The Entourage Effect
(& the difference between 'Full-Spectrum', 'Broad-Spectrum' & Isolate CBD products)
If you have been doing a little bit of research into CBD products, you will quickly find that there are three main types; Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolated CBD products. The difference between the three can be huge.
There is a lot of debate about which of these three categories should be considered effective, legal or available for sale. So, what is the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and an isolated product and why are they beneficial?
The Entourage Effect
The is still many unknowns about the Entourage Effect, and science still doesn’t understand it completely. Our biology is infinitely complex, but there has been some research into how we can use this phenomenon to affect our mental well-being [source].
The entourage effect can be defined as the theory that cannabinoids, and other cannabis-derived compounds (such as terpenes), work to enhance and regulate each other.
They work together by affecting the way that cannabinoids effect our Endocannabinoid System, and therefore, the signals which are sent around our body.
Full- Spectrum
There is a little debate as to what actually constitutes a full-spectrum CBD oil. Unfortunately, there is a fair bit of sleight-of-hand when marketing “Full Spectrum” products.
Our definition is that a full-spectrum CBD product contains a wide range of minor cannabinoids (CBDa, CBG, CBC, THCa) including THC.
The inclusion of THC is essential to be classified as having a full spectrum of Cannabinoids.
We strongly believe that this formulation of CBD products is much more effective than CBD on its own. There are some early studies which prove it is more bioavailable too [source].
The downside of these products is that they contain THC, which may put many off. Many of our customers have said that a full-spectrum oil feels ‘heavier’ than a broad-spectrum.
Our CBD Paste, 500mg (Dina) & 1000mg CBD oils are all full spectrum. These oils also contain a very high concentration of naturally occurring hemp terpenes and Bioactives.
Broad-Spectrum
A Broad-spectrum oil can be defined as an oil which contains minor cannabinoids, excluding THC.
Broad-Spectrum oils are the most common CBD products currently across the UK.
These oils are generally produced using a highly refined distillate, or CO2 extracted version of the plant. They are lighter tasting and smoother – they don’t have much burn in the back of the throat (caused by Caryophyllene).
To many, this is a perfect middle-ground.
Our 2000mg Deity and 1500mg (Dian) are true broad-spectrum products as they contain trace amounts of THC, CBD & CBG (alongside our THC Free* Spray range). This is quite common with high-strength CBD oils. We have therefore put them in an MCT oil base to give them the boost the cannabinoids need.
Each of the oils also contain naturally occurring terpenes.
Isolate CBD
An isolated product only contains CBD in its formula; usually, the CBD has been added by using a concentrated 99% CBD isolate. Naturally, this extract does not contain other bioactive, but they can be added to the product after production.
Often found as a white powder or crystals. CBD powder/ isolate uses CO2 extraction techniques draw the CBD out of the plant and the other cannabinoids are removed.
This process means that the only Cannabinoid in the oil is CBD which is great if you are requiring a targeted dose of CBD alone (for children for example who should not take an oil containing any THC).
Currently, our CBD gummies are produced using an Isolated CBD formula.