Full Spectrum CBD Vs Broad Spectrum CBD: What's The Difference?
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What is full spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains a wide range of naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant including cannabinoids (like CBD, CBG, and CBC), terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC (always less than 0.2% to remain legal in the UK). This combination may support the entourage effect, a theory suggesting that these compounds work better together than in isolation.
Recent research supports this theory, showing that full-spectrum CBD led to significantly higher bioavailability compared to isolate and broad-spectrum formulas with 12–21% greater absorption in animal models [1]. This effect was largely attributed to the presence of THC, which was shown to improve CBD’s absorption through the intestinal wall.
While THC is best known for its psychoactive effects, the trace levels found in UK-regulated full-spectrum products are too low to cause intoxication but may still enhance the overall therapeutic potential for some users.
What is broad spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD includes many of the same plant compounds as full-spectrum such as multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with all detectable THC removed. This makes it a suitable option for people who want to benefit from the entourage effect but avoid THC altogether.
Because broad-spectrum products don’t contain THC, they’re often chosen by those who undergo regular drug testing, or who are particularly sensitive to THC, while still offering a plant-based, multi-compound approach to CBD.
What is CBD isolate?
Finally we have the most basic form of CBD: CBD isolate. This contains nothing but pure and isolated CBD, and there are no other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids.
So, which type of CBD should I pick?
First of all, all types of CBD are beneficial to the human body.
However, there is an 'entourage effect theory' that suggests that taking both CBD and THC together, along with terpenes and flavonoids, may be more effective than taking either cannabinoid alone.
Key Differences Between Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum and CBD Isolate
| CBD Type | Contains THC? | Other Cannabinoids? | Terpenes & Flavonoids? | Entourage Effect? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Spectrum | Yes (trace only) | Yes | Yes | ✅ Yes | Stronger results, whole-plant benefits |
| Broad-Spectrum | No | Yes | Yes | ✅ Yes | THC-free experience, natural flavour |
| CBD Isolate | No | No | No | ❌ No | Flavourless use, high purity, drug testing concerns |
What exactly is The Entourage Effect?
If THC won’t have any of its most notable psychoactive effects in UK legal CBD products, why do people still purchase full-spectrum CBD?
Well, trace amounts of THC is included in our full-spectrum products for the same reason that other cannabinoids are included in our broad-spectrum products: the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is a principle that revolves around the idea of cannabinoids working in harmony with each other. Essentially, it is believed that 'layering' a number of different cannabinoids will enhance the effects of CBD and result in more wellness benefits.
Though based largely off anecdotal evidence, it has been noted that having a larger spectrum of different cannabinoids in your CBD makes it more beneficial. So, with that in mind:
- Full-spectrum CBD is thought to have a stronger effect than broad-spectrum CBD which doesn't contain THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD is thought to have a stronger effect that CBD isolate, which contains no cannabinoids other than CBD.
What are the benefits of full spectrum CBD?
Unless you're undergoing regular drug tests, we always recommend using our full-spectrum products first as they tend to give the best results. Here are some reasons why full-spectrum CBD might be a good choice for you:
- You need stronger relief from a number of different ailments
- You want to enjoy the benefits of the entourage effect
- You like the earthy flavour profile
- You want a more natural, and less refined product
What are the benefits of broad spectrum CBD?
If you take CBD regularly these trace amounts of THC can build up in your system - and whilst they will never make you feel “high”, they may flag up on a workplace or sports drug test - which is why we offer a number of broad-spectrum CBD products her at Orange County. Broad-spectrum might be the best choice for you if:
- You want to avoid THC completely but still want to enjoy the benefits of other, non-psychoactive cannabinoids available
- You still want to enjoy that earthy flavour profile
- You want as natural product as possible without THC
What are the benefits of CBD isolate?
Some drug tests, believe it or not, not only test for THC, but also for cannabinoids in general - which is why we've designed our CBD isolate range to ensure that people who undergo more serious drug tests regularly can still enjoy the benefits of CBD.
With CBD isolate, you’ll miss out on any perks from the entourage effect, but research from 2015 does suggest that taking pure CBD alone is still beneficial. So, CBD isolate might be the right choice for you if:
- You want a flavourless and odourless product
- You want to avoid other cannabinoids except for CBD because you have to undergo regular cannabinoid drug testing
- You want to take large doses of CBD without worrying about taking too much THC
Applications & uses
In general, here at Orange County we use full-spectrum CBD across our range of premium CBD oils to give our customers that chance to get all of the potential wellness benefits from their CBD, if they want them!
We tend to use broad-spectrum CBD on a wider range of products than full-spectrum, including most topicals, the more flavour-focused CBD oils, pure extracts and our range of CBD gummies.
Explore Both Options With Orange County CBD
Whether you're looking for a stronger entourage effect or need a THC-free option, Orange County CBD offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum formulas all made in the UK and lab-tested.
Research
[1] – Study: Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Commercially Available Cannabidiol Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, and Full-Spectrum Products
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37337087/
Summary:
This controlled animal study investigated how different types of CBD formulations isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum affect bioavailability after oral administration.
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Method: Male and female rats received the same dose of CBD delivered in each formulation type. A separate arm compared a commercial full-spectrum CBD product to a lab-prepared version (CBD + 0.2% THC). In vitro gut permeability tests were also conducted.
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Key Findings:
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Full-spectrum CBD led to 12% (males) and 21% (females) higher bioavailability compared to isolate and broad-spectrum CBD.
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The presence of 0.2% THC significantly enhanced CBD absorption and reduced its efflux (loss) through the intestinal wall.
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No major difference was found between a commercial full-spectrum product and the lab-made equivalent, suggesting that THC content is the key driver in increased absorption.
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Conclusion: Trace levels of THC as found in legal full-spectrum products — may enhance CBD’s effectiveness by increasing its bioavailability. This supports the entourage effect theory and suggests full-spectrum CBD could provide greater therapeutic value than isolate or broad-spectrum formulations.