Full Spectrum: A Guide for Hemp Wellness

THE MEANING OF “FULL SPECTRUM”

The hemp plant produces a class of chemicals called cannabinoids. CBD is just one cannabinoid that’s found in hemp oil, but there are many others, including CBG, CBN, CBD, and the list goes on. In total, there are around 140 different cannabinoids, and we’re just beginning to understand the benefits of each of them. In addition to all the cannabinoids, hemp oil includes terpenes, which are the molecules responsible for giving hemp flower its unique aroma. There are also potential benefits to taking terpenes.

Full spectrum just means that you’re getting the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes that occur naturally within the hemp plant. While some products focus on bringing you just the CBD that’s been extracted from hemp oil, full spectrum hemp gives you all the goodness that the plant has to offer.

WHAT IS THE “ENTOURAGE EFFECT”?

The entourage effect is something that can be experienced by using full- or broad-spectrum hemp oil. Some users have noticed that getting all (or most of the cannabinoids), rather than just an isolated CBD formula, tends to produce a synergistic effect as all the different cannabinoids work together with your body and mind. While it’s hard to quantify just how much more effective this process actually is, individuals may find that full spectrum hemp gives them a more complete wellness experience.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SAY “FULL SPECTRUM CBD”

CBD is only one of over 140 different cannabinoids found in hemp oil. The phrase “full spectrum CBD” implies that CBD by itself can include the full range of cannabinoids, but often these have been completely removed in products that only use CBD isolate. Instead, the terms “full spectrum hemp extract”, “full spectrum hemp oil”, or just “full spectrum hemp” offer a more accurate way to refer to products that include the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO USE IT?

Individual results will vary, but in general people tend to report a more complete hemp wellness experience when using full spectrum vs. just CBD. Think of it this way. CBD is one substance out of 140 available in hemp oil. Just using CBD by itself can be good, but your individual body won’t react the same way as somebody else’s. By also taking CBG, CBN, and all of the other cannabinoids found in full spectrum, you’re greatly increasing the chances that some of them will make a noticeable impact on your health.

WHAT KINDS OF FULL SPECTRUM HEMP PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Full spectrum hemp extract can be found in a wide variety of different products. 

Softgel capsules are a convenient way to take full spectrum hemp every day. They’re easy to take along with you anywhere you go, and they’re precisely measured so you know you’re getting the same amount every time.

Full spectrum hemp has also found its way into topical products, such as pain relief salve. When combined with other pain relieving ingredients such as menthol, full spectrum topicals can help you get the relief you need, where you need it.

HOW TO USE FULL SPECTRUM HEMP

What you’re using it for has a lot to do with how you need to use it, and the product you select. If you’re going with an ingestible hemp product such as full spectrum softgels, keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll notice any difference right away. Take it regularly and give it a week or two before assessing the changes in your mental and physical wellbeing. While many rely on products like nano CBD that are faster-acting, the idea behind using full spectrum is that it’s more about being consistent and raising your baseline gradually.

Full spectrum topicals, on the other hand, can be used as needed. Simply rub into the skin of the affected area. You’ll probably notice an immediate cooling sensation if the product also contains menthol, and pain relief can happen quickly*.

DOES IT HAVE THC, AND WILL I GET HIGH?

The cannabinoid THC is naturally produced by the hemp plant, is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana, and will be present in full spectrum. However, through careful breeding and cultivation, the amount of THC produced by a CBD hemp strain can be extremely small. The FDA requires that no more than 0.3% THC can be present in any approved full spectrum product. This is such a small amount that most people will never notice it. However, it is possible that somebody could be extremely sensitive to THC that they might feel something from it. 

Just to be safe, for any full-spectrum hemp product that you’ve never tried before, it’s a good idea to be in a comfortable, familiar place when you’re not too busy. This gives you the space you need to gauge how you feel and adjust your intake accordingly. 

FULL SPECTRUM VS. BROAD SPECTRUM

Some products contain what’s known as “broad spectrum” hemp extract, which means that the THC has been removed, but all the other cannabinoids and terpenes present in full spectrum remain. Some users prefer broad spectrum hemp products so they can be absolutely sure they’re not ingesting any THC. This could be important to someone who’s especially sensitive to THC, as well as anyone that might have an upcoming drug test.

On the other hand, full spectrum is preferred by many who want a more natural hemp wellness experience. In full spectrum, nothing has been added or removed, even though the plant can be bred to produce only small amounts of THC.

ARE ALL CBD PRODUCTS FULL SPECTRUM?

Definitely not. In general, CBD products use three types of hemp extract:

• Full spectrum hemp oil includes all cannabinoids and terpenes. Nothing has been added or removed. THC will naturally be less than 0.3% for any legally-approved product.

• Broad spectrum hemp oil contains all cannabinoids and terpenes, except for THC. The THC is removed from the hemp oil in a laboratory.

• CBD isolate or distillate is simply pure CBD with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or anything else. Using full spectrum hemp as a starting point, the CBD is extracted in a laboratory. This can then be added to a product formula, or broken down into nano CBD.

IS IT SAFE?

Like other hemp products, full spectrum products have been approved for sale and use by the FDA. There has been little evidence of any negative effects of hemp and CBD, but it’s still a good idea to approach any new hemp product with caution and mindfulness. It’s a good idea to start with a small amount and give yourself enough time and space to observe the effects experienced by your unique body and mind. From there, you can gradually increase your usage until you start to notice the desired results.

WHERE CAN I FIND PRODUCTS WITH FULL SPECTRUM HEMP EXTRACT?

ICHOR has full spectrum hemp products available on our website, and more coming soon:

• FULL SPECTRUM SOFTGEL CAPSULES

Make sure to check out the reviews to learn how others have been helped with our full spectrum hemp products!