Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating substance from hemp and cannabis with purported health benefits. But the products available certainly aren’t all the same, with much depending on the type of extract used to make them
CBD-isolate extracts, which takes the CBD from the plant and the rest of the extract are ideal for newcomers who just want to sample CBD’s qualities. However, those looking to explore the entire therapeutic value of hemp – which does not produce a ‘high’ may want to experiment with full-spectrum CBD products.
Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD is made with every single natural compound in hemp – cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. As each strain of hemp has its own, unique array of chemicals, the effects can vary slightly. With this in mind, some strains are potentially more helpful conditions. The same phenomenon occurs with psychoactive marijuana.
In this article, we’ll take you through the different types of full-spectrum CBD on offer, and show you how to harness wholesale CBD products to get as much benefit from them as possible.
Indicas
Indica-dominant CBD products are centered around relaxation. Packed with calming terpenes like linalool, beta-caryophyllene (BCP) and myrcene, these strains are excellent for chronic pain relief, and also to treat anxiety and stress. The extra sedative properties bring about a soothing body ‘buzz’, that helps to relax the muscles, without causing any intoxication.
Popular full-spectrum CBDistillery products include hemp flower, which can be used for smoking, vaping and for cooking up homemade edibles. Topical products and bath bombs also promote the effects of indicas well. Because of the calming qualities, indicas are perhaps most helpful when you are home and can chill out, with no responsibilities to take care off. High doses of CBD are known to induce drowsiness, which is often amplified by indica terpenes. These products may leave you feeling a little sluggish and fatigued if taken during the day.
Sativas
In stark contrast, a dose of full-spectrum, Sativa-dominant CBD e-liquid is revitalizing, and will put you in the right frame of mind to take on the challenges of the day. The terpenes commonly featured in sativas are pinene and limonene, and some users find that they have a positive cerebral effect, in addition to a physically energizing one. Don’t worry, sativa-dominant CBD products aren’t psychoactive (no terpenes are psychoactive). Think of them more as delivering a natural coffee-like boost, but without causing jitters and headaches.
Sativas are perfect for when you need increased focus and mental clarity to carry out either complex or mundane tasks – maybe you’re studying for an exam or are finding yourself unproductive in the office. This type of full-spectrum CBD is also effective for reducing fatigue and boosting motivation. As you’d expect with sativas being the opposite of indicas, these work best in the morning and during the working day, when you need high energy levels. Take them at night, and you may find that your brain stays in an active mode, making it more difficult to get to sleep.
Hybrids
Hybrids are the strains which fall somewhere in between indicas and sativas – indeed, even in this bracket, you can get indica and Sativa-dominant hybrids. Designed to give you the benefits of both, hybrids are perfect for a number of reasons. Pain relief is one. We know that indicas really enhance the analgesic effects of CBD, but when combined with sativa-inclined terpenes, your energy levels can also be maintained. This is ideal if your job involves heavy manual work, where it’s vital to suppress pain while remaining in prime physical condition.
Moreover, some users simply prefer a CBD product that isn’t overly relaxing or energizing. Many people enjoy CBD simply because of the general health benefits it delivers, such as for the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as a supplement. Hybrids fit the bill well and can be used as any point in the day, without causing fatigue or disrupting sleep.
Final thoughts
Full-spectrum CBD products are more beneficial than CBD-isolate options because of the ‘entourage effect’, a novel reaction that happens when a full palate of cannabinoids are taken at the same time. This seems to make CBD more helpful than if it was consumed solo. More studies need to be carried out on the ‘entourage effect’, which applies to standard marijuana as well as CBD-rich hemp.
It’s worth noting that full-spectrum CBD tends to have a minuscule – but not zero – concentration of THC. In the USA, this must be kept below 0.3 percent. The product still won’t be psychoactive, but the traces of THC elevates the ‘entourage effect’.