Broad Spectrum products incorporate all of the compounds present in the hemp plant. These “Bioactive’s” (chemical molecules and microbes {microscopic organisms}. That have some biological effect on our bodies) comprise the phytonutrients—cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
These Broad Spectrum products will have a laboratory analysis test report that indicates the product’s THC content is: 0.0%—or, they should!
The essential difference between Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum products (produced under the “Exact” same manufacturing conditions) is THC content. Broad Spectrum should listed as 0.0% THC content, where Full Spectrum has THC of up to <0.3%—verified by the laboratory analysis report (COA-Certificate of Analysis).
If the consumer demand for Broad Spectrum products is so high…then why are Broad Spectrum suppliers few and far between? Broad Spectrum products undergo a more arduous production process in getting the hemp plant from the field to the consumer. Because there are more steps in the “Extraction” manufacturing process, it is more expensive and demanding to produce.
You might be asking yourself right now…so why don’t all of the extraction facilities just remove the THC. If that what so many people want? A possible reason…the extraction facility lacks the technology or expertise to actually be able to remove the THC from the hemp plant extract. Without incurring major complications to the potency and purity profiles of the final hemp extract product….
Many business owners and suppliers drawn to the cheaper-priced products on the market to supply their customers. Their business models rely on uninformed potential customers. A good company will make “Quality”—job #1. They will work to keep their prices in line with the market, to better serve their customers. These are the suppliers to search out in this emerging industry.
Broad Spectrum does produce the Entourage effect, unlike CBD Isolate (read more regarding the “Entourage Effect under FAQ: What is CBD Isolate?).
It is much easier to get the full desired effect of this broad spectrum product formula as there is much more “leeway” in measuring product for consumption with its broad spectrum component enabling the “entourage effect” (explained under, FAQ: What is CBD Isolate?—study by, Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research).
It goes almost without saying—all products not created equally!—a cliche we know, but thought we would bore you with one, anyway.
In each of the product categories noted under FAQ: “What is Full Spectrum”—bottom shelf (CBD Isolates)—middle shelf (Full Spectrum)—top shelf (Broad Spectrum)—“each” of these individual product categories, also fall into three subcategories of quality—(bottom shelf—middle shelf—top shelf).
Much depends upon the following factors: quality of the raw hemp, extraction method utilized, final hemp products—purity and potency, and the quality of the combined (other) mixed ingredients to complete the finished product.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by all of this…with enough good information you will become an informed consumer, able to make wonderful decisions as you navigate this emerging world marketplace in CBD products—be patient with yourself!
Let’s take a moment to answer the question buzzing around inside your brain—right now!—How do I differentiate a “top shelf” Broad Spectrum product, from a bottom or middle shelf Broad Spectrum product?
Many experts consider the food-grade ethanol or ethyl alcohol extraction method (which used safely and effectively for many 100s and even 1000s of years to extract various compounds from plant materials), to be the “Gold Standard” in the industry.
Start there!
The extraction facility utilized must bear the FDA’s, cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) certification. They must be 2018 Farm Bill Act compliant. They must process top quality hemp from traceable sources. Hemp that's raised conforming to organic farming practices, with farmers who own and manage their own non-GMO seed stock. It is important the hemp plant crop, for individual batches, raised in the same soil to help ensure consistency in potency and purity of the raw hemp product they produce.
The facility must test the raw hemp product entering the facility, during processing, and when leaving the facility as a finished product, and third-party testing of all final products produced, with an accompanying Laboratory Test Report—(COA—Certificate of Analysis).
Being a cGMP-certified facility will ensure most of these processes—the third-party laboratory testing will confirm the final component of the finished product. Directing questions to the product supplier can further assist in confirming this information.
Secondly, there is the formulator of the final finished product. Again, the formulator and packager of the final finished product must be cGMP compliant and/or ISO Certified, ensuring in-house testing and followed quality procedures—the same requires of the Hemp Extraction Facility —they will “both” inspected and certified by the FDA, as well as perhaps the USDA. This will ensure accuracy of ingredients and required testing has been performed on all finished product prior to packaging, as well as ensure the final product packaging is proper and secure.
ISO = (International Organization For Standardization)
A good quality CBD products seller/supplier will know the chain of custody from the hemp farmer, to the product being placed into your hand. This will help ensure as best as humanly possible, that you are receiving the highest quality products in the industry, where accountability exists, helping to ensure complete confidence in your purchase.
Broad Spectrum products should contain 0.0% THC, as opposed to CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum products that can contain as much as <0.3% THC.
THC removal is a big deal—when done correctly!
THC should be removed from the hemp plant to an undetectable and untraceable amount. This value will most often be listed as:
<LOQ (Limit of Quantification)—0.0%.
LOQ = (Limit of Quantification) refers to the point at which a testing standard can test a compound to the “right” of the decimal point. There is a point where a testing method can go no further as the test's accuracy is no longer maintainable due to human limitations. This is referred to as the “Limit of Quantification.”
No one can truly say something is ever 100%—of anything. A “substance” can however be undetectable and untraceable. Meaning, using a prescribed testing method, the testing laboratory is confident in saying that a product has no detectable levels of THC.
As mentioned, Broad Spectrum products are generally more expensive (the top—top shelf ones) to produce, on average. Don’t let that deter you! At the end of the day, you will most likely use less of a superior quality Broad Spectrum product than an inferior produced product, where price—and not quality, were the supplier's focus.
Always focus on—Value!
An example would be a product with low potency percentages of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, causing you to need more of the product to gain the effects you might desire.
Broad Spectrum products (correctly produced) having a higher potency, may show up having over 50% CBD content, on their lab test results. This could mean that not as much product's needed to achieve the desired effect. What might be 30+ drops needed with a 1000mg (low quality/low potency product), may translate into 3-8 drops needed with a 1000mg (high-quality product—with a concentrated CBD level that is “actually” 1000mg).
Ensure the Cannabinoid milligram content of your product is as advertised. Look at the label and note the total Cannabinoids in the container. You can also determine the total Cannabinoids a container has by looking at the “serving size”—“servings per container”—“amount per serving.” This will also tell you how many milligrams of total cannabinoids are inside the container. If you view the Certificate of Analysis (Lab Test Report) it should display the total Cannabinoids in the container.
Example: Let’s take a one-ounce bottle—approximately 30 milliliters (29.573530 to be precise) of fluid, containing 1000mg of Cannabidiol (CBD). The serving size is 0.25ml (approximately 1/4 of a dropper), the total servings per container are 120, and the amount of Cannabinoids per serving is 8.33mg.
Multiplying 8.33mg x 120 servings = 999.6mg (rounding up is 1000mg) of Cannabinoids.
Become Label Savvy!
Ensure the product you are purchasing, for example, saying it contains 1000mg—actually has 1000mg of total Cannabinoids in the container!—and not just 1000mg of “hemp extract.” CHECK THE LAB TEST REPORT…!
High Purity and Potency are clearly conducive to achieving the full desired effects of this product…and is definitely a cost saver, translating into a longer-lasting product.
One more interesting note, before we move on. If the product in the container is 1000mg of Cannabidiol (CBD), and it “is” Broad Spectrum…then the following would also be—true:
A good quality Broad Spectrum formula also contains the other cannabinoids as well as another hemp extract “partners”.—terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. A good broad-spectrum extract containing 50% Cannabidiol (CBD) will also contain approximately 12-15% of CBC, CBG, and CBN (collectively).—CBL and CBDV might also be showing on the lab test. That would mean the formula also contains approximately 120-150mg of these cannabinoids, as well…yes? Then there are the ~109 or so other cannabinoids…yes? Lastly, let us not forget the terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Would they not also be in “higher” concentrations, as well…?
However…if the Cannabidiol (CBD) concentrate to 1000mg (doubling the CBD in the container. Which represented 50% of the total Hemp Extract) then the minor cannabinoids (CBC, CBG, CBN, CBL, and CBDV, representing 12-15% of the Hemp Extract would also double. Giving this product 1000mg of Cannabidiol (CBD) and ~240-300mg of the minor cannabinoids…making your product (actually). ~1,240-1,300mg in total cannabinoids (not considering the other 109 cannabinoids “not measured” on the lab report…food for thought….
So with a good, or even dare we say “great” Broad Spectrum product. You are getting something very special—something very special INDEED…!
Remember reading: THC removal is a big deal when done CORRECTLY?
There is one extractor in the world that holds the patent, since 2016, on the exclusive process to remove THC from the hemp extract which will not affect the purity or potency profile of the cannabinoids removed from the raw hemp plant. They also “utilized” the food-grade ethanol extraction method. Their in-house scientists are Ivy-league educated/graduated—Ph.D.’s.
NOW, a new and improved patented technology is utilize for extraction which has set a new industry standard. Which is head and shoulders above the previous food-grade ethanol extraction method….
Utilizing a NEW “patented” USDA Organic Certified THC Remediation process—Hemp Extracts produced at this extraction facility are yielding 8x more minor cannabinoids. Using ZERO solvents, with more than 4 detectable cannabinoids on the laboratory analysis report! Producing THC levels of the final finished Hemp Extracted Product of “0.0% THC!”
So how do “other” extractors, producing Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract lower the THC levels in their product? The only way they can—dilution!
Here is a perfect example: you grab a handful of oranges and make 100% freshly squeezed, pure orange juice. Then, you dilute it with water. Need we say more….
When you “dilute” the Hemp Extract, what are you doing to the purity and potency of the Cannabinoids. As well as the other essential components of the Hemp Extract: Terpenes—Flavonoids—Amino Acids and Essential Fatty Acids…? You know the answer….
Who would dilute their fresh-squeezed orange juice with—water…? Better yet, who would want to drink it…!?