What Are Full-Spectrum CBD Edibles?

Full-spectrum CBD edibles combine the benefits of various cannabis compounds to provide more potent and long-lasting effects. This article discusses full-spectrum CBD edibles, including full-spectrum CBD, the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, and how to choose the best full-spectrum CBD edibles.

Cannabidiol (CBD) edible products are becoming increasingly popular in managing various health conditions, such as pain and anxiety. CBD is one of the many compounds in hemp, a cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is loaded with dozens of other compounds known as cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC and CBD, are the most common compounds known. Until recently, THC has been the most prevalent cannabinoid used for recreational and therapeutic purposes. However, scientists, it is the same compound that produces psychotropic effects when one consumes cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. Consuming does not cause any mind-altering effects like THC. many cannabis products today are made with CBD to avoid the intoxicating effects experienced after consuming cannabis. Hemp-derived CBD is available in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and Isolate CBD.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that contains all components naturally found in hemp, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids such as THC and CBG. Cannabinoids are responsible for therapeutic and psychoactive effects provided by most cannabis products. The cannabis plant has more than one hundred cannabinoids. Terpenes are components of the cannabis plant that affects the plant's scent and fragrance. They give cannabis its unique scent. They also carry therapeutic benefits, such as providing calming effects. Flavonoids are plant metabolites that contribute to flavor. They are also commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids also carry therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Full-Spectrum CBD Edibles          

Full-spectrum CBD edibles contain the full array of the hemp plant's cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full-spectrum CBD edibles are consumed through oral ingestion and provide the most discreet way of taking CBD. They are available in different forms, including gummies, cakes, chocolates, honey sticks, cookies, sweets, and more. Although full-spectrum CBD edibles contain THC, they should not cause psychotropic effects like THC-dominant edibles. This is because full-spectrum CBD is derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC content. This amount isn't enough to cause any intoxicating effect.

Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD

The Entourage Effect

The main benefit of full-spectrum CBD is the entourage effect. It is a phenomenon whereby cannabis compounds work synergistically together to produce more potent effects.Cannabinoids become more effective when used together than in isolation. Full-spectrum CBD provides the full range of cannabinoids profile, each with unique properties promoting overall well-being. The entourage effect is achieved using full-spectrum CBD, such as full-spectrum CBD edibles. Full-spectrum CBD creates emergent properties not present in pure CBD. LaVigne et al. (2021)stated that terpenes found in cannabis are analgesic and could produce an entourage effect whereby they modulate cannabinoids to improve outcomes. Other cannabis components dramatically amplify the effects of CBD. Silver (2019) showed that Cannabinoids work by interacting with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). When each cannabinoid binds to a specific receptor in the ECS, they provide a full range of benefits that would not be achieved with pure CBD.

Other Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD

Non-Psychotropic

Among the most commonly known effects of cannabis is that it makes people mellow. Users often credit these effects to THC. However, other cannabis compounds can also help you experience calmness and relaxation without getting you "high." The advantage of full-spectrum CBD is that you can consume some THC and continue your daily tasks without getting stoned. Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, usually less than 0.3%. This amount is too small to cause any psychotropic effect. With full-spectrum CBD edibles, users can experience the benefits of all cannabinoids without worrying about any mind-altering effects.

It Is the Least Processed Form of CBD           

Products made with full-spectrum CBD are almost all-natural. This is the least processed type of CBD extract. Unlike CBD isolate, which requires further processing to eliminate all other cannabis compounds, full-spectrum CBD provides the full range of cannabis compounds that may benefit human health. Additionally, full-spectrum CBD edibles are more easily accessible. Finding full-spectrum CBD products in the market is much easier because it is the least processed form of CBD. They are also less expensive because they do not require too much processing.

It Can Be Used for Various Health Conditions

Full-spectrum CBD offers the benefits of whole-plant cannabinoids, which may help treat several health conditions. Maaya et al. (2020) showed that full-spectrum cannabis extracts might effectively treat neuropathic pain and inflammation.  Graczyk et al. (2021) also suggested that cannabis containing CBD and THC in equal proportions attenuates certain mood disorders experienced in people using THC-predominant cannabis. The study also indicates that full-spectrum CBD can be used for multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, nausea, cancer, and psychological problems.

How to Choose the Best Full-Spectrum CBD Edibles

The CBD market is fast growing, with different products flooding almost yearly. CBD lovers have a whole category of products to choose from. Edibles are among the largely unregulated products in the UK. Consumers must consider certain things to buy the best full-spectrum CBD gummies. According to Healthline, the best CBD products, including full-spectrum CBD edibles, should meet the following criteria:

• Made from a company that provides proof of third-party lab testing
• Manufactured by a company that indicates its hemp source
• Contain less than 0.3% THC and passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds according to the certificate of analysis (COA).

Conclusion

CBD edibles are among the most convenient ways of consuming CBD. They are made from different CBD extracts, and full-spectrum CBD is the most popular. Full-spectrum CBD edibles contain all compounds of the cannabis plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids like THC. CBD edibles made with full-spectrum CBD provide more potent effects than those made with pure CBD. This is due to the entourage effect, where cannabinoids are thought to provide stronger effects when they work synergistically together. When shopping for the best full-spectrum CBD edibles, consumers should check third-party lab tests, CBD sources, and if the products contain the recommended less than 0.3% THC content.

References

Graczyk, M., Łukowicz, M., & Dzierzanowski, T. (2021). Prospects for the use of cannabinoids in psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 620073.

LaVigne, J. E., Hecksel, R., Keresztes, A., & Streicher, J. M. (2021). Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-15.

Maayah, Z. H., Takahara, S., Ferdaoussi, M., & Dyck, J. R. (2020). The molecular mechanisms underpin the biological benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract in treating neuropathic pain and inflammation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease, 1866(7), 165771.

Silver, R. J. (2019). The endocannabinoid system of animals. Animals, 9(9), 686.