Best Broad-Spectrum CBD Products

The basics of broad-spectrum CBD Broad-spectrum CBD products contain almost every compound found in the cannabis plant. But there’s generally one key element missing: THC. The absence of THC makes broad-spectrum products different from full-spectrum products, which do contain a little THC. Broad-spectrum products are also different from CBD isolate products. CBD isolate is pure CBD, with no other cannabis compounds. How we chose the best broad-spectrum CBD products We selected these CBD products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. As a part of our vetting process, we consider: the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality any third-party certifications the company’s reputation and business practices any lab test results marketing claims Is broad-spectrum CBD right for you? You might prefer broad-spectrum products if you want to avoid THC but still enjoy a broad range of benefits. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds from the cannabis plant, except THC, including other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Experts continue to study the benefits of CBN, and existing research on this compound is limited. Some evidenceTrusted Source suggests this compound may have anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and antibiotic effects. It may also help relax you. Studies continue to look into whether CBN can help with sleep, but so far, there’s not enough evidenceTrusted Source to support many manufacturer sleep claims about this compound. If you want to get all the benefits the cannabis plant has to offer, full-spectrum CBD may be a better choice than broad-spectrum CBD. On the flip side, if you’re only interested in CBD, isolate may be your best bet. Read more about full-spectrum vs. broad spectrum CBD. What are the benefits? Some evidenceTrusted Source suggests CBD may: help ease pain and anxiety contain anti-inflammatory properties help improve sleep help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy; Epidiolex for seizures is the only prescription CBD product approved by the FDA Broad-spectrum CBD, in particular, may offer additional benefits. Broad-spectrum CBD includes potentially beneficial compounds like terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds naturally found in many different types of plants, including cannabis. Research from 2020Trusted Source suggests that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids may work to enhance the effects of CBD. What are the drawbacks? You might consider broad-spectrum CBD a good choice if you want to avoid THC. It’s important to note, though, that some CBD products, including broad-spectrum products and those that claim to be THC-free, may still contain trace amounts of THC. In rare cases, this can lead to a positive drug test. For this reason, you might find it safer to avoid using any CBD or THC products if you know you might need to take a drug test. Experts also caution against using any CBD products — whether they contain THC or not — when pregnant or nursing. Another potential downside of broad-spectrum CBD relates to the suggested entourage effect. According to the entourage effect theory, the many compounds in the cannabis plant have a stronger effect when taken together rather than separately. So, opting for broad-spectrum CBD over full-spectrum CBD means you might miss out on some potential health benefits. Keep in mind, though, that this is just a theory. Older evidence, including a 2011 research reviewTrusted Source, does suggest THC and CBD work better when taken together. But according to research from 2020, data to support this theory remains lacking. How to shop for broad-spectrum CBD products Currently, the FDA doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products. That means it’s possible to buy CBD products that are misrepresented or mislabeled. To avoid this, consider following a few best practices when you shop: Check for current and comprehensive certificates of analysis (COAs): The COA should show that the product isn’t contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or molds. It should also confirm the product actually contains the amount of CBD and THC the label claims it does. Buy from transparent companies: If a visit to the brand’s About Us page or a quick internet search doesn’t reveal where a company grows its hemp and how it makes its products, you may want to consider a more transparent brand. Avoid products and brands that promise grand results: While many people report that CBD helps them in some way, it’s not a miracle product or cure-all. Research on CBD’s effectiveness does show promise. That said, it has yet to find conclusive evidence for any of its benefits, beyond treating some forms of epilepsy. Be prepared for a little trial and error: Just like anything else, you might have to experiment a little until you find the right type and dose of CBD that works for you. If the first product you try doesn’t have much effect, experiment with different forms, ingredients, and dosages. How to use broad-spectrum CBD The way you use CBD will depend on what type you try. You can take gummies or capsules by mouth. You typically place oils and tinctures under your tongue, or you can add them to foods or drinks. You can massage topicals like salves, lotions, and creams into a specific area. You may experience warming, cooling, or even tingling sensations, depending on the mix of ingredients in the product. Dosages vary from person to person and depend on a range of factors, including body weight, the condition being treated, body chemistry, and the CBD concentration in each product. In general, it’s best to start with a small amount and then slowly work your way up, depending on how you feel after using the product. Safety and side effects While available researchTrusted Source generally concludes that CBD is safe, some people may experience side effects like: fatigue diarrhea changes in appetite changes in weight It’s also important to use caution when taking edible CBD products along with high fat meals. A 2020 studyTrusted Source found that high fat meals can dramatically increase CBD blood concentrations, which can increase the risk of side effects. It’s best to talk with a qualified advanced healthcare professional before trying any CBD products, especially if you currently take any prescription or OTC medications or supplements. CBD may interact with some medications. Your doctor may also offer dosing recommendations. Generally, it’s best to start with a low dose to gauge results and slowly increase until you notice effects. If your symptoms don’t improve after trying CBD, you may also want to ask your healthcare team about other natural remedies or additional treatment options.