Fact vs Fiction: The Full-Spectrum CBD Edition
The world of CBD can be confusing and even overwhelming at times, even for more experienced users. Learning about CBD and its potential benefits can be difficult with reams of misinformation out there masquerading as fact. We're here to separate fact from fiction when it comes to CBD, in particular full-spectrum. In this article, we tackle some of the most common CBD myths. So, sit back and get ready to feel more informed and confident about CBD.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
To answer this, we need to explain what CBD oil is first. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound that is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is more commonly known as CBD, and many other cannabinoids and compounds – such as flavonoids, terpenes and vitamins – make up the complete profile of the plant.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all naturally occurring compounds from the plant, including trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To create CBD oil, the manufacturer uses its preferred method of extraction. Once the compound has been extracted from the plant, it needs to be diluted with a carrier oil. Dilution makes the oil safe for human consumption. The carrier oil is typically all-natural, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
How to Consume Full-Spectrum CBD
You aren't limited when it comes to choosing your full-spectrum CBD products. There are edibles, topicals, vapes, capsules, and more. However, full-spectrum CBD oil remains one of the most prevalent ways of consuming it due to its ease of use. Simply put a few drops under your tongue and hold it there, allowing it to be absorbed. This is known as the sublingual method of CBD use. It allows the CBD to be absorbed into your blood quickly, typically within fifteen minutes.
Furthermore, it is simple to dose, meaning that you can easily determine and take your ideal dosage. Finally, you can select a flavour that suits your taste preferences. For example, some prefer the natural 'tang' of CBD oil, while others prefer a fruity or minty flavour.
Here at PP Health, we believe in the healing power of plants and pride ourselves in specialising in high-quality full-spectrum CBD. We have three different full-spectrum oils for you to choose from. Take our Classic CBD Oil as an example. It is enriched with organic hemp oil, as well as a vast array of other cannabinoids, such as cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabigerolic acid (CBDA). It's also packed full of natural flavonoids and terpenes and is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 and vitamins B and E. The oil is available in CBD concentrations ranging from 5% to 25%.
The Potential Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
So, what are the potential benefits of consuming full-spectrum CBD? Keep reading to find out!
The Entourage Effect
One of the main potential benefits of full-spectrum CBD is the ‘entourage effect'. This is a theory about how CBD works and how it may be more effective when left in its natural state. The idea is that if the compounds are left intact in the plant and the final product, they can work together in synergy. This includes cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, flavonoids and enzymes. This combination may be more potent than one cannabinoid working on its own. This is what draws some individuals to full-spectrum CBD, and it's undoubtedly one of the reasons we here at PP Health promote full-spectrum CBD.
CBD and Managing Pain and Inflammation
Many individuals use full-spectrum CBD for its potential to help them manage their pain. Pain can occur for many reasons – it can be linked to illness and disease and can also be caused by injury. Studies have indicated that CBD may help with pain and inflammation. For instance, one study published in 2016 found that topical CBD could relieve rats of their arthritis pain and swelling. The gel was applied to their joints for a total of four days, and the authors reported that the rats didn't experience any adverse side effects from the CBD. The ideal dose was reported as 6.2mg of CBD, as the lower doses didn't relieve their pain. This is encouraging and prompts the need for further investigation into the effect of CBD on arthritis in humans.
One review published in 2020 examines the current scientific literature on CBD for pain. The authors suggest that there’s enough evidence to indicate that CBD could help manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation. Thus far, these conclusions are drawn from CBD’s effects on specific conditions. Overall, more research is needed into the effectiveness of CBD for pain.
That said, the research is extremely promising as CBD has shown excellent pain management potential. This could be beneficial for the chronically ill who rely on the long-term use of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription painkillers that can cause adverse effects. Chronic pain is a persistent kind of pain that can have a debilitating impact on an individual's day to day life. CBD may be used as part of their routine to potentially help manage this. Finally, if you are a particularly active person, full-spectrum CBD could be a great addition to your daily routine. For instance, CBD oil and CBD muscle gel may aid the muscle recovery process following exercise.
CBD for Sleep
'CBD for sleep' is one of the top CBD-related internet searches, as people are constantly looking for ways to improve their sleep. This is understandable as sleep is vital for your overall wellbeing. It's recommended that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night to function at an optimal level. Of course, this is a general recommendation, and some people will need less, while others will need more. Getting enough sleep ensures that you can concentrate the next day and helps to regulate your hunger and mood. Unfortunately, many factors can cause sleep issues, such as stress, anxiety, and so on.
CBD has shown potential to help manage sleep disorders. For example, CBD may help manage pain, disrupting a good night's sleep, as one 2018 study reports. Furthermore, research from 2019 examined the effects of CBD on both sleep and anxiety. Of a total of 72 participants, 25 of them reported sleeping poorly, and 47 were experiencing anxiety symptoms. They received 25mg of CBD per day in capsule form.
After a month, 66.7% of the participants reported sleeping better, and 79.2% reported a reduction in anxiety symptoms. When it comes to CBD for sleep, it's a good idea to consume the CBD roughly one hour before you go to bed. You can also help to promote relaxation by reading a book or taking a bath before bedtime. It's good to start with a small dose of CBD to discover what works best for your routine.
Five CBD Fictions
Now, let’s jump into it and break down five common misconceptions about CBD.
1. CBD Gets You ‘High’
This is an easy one to begin with. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, unlike its cousin THC. This means that consuming it will neither cause intoxication nor will it alter your state of mind. While this is largely true when it comes to full-spectrum as well, the product's potency, your dosage and your tolerance level will influence your reaction. Remember to purchase your CBD products from a reputable company like PP Health to ensure a high-quality, safe and legal product.
2. CBD is Addictive
It's a misconception that CBD is an addictive or habit-forming substance. This has been confirmed by scientific research. For example, in one 2016 study that compared the effects of THC and CBD, THC triggered psychological and physical effects like euphoria and a rapid heart rate. In contrast, CBD didn't affect blood pressure, cognitive function, or the participants' heart rate. Furthermore, in a report published in 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that evidence from “well-controlled human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential.”
3. CBD is a “Cure” For Many Diseases and Illnesses
While CBD can certainly not be classed as a cure-all – or a cure of any kind – it has demonstrated great potential as a wellness supplement to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle.
4. CBD is an Illegal Substance
This ties in with the mistaken belief that CBD is intoxicating. While CBD is illegal in some countries, for the most part, it is legal in many territories as long as it adheres to specific guidelines, such as the amount of THC permitted. Before you purchase any CBD product, it's worth checking what the laws are where you reside.
5. All CBD Companies Are Reputable
Unfortunately, not all CBD or wellness brands are trustworthy. This is because the CBD market isn't fully regulated, meaning that dishonest companies can slip through the cracks and get their products on the shelves. Fortunately, it's easy to identify reputable companies that sell trustworthy products. For example, you should only buy from brands that offer a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a legitimate certificate that will provide all of the details about the product you're buying. This includes details about any other cannabinoids and ingredients, as well as the concentration of the CBD.
Furthermore, checking for third-party lab testing is a great way to ensure that a product is safe. This is a type of unbiased testing by a third-party unaffiliated with the seller or the company. Finally, be wary of any free trials of CBD products and look up reviews of both the company and their products online.
Five CBD Facts
Ready to get your facts straight? Keep reading for five facts about CBD.
1. There Is a Big Difference Between CBD Isolate and Full-Spectrum CBD
CBD isolate is CBD in its separate form. Therefore, when you purchase a CBD isolate product, you are purchasing a pure form of CBD. However, isolates – particularly oils – can contain flavourings or additives. There is also another type of CBD, and that's broad-spectrum. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum; however, THC is removed from the final product. Some individuals assume that all CBD products are the same, but as you can see, full-spectrum and CBD isolate have very different compositions. Some people enjoy the potential benefits of full-spectrum CBD's entourage effect, while others prefer consuming pure CBD. It all comes down to personal preference and your personal experience.
2. CBD Extraction Is Important
There are different methods of extracting CBD from the plant. Extraction methods include olive oil extraction, steam distillation and solvent extraction. The method of extraction matters, as all methods have their pros and cons. However, one of the best extraction methods is CO2 extraction. We at PP Health favour this method for several reasons.
To provide a brief overview of this method, carbon dioxide gently pulls out the cannabinoids and other compounds from the hemp plant. The process involves three chambers where the CO2 is manipulated. The first part sees it changed to a liquid by increasing the pressure and decreasing the temperature. Then both are increased at a slow rate until the now liquid CO2 reaches what's referred to as a 'supercritical' point. Here, the CO2 is in an in-between liquid and gas state, as it can still expand, but it's also concentrated. It is then pumped into chamber number two, which holds the material of the hemp plant.
The CO2 moves through this material and separates the oil from it. The CO2 and oil will move into the third chamber. They will separate from each other, with the CO2 evaporating, leaving the CBD oil behind. Although this is the most expensive form of extraction due to the advanced techniques and equipment, it is an exact method of CBD extraction. It's also ideal for full-spectrum CBD, as it ensures that all of the essential ingredients remain intact and are not subjected to heat. If the CBD extraction method for a product is important to you – which it should be – then make sure that you consider this and read up on the product before purchasing.
3. Everyone Needs the Same Dose of CBD
The same dose of CBD won't be suitable for everyone's needs or wellness goals. CBD dosage isn't a "one-size-fits-all". In fact, it may take you some time before you figure out your optimal dose, and that's completely fine. You need to take into account a couple of different factors. For example, your body composition will affect how your body absorbs the CBD and how long it takes to take effect. This includes your height, weight, body fat percentage and metabolism. It will also depend on the concentration of CBD that you're consuming and what method you use.
This is important to consider as CBD oils and vape are two of the quickest methods to take effect compared to edibles and topicals. The CBD needs to be digested if eaten, and topical CBD must be absorbed through the skin. Therefore, for individuals hoping to feel the effects of CBD as quickly as possible, oils and vapes will likely better suit their needs. Overall, we recommend beginning with a small dose of full-spectrum CBD and seeing how it goes. You never know; this could be the optimal dose for you! However, if it's not, you can gradually increase it from here.
Top Tip: keep a journal to log your CBD doses and how they make you feel. This is an excellent way of keeping track of your CBD use and could help you establish a dosing schedule.
4. CBD Can Produce Side Effects
For some individuals, all types of CBD result in some side effects. However, these are often mild and may be avoided once you find the perfect dose for your needs and your body. Because more side effects are reported with purer forms of CBD, like CBD isolate, you are potentially less likely to experience an adverse reaction if you use full-spectrum CBD. The most commonly reported side effects of CBD are a dry mouth, upset stomach, reduced appetite and diarrhoea. The good news is that CBD is a generally well-tolerated substance in both animal models and humans. Once you get your dosing under control, these side effects will likely diminish.
5. CBD Can Affect Other Medications
This is an essential factor to consider before you begin taking any type of CBD. There hasn't been a great deal of research into drug interactions and CBD thus far; however, it is considered safe and well-tolerated. That said, some research suggests that CBD may interact with certain medications in the same manner as grapefruit. This is particularly relevant for blood-thinning medications. Therefore, before you begin a CBD regimen, ensure that you check with a medical professional.
Final Thoughts
There are many misconceptions when it comes to the world of CBD. Selecting full-spectrum CBD oils or products is a great idea, as it's the most natural way of adding CBD to your regimen. Plus, you may be able to benefit from the entourage effect. No matter how you choose to add CBD to your lifestyle, always remember to purchase products from reputable companies with third-party lab tests and a COA. We hope this article has armed you with the information you need to get out there and begin your full-spectrum CBD journey today!
