Lately, it seems impossible to make it through your day without hearing about CBD oil in some capacity, whether it’s from a friend, in the news, or just about anywhere else you turn your head.

We and our customers are no strangers to CBD (cannabidiol) of course, but we do sometimes find ourselves fielding questions about what full-spectrum CBD oil means, and how it differs from other CBD products on the market, particularly CBD isolate.

In this article, we discuss:

What full spectrum CBD means and how to identify full spectrum CBD products
Benefits of full spectrum CBD
If full spectrum CBD oil is better than CBD isolate
The difference between hemp and marijuana
If CBD is legal
Where to buy CBD online

Let’s jump in…

What Does Full Spectrum CBD Mean?

Full spectrum CBD is a hemp-derived product that contains a wide range of cannabinoids beyond just CBD. It also includes various other components of the hemp plant, such as naturally occurring terpenes, essential vitamins, fatty acids, proteins, and more.

Because it retains these diverse elements, full spectrum CBD is sometimes referred to as whole-plant CBD extract. As Laura Freeman, founder of Laura’s Mercantile and Laura’s Homestead Alternatives, explains, “We are organic farmers, and we stay as close to the plant as possible.”

In contrast, CBD isolate is a purified form of CBD that contains only the CBD molecule, isolated from all other plant compounds. Unlike full spectrum CBD, isolates contain no detectable THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high.” However, they also lack the additional beneficial and nutritional elements found in full spectrum products, such as terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, and proteins.

Is Full Spectrum CBD Oil Better Than CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is a bit like selling bread that’s been stripped of much of its nutritional value. Every cannabinoid and terpene found in a hemp plant has a specific biochemical effect, and studies have indicated there is a greater benefit when the full spectrum of compounds work together in what is known as the “Entourage Effect.”

What Are the Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil?

While there is much research to be completed, the National Institute of Health’s Patent on full spectrum CBD states that it may aid in soreness and recovery. We detail much of this research on our Benefits of CBD Oil page.

There are more than 100 compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, one being cannabidiol (CBD) of course. Other common cannabinoids you may come across are:

Cannabicromene (CBC)
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabinol (CBN)

As mentioned, the major benefit of full spectrum CBD oil is the positive effect when all the compounds work in unison.

Full spectrum CBD also contains vitamins, essential fats, and protein. Vitamins A, C, E, and B are found in abundance in CBD, along with up to 20 amino acids and essential fatty acids, like Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Does Full Spectrum CBD Contain THC?

Yes, full spectrum CBD products do contain a small amount of THC, the intoxicating compound found in marijuana.

Know that Laura’s Homestead Alternatives CBD products are extracted from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC – a requirement by federal law and a measure we ensure by testing every batch of CBD in partnership with an accredited, DEA-registered third-party lab. Test results for every Homestead Alternatives batch can be found on our Certifications page and customers are able to search for their specific test results.

Will Full Spectrum CBD Oil Make Me High?

CBD products taken at the most commonly recommended dosages have no practical chance of making you “high.” Since full spectrum CBD oil contains such a low concentration of THC, the risk of intoxication isn’t present.

Are Hemp and Marijuana the Same?

There are three species of cannabis plants: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. While both hemp and marijuana fall under the species Cannabis sativa, they are not the same plant. Hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC and a high concentration of CBD; marijuana contains a significantly higher concentration of THC.

Industrial hemp is grown to be durable, as it can also be used to produce fiber. Hemp tends to have very long stalks and fewer flowering buds compared to marijuana. This can make it easier to extract the high amounts of CBD and smaller amounts of THC. Hemp is used to make a number of things — CBD, bricks and hempcrete, fiber, clothing, shoes, and plenty more.

Marijuana plants are typically smaller and have many flowering buds. The primary purpose when growing marijuana is maximizing the concentration of THC.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

Yes, buying CBD oil is federally legal and we ship to all 50 states. The 2018 Farm Bill removed industrial hemp from the DEA’s purview and removed hemp as a Schedule I substance. This made the production and sale of hemp and its extracts legal, so long as the hemp from which the CBD is extracted contains no more than 0.3% THC.

The USDA confirmed in its memo that states cannot interfere with the commerce of hemp or its derivatives.

How Can I Take CBD?

We’re happy to offer a range of CBD products in various applications, including full spectrum CBD oil, softgel capsules, lotions and creams, and edibles, all of which can be ordered online and delivered straight to your doorstep. See our online CBD store or navigate to specific products below.