Full Spectrum CBD is quickly becoming the most popular type of CBD in the nation.

But with that rise in popularity comes a lot of questionable information, so we decided to break down what Full Spectrum is, and what it’s best for. People use CBD for a variety of health reasons, such as pain and anxiety. While more research could clarify their anecdotally reported benefits, some evidence suggests that CBD products can help with certain conditions.

Full Spectrum CBD 101

Full Spectrum CBD is an extract of the hemp plant that contains all of the various cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other flavinoids that hemp has to offer. This includes additional cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and even THC!

But unlike traditional cannabis products, people don’t take Full Spectrum CBD to get high. It contains less than 0.3% THC – a level small enough that it is federally legal to sell and consume in all 50 states. Instead, people take Full Spectrum CBD to help with a variety of different issues.

The small amounts of THC present in Full Spectrum CBD activate what is known as the Entourage Effect. This is a synergistic effect that early research has shown potentiates the effects of CBD by helping it to be absorbed by the body’s endocannabinoid system. This effect creates a deeper, richer CBD experience that many people prefer to CBD Isolate or Broad Spectrum CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD products may also contain up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that produces the ‘high’ feeling in people. However, such a low amount is not strong enough to have significant psychoactive effects.

Because full-spectrum CBD contains all cannabis plant compounds, it may have a more potent effect than pure CBD. Research suggests that CBD’s health benefits may be more prominent when multiple compounds from the cannabis plant are present. This is what researchers call the ‘entourage effect.’ Full-spectrum CBD products contain some THC, but usually at low quantities of less than 0.3%. However, during the manufacturing process, THC levels can rise as the CBD converts into a concentrate. People should do their research and look up independent test results before purchasing a CBD product.

CBD & Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the biggest reasons that people use CBD. Early research has shown that CBD is great for relieving anxiety by promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation. Full Spectrum CBD takes this up a knotch thanks to the Entourage Effect, stripping away stress and leaving you feeling great.

Sleep & CBD

If you struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up tired in the morning, then Full Spectrum CBD can help! It’s great for helping you get better sleep, especially when combined with other beneficial ingredients like Melatonin that help promote a proper sleep cycle.

Cannabinoid Balance

It can be hard to maintain a sense of balance in day-to-day life. Stress, sleep issues, and even physical discomfort can combine to throw you off your game. This could make it hard to take time to relax and decompress. Full Spectrum CBD is excellent for those of us who need a little extra help managing the stresses of daily life and finding balance.

Other Health Benefits

Skin Health

According to the US National Library of Medicine. “Hemp oil is useful for the treatment of eczema and a host of other skin diseases like dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, varicose eczema, psoriasis, lichen planes, and acne rosacea.” Hemp oil is full of vitamins and fatty acids that help build and maintain healthy skin. Our skin is strengthened by hemp oil and it becomes better able to resist bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Fatty acids in hemp oil also help to nourish the skin and protect it from oxidation which causes signs of aging in the skin. Healthline has a great article that outlines how hemp oil also moisturizes and soothes inflammation. Here at First Crop, we have our own board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jason Papenfuss, who worked with us to develop our USDA-certified organic hemp extract body and skincare products.

Pain Relief

CBD may be most well known as a pain reliever. It is known to reduce inflammation from the inside out and reduce tension in the body. In 2018 this research review found that the cannabinoids in full-spectrum hemp extract were successful in treating pain.

Another study found that women with PMS experienced fewer, less severe symptoms. This after taking only 1 gram of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp. Many people report positive experiences when treating muscle tension, joint pain, tendonitis, arthritis, and other pain caused by exercise or aging.