Cannabis has been an age-old remedy for health issues, thanks to the plant’s medicinal compounds. Among the different cannabis extracts sold in the market, full-spectrum cannabis is one of the most popular. But what is full-spectrum? And how is it different from other cannabis? This guide examines full-spectrum cannabis – the general overview of its benefits, application, and a few important things to remember.
What is Full-Spectrum Cannabis?
Full-spectrum cannabis is an extract that contains all the natural chemicals in the plant – cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. Unlike isolates or broad-spectrum products, which alter or eliminate some specific chemicals, full-spectrum cannabis maintains the entire chemical profile of the plant. Full-spectrum extraction is that which attempts to capture the optimal entourage effect out of an extract, which is done by employing all the plant’s chemical constituents to achieve more therapeutic effects.
The Entourage Effect: Why It Matters
The entourage effect is one of the primary reasons why millions of weed lovers prefer to use full-spectrum cannabis. Since cannabinoids and terpenes are synergistic, they deliver stronger therapeutic benefits when taken together rather than in isolation. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), for example, might work better in conjunction with one another, negating side effects from each other and amplifying pain relief and anti-inflammatory action.
Primary Constituents of Full-Spectrum Cannabis
Full-spectrum cannabis contain the following elements:
1. Cannabinoids:
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid that causes pain relief, appetite stimulation, and relaxation.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD refers to a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Also referred to as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids,’ CBG has antibacterial and neuroprotective properties.
- CBN (Cannabinol): With sedative properties, CBN can be beneficial for people who suffer from sleep disorders.
2. Terpenes:
These terpenoid chemicals are what cause the distinctive aroma of cannabis and offer medicinal properties. For example:
- Myrcene: Causes relaxation and sedative behavior
- Limonene: Renowned for its citrus-like aroma and mood-boosting properties
- Pinene: Offers anti-inflammatory relief and increases focus
3. Flavonoids:
These substances are responsible for the flavor and hue of cannabis and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Advantages of Full-Spectrum Cannabis
The following are the top benefits of using full-spectrum cannabis:
- Increased Therapeutic Effect: Due to the entourage effect, full-spectrum cannabis possesses an increased therapeutic effect over isolated cannabinoids or THC.
- Natural Alternative to Pharmaceuticals: Full-spectrum cannabis is often utilized as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals for insomnia, arthritis, and migraine.
- Wide Range of Uses: Full-spectrum cannabis is utilized in various forms, including oils, tinctures, edibles, and topicals, making it versatile for various needs and preferences.
- Improved Pain Management: Studies have proven that full-spectrum cannabis is more effective in pain management than CBD or THC individually, particularly for diseases like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.
- Maintains Mental Health: Full-spectrum cannabis, particularly preparations with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio, represses depression, anxiety, and stress.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. Isolate
- Full-Spectrum: Includes all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, including trace amounts of THC (typically less than 0.3%).
- Broad-Spectrum: Includes different cannabinoids and terpenes but isolates THC, thus perfect for those avoiding psychoactivity.
- Isolate: Concentrated CBD or THC without the presence of another substance, precluding the entourage effect.
How to Use Full-Spectrum Cannabis
You can use full-spectrum cannabis in the following ways:
- Oils and Tinctures: One of the most frequent methods, permitting exact dosing and easy consumption.
- Edibles: Full-spectrum cannabis-infused gummies, chocolates, and baked goods provide a gentle and flavorful way to take it.
- Vaping and Smoking: Most effective for rapid-acting relief, ideal for pain or anxiety.
- Topicals: Creams and balms ideal for targeting specific pain and skin issues.
- Capsules: Pre-measured and easy to swallow cannabis.
Potential Considerations
Here are the things you should remember before buying full-spectrum cannabis:
- THC Content: Even though cannabis from a full-spectrum plant has only traces of THC, it can still show up in drug tests.
- Legality: Legal restrictions on cannabis vary from one location to another, so cannabis use must be tested based on the laws of that area.
- Possible Side Effects: Users can experience slight side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Who Can Benefit from Full-Spectrum Cannabis?
You can benefit the most if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Chronic Pain Patients: Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and migraines can be reduced by full-spectrum cannabis.
- Those with Anxiety and Depression: The synergy of cannabinoids and terpenes can ease symptoms.
- Those with Sleep Disorders: Myrcene- and CBN-rich strains can induce quality sleep.
- Those Looking for General Well-being: Full-spectrum cannabis is used by the majority for general well-being and stress management.
Selecting the Right Full-Spectrum Product
It’s wise to consider the following things to find the best full-spectrum product:
- Ensure Lab Testing: Always opt for products that are third-party tested to guarantee purity and potency.
- Check the Cannabinoid Profile: Based on your requirement, you might want a product with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio.
- Select a Reputable Brand: Buy from reputable companies with good reviews and open-sourcing policies.
New Research on Full-Spectrum Cannabis
As the legalization of cannabis increases, there is an increase in studies on the therapeutic advantages of full-spectrum cannabis. Discoveries of its therapeutic use for epilepsy, PTSD, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s are interesting.
The initial findings indicate that the synergistic effect of cannabinoids and terpenes in full-spectrum cannabis yields the desired long-term beneficial impact on health. As the industry evolves, sophisticated, targeted, full-spectrum products for particular diseases will hit the retail shelves.
Conclusion
Full-spectrum cannabis presents a whole suite of wellness solutions, utilizing all the therapeutic cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. If you are looking to relieve pain, gain mental wellness support, or sleep easier, full-spectrum products can provide the natural remedy you are looking for. By balancing its advantages, applications, and factors, you can make an informed choice on bringing full-spectrum cannabis into your life.