Full-spectrum cannabinoid products; whether they are flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, or topicals, contain all of their natural Phyto cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBN, and others. They will also contain all of their natural terpenes, proteins, flavonoids, phenols, esters, and sterols. In short, full-spectrum cannabis includes all of the essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Many people believe that full-spectrum cannabis contributes to the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect theory is the belief that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than when isolated. High levels of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids isolated would not be as effective as combined together with other cannabinoids and plant compounds.
The Many Compounds Found in Cannabis
1Terpenes
2Proteins
3Flavonoids
3Phenols
3Esters
3Sterols
The Mammalian Endocannabinoid System
Some insects and every mammal on the planet has an endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. The ECS works with endocannabinoids to ultimately help the body achieve and maintain homeostasis. An example of an endocannabinoid or a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the human body is, anandamide aka the “Bliss Molecule.” Phytocannabinoids such as THC, CBN, CBG, and others present in cannabis play an influential role in helping regulate our body’s ECS and work directly with receptors known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the ECS and our bodies to provide various effects.
Different Types of Full Spectrum Cannabis Products
Cannabis flower is full spectrum. Many times when you get into purchasing tinctures, capsules, topicals, edibles, and concentrates is when you will run into cannabis products that are not full spectrum. This is because essential terpenes, flavonoids, and other important parts of the plant have been damaged or destroyed during the extraction process. There are many different products available on the legal medical cannabis market that take extra measures to preserve the full spectrum of cannabis. Be sure to look at cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Generally, products that are not full spectrum are labeled as isolates or made with isolate. If you want to experience the entourage effect, don’t just look for high THC cannabis and cannabis products. Instead, opt for full-spectrum cannabis and cannabis products that contain a wide array of cannabinoids and terpenes.
