Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and plant compounds that naturally occur in hemp plants. It's considered to be more potent than CBD isolate because it can create the entourage effect. This is what occurs when all of the compounds and cannabinoids are able to work together. 

Full-spectrum CBD contains a rich blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. It even includes trace amounts of minerals and vitamins. CBD is the prominent cannabinoid found in full-spectrum CBD. However, there are also several minor ones, including CBG, CBC and CBN. You’ll also find terpenes like myrcene. This is a compound that is also found in plants like thyme and lemongrass, the latter being a plant used in traditional folk remedies for centuries. When cannabinoids like CBD interact with terpenes like myrcene, the properties are amplified. In the case of myrcene, it offers anti-inflammatory properties. 

Full-spectrum CBD also contains flavonoids. Flavonoids are components found in many plants, fruits, and vegetables. They are naturally abundant in antioxidant activity. The role of flavonoids is to help regulate cellular activity in the body. They help protect it against everyday toxins and stressors. Some of the flavonoids found in full-spectrum CBD include orientin, quercetin, silymarin and kaempferol. 

One question you might have about full spectrum cannabidiol oil is whether it contains THC. In case you don’t know, THC is a cannabis compound that can cause a ‘high’ sensation. Full-spectrum CBD only contains trace amounts (less than 0.2%) of THC at most. Many full-spectrum CBD products contain significantly smaller THC quantities than this. For example, our Green CBD Oil independent laboratory test shows the THC content at just 0.025%. These trace amounts are not enough to ever cause a ‘high’.

The entourage effect refers to the theory that cannabinoids and other plant compounds from the cannabis plant family are more effective when they work together than when they’re isolated. For instance, think of each cannabinoid and compound as a member of a large team. Logically, the team is able to be more effective and accomplish more when each member works together. This is especially true in comparison with what one member would be able to accomplish on their own. 

The concept of the entourage effect was first introduced in the late 1990s. A paper written by two scientists named Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat discusses what they described as the entourage effect. In their paper, Mechoulam and Ben-Shabat wrote that science has yet to establish the exact role of all compounds found in cannabis. However, they believe that the compounds work better together than in isolation. 

One scientific example to prove Mechoulam and Ben-Shabat’s point is Marinol. This is a synthetic version of THC that was developed in the mid-1980s. Scientists were baffled that Marinol didn’t possess the same levels of benefits or results as THC found in cannabis. The reason for this was simple: Marinol does not contain any cannabis compounds. In short, Marinol only has limited benefits as it’s the synthetic equivalent of THC isolate. The same concept applies to CBD, CBG, CBN, and all other cannabinoids.

As a new or long-time CBD user, you may have seen the terms ‘broad spectrum CBD’ and ‘CBD isolate’ while searching for suitable products. Broad spectrum CBD is somewhat of a middle ground between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD. It contains a range of cannabinoids and compounds from the hemp plant, but not every single one. Most notably, THC is always excluded from broad spectrum CBD products. 

In contrast, full spectrum cannabidiol oil contains a more diverse range of cannabinoids and compounds. This includes some THC content. In the UK, legal CBD products can contain up to 0.2% THC. The reason for the inclusion of this cannabinoid, along with all of the other components, is to produce the truest form of the entourage effect. Broad spectrum CBD products can produce a slightly less potent version of this phenomenon. However, it’s limited by the exclusion of some active ingredients. 

CBD isolate refers to CBD products that only contain cannabidiol from the hemp plant. This means that all other cannabinoids are removed before the product is made. There are also no terpenes, flavonoids, or other plant compounds present in these products. Therefore, the entourage effect can not occur from using only CBD isolate products. All types of CBD products are effective, including CBD isolate. CBD is always the main ingredient. Broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD products simply provide more well-rounded results. This is due to their diversified cannabinoid and compound profiles.

Full spectrum cannabidiol oil differs from both CBD isolate and broad spectrum CBD. The main difference comes from the inclusion of THC content. In case you don’t know, THC is the cannabinoid that can cause a ‘high’ sensation when consumed in large quantities. However, in the UK, legal full spectrum CBD oil products can only contain up to 0.2% THC. This trace quantity is enough to contribute to the entourage effect without ever causing a ‘high’ or any other form of intoxication. 

You never need to worry about there being too much THC in our full spectrum cannabidiol oils. We provide lab reports for each of our oils so you can see the exact amount of THC content for yourself. Also, all of our products are extracted from industrial hemp plants, not marijuana. This is significant because of the cannabinoid content of each of these plants. Hemp is high in CBD and low in THC, while marijuana is high in THC and low in CBD. This is why marijuana is the plant from the cannabis family that is commonly used as a recreational drug. The small amounts of THC found in hemp are completely insignificant in comparison. Our products are formulated to ensure that no more than the legal limit is included.

CBD, including full spectrum CBD, is entirely legal to sell, buy, and consume in the UK. When looking to buy CBD for the first time, you may feel apprehensive about the product due to its relationship with cannabis. Thankfully, you won’t get in any legal hot water from buying and using CBD. This is because there is a major difference between hemp and marijuana, despite them both coming from the cannabis plant family. Hemp is naturally high in CBD content and low in THC, while marijuana is naturally high in THC content and low in CBD. While hemp has been legalised for industrial use, marijuana remains strictly illegal. 

The production and sale of CBD in the UK is tightly regulated. Firstly, all CBD for sale must come exclusively from industrial hemp. This means legal CBD products have no relationship with marijuana whatsoever. The entities growing the hemp must also have a licence from the Home Office to do so. Secondly, all CBD must contain a maximum of 0.2% THC. This trace amount is enough to contribute to the entourage effect, but is not nearly enough to ever cause a ‘high’ or any other intoxicating effects. 

Another legal concern that some beginners to CBD have is whether they’ll pass workplace drug tests. Most drug tests focus on highlighting high levels of THC. Theoretically, CBD with extremely low levels of THC shouldn’t trigger a positive result. You could also consume CBD isolate for extra peace of mind, such as our Pure CBD Oil. However, you won’t experience the entourage effect that full spectrum CBD has to offer. This is because CBD isolate doesn’t contain terpenes or other cannabinoids.

Start low and slowly grow is the key to starting your CBD journey. This will allow you to slowly build up your endocannabinoid system and find your sweet spot, which is the best CBD oil dose for you. Your endocannabinoid system is what allows your body to interact with cannabinoids like CBD. It works on a bell curve, which means that if you take too much at once, you can go over the curve and overload. This could have the opposite effect of what you're hoping to achieve.

Full spectrum CBD oil drops should be taken under the tongue and be held there for two minutes before being washed down with a glass of water. Start by taking one drop under the tongue three times a day and increasing by one drop per interval each week. For example, on week two you would take two drops three times per day. Space out your doses throughout the day by taking them morning, noon, and night. You can follow this system until you begin to feel your desired benefits. At this point, stick with the dose you’re on and remain consistent with how frequently you take it.

Rest assured, we’re here to support and guide you as you build up your dose amounts to help you get to the desired benefit stage. We want to ensure you’re able to find the best CBD oil product and dose for your needs. Feel free to reach out to our Simply Experts via email or Live Chat if you need guidance. You can also ask any questions you have in our community support group on Facebook. It's run by over 47,000 of our lovely customers.

CBG is short for cannabigerol. Similarly to CBD, CBG is a cannabinoid that is extracted from the hemp plant. It’s typically less prevalent within the plant in comparison to other well-known cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. CBG is usually extracted from younger hemp plants. This is because the concentration of CBG decreases as the plant develops. 

CBG is known as the mother of all cannabinoids because it’s where many of them originate from. For example, both CBD and CBDa begin as CBGA (CBG in acidic form). As the plant develops, plant enzymes convert most of the CBG into other cannabinoids. This is why the CBG concentration is typically lower in more developed plants, and higher in younger ones. 

In many strains of fully developed hemp plants, there’s around 20-25% CBD, in contrast with around 1% CBG. CBG is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning that like CBD, it doesn’t cause a ‘high’. Some of the effects that CBD and CBG produce in the human body are similar. However, research has shown that CBG seems to create some different benefits. The CBG oil that we offer includes plenty of CBD and CBDa in addition to its CBG content.

If you’re brand new to using CBD products, we recommend starting with a one-time purchase of the product(s) you’d like to try. Once you’ve worked out what you want to continue using on a regular basis, it makes sense to set up a subscription. We offer multiple options so you can have your favourite products arrive at the perfect time. You can choose to receive them every one, two, or three months, depending on how quickly you’re likely to run out. After you’ve set up your subscription, you never need to lift a finger to receive your CBD products. 

In addition to the convenience of subscriptions, they also save you money on each purchase. If you choose to subscribe to a single product, such as our Liquid Gold CBD Oil, you’ll save 10% on each order after your initial purchase. If you choose to subscribe to one of our bundles, such as our Best of Both Bundle, you’ll save 15% on all orders after your initial purchase. When you’re using products regularly, it makes sense to save time and money with a subscription. You can even choose the date you want to receive them to suit your routine. For example, some users like to schedule their subscriptions for shortly after their payday.

As with any consumable product, it’s important to know the expiration date of full spectrum cannabidiol oil before you purchase it. Our full spectrum CBD oils typically last for a year after purchase. This means you have a full 12 months to enjoy your chosen product before it expires. However, it’s important to check the exact expiration date on the packaging of your oil so you know exactly how long it will last. 

Storing your CBD oil properly is crucial. It ensures that the oil keeps its quality until its expiration date. We recommend storing your oil in a cool, dry place. The key is to keep it away from direct sunlight. You should also avoid exposing your full spectrum CBD oil to extreme temperatures, such as in the freezer. Room temperature is always best for CBD oils. Most CBD users store their oils on a shelf or in a cupboard in a cool room.