Introduction

Pop a cannabis plant under a microscope and you’ll find over 500 chemical compounds, including more than 100 cannabinoids. Among these, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most well-known and studied.

And the way these respectively interact with mind and body is nothing short of extraordinary.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is often highlighted as the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and nervous system, influencing mood, pain perception, and other functions. 

Beyond THC’s well-known ability to create a sense of euphoria, it has demonstrated significant medical benefits, such as alleviating chronic pain, reducing nausea, and stimulating appetite.

CBD, or cannabidiol, interacts with different parts of the brain and can be used for different medical reasons and is seen as a more appropriate compound for some conditions and symptoms.

Unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive – which means no potential for a ‘high’ – yet many medical cannabis patients who consume CBD instead champion positive body effects that soothe their symptoms.

It’s why CBD oil for pain relief (that is, CBD extracted from cannabis, mixed with a carrier substance such as olive, coconut or hemp seed oil, then used to treat a wide range of health conditions) is growing ever popular.

But the info does not end there. While CBD oil can be helpful, some conditions and symptoms may benefit more from THC or a combination of cannabinoids. The plant’s many compounds, including THC, can work together to provide targeted and enhanced therapeutic effects.

Full Spectrum CBD vs. Isolate vs. Broad Spectrum 

Put simply, the difference between the three types of CBD (isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum) is the compounds they contain.

For example, if any CBD product features a range of things extracted from a cannabis plant – like terpenes, essential oils and (up to 0.2%) THC – it is classed as full-spectrum.

Broad spectrum is similar, in that it can contain a wide range of cannabis plant compounds, yet it has no more than a trace amount of THC. 

In both, the blend of cannabis plant extracts is vital. This sparks what is known as the ‘entourage effect’ – compounds working better together than apart, and having a more profound impact on the body.

Last, isolate is pretty much as it sounds: pure CBD or THC with no other compounds. CBD isolate is typically derived from hemp plants, which have very low THC content, while THC isolate is extracted from cannabis plants with higher THC levels, ensuring that only the THC remains.

That being said, with over-the-counter CBD becoming a health shop staple for several years now, it’s important to remember that regulation in the consumer market is minimal.

As a result, while brands may claim their products contain isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum CBD, there’s no guarantee that these claims are accurate. Without stringent regulation, the actual content and quality of CBD products can vary, so it’s essential to choose products from reputable brands and look for third-party lab testing to confirm their claims.

Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil

As the evidence for full spectrum CBD grows, patients are turning to it to support a wide variety of issues. 

Such as:

Inflammation

Study after study shows that CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory. And full spectrum is hailed as especially effective. 

In a 2015 trial, full spectrum not only outperformed CBD isolate, but where isolate only eased inflammation at a specific dose, the positive effect of full spectrum products increased in line with dosage.

Chronic pain

For things like migraines and arthritis, CBD is emerging as a reliable option for patients, plus a safer alternative to opioids (where dependency and accidental overdose can pose a real threat) 

Like inflammation, there’s evidence to suggest full spectrum CBD is better for pain relief than isolate and broad spectrum. Largely, this is due to the combined effects of THC and CBD.

Mental health

Though human trials for CBD’s impact on anxiety and depression are limited, a 2022 study showed encouraging signs.

In it, full spectrum CBD provided a swift reduction in symptoms, with few side effects.

Another paper showed strains high in CBD and THC alike made a positive difference on anxiety symptoms.

Neurological disorders

There is some data to suggest CBD has neuroprotective properties (in other words, stopping or delaying the destruction of nerve cells). 

While the main evidence has been gleaned from animal studies, researchers are hopeful more trials will show CBD can offer some defence against the likes of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. 

Skin health

According to a 2022 review, “there is overwhelming clinical evidence suggesting the beneficial effects of topical cannabinoids in treating a myriad of skin conditions.” 

In particular, CBD is known to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-itching and wound healing qualities – alongside its use as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller (see above). 

While specific research on full spectrum CBD is lacking, a recent paper showed clear results of a broad spectrum shampoo product helping patients with scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil Dosage

Start low and go slow.

It’s a mantra you’ll see repeated a lot across the Cannaverse, and with very good reason.

Why? Because everyone is different. 

Your response to medical cannabis is shaped by endless factors, like height and weight, existing tolerance, the strength (and form) of your prescription and, don’t forget, the health condition you are trying to treat.

It’s why having a detailed consultation with a specialist doctor (plus frequent follow ups) is a core part of UK medical cannabis. Doctors are your expert guide to getting your prescription right.

Once you have your medicine, observe the above (start low, go slow) before you think about upping the dose.

Why CBD Alone May Not Be Enough and The Role of THC

While full spectrum CBD oil can be effective for some conditions, it’s important to note that it may not always be sufficient on its own. Some patients require THC to address their specific health issues, as THC’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system can offer unique therapeutic benefits that CBD alone might not provide. 

For instance, THC can be crucial in managing severe pain or stimulating appetite where CBD’s effects fall short. This is why, for certain conditions, a combination of THC and CBD, often prescribed through private consultations and specialist clinics, may offer a more comprehensive approach to treatment.

Summary

• THC and CBD are the two key active ingredients in cannabis. THC can cause a ‘mind high’, due to its psychoactive nature, whereas CBD (a non-intoxicating compound) may deliver a ‘body high’.
• There are three categories of CBD: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate. Full spectrum includes all cannabinoids (including THC) and broad spectrum some (little to no THC), with isolate CBD-only.
• There is growing data to imply full spectrum CBD can support many different health conditions – from anxiety to Alzheimer’s, psoriasis to chronic pain.
• No matter what type of CBD product a patient receives, or what health issue they’re hoping to treat, the dosage advice is always the same: start low, go slow.