Broad Spectrum VS Full Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum vs full spectrum CBD and hemp are two terms you will hear frequently in the CBD world. When you’re looking for a CBD product, you will likely see both advertised. The difference lies in the compounds inside the bottle. Full spectrum CBD oils contain more compounds than broad spectrum CBD extract. Let’s take a closer look at full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD products for dogs.

Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD Products

Full spectrum hemp extract is associated with the entourage effect, which occurs as a result of compounds working together. In order to fully understand the difference between full and broad spectrum products, you need to know the main compounds found in the cannabis plant. The main difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oil involves the compounds in each, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors throughout your dog’s body. There have been over 139 cannabinoids discovered in the cannabis plant, with the majority of the plant containing CBD and THC. These two cannabinoids have the most research behind them. However, other beneficial compounds have been found, including CBN (cannabinol), CBDa (cannabidiolic acid), CBC (cannabichromene), CBGa (cannabigerolic acid), THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), and CBDv (cannabidivarin). 

Cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids (natural compounds produced by your dog’s body), receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes. Cannabinoids from cannabis, such as THC and CBD, interact with this system by binding to or influencing CB1 or CB2 receptors.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the compounds that give the cannabis plant their unique aroma. They are also responsible for the colors and flavors found within the plant. They’re also present in other aromatic plants like citrus fruits and pine needles. Although you notice the aroma and flavor, the most important aspect of terpenes for the plant is their ability to promote their immune defense system. They’re like a natural insecticide, preventing predators from consuming the plant.

Terpenes also play an important role in the entourage effect. Hemp extract is more effective when the whole plant is used rather than only portions of it. Full spectrum extracts contain the most terpenes, with broad spectrum extracts coming in second and isolate CBD coming in last. This is another way full spectrum vs broad CBD differ.

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant chemicals that contribute to the vivid colors of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They are also present in cannabis and account for about 10% of its known compounds. Beyond their sensory contributions, flavonoids are also being studied for their potential therapeutic properties.

Flavonoids aid in the removal of free radicals by serving as an antioxidant. Flavonoids are also responsible for contributing to the color of the plant. They’re similar to terpenes in some ways, and like terpenes, they aid in the occurrence of the entourage effect. There are about 20 flavonoids in cannabis specifically, such as cannflavin A and cannflavin B, which have been found to be beneficial. However, you may not see many of these in broad spectrum products since they have been heavily processed.

The Entourage Effect: Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD

The entourage effect is a proposed mechanism by which the compounds present in cannabis provide beneficial effects to your dog. It suggests that these compounds, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, work together synergistically to enhance the benefits and mitigate potential adverse effects of the plant.

While the concept of the entourage effect is widely accepted in the cannabis industry, it is worth noting that more rigorous scientific research is needed to fully understand these complex interactions and their benefits. Many scientists believe that we have only scratched the surface of the benefits of this powerful plant. There continues to be additional research into the entourage effect and how it can help not only dogs, but humans and other mammals as well.

Broad Spectrum Extract and CBD Isolate For Pets

Refined broad-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD extract that has undergone additional processing to remove any remaining THC and other unwanted compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad spectrum CBD extract is sometimes referred to as THC-free broad-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD distillate. Broad spectrum CBD was predominantly created for people concerned with being drug tested for THC. Now, you can find broad spectrum CBD nearly everywhere.

The refining process used to create refined broad-spectrum CBD typically involves a series of filtration and distillation steps to remove any remaining THC and other “unwanted” compounds.  Broad spectrum uses more processes with chemical solvents, like ethanol, to remove beneficial compounds. The resulting extract is then tested to ensure that it contains no THC.

CBD isolate is pure CBD (cannabidiol) that has been extracted from the hemp plant and isolated from all other compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Hence, the name isolate CBD. This means that CBD isolate contains only CBD in its purest form, with other compounds being found in trace amounts or none at all.

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for Pets

Full spectrum hemp extract is gaining popularity in pet care, especially for dogs, due to its potential therapeutic benefits. It’s important to note that the THC content in full spectrum hemp extract derived from hemp plants should be less than 0.3%, a level generally considered safe for animals.

While studies on the use of full spectrum hemp extract in dogs are limited, anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest that it may provide a variety of health benefits, including:

• May help discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity
• Helps maintain contentment during separation, travel, motion sickness and tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine
• Helps achieve a soft, silky, shiny and healthy coat
• May help with occasional or seasonal allergies
• Helps keep dogs in peak condition
• Helps maintain the general health of all ages and breeds
• Supports the physical and mental well-being of an animal

And, this is just the beginning. There are a slew of other health benefits associated with full spectrum hemp extract. The benefits come from all the compounds in the cannabis plant working together. Earth Buddy provides pet parents with a full spectrum hemp extract that contains as many compounds from cannabis as possible. 

A report from the World Health Organization states that CBD, a primary component of full spectrum hemp extract, is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile. Still, just like any new supplement introduced into your dog’s routine, it’s important to start low and go slow. The lowest effective dose should be utilized for your dog. 

Misconceptions About THC in Full Spectrum CBD Products

Some pet parents choose broad spectrum CBD products due to their fear of THC. There’s a misconception that THC is bad for dogs, even in small amounts. It’s important to note that there is only 0.3% THC in full spectrum hemp extract products. This is not a high enough dose to greatly affect your dog, but it is sufficient to stimulate the entourage effect for therapeutic benefits. 

There is research showing THC is safe, even at high doses. One such study involved rats, dogs, and chimpanzees. In this study, these animals were provided up to 9,000 mg in a single dose. That’s an outrageous amount of THC. So much that the scientists had to provide it in concentrated IV injections. But, even at this dosage, the animals were safe. This shows that the 0.3% THC found in full spectrum hemp extract is generally safe for your pet.

CBD is Highly Unregulated

The CBD industry has experienced rapid growth over the past several years, but it remains largely unregulated. This means that the quality, purity, and potency of CBD products can vary significantly between different brands and products. Some products may not contain the amount of CBD claimed on the label, and others may contain contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides even if they claim to be fully organic. This goes for both broad spectrum CBD products and full spectrum CBD oil.

This lack of regulation can make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the CBD products they purchase. It also shows the importance of purchasing CBD products from reputable companies that submit their products to third-party testing. These tests can verify the concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids as well as the absence of harmful contaminants. Lab reports can show compounds even in trace amounts.

Earth Buddy’s Full Spectrum Hemp Extract

Earth Buddy offers full spectrum hemp extract using single-origin hemp. The products are never sourced through a third party. Earth Buddy uses a small-batch approach using only 4 acres of property to ensure products are high-quality and fully organic. The hemp is grown outdoors under natural sunlight. Once it’s ready to be harvested, a process known as supercritical CO2 is used to extract the compounds. Earth Buddy is a firm believer in minimally processed products.  

You will also find this quality of full spectrum hemp extract in Earth Buddy’s hemp hearts. Hemp hearts are good for pet parents who have a hard time administering the oil. Since they have to go through the digestive process, though, it may take more time to notice the effects. With a CBD tincture, the compounds are absorbed quickly through the blood vessels. 

For further reading, we recommend:

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1054358917300273
• https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0223523418306408#:~:text=cannabis%20and%20hops.-,Terpenes’%20medicinal%20properties%20are%20supported%20by%20numerous%20in%20vitro%2C%20animal,%2Ddiabetic%20attributes%2C%20among%20others
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
• https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62431
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32201189/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28249817/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0041008X73903104?_ga=2.201688145.1960497451.1684333928-1113979084.1681494125
• https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2