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When researching CBD products, you will see terms like "full spectrum," "isolate," and "broad spectrum" on the packaging and product descriptions. These terms are important points to consider when purchasing CBD products, but many people may not know the meaning or difference between these terms. Also, some people may wonder if full spectrum and broad spectrum are illegal.
CBD full spectrum is a product in which all the ingredients in hemp are extracted. It is expected to have a high entourage effect, but since it also contains THC, it must be handled with care. In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of CBD full spectrum and its illegality in Japan.
There are three ways to manufacture CBD
There are three main ways to produce CBD:
- Full Spectrum
- Broad Spectrum
- Isolate
The characteristics of the products that can be produced differ greatly depending on the manufacturing method, so be sure to check it out. Let's take a closer look at this in the next section.
Spectrum refers to the range of cannabinoids contained in a product.
"Full spectrum," "broad spectrum," and "isolate" refer to the range of cannabinoids contained in the product. Cannabinoids are a general term for various chemicals extracted from the cannabis plant (including hemp).
CBD is one of the cannabinoids, and the cannabis plant contains over 100 other cannabinoids, including THC.
Some CBD products contain cannabinoids other than CBD, and some have been stripped of all cannabinoids other than CBD.
The range and number of cannabinoids they contain determines whether they are "full spectrum," "broad spectrum," or "isolate."
Below is a description of each type and their advantages and disadvantages.
*THC is illegal in Japan because it has psychoactive effects, and is removed from full-spectrum products sold domestically.
What is Full Spectrum?
"Full spectrum" is a Japanese word that means "all range" or "all areas." As the name suggests, it refers to products that contain all the ingredients contained in hemp, including CBD.
The appeal of this cannabis is that you can consume all of the ingredients, including THC, which maximizes the entourage effect.
In the United States, THC content of 0.3% or less is considered acceptable. However, in Japan, any THC contamination is not permitted.
Simply possessing it is illegal, so be careful when purchasing it.
Even in Japan, products labeled as full spectrum are sometimes sold, but in reality they are often broad spectrum products with only the THC removed.
Benefits of Full Spectrum Products
- You can expect the entourage effect (the synergistic effect of cannabinoids), making it easy to feel the effects.
- For the same reason, you can consume less.
- You can also enjoy the effects of cannabinoids and other ingredients other than CBD.
- CBD products have a distinctive taste and smell
Disadvantages of Full Spectrum Products
- CBD products have a distinctive taste and smell
- Often slightly more expensive than isolate
What is broad spectrum?
"Broad spectrum" is a word that means "wide range" or "wide field" in Japanese. It is a product that removes only THC from full spectrum, and also includes cannabinoids other than CBD, minerals, terpenes, etc.
However, please note that the definition varies depending on the manufacturer. If it contains one or more CBD and cannabinoids other than CBD (excluding THC), it may be considered broad spectrum, so be sure to check the ingredients when purchasing. Although it is not as good as full spectrum, you can expect the entourage effect.
Full spectrum products are generally extracted and manufactured with all cannabinoids present.
Many broad spectrum products are made using the same process, but some broad spectrum products may be made from CBD isolate (discussed below), which is a product made by extracting only CBD, with some other cannabinoids and terpenes added later.
This includes products that combine CBD with CBG, CBN, and terpenes.
If you want a product that contains a variety of cannabinoids rather than being limited to just a few, look for one that is labeled full spectrum or broad spectrum and check the manufacturing process and ingredient analysis table.
The benefits of broad spectrum
- You can expect the entourage effect (the synergistic effect of cannabinoids), making it easy to feel the effects.
- For the same reason, you can consume less.
- You can also enjoy the effects of cannabinoids and other ingredients other than CBD.
- CBD products have a distinctive taste and smell
Disadvantages of broad spectrum
- There are big differences between broad spectrum products
- CBD products have a distinctive taste and smell
- Often slightly more expensive than isolate
What is CBD isolate?
"Isolate" means "isolation" or "separation" in Japanese. This product is made by extracting only CBD ingredients, and boasts a high purity of over 99% CBD. It is also called CBD powder because it looks like a white powder.
Isolate does not only not contain THC, but also contains almost no other ingredients, and is a product containing only CBD. Therefore, the entourage effect cannot be expected. On the other hand, since CBD is not considered doping, it is sometimes used by athletes in Europe and the United States.
Benefits of CBD Isolate
- Pure CBD and highly safe
- It has no taste or smell so it is easy to take
- Flexible and easy to use for a variety of purposes
Disadvantages of CBD Isolate
- You can't enjoy the effects of other cannabinoids
- No entourage effect
Characteristics of Full Spectrum CBD
Next, let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of full spectrum CBD. Here are some of its main features:
- Contains THC
- The unique flavor and bitterness of hemp remain strong.
- The entourage effect can be expected
- Phytochemicals enhance the effects of CBD
Let's take a closer look at the following items:
Contains THC
Full spectrum CBD contains a small amount of THC. Therefore, you can expect a stronger entourage effect than CBD without THC. THC also has the effect of making you "high," but in the case of full spectrum, the amount is set at 0.3% or less in the United States, so it is said that such a small amount of THC is unlikely to make you high.
On the other hand, in Japan, anything that contains THC is illegal, no matter how small the amount. However, the definition of full spectrum is vague in Japanese law, so it cannot be said that it is illegal in general. In addition, products distributed in Japan are THC-free (no THC is used at all), which is essentially the same as broad spectrum.
The unique flavor and bitterness of hemp remain strong.
As mentioned earlier, full spectrum contains all the components of hemp. One of those components is terpene. Terpene is the component that gives hemp its unique flavor and bitterness, and hemp contains more than 100 types of terpenes.
Therefore, the point is that even full spectrum cannabis still has a strong flavor and bitterness that is unique to cannabis due to these terpenes. Since the taste and aroma are easily felt when ingested directly, such as sublingually, it may be difficult for those who are not used to or dislike cannabis to ingest it easily.
The entourage effect can be expected
"Entourage" is a French word. In Japanese, it means "entourage" or "surroundings." Cannabis contains more than 100 chemical components, including CBD and THC. It is said that taking multiple components at once can enhance the effects of these chemical components, rather than taking each one individually.
Full spectrum cannabis contains all of the components of the hemp plant, allowing it to maximize the entourage effect.
Phytochemicals enhance the effects of CBD
A 2018 study showed that plant compounds in hemp, such as terpenes and flavonoids (a type of polyphenol; a general term for plant pigments), may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
This means that CBD may be more effective when taken together with terpenes and flavonoids.
Is full spectrum CBD illegal in Japan?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a compound extracted from a wide range of parts of hemp, including flowers, spikes, leaves, and roots. Because it has a psychoactive effect that makes you "high" and is highly addictive, it is classified as a narcotic drug in Japan and is subject to regulation.
In the United States, full-spectrum CBD is legal and safe to use as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
However, in Japan, if THC is detected, no matter how small the amount or concentration, there is a risk of criminal prosecution.
Therefore, we do not recommend importing or purchasing full-spectrum CBD manufactured and sold overseas, as it may contain THC.
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, the CBD products already on the market in Japan are basically THC-free (no THC is used at all) and are essentially the same as broad spectrum, so you can rest assured.
summary
This time, we introduced how CBD products, including full spectrum, are manufactured, the main characteristics of full spectrum, and whether it is legal or illegal in Japan.
Because full spectrum cannabis contains THC, it is likely illegal in countries such as the United States.
If THC is detected, you may be subject to criminal penalties, so be careful when purchasing or importing.
On the other hand, what is available in Japan is essentially broad spectrum.
It does not contain THC, so it is generally safe to use.
If you're still interested, skew carries broad spectrum products, so be sure to check them out.
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