Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum Cannabis Extract: What's the Difference?

Introduction

Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate are terms used to describe extracts in which compounds have not been removed or have been modified in some way. While these terms describe differences in extract composition, they don't necessarily say anything about strength or quality of a given extract, nor do they describe a given product's effects.

Because a broad-spectrum extract is intended to retain as many compounds as a full-spectrum extract, the main difference in the two is the presence (or absence) of THC.

Understanding these terms will help you read product labels and compare formulations. These terms may also help you identify what information you should verify for yourself before purchasing a product.

What is Full-Spectrum Extract?

A full-spectrum cannabis extract is one where the intent is to retain as many of the compounds as present in the original cannabis material. Because of the variability in the extraction process, a full-spectrum extract may retain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Each full-spectrum extract is unique and may vary from the original in the proportions of various compounds, depending on the type of cannabis material used, the method of extraction, and the formulation.

Because a full-spectrum extract is intended to retain all of the compounds as they are naturally occurring in the plant, it may contain THC. The presence and amount of THC is dependent on formulation and should be verified by the product label and lab results.

What to remember: Full-spectrum is a term describing the intent to retain all compounds as they are naturally occurring in the plant material. It doesn't say anything about how much THC a product contains.

What Is Broad-Spectrum Cannabis Extract?

A broad-spectrum cannabis extract aims to keep multiple plant-derived compounds and reduce THC to an undetectable level, if not fully remove it.

Depending on the method, the resulting extract may contain other cannabinoids and terpenes. However, the composition of the final extract may be different from the original.

The term broad-spectrum does not ensure absolute THC-free levels in every product. THC may be detected depending on the methodology used in the manufacturing process, laboratory testing, and reporting limits.

If full THC-sensation is desired, then the product name shouldn't be the only determining factor. Further verify this using the stated detection limits, laboratory reports, and cannabinoid profiles.

Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum: Key Differences

These are general industry descriptions rather than a guarantee of the composition of any particular product. The terms are not used consistently across every market or manufacturer.

Full-Spectrum vs Broad-Spectrum vs Isolate

Another term worth understanding is isolate.

An isolate contains a singular plant-derived compound as opposed to a range of compounds. A CBD isolate would contain pure CBD and a THC isolate would contain pure THC. These formulations should not be interchanged.

The precise composition still needs to be verified. A product's category name does not replace a detailed ingredient list or laboratory analysis.

Is Full-Spectrum Contain More THC than Broad-Spectrum?

Not necessarily. Depending on the formulation, broad-spectrum may not contain any THC, whereas full-spectrum may contain THC.

This difference is more related to the intended composition as opposed to a universal ranking in potency. THC concentration varies between broad-spectrum formulations and full-spectrum formulations may contain a range of other cannabinoids.

To gain insight into what THC is contained in a given product, look for:

• The declared THC content
• The declared CBD content
• The total amount of other cannabinoids present is shown here.
• Do the figures relate to the whole container or to a particular sub-quantity?
• Laboratory test results which are specific to each batch.
• The laboratory’s detection and reporting limits.

A statement such as "broad-spectrum" should not be relied on to establish that a product contains no THC.

What are Cannabinoids and Terpenes?

Cannabinoids are chemicals that are associated with the cannabis plant. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, however there are others. Different extraction methods may result in different combinations and concentrations of cannabinoids being retained in an extract.

Terpenes are chemicals that are present in many different types of plants, and in cannabis. Different types of cannabis may contain different terpenes, and different methods of processing cannabis may also affect the type and quantity of terpenes in the resulting product.

Different combinations and concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes may result in different chemical profiles of extracts. Merely being composed of numerous compounds does not mean that one extract is more beneficial or safer than another.

As the US Food and Drug Administration has stated, there are many important questions about the safety and the effects of cannabis and cannabis-derived products that remain to be answered, despite the variations in their composition. 

What is the Entourage Effect?

The Entourage Effect is the hypothesis that the different compounds of cannabis may act to reinforce or modify the effects of each other when they are present together.

This hypothesis is often related to full-spectrum extracts because they may contain a wider range of plant compounds. However, a product being comprised of numerous compounds does not mean that a full-spectrum product would have a better effect than a broad-spectrum product, or an isolate.

The evidence depends on the specific compounds, formulation and outcome being studied. Research on one extract cannot automatically be applied to every product carrying the same label.

For that reason, treat claims that a particular spectrum is always more effective as claims that require supporting evidence, not as an established rule.

How to Read a Full-Spectrum or Broad-Spectrum Product Label

Make sure you understand what is actually in the formulation before comparing products.

1. Look over the cannabinoid profile. Are the individual cannabinoids named and their amounts stated?

2. Check the THC content. If you are THC sensitive, is the amount stated, is it non-detectable, or is it not stated?

3. Check the lab testing. If a certificate of analysis (COA) is available, is it for the batch number stated on the product? Review the results for cannabinoids and laboratories' reporting limits.

4. Check the ingredient list. What are the other ingredients in the final formulation?

5. Look for equivalence. THC content and total cannabinoid content may not be the same.

6. Consider the intended use. Products may have different regulatory requirements.

Can Broad-Spectrum Products Still Contain THC?

Yes, a product could be broad-spectrum, but still contain THC, depending on the manufacturing process, what is left behind, and how THC is tested for.

“Not detected” doesn’t necessarily mean zero THC. Usually it means the substance wasn’t detected above the method’s reportable or applicable threshold detection limit.

If you must strictly avoid THC, e.g. because you are subject to workplace drug testing or have been medically advised to avoid it, you should request and review product-specific information. In the absence of product-specific information, broad-spectrum labeling cannot guarantee a negative drug test.

Which Is Better: Full-Spectrum or Broad- Spectrum?

The two terms refer to differences in the intended composition of the product. So, in and of themselves, they do not indicate a ranking in quality or efficacy.

An accurate comparison would be based on the actual cannabinoid profile, THC content, other ingredients, the overall quality of the product, the laboratory testing, and how the product is to be used.

Don’t let marketing phrases like “complete plant profile” or “maximum benefits” lead your decision-making. Phrases like these need to be assessed in the context of product composition and the evidence available for the intended use of the product.

If the product is to be used for a medical condition, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a qualified healthcare practitioner, and to observe the prescribing and regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is broad-spectrum stronger than full-spectrum?

Not necessarily. It depends on how much THC and other cannabinoids are in the product. Full-spectrum products may contain THC, whereas broad-spectrum products may be processed to contain very little THC. Therefore, compare the actual cannabinoid content to draw conclusions.

Is broad-spectrum always THC-free?

No. Broad-spectrum may mean that THC has been removed to undetectable levels. However, a label may not always be trusted to indicate absolute zero THC. Thus, reliance should not always be placed on product labeling to give THC test results. Review laboratory test results.

Is full-spectrum the same as whole-plant extract?

The terms are related but are not necessarily identical. Full-spectrum generally refers to an extract that is intended to capture a broad range of plant compounds. It does not guarantee that the full range of compounds present in the starting plant is captured in the final product.

What is the difference between broad-spectrum and isolate?

In general, broad-spectrum extracts contain multiple plant-derived compounds while an isolate is a purified single compound. Their compositions, labels and intended uses can vary widely.

Can full-spectrum products contain both THC and CBD?

Yes, it is possible. It would depend on the plant source and the finished product. However, not every full-spectrum product contains the same cannabinoids or the same ratio of cannabinoids. It is important to verify the declared cannabinoid profile of the product.

Can a broad-spectrum product cause a positive THC drug test?

It cannot be ruled out that a product labeled as broad-spectrum could cause a positive THC drug test. Many factors could come into play including inadequate or inaccurate product labeling, the characteristics of the testing methodology, and others. If concerned about drug testing, it is best to not consider the product labeling as a guarantee.

Does the entourage effect mean full-spectrum products are more effective?

Not necessarily. The entourage effect describes how different compounds in a plant may interact with one another. There is limited evidence for many of these interactions and for the clinical effects. The label on its own doesn't mean it is any more effective than a product without that label.

How can I know for sure if a product is actually broad-spectrum?

Check the ingredient list for cannabinoids, and if a batch-specific test is available, review the report for THC and pay attention to the limits of detection instead of trusting the advertising.

Final Thoughts

Broad and full spectrums mean different things for the extraction process and the intended final chemical composition of the extract. Broad spectrum extracts are chemically processed to contain a variety of compounds, but THC is removed. Full spectrum may contain a variety of compounds including THC.

Naming something broad or full spectrum doesn’t guarantee anything including quality, safety, potency or efficacy. The best way to determine if products are comparable is to review the cannabinoid profiles, ingredients and intended functions of each product.

A clear label, along with testing and review of the advertising, gives the best starting point.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Product composition, testing standards and applicable regulations vary. Cannabis-derived products may cause adverse effects and drug interactions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using these products, particularly if you take medication or have a medical condition, and follow all applicable legal and prescription requirements.