What is broad-spectrum CBD oil?
With such a wide range of CBD products on the market, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. In many ways, this is great for CBD users – who doesn't want more choice? However, it can also be somewhat confusing, especially for beginners. After all, these products don’t always contain the same CBD ingredients. You’ll see names like:
These are the three main types of CBD you'll need to choose from – but how do you decide?
All three come from the hemp plant, and their separation comes at different stages of production. The hemp plant contains a wide range of different cannabinoids, but the two most prominent ones are:
- THC - THC is psychoactive and induces a range of mood-altering effects when taken in large quantities.
- CBD - CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a "high" feeling. Legally, only CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are allowed in the UK.
The term "broad-spectrum CBD" refers to a product that contains CBD alongside all the other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the hemp plant, with one exception: it contains no THC.
In this article, we'll explain all the details of how broad-spectrum CBD is produced, how it can be taken, and answer a range of other questions you might have.
How is broad-spectrum CBD oil made?
The extraction and refinement of CBD oil from hemp takes place in several steps. There is:
- extraction
- winterization
- and short-path distillation
Alcohol, carbon dioxide, and oil are some of the agents used to extract CBD crude oil from hemp. The crude oil goes through further refinement to remove lipids, fats, and waxes. Further processing gives you the different types of CBD oil that are commonly sold: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD oil.
One of the most important things to consider when buying CBD products is that you should always buy from a reputable supplier. This means that you can be confident you are getting exactly what's on the label. Nevertheless, what you should be aware of is that broad and full-spectrum CBD oil is slightly gold in colour with a mild flavour. Isolate, on the other hand, is almost colourless and flavourless.
Here at Supreme CBD, we infuse our CBD oil with a carrier oil for easier absorption and dosing. MCT carrier oils are colourless and odourless, and we use them for our broad-spectrum CBD oil. Experts agree they are the best carrier oils.
What cannabinoids will you find in broad-spectrum CBD oil?
Hemp has over one hundred cannabinoids in addition to other compounds. Though CBD and THC are the most researched and widely known, there are many other cannabinoids that can be extracted from the plant. They include, but are not limited to:
- CBG
- CBDA
- THCV
- CBN
- CBDV
- CBGA
- and CBCA
All of these will feature in broad-spectrum CBD oil, alongside, of course, the CBD itself – the only thing it won't include is THC.
Terpenes also feature prominently in broad-spectrum CBD oil. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for flavour and aroma in plants. Plants develop them to attract pollinators or to ward off herbivores. They are responsible for the characteristic smell of cannabis. Hemp has over 100 terpenes that interact with cannabinoids in what is known as the entourage effect.
The other active compounds you will find in broad-spectrum CBD are flavonoids. In the plant kingdom, they are responsible for the colour of fruits, leaves, and flowers. Though their effects are not widely understood, they also play a role in the entourage effect.
These three are the active ingredients in broad-spectrum CBD oil. But they work alongside lesser-known compounds like cannflavins, which you will find in low concentration. Most lab tests will show the concentration of terpenes and flavonoids in broad-spectrum CBD oil.
Will broad-spectrum CBD oil make you high?
The most common misconception about CBD products is they will give you a "high". This is the euphoric feeling that recreational cannabis users report, and it is the result of THC.
Rest assured that broad-spectrum CBD does not contain any THC and therefore will not cause any psychoactive effects. However, you should be cautious when purchasing CBD products to ensure the credibility of your supplier. Third party lab results will help you verify that what you are taking does not contain THC. Any reputable supplier will highlight the lab results for their products on their website.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil and drug tests
Another concern many people have is whether broad-spectrum CBD oil will make you test positive during a drug test. This is particularly an issue for athletes, who have to take drug tests regularly. If you take full-spectrum CBD oil frequently, it is possible that enough THC may accumulate in your system and lead you to fail a drug test.
Therefore if you do need to take a drug test, the best option is to use broad-spectrum CBD oil which is why our Apple, Cherry and Mint-Flavoured Broad-Spectrum oils are great for sports-focused individuals! At Supreme CBD, we offer a range of broad-spectrum CBD oils specifically for people in fitness and sports
Taste of broad-spectrum CBD oil
Broad-spectrum CBD oil has a mild flavour that users describe as earthy and grassy. Some people do find the taste a little off-putting. However, the taste can easily be washed away with a glass of water immediately after taking broad-spectrum CBD oil, or you can have a piece of chocolate before taking your broad-spectrum CBD oil to mask the taste.
Alternatively, taking a capsule or a CBD infused gummies is an option for those who find the taste too strong. Many products let you enjoy broad-spectrum CBD oil regardless of your preferred taste.
The delivery mode of broad-spectrum CBD oil
There are wide variety of ways to take broad-spectrum CBD oil. The choice of delivery mode largely depends on your preference and lifestyle. Ways of taking CBD oil include:
Sublingual
Using this method, you place drops of broad-spectrum CBD oil under your tongue, allowing you to absorb it through the mucous membrane. It is a fast and efficient way of taking CBD and does not require any preparation. Tincture and oil bottles come with a dropper that aids you in administering the oil under the tongue.
Vaping
CBD e-liquid prepared using broad-spectrum CBD oil is an excellent way of taking your daily dose of CBD. Though it requires a vaping device, it is a fast and efficient method; most of the CBD oil is absorbed by the body, reducing wastage. However, it is important to buy a properly prepared CBD e-liquid, rather than simply adding CBD oil to your existing e-liquid.
Eating it
CBD gummies and capsules are just some of the popular CBD gummies that you can find on the market. CBD gummy bears are always a fan favourite in the edibles department. Eating broad-spectrum oil-infused products is a fun and creative way of taking CBD. You can also add a few drops of CBD oil to your food or drink. Recipes for preparing cookies, biscuits, soups, and many other things are out there for you to try out.
Topical application
Topical application is another method that gets CBD into your body fast. It works best for targeted application – for instance, CBD muscle balm is best applied to a specific muscle or a particular part of the body. Most of the CBD applied is absorbed via the skin into your body.
Another popular topical application that is gaining a lot of interest in beauty and skincare spheres, is CBD face cream, designed specifically for facial application.
These are only a few of the most popular ways of using CBD oil. Whichever way you decide to enjoy your daily dose of broad-spectrum CBD oil, the choice is up to you.
The bottom line
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is rich in terpenes and flavonoids but does not contain any THC. If you want to enjoy CBD but cannot or should not have THC, broad-spectrum CBD oil is an excellent alternative. You can add it to bath bombs and use it as part of a relaxing evening bath, or place it under the tongue in the morning as you prepare to start your day. Rest easy knowing that it will not reflect in any drug test as it does not contain THC. We cannot stress this enough: buy your products from credible suppliers who are willing to show you third-party lab test results.