Did you know that the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) contains more than just CBD? If you follow the blog, you’ve probably read about the “spectrum” of CBD types. In today’s post, we’ll be talking more in depth about these different compounds and the debate about the “entourage effect.”

Forms of CBD

You can find CBD products labeled full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate. Each form offers benefits for people looking for different things so that you can get exactly what you want from your CBD.

To answer the question posed at the top of the page, there is so much more than CBD in hemp!

CBD is just one of the many cannabinoids in the plant, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Federal regulations require that hemp contain less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

In addition to the various cannabinoids, hemp has flavonoids and terpenes that may be included in full spectrum and broad spectrum hemp extract products. Flavonoids, such as isovitexin and apigenin, are rich in antioxidant properties and are found naturally in many types of fruits, vegetables, and plant products like wine and chocolate. Terpenes are aromatic oils that repel predators or attract pollinators. In hemp, these include camphene, eucalyptol, and myrcene.

The Entourage Effect

Because there are so many different types of compounds found in hemp, some have posited that there are potential synergistic effects when these cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes are combined and introduced into the body together. This possible phenomenon has become known as the entourage effect.

Proponents of this theory say that you need all the substances in the hemp plant to get the most out of its extract. While plenty of anecdotal evidence exists on both sides of this debate, scientists are still in the early days of studying this effect. There are no firm answers in support of or against the entourage effect. For now, it remains a theory.

THC in CBD Products

Like I said above, hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% THC per federal regulations. Broad spectrum and isolate products have had all THC removed. Though full spectrum CBD has the tiniest bit of THC, it’s not nearly enough to make you feel high.

There is the potential for users of full spectrum CBD products to receive positive results on a drug test. If this is at all a concern, an isolate may be a better choice for you.

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Wrapping Up

No matter what form of CBD you choose, make sure you shop wisely and purchase from a company that provides certificates of analysis (COAs) that show exactly what’s in your product.

There are many ways that hemp extract products can support healthy lifestyles. While there is no definitive proof concerning the entourage effect, you can choose what kinds of CBD products work best to enhance your individual wellness. And this will look different for everyone!

Tell us what you think about the entourage effect or how you use different forms of CBD in your daily wellness routine on Instagram, on Facebook, or in the comments below.