Full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD Distillates

Full spectrum vs broad spectrum

A lot of debate surrounds terminology in the CBD industry, and one of the most complicated being the use of the terms full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. It’s important to note that there’s no official definition when it comes to broad and full-spectrum, leaving the criteria upon which they are defined somewhat open for interpretation.

For educational purposes, we’ll highlight how KND Labs defines full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD Distillates, and discuss the benefits of each for manufacturers and consumers.

What is the Cannabinoid Spectrum?

Every cannabinoid reacts with our endocannabinoid system differently, so cannabigerol (CBG) behaves differently than cannabidiol (CBD). The full range of 113+ cannabinoids is what makes up the cannabinoid spectrum.

The distinction between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum is typically determined by the range of cannabinoids included in an extract or finished product. A “full-spectrum” designation means that the product contains the full spectrum of compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) found in the hemp plant, including the cannabinoid, THC. However, it can be challenging to detect the presence of all cannabinoids due to extremely low concentrations of some of them. This is where it can become difficult to confirm the legitimacy of a product claiming a “full-spectrum” distinction.

Full-Spectrum: Pros and Cons

Full-spectrum products deliver an extensive range of compounds from the cannabis plant. And because it’s a whole-plant extract, it doesn’t go through the stages of refinement that broad spectrum and isolate do.

However, if the presence of THC is problematic from a manufacturing or consumer standpoint, a full-spectrum extract might not be the best choice. The presence of THC means that these extracts could have psychoactive inducing properties for some users, as well as the potential for testing positive for THC consumption on drug tests.

For product manufacturers, the inclusion of THC introduces additional legal considerations, as. full-spectrum products can often test above the federally legal limit of 0.3% THC. Global brands could also run into issues when distributing their products in international markets such as the UK, where the THC limit is 0.2%. At KND Labs, we take legal compliance for our customers very seriously, which is why we guarantee that both our FREEFLOW™ Full Spectrum Distillate and our Full Spectrum Compliant Distillate test at less than or equal to the federal limit of 0.3% THC.

Broad Spectrum - Same Great Benefits, Less Risk

Broad-spectrum distillates, on the other hand, sit at the midway point between full-spectrum and isolate products. KND Labs defines our broad-spectrum products as cannabinoid-rich distillates, but with THC removed. The extraction process is similar to full-spectrum, but it undergoes additional refinement to remove any psychoactive compounds. This ensures a product with the beneficial compounds that users love about full-spectrum distillates without the risks associated with significant amounts of THC.

Consumers and manufacturers alike can depend on our broad-spectrum products to be compliant while still providing the benefits of a whole-plant extract.

So Which Do I Choose?

Since there’s no industrially agreed-upon definition for broad and full-spectrum, it’s important to ask CBD manufacturers how exactly they define their products. Certainly, due to the process involved in creating each, “0% THC Full Spectrum” CBD does not exist. Manufacturers making this claim are at best misinformed, and at worst, misleading their customers.

If you’re still having trouble deciding on the best CBD to use for your product, give our team a call at 1 833-KND-4-CBD or email sales@kndlabs.com.