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A landmark study says that to get the best out of your cannabidiol (CBD) take it the way it’s found in nature – take it along with the rest of the constituents of the cannabis plant. Variously called called Full Spectrum CBD, or Whole or Full Plant Extract, the idea is that the whole plant works better than the simple sum of its parts – and thus works better than any one part, such as CBD. Scientists call this synergy, the media call it the entourage effect.
The study compared the theraputic effect of full spectrum CBD versus pure CBD on pain and inflammation in mice. It found full spectrum to be more effective noting that it had “profound anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive [pain-relieving] effects.”
Crucially, full spectrum overcomes the major flaw with pure CBD – that it only works in a very narrow dosage range. Beyond which – increasing the dosage – it has no therapeutic effect. It’s like ordering a botte of wine and the maximum effect is achieved with just one glass, any further wine consumption having zero effect (oy).
Full spectrum CBD to the rescue: “when [whole plant] extract was used, a correlative dose-response was observed with increased inhibition of inflammation [and pain] upon increased doses of the extract.” Et voila, you get to experience the full bottle of wine.
The authors say the trick is the “other natural components of the plant. . . . The higher efficiency of plant extract might be explained by additive or synergistic interactions between CBD and minor phytocannabinoids or non-cannabinoids presented in the extracts.”
The one caveat with full spectrum is the THC. If you’re going going to be drug tested for it, consider using broad spectrum CBD, which is simply full spectrum less THC.
Finally, to be sure you’re getting everything promised in a full spectrum product be sure to look for the QR code or lab report.