According to a recent study, the CBD industry is projected to reach $16 billion in profit by 2025. The popularity of this hemp product has been steadily rising in recent years. With the massive influx of cannabidiol products in the market, consumers looking to purchase the best full-spectrum CBD oil may become overwhelmed.
A cursory look through dispensary shelves or hemp websites will provide customers with many products claiming to be the “best.” But what makes a cannabidiol oil product truly a cut above the rest?
What does Full-Spectrum CBD Mean?
In general, hemp brands categorize their cannabidiol products into three sections: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates. What separates these products from one another is their extraction method and their subsequent ingredients.
Full-spectrum oils are whole hemp plant extracts. Manufacturers extract every compound within the cannabis plant to create the product–including THC. THC is best known for causing the “high” in marijuana products. Hemp companies are legally allowed to include 0.3% THC or less in their products.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum products undergo double the extraction process. This type of hemp product does not contain any amount of THC. THC-free products are ideal for people who are sensitive to THC or live in states with strict cannabis laws.
The final type of CBD product is isolates. This type of product only contains cannabidiol and a carrier oil. The most common carrier oil brands use is coconut oil. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble and since coconut oil is 80% fat, the hemp molecules are able to bind strongly together in this oil.
Is Full-Spectrum CBD Better?
Comparing full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD is only effective if people consider cannabidiol’s role in their daily life.
Since full-spectrum oils contain all the compounds of the hemp plant, this product activates the “entourage effect.” This effect occurs when the hemp plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes work together to bring out the benefits of CBD.
However, even broad-spectrum products can activate this same effect. Despite the exclusion of THC, the other hemp elements present can still work together to produce the same potential health benefits.
Rather than purchase full-spectrum products because they are supposedly “better,” customers should tailor-fit their purchases to their own wants and lifestyles.
Full-spectrum products may be more effective for users who have more serious pains or illnesses. Meanwhile, broad-spectrum and isolate products are more travel-friendly because of their lack of THC. The “best” product always depends on who is consuming the product.
Can Full-Spectrum CBD Fail a Drug Test?
The two commonly used methods for drug testing are urine and oral fluid testing.
Lab technicians conduct oral fluid testing by swabbing the inside of the donor’s cheeks. The donor’s saliva is then collected and tested for any illegal substances. Similarly, lab techs collect a urine sample and test this sample for traces of illegal substances.
These tests do not check for cannabinoids like cannabidiol. Even a high consumption of hemp seeds will not lead to a positive drug test. Companies and schools use drug tests to check for illegal substances that have been metabolized by the body. These will not show results for cannabidiol’s presence.
Even though full-spectrum oils contain THC, the small amount will not cause a positive drug test. A positive drug test due to a full-spectrum product may only be possible if the user takes large dosages frequently. However, the chances of a positive drug test because of the THC in full-spectrum products is very low.
What is the Difference Between CBD Isolate and Full-Spectrum?
Brands create isolates by mixing only CBD with a carrier oil. The longest and most complicated extraction process is necessary in order to make this type of hemp product. This is because the oil has to be filtered out several times until only CBD remains.
Aside from coconut oil, brands also popularly use hemp seed oil as a carrier oil. Hemp seed oil is likewise a good option as it has its own health capabilities. Using hemp seed oil may nourish the skin, hair, and nails.
In a sense, full-spectrum products are the exact opposite of isolate products. Full-spectrum products have the simplest extraction method. For this type of product, the entire plant is extracted and only the impurities are filtered out.
What is the Strongest Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
Within the hemp community, brands and users alike refer to a product’s bioavailability score to gauge the concentration of the product. The bioavailability of a product shows how much cannabidiol actually enters the bloodstream and this differs depending on the consumption method.
Depending on the brand, cannabidiol oils have a bioavailability score of 13% to 35%. Compared to edibles like full-spectrum CBD gummies, oils have a higher score as they do not need to pass through the digestive system.
Users typically consume oils by placing the desired amount underneath the tongue before swallowing. The sublingual glands absorb the oil and the CBD can quickly enter the bloodstream.
A high bioavailability means a higher concentration. Users can check the labels on CBD tinctures and oils for the scores and concentrations of these products.
The method of extraction also affects the concentration of a product. The amount of impurities within the product greatly affects its overall concentration. Most brands overcome this issue by using a CO2 method that keeps the CBD extract potent and pure.
Users may be able to check the brand’s website or other sources of information for the method of extraction used when creating their product.
Best CBD Full-Spectrum Products
The best products are made by reliable companies who take every precaution and process their products with the customer in mind.
Currently, there is yet to be a CBD oil product approved by the FDA. Most brands take advantage of the lack of regulation to create lackluster products. The responsibility of checking for the product’s purity lies mainly on the customer’s shoulders. Brands that take the initiative to share this burden prove their reliability.
BlosumCBD is one company that strives to keep its products to a higher standard. Their full-spectrum and all other products are third-party lab tested for purity. Blosum only uses industrial hemp farmed in the United States and makes sure to check their soil for pesticides before every harvest.
Blosum’s lavender CBD oils, orange blossom CBD oils, and cinnamon CBD oils can be found on their website. The brand offers free shipping to all orders within the United States.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and products that have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.