Full Spectrum CBD Oil: what it means and why it matters
When you buy a CBD oil, the first thing you should look at isn’t just the percentage, but the type of extract: full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate. This distinction determines which compounds you’ll consume and, most importantly, how they will act in your body.
What is a Full Spectrum CBD oil
A full spectrum oil contains the complete spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the hemp plant, including a minimal percentage of THC (always below the legal 0.2%). In other words, CBD isn’t isolated alone: the entire phytochemical profile of the crop is preserved.
The entourage effect: why the full spectrum matters
The concept of the entourage effect describes how cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than separately. When you consume CBD along with CBG, CBN, terpenes like myrcene or limonene, and legal traces of THC, the result is more complete, more stable, and with greater bioavailability than if you take isolated CBD.
Research published by Dr. Ethan Russo and other scientific teams supports this synergy: the minor components of hemp aren’t “filler”—they are an active part of the effect.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate
- Full Spectrum: all cannabinoids and terpenes, traces of THC (<0.2%). Maximum entourage effect.
- Broad Spectrum: the same profile as full spectrum, but without THC (removed in the lab). A good option if you’re going to undergo drug testing.
- CBD Isolate: pure cannabidiol only, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. Lower entourage effect.
Why we recommend Full Spectrum
At NorthSpices, we only work with full spectrum extracts because the evidence and the experience of our customers support that it is the format with the best results. Every batch comes with its lab analysis so you know exactly what you’re taking.
Which concentration should I choose?
If you’re just getting started, a 5% full spectrum CBD oil is ideal for getting a feel for CBD. If you already have experience or need a stronger effect, the 10% CBD oil or the 20% one cover medium-high concentrations with a great quality-to-dose ratio.
