Recently so many variations of CBD products have reached the market that it can be quite a challenge to keep track. Especially full-spectrum CBD has been mentioned more and more, and has been a key driver of growth in the industry.
Just like bees in a hive thrive under their interdependence, CBD works best when all the other components of the hemp plant are included in the formula that is created from the plant. Research has shown, that CBD is indeed more effective when it is combined with other cannabinoids, especially THC, and terpenes. The effect when substances work better together than isolated is called the entourage effect.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that can be found in almost every plant or fungi. They make up most of the essential oils we know, for example limonene (in lemon peels) or eucalyptol (in eucalyptus). Next to their loving smells, terpenes (of which the hemp plant has over 140 of) have been studied to have an impact on how our body reacts to cannabinoids, meaning it can improve effects or absorption.
The other components are phytocannabinoids, such as CBD or THC. Yes, even THC. No worries, when we talk about full-spectrum CBD, only tiny amounts of THC are added just for the sake of offering the whole palette of positive effects. It has also been observed that with full-spectrum CBD, the doses can be reduced drastically when compared to a CBD isolate.