26 Jun Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Vs CBD Isolates

Many consumers will testify that CBD along with other naturally occurring therapeutic phytocannabinoids like CBG, CBDV, CBC, CBN, plus various kinds of terpenes, flavonoids, and many of the other wonderful phytocompounds found in Full Spectrum Hemp Extract work best together.

According to Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam, the synergies of all of the phytocompounds working together is now known as “the entourage effect.” That is, Full Spectrum Hemp Extract enriched with CBD works better than CBD in its pure form (CBD isolates or CBD crystallines), that can also be delivered as an oil product. Unfortunately, these CBD isolate/crystalline oil products often are mislabeled as Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Oil.

In a recent meta-analysis paper published on September 12, 2018, it was observed that CBD-rich extracts presented a better therapeutic profile than CBD in its pure form, in population of patients with refractory epilepsy. The roots of this difference were noted to be likely due to synergistic effects of CBD with other the phytocompounds.

To see if your product is a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, ask the company for a certificate of analysis (COA) for potency, from a legitimate third party verification testing center that is A2LA, PJLA, or ORELAP for ISO 17025 and TNI/NELAC accredited. Then look to see if there are detectable phytocannabinoids listed along with CBD, such as CBG, CBDV, CBC and THC (less than 0.3%). 

When you only see CBD detected on the COA, then this product is made up of CBD crystalline isolates and it will NOT contain any other healing phytocompounds (ie. phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) and it was mislabeled as a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract. It would also not be considered a whole plant medicine.

Namaste, Dr. Laura

Source: Potential Clinical Benefits Of CBD-rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD In Treatment-resistant Epilepsy:Observational Data Meta-analysis; Fabricio a. Pamplona, Lorenzo Rolim Da Silva, Ana Carolina Coan