectrum and other important cannabinoids. SHOP NOW

medterra

Written by:Natalia De Melo

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