Over the last couple years, CBD has exploded across the country.

But CBD producs are still largely unregulated. Products labeled “CBD” can contain varying levels of CBD, as well as THC and other cannabinoids. It's advisable to look at lab test results before buying CBD products from a new company.

CBD’s non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory  properties have made it a wellness superstar. People report successfully using CBD to treat epilepsy, cancer, chronic pain, anxiety, and many other conditions.

Before starting a CBD treatment regimen, you'll want to do your research.

What's the difference between Full Spectrum CBD and other common CBD products, like CBD Isolate?

Some people have reported great results after using CBD derived from hemp (which does not include much THC). This sort of CBD is strictly CBD only. It has been *isolated* from other plant compounds. (It's called "isolate.") But some experts say that CBD, to work most effectively, should be working synergistically with other cannabinoids in your body. That's where Full Spectrum CBD comes in.

What’s Full Spectrum CBD?

When you hear the term “full spectrum CBD,” it’s referring to the extraction of CBD from a particular flower. So it contains all the other cannabinoids you’d find in said cannabis plant. Some cannabinoids you’d find in this mix include CBG (Cannabigerol,) CBN (Cannabinol,) THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin,) and yes, trace amounts of THC.

This low concentration of THC that lingers in a full spectrum CBD extract is no more than .3 percent. This negligible amount of THC does not produce psychoactive effects. (In other words, it still won't get you "high.") This trace amount of THC allows a greater chance of achieving the Entourage Effect with your dosing.

What’s The Entourage Effect?

You’ll hear people throw around the term “entourage effect” a lot when they’re talking about high terpenes in a flower or extract, or when referring to full spectrum CBD and “whole plant medicine.” The importance of the entourage effect lies in the fact that CBD and THC treatments separately aren’t always sufficient to treat certain conditions. It’s known that THC pharmaceuticals can aid in nausea in cancer patients. It’s known from the Charlotte’s Web story that CBD can greatly quell epilepsy. What’s also known is that terpenes also lend medical and therapeutic benefits.

In short, keeping all the stuff (AKA cannabinoids and terpenoids) in a full spectrum extraction will create a synergy between the two that alters their therapeutic effects. For example, there’s experimentation occurring right now that combines linalool and limonene terpenes with CBG that could potentially treat MRSA. There’s also examinations on linalool being combined with CBD to treat acne. There’s also ample science behind the fact that the terpene myrcene can reduce resistance in the blood-brain barrier.

We’re just starting to skim the surface of what cannabis can offer to modern medicine. The empirical data is only stacking on the benefits of CBD and THC. The next forefront is finding new combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids, reflecting the “whole plant science” behind natural medicine.