It’s no secret that CBD can do wonders for soothing anxiety. However, CBD isn’t one-size fits all, so how do you know which CBD product is right for you? Should you go for broad-spectrum CBD or full-spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD is generally considered the best option(see also: 10 High Strain CBD Options That You Should Know About) for soothing anxiety and other health issues because it contains an additional active ingredient that broad-spectrum CBD products tend not to have. That is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Still, a sensitivity to THC has been found in some people with anxiety, so even minor amounts of THC found in full-spectrum CBD products can actually worsen their anxiety. If you find this is the case, then it’s better to switch over to broad-spectrum CBD.
But what exactly is broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD? How are they different? We have the answers to these questions and more in our article below!
What Is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD is identical to full-spectrum CBD with one important difference. There is no THC. This means broad-spectrum CBD gives you all the beneficial hemp cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals without the THC.
Therefore, broad-spectrum CBD products are not as potent as full-spectrum CBD products because there is one active ingredient that is absent.
It’s also worth noting that because the traces of THC in broad-spectrum CBD is so minor, it’s almost impossible to detect on cannabis lab tests.
However, trace amounts might still be there so it is possible in theory that if you frequently use broad-spectrum CBD products you may test positive for THC.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD is a whole-plant hemp extract. It not only contains CBD but lots of other cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, and CBN, and also flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds.
Full-spectrum CBD also contains a minor amount (under 0.3%) of THC, which is the main psychotropic component found in cannabis. These ingredients all work together, creating what researchers refer to as the ‘entourage effect.’
Basically, the entourage effect is when all the phytochemicals in cannabis create more potent effects when combined. This is why it’s more beneficial to use products that contain every part of the cannabis plant instead of a purified extract.
Many studies back up the entourage effect. For instance, a 2018 review of epilepsy patients discovered that full-spectrum, CBD-rich cannabis extracts were four times more potent while having fewer side effects than pure CBD.
Finally, full-spectrum CBD products are usually more effective than those containing pure CBD.
Which Type Of CBD Is Better For Anxiety?
Usually, full-spectrum CBD is considered marginally better than broad-spectrum CBD for soothing anxiety.
However, some people who struggle with anxiety might have high sensitivity to THC, so even the smallest amount of THC that is found in full-spectrum CBD products can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, although this isn’t true for all people with anxiety. Why is this?
Well, the reason why some people are more sensitive to THC than others is the same reason some people experience heightened levels of anxiety when smoking marijuana, while others feel calm and relaxed.
Research illustrated a few factors that might make people more prone to experience anxiety from THC.
These factors include basal anxiety levels, being female, previous history with anxiety, individual genetic factors, little to no experience with THC, certain personality traits, a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, and the environment and the context in which you’re consuming THC.
So because higher basal anxiety levels, a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, and a history of anxiety issues are all considered to be risk factors for THC sensitivity, broad-spectrum CBD products might be more beneficial for people with anxiety than full-spectrum CBD products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD Legal?
Hemp-derived CBD is legal on a federal basis, but might still be illegal in some states. Meanwhile, cannabis-derived CBD is still illegal on a federal basis, but is legal in some states.
Therefore, before you purchase and consume CBD products, you should consult the state laws of where you live, or where you intend to travel to acquire the CBD products.
Is CBD Approved By The FDA?
At the moment the FDA does not approve of any CBD products besides Epidiolex.
Rather, the FDA advises that while you can buy CBD products such as oils, lotions and gummies, CBD has not undergone any evaluation by the FDA to determine what a safe dosage of CBD is and what side effects there might be.
Does CBD Appear On A Drug Test?
If you use a full-spectrum CBD product, there is a chance of it appearing on a positive drug test. This is because full-spectrum CBD products have THC, which is a substance that is detected in drug tests.
Does CBD Get You High?
No, CBD by itself cannot get you high. THC is the psychoactive compound that causes people to become high when using cannabis. The FDA regulations require CBD products contain no less than 0.3% dry weight of THC, which isn’t enough to get you high.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using CBD products to treat anxiety, then full-spectrum products are normally the better option. A small amount of THC isn’t enough to exacerbate anxiety or cause any other undesired side effects in most people.
However, if you find that your anxiety is exacerbated by full-spectrum CBD, you can either reduce your dosage or try a broad-spectrum CBD product instead.
You should also make sure that the broad-spectrum CBD product you use instead has no traces of THC in it. You can check this by consulting third-party tests carried out by the manufacturer.
Or, you can also use products that contain just pure CBD, i.e. isolate. However, we would advise against doing this as you lose out on the entourage effect that makes whole-plant hemp and cannabis products effective.
If you’ve just started using a CBD, make sure to start with a small dose (5-15 mg). You should pay attention to how you feel and then gradually increase the dosage until you achieve the anxiety relief you want.
Hi, my name is Dave Durrel and I have been in the CBD industry for almost five years. I oversee the production process, its benefits, and the selling of the items.
I’ve seen first-hand the positive effects that CBD can have on a person, and I want to share that euphoria with others in desperate need.
We’ve all met someone and thought – you could really use some CBD – right?
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