Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?How Full-Spectrum CBD WorksBenefits of Full-Spectrum CBDRisksOther Types of CBDLegal Issues Related to Full-Spectrum CBD
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
How Full-Spectrum CBD Works
Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
Risks
Other Types of CBD
Legal Issues Related to Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the extracts naturally found in the cannabis plant, including very small amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient associated with the marijuana “high.”
Full-spectrum CBD may have the potential to help alleviate a variety of health conditions — like pain, anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy — but more research is needed to back up all of the beneficial claims. Only a handful of regulated CBD medications are currently available.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
CBD is short forcannabidioland is what’s known as aphytocannabinoid. Over 100 different phytocannabinoids have been isolated from theCannabis sativaplant.Most commercial CBD products are derived fromthe hemp speciesofCannabis sativa.
The two most well-known phytocannabinoids are CBD and THC:
There are also secondary metabolites found in many plant families, including cannabis plants. Secondary metabolites include:
When all of these elements are found in combination in full-spectrum CBD, it produces what is called the “entourage effect.” It is thought that all of the elements in full-spectrum CBD may work better together than a single cannabinoid used alone.
The Cannabis PlantBoth hemp and marijuana are species of the cannabis plant, and both contain CBD. However, hemp plants have 0.3% THC or less, while marijuana plants have higher levels of THC.
The Cannabis Plant
Both hemp and marijuana are species of the cannabis plant, and both contain CBD. However, hemp plants have 0.3% THC or less, while marijuana plants have higher levels of THC.
Types of CBD Products
CBD comes from either hemp or marijuana, and several different forms of CBD products are widely available. CBD products found in major retail stores are derived from hemp plants.
Examples of CBD products in various forms include:
There are many therapeutic claims regarding CBD. Individuals use CBD products for a variety of conditions, including pain,anxiety, nausea, and sleep issues. However, more research is needed on the effectiveness of CBD and recommended dosing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated over-the-counter products safety or effectiveness.
The major cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD—CBD and THC—work on different areas of the brain. Researchers are still studying their full effects on the body. What we know is that cannabinoids interact with theendocannabinoidsystem in our bodies.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for nervous and immune system function, mood, memory, appetite, pain, inflammation response regulation, and more. It helps correct many different imbalances within the body via activated receptors found throughout our central and peripheral nervous systems.
Several factors can affect how long full-spectrum CBD stays in your system, including what and how much you eat, other medications, and how often you use it.A 2020 study found people who consumed a single dose of a standardized CBD formulation had detectable levels of CBD in their urine five days after ingestion.
More research is needed on the potential health benefits of CBD. However, emerging research indicates CBD may be helpful for many conditions, including:
While several studies indicate the possibility of health benefits of CBD, limited studies have reached statistical significance for any benefit. Additionally, many studies examining possible health benefits had small sample sizes. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of CBD for various health conditions.
FDA Approved Medications
There is currently only one FDA-regulated CBD product. It is a prescription derived from cannabis calledEpidiolex. It is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Additionally, there are FDA-approved prescription medications that contain synthetic THC and a synthetic compound similar to THC. These medications are approved for use withnausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapyand to treat appetite and weight loss issues in individuals with HIV.
Can CBD Affect the Heart?
Side Effects and Risks
There is limited research on the side effects of full-spectrum CBD. While it is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects may include:
Standard and daily-use guidelines for CBD don’t exist, and ingredients and dosages may vary widely. Many CBD products do not contain the amount on the label. In one study, only about 31% of the tested products contained the amount of CBD stated on the label.
There can also be drug interactions between CBD and prescription medications.If you are taking other medications or supplements, contact a healthcare provider prior to taking CBD supplements.
If you are pregnant or nursing, contact your healthcare provider prior to taking CBD supplements. The potential health effects of using CBD products during pregnancy are not well known. CBD may have negative effects on developing fetuses.
Can Full Spectrum CBD Make You High?The amount of THC (0.3% or less) in full-spectrum CBD should not make you high or cause impairment. Therefore, you can drive after taking full-spectrum CBD. It’s also unlikely that it would show up on a drug test.
Can Full Spectrum CBD Make You High?
The amount of THC (0.3% or less) in full-spectrum CBD should not make you high or cause impairment. Therefore, you can drive after taking full-spectrum CBD. It’s also unlikely that it would show up on a drug test.
Other types of CBD are on the market. Full-spectrum CBD is one of three main types of CBD available.
CBD can come from both hemp and marijuana plants. The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to grow industrial hemp in the United States, provided the THC content (the compound that can make you high) is at or below 0.3%.
However, each state has different laws about growing marijuana plants for commercial or individual use.
Summary
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the components naturally found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC. While more research is needed, it may help alleviate several conditions.
Hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal in the United States. One cannabis-derived medication has been approved for certain types of epilepsy, and synthetic versions are used to treat nausea and vomiting and improve appetite.
If you are considering taking full-spectrum CBD, consider contacting your healthcare provider first, particularly if you take other medications or supplements, are pregnant, or are chestfeeding or pumping.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cannabis frequently asked questions.Cavalli J, Dutra RC.A closer look at cannabimimetic terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids: a promising road forward.Neural Regen Res. 2020;16(7):1433-1435.Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, et al.Decoding the postulated entourage effect of medicinalcannabis: what it is and what it isn’t.Biomedicines. 2023;11(8):2323. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11082323U.S. Food and Drug Administration.What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.National Cancer Institute.Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ®)–health professional version.Birnbaum AK, Karanam A, Marino SE, et al.Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy.Epilepsia. 2019;60(8):1586-1592. doi:10.1111/epi.16093Spindle TR, Cone EJ, Kuntz D, et al.Urinary pharmacokinetic profile of cannabinoids following administration of vaporized and oral cannabidiol and vaporized CBD-dominant cannabis.J Anal Toxicol. 2020;44(2):109-125. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz080Wieckiewicz G, Stokłosa I, Stokłosa M, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R.Cannabidiol (CBD) in the self-treatment of depression-exploratory study and a new phenomenon of concern for psychiatrists.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:837946.MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Harvard Health Publishing.Cannabidiol (CBD): what we know and what we don’t.Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About CBD.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Hemp.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cannabis frequently asked questions.Cavalli J, Dutra RC.A closer look at cannabimimetic terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids: a promising road forward.Neural Regen Res. 2020;16(7):1433-1435.Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, et al.Decoding the postulated entourage effect of medicinalcannabis: what it is and what it isn’t.Biomedicines. 2023;11(8):2323. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11082323U.S. Food and Drug Administration.What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.National Cancer Institute.Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ®)–health professional version.Birnbaum AK, Karanam A, Marino SE, et al.Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy.Epilepsia. 2019;60(8):1586-1592. doi:10.1111/epi.16093Spindle TR, Cone EJ, Kuntz D, et al.Urinary pharmacokinetic profile of cannabinoids following administration of vaporized and oral cannabidiol and vaporized CBD-dominant cannabis.J Anal Toxicol. 2020;44(2):109-125. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz080Wieckiewicz G, Stokłosa I, Stokłosa M, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R.Cannabidiol (CBD) in the self-treatment of depression-exploratory study and a new phenomenon of concern for psychiatrists.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:837946.MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Harvard Health Publishing.Cannabidiol (CBD): what we know and what we don’t.Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About CBD.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Hemp.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cannabis frequently asked questions.Cavalli J, Dutra RC.A closer look at cannabimimetic terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids: a promising road forward.Neural Regen Res. 2020;16(7):1433-1435.Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, et al.Decoding the postulated entourage effect of medicinalcannabis: what it is and what it isn’t.Biomedicines. 2023;11(8):2323. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11082323U.S. Food and Drug Administration.What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.National Cancer Institute.Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ®)–health professional version.Birnbaum AK, Karanam A, Marino SE, et al.Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy.Epilepsia. 2019;60(8):1586-1592. doi:10.1111/epi.16093Spindle TR, Cone EJ, Kuntz D, et al.Urinary pharmacokinetic profile of cannabinoids following administration of vaporized and oral cannabidiol and vaporized CBD-dominant cannabis.J Anal Toxicol. 2020;44(2):109-125. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz080Wieckiewicz G, Stokłosa I, Stokłosa M, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R.Cannabidiol (CBD) in the self-treatment of depression-exploratory study and a new phenomenon of concern for psychiatrists.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:837946.MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Harvard Health Publishing.Cannabidiol (CBD): what we know and what we don’t.Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About CBD.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Hemp.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cannabis frequently asked questions.
Cavalli J, Dutra RC.A closer look at cannabimimetic terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids: a promising road forward.Neural Regen Res. 2020;16(7):1433-1435.
Christensen C, Rose M, Cornett C, et al.Decoding the postulated entourage effect of medicinalcannabis: what it is and what it isn’t.Biomedicines. 2023;11(8):2323. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11082323
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.
National Cancer Institute.Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ®)–health professional version.
Birnbaum AK, Karanam A, Marino SE, et al.Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy.Epilepsia. 2019;60(8):1586-1592. doi:10.1111/epi.16093
Spindle TR, Cone EJ, Kuntz D, et al.Urinary pharmacokinetic profile of cannabinoids following administration of vaporized and oral cannabidiol and vaporized CBD-dominant cannabis.J Anal Toxicol. 2020;44(2):109-125. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz080
Wieckiewicz G, Stokłosa I, Stokłosa M, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R.Cannabidiol (CBD) in the self-treatment of depression-exploratory study and a new phenomenon of concern for psychiatrists.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:837946.
MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).
Harvard Health Publishing.Cannabidiol (CBD): what we know and what we don’t.
Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About CBD.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Hemp.
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