What Does Full Spectrum Mean in Cannabis?

Newcomers to a cannabis dispensary will come across a host of new terms including "full-spectrum" written on cannabis products. So what does “full spectrum” mean and how is it different from other products commonly found in a dispensary?

In short, a full-spectrum cannabis product retains the full range of compounds that were present in the original plant. Full-spectrum products contain cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBC, CBG, and others, in addition to the strain’s full terpene profile and other chemicals including flavonoids, sterols, and triterpenoids.

Full-Spectrum Cannabis Explained

The balance of cannabinoids, cannabis terpenes, and flavonoids present in each cannabis strain impacts its effects and potency and gives it its distinctive flavor and aroma. For example, a strain high in limonene terpene will have a zingy, zesty flavor and aroma. The presence of the cannabinoid THC will produce the "high" associated with weed, while CBD has the potential to offer various therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis flower is naturally full-spectrum as it contains all of the plant’s naturally occurring components. However, there are other cannabis products that are made intentionally without certain compounds. For instance, some individuals prefer to consume cannabis products without THC to avoid its psychoactive effects.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

A full-spectrum CBD product contains all the phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids like THC. However, the THC content of hemp-derived CBD products is negligible (a maximum of 0.3%). This means you're highly unlikely to feel intoxicated by the trace amounts of THC found in a full-spectrum CBD oil.

Full-spectrum CBD products are different from broad-spectrum CBD products (which have the THC removed) and CBD isolates (which only contain CBD). These products offer slightly different compositions and can be used for different purposes. 

Many people prefer full-spectrum CBD as it allows them to experience the "entourage effect." The entourage effect theory suggests that all of the compounds in the cannabis plant work together synergistically in the endocannabinoid system. Removing compounds like THC or terpenes would therefore alter the effects of the final product.

Alternatives to Full-Spectrum CBD

Some consumers prefer to avoid THC altogether. Broad-spectrum CBD products and CBD isolate are attractive alternatives for these people. CBD isolates contain pure CBD while broad-spectrum CBD contains the vast majority of the compounds in the original plant minus the THC.

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolates Compared

	FULL-SPECTRUM CBD	BROAD-SPECTRUM CBD	CBD ISOLATE
Contains compounds from the whole plant including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols, and triterpenoids	✅	✅
Contains THC	✅
Only contains CBD with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or chemical compounds			✅

What Is Full-Spectrum THC?

A full-spectrum THC product contains all of the compounds in the cannabis plant, including its full cannabinoid content, all of its terpenes, and other compounds such as flavonoids. Highly potent THC products like Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) offer consumers a flexible way to benefit from full-spectrum THC. RSO can be added to edibles or topicals, vaped, or ingested sublingually.

The alternative to full-spectrum THC products is THC isolate. THC isolates are highly potent, so consumers should "start low and go slow." 

What Are the Advantages of Full-Spectrum Products?

Cannabis connoisseurs often choose full-spectrum cannabis products over isolates for their effects and the experience they offer. The main advantages of full-spectrum cannabis are:

Potential for Greater Overall Effects

The entourage effect is said to occur with full-spectrum products, as the compounds within the plant work together in synergy. This may enhance the potential benefits of full-spectrum products.

2024 research from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Boulder compared THC alone with a mix of THC and limonene in terms of their effects on anxiety. They found that limonene and THC together reduced anxiety while THC in isolation had the potential to exacerbate it. The authors concluded that the presence of other naturally occurring cannabis compounds can either enhance the medical benefits of certain cannabinoids or mitigate their side effects.

Potential for Greater Absorption

Some research suggests that full-spectrum products may be more easily absorbed by the body compared to isolates. For example, one 2023 study showed that consuming full-spectrum CBD increased the oral bioavailability of CBD when compared to broad-spectrum CBD and CBD in isolate form. The study concluded that full-spectrum products boost the effectiveness of CBD, as the presence of THC increases the consumer’s exposure to the effects of CBD.

Natural, Aromatic Experience

For cannabis enthusiasts, the experience of consuming weed isn't only about its effects. Smoking a cannabis strain in its natural state offers a banquet of flavors and aromas that transform cannabis consumption into an experience. 

Consuming isolates can be great for an instant kick or to turbo-charge a joint. However, only full-spectrum products provide the whole experience.

Which Cannabis Products Are Full Spectrum?

You're likely to find the words "full spectrum" on various products in dispensaries, including our dispensaries in Seattle, WA. Common full-spectrum products include:

• Cannabis flower: Cannabis flower is a full-spectrum product. Cannabis flowers are also used to create full-spectrum extracts, such as rosin and ice water hash.

• Cannabis edibles: Cannabis edibles can be made using extracts like cannabis oil, full-spectrum distillate, or cannabis flower. Check the label carefully to determine if your edibles are full spectrum when purchasing them from a dispensary. 

• Full-spectrum lotions, creams, balms, and salves preserve all the cannabinoids and terpenes. This allows the compounds to work in synergy as they activate the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin.

Enjoy a Well-Rounded Experience with Full-Spectrum Products

Cannabis enthusiasts today have the chance to experiment with an extensive range of products to see which formulations work best for them. For many consumers, full-spectrum cannabis products are preferred because they are more “holistic” and offer more balanced effects.

Broad-spectrum products and isolates are ideal for people who want to avoid a certain cannabinoid or achieve a very precise dosage. However, the most authentic, aromatic, and well-rounded weed experience will always be full spectrum.