Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD: Key Differences, Why They Matter

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a tall hemp plant in the sunshine

If you’re new to CBD, and even if you’ve dabbled a bit, you might find yourself wondering what the terms full spectrum and broad spectrum mean, what the differences are, and do they really matter, anyway? 

In fact, they do matter–and we think you should know all about them. 

Understanding what these terms mean can help you tailor your CBD routine to fit your individual needs and lifestyle. And sometimes, they can help you assess the quality of a product, because–we hate to break it to you–not all CBD brands are created equal!

We’ll tell you all about the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD so you can figure out which products to try, and what to beware of. 

Key Takeaways

  • Full vs. Broad Spectrum: Full has trace THC; broad is THC-free. Both offer unique benefits.

  • Entourage Effect: Full spectrum blends cannabinoids for enhanced effects.

  • Product Range: R&R offers CBD gummies, tinctures, creams, softgels, and pet treats.

  • Drug Tests: Even THC-free CBD may impact test results.

  • Tailored Choices: Choose CBD types based on your lifestyle needs

What is Full Spectrum CBD? 

The Cannabis sativa plant is pretty fascinating. Considered hemp if it contains less than 0.3 percent THC and marijuana if THC levels exceed that threshold, cannabis can provide a wealth of benefits to the human body. It’s little wonder that the plant has been cultivated for thousands of years. 

There are over 100 cannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa, plus many more phytonutrients such as flavonoids, terpenes, and antioxidants that work together to produce what’s known as an entourage effect–a way that cannabinoids and other compounds work synergistically within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in human bodies.

The entourage effect is thought to bring about greater impacts and benefits to users. Who wouldn’t want that, right? 

In addition to offering an entourage effect, another feature of full spectrum CBD products is that they include trace amounts of THC, however not enough to produce any psychoactive effects–so you won’t experience the feeling of being “high.” 

But, buyer beware. Not all products labeled as full spectrum provide the entourage effect. Some companies choose to only blend cannabinoid isolates together, but these products will lack the phytonutrient profile that can be so beneficial. 

For the best experience, we recommend opting for full-spectrum products that take care to preserve the full profile of cannabinoids and other compounds that naturally occur in cannabis.  

Full spectrum CBD products

At R&R, we harness the full power of organically-grown hemp extract to craft products that contain a wide variety of cannabinoids, including CBN, CBC, CBL, CBD-V, THC, and many more. 

Our hemp extract also contains a diverse range of terpenes, amino acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants, allowing you to benefit from a strong entourage effect and greater overall results. You’ll never find isolates in our products.

Here’s a list of our full spectrum hemp products that will give you the maximum entourage effect experience.

Full Spectrum CBD Cream

R&R’s Full Spectrum CBD Cream is a cut above the rest thanks to its doctor-formulated, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing recipe that delivers 1000mg of CBD per tube, plus around 33mg of minor cannabinoids including THC, CBG, CBC, CBDv, CBN, and CBL. 

This fully vegan Cream absorbs easily into the skin, is fast-acting, and enables users to precisely target areas of the body in need of relief. 

 

CBD Full Spectrum Gummies

There’s a reason our Gummies are our best-selling product.

With potent benefits and a truly delicious taste, these Full Spectrum Gummies are a soothing treat you can look forward to. We formulated a candy recipe that is soft, chewy, and sweetened with natural ingredients (no artificial flavors or colors here!). Each Gummy is infused with 25mg of high-quality CBD as well as 0.5mg of CBC, THC, CBDv, CBG, and a solid phytonutrient profile. 

Full Spectrum Tinctures, available in Fresh Mint and Unflavored

R&R’s Tinctures come in a variety of CBD concentrations, making them excellent for beginners and those seeking potent relief alike. Featuring a graduated dropper, these Tinctures enable precise customizable dosing to suit every need. 

At around 17mg of CBD and 2mg of minor cannabinoids per serving, our 500mg Tincture is a good jumping-off point for those who are still exploring CBD and developing their routines. We strongly recommend a higher potency Tincture if you need to target more intense symptoms.

Our 1000mg Tincture is our best-selling Tincture offering and is sure to satisfy most everyone’s needs, clocking in at around 33mg of CBD and over 4mg of minor cannabinoids per serving. 

And our most potent formula, which is the best value per milligram of any of our Tinctures, provides 2500mg of CBD per bottle with over 41mg of CBD and nearly 5mg of minor cannabinoids per serving. Since you can customize your dose with our liquid Tinctures, you may opt for this formula even if you don’t need a high-dose serving! 

Full Spectrum CBD Softgels

Our Full Spectrum Softgels deliver potent CBD benefits with the ultimate convenience. Tasteless, portable, and easy to take, these Softgels will give you the full entourage effect. 

Each 15mg Softgel features over 3mg of minor cannabinoids per serving, including CBC, THC, CBG, CBDv, CBL, and CBN. And our 30mg Softgels are twice as potent and include 6mg of other cannabinoids. 

 

Full Spectrum Pet Products

Humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from full spectrum CBD products. Cats and dogs, as well as many other animals, have endocannabinoid systems that are influenced by CBD and other cannabinoids. 

Our Full Spectrum Dog Chews will not only benefit your pet, but they will be a nice treat–because these Chews are dog-approved delicious! Crafted with natural ingredients including flaxseed, chicken liver, and sweet potato, these Chews incorporate 5gm of CBD as well as minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and antioxidants. 

R&R’s Full Spectrum Cat Chews are designed to appeal to the pickiest of felines with a blend of premium ingredients including trout, chicken, duck, turkey, and of course, high-quality CBD. Each Chew contains 1.5mg of CBD along with a rich blend of terpenes, flavonoids, and antioxidants. 

Our CBD Pet Tincture is highly versatile. Whether dropped directly into your companion animal’s mouth or mixed in with food, this Full Spectrum Tincture delivers up to 16.7mg of CBD per serving along with over 2mg of minor cannabinoids as well as a rich phytonutrient profile. 

This is a more potent product as compared with our Chews, but with the graduated dropper, customizing doses is a cinch. 


What is Broad Spectrum CBD? 

Broad spectrum CBD typically does not include any THC. That’s why broad spectrum products can also be labeled “THC-free.” 

Generally, broad spectrum products feature at least one other cannabinoid in addition to CBD and can also incorporate a phytonutrient profile. However, it can be common for brands to create broad spectrum offerings by merely blending isolates together to leave out THC. Combining isolates means that users will not benefit from the entourage effect. 

R&R does things a bit differently. We use a proprietary, USDA-certified organic process that converts the THC in our full spectrum hemp extract into CBN, a cannabinoid that's useful in promoting healthy sleep cycles. We do this to preserve the full flavonoid, antioxidant, and terpene profile so that you can still benefit from the entourage effect in our broad spectrum products–all without the THC.

R&R’s broad spectrum offerings include cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, CBL, CBD-V, and other compounds including terpenes, antioxidants, and amino acids, and test at 0.0% THC. As R&R preserves all of these functional phytonutrients, efficacy isn’t sacrificed at all when choosing any broad spectrum product. 

R&R CBD Tincture

Broad spectrum CBD products

Broad spectrum CBD products can be an excellent alternative to full spectrum if you’re looking to avoid THC due to sensitivity, preference, or any other reason.

R&R offers the following broad spectrum products that retain a robust cannabinoid and phytonutrient profile for a solid entourage effect without THC. 

THC-Free Gummies


The Broad Spectrum version of our famously delicious CBD Gummies come infused with 25mg of high-quality CBD oil plus around 0.35mg of CBG, CBN, and CBDv as well as a rich blend of phytonutrients including terpenes, antioxidants, and flavonoids.

THC-Free Tincture


When you opt for our Broad Spectrum Tincture, you’ll benefit from each serving that’s packed with 33.33mg of CBD and around 2mg of CBC, CBN, CBG, CBCv, and CBL. This Tincture comes in Fresh Mint flavor and includes a graduated dropper for precise dosing.

THC-Free Softgels


R&R’s Broad Spectrum Softgels offer the same convenience, ease, and tastelessness as our Full Spectrum Softgel offerings–simply without the THC. With each serving yielding 30mg of THC and over 2mg of minor cannabinoids, you won’t be missing out on any entourage effect with these.  

 

A dropper with CBD oil


CBD and Employer Drug Testing 

CBD can help manage stress, physical discomfort, and other conditions that may impair your ability to do a good job at work. You’d think that these products would be welcomed into workplaces everywhere (we certainly think they should be!).

But when it comes to CBD and employer drug testing, or any drug testing for that matter, you should know that any CBD product may make you fail–regardless of whether it’s THC-Free or not. 

Employer lab testing varies from lab to lab. Some specifically test for THC, while others test for a range of cannabinoids. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are very closely structured at a molecular level and depending on any drug test's methodology, results may vary. 

Additionally, each person metabolizes food and supplements differently and has varying lifestyle factors, so it’s difficult to guess how much THC will be present in your system, even in trace amounts.

Because it is impossible for us, or any CBD company, to guarantee that CBD products won’t show up on drug tests, R&R includes clear statements about consulting with employers and health providers on all of our product labels and our website.

Be Informed When Choosing a CBD Routine

Deciding between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD becomes simpler when you understand their benefits.

CBD isolate stands apart from broad-spectrum CBD products due to its pure composition, containing only the CBD cannabinoid and no other compounds. In contrast, broad-spectrum CBD includes various cannabinoids, excluding THC. The primary advantage of CBD isolate is that it allows users to experience the benefits of CBD without the concern of ingesting any THC.

Learn about the entourage effect and how it enhances full spectrum CBD, as well as why THC-free broad spectrum options may be better for some lifestyles.

If you’re just getting started with CBD, how to take CBD for optimal results offers practical tips to help you create a routine that works for you.

Trying to decide which type of product suits your goals? Consider choosing the right CBD for your needs to identify the best options for pain relief, stress management, or better sleep.

These resources will help you make informed decisions about CBD. Have questions? Reach out anytime—we’re here to help!

Wrapping up

Now that you know the difference between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD, you’re better equipped to make the right purchasing decisions for your lifestyle. Don’t be shy to try out different products to see what’s best for you. 

And if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to shoot us a text at 720-593-4971. We’re here for you, and we’ll happily guide you with personalized support to best target your needs.

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