What is full spectrum CBD Oil and where can you buy it from in the UK?
This is a really contentious issue for CBD oils in the UK and one that drives people like us up the wall. The reason being is that there are plenty of CBD companies (including some of the biggest names in the business- achem Provacan) who claim to sell 'Full Spectrum CBD Oil' when they do not.
The irritation comes from the fact that they are either doing one of two things:
- Bad: They don't actually know that their product isn't full spectrum or they believe that it is. Either way, it shows that there is maybe a misunderstanding which isn't great for some of the bigger companies.
- Worse: They know that the oil is not full-spectrum and are misleading / lying to customers to sell their cheap-ass rubbish.
In this guide we'll be taking a look at:
What is a full-spectrum CBD product?
Why are full-spectrum CBD products important?
What are the best full-spectrum CBD products?
Let's get into it:
What are full spectrum CBD products?
Full Spectrum CBD Oil is literally just CBD Oil which also provides users with the benefit from the “entourage effect” of other various terpenes and phytocannabinoids found in the raw hemp product. Various studies have shown that CBD is more potent and effective in the body when consumed along with these other compounds (in a full spectrum state), rather than by itself (known as an isolate).
It is worth knowing that CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) are all present in full-spectrum CBD oil. And yes, along with these cannabinoids, Full Spectrum CBD must also contain THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), but this can be in low concentrations (so it is very unlikely to give you any psychoactive side effects).
While there is some room to bend this definition, we would suggest that a CBD product with any less than between 0.06%-0.04% THC is falling behind in terms of being full-spectrum. Many companies claim that the mere presence of other phytocannabinoids (like a trace amount of CBG) or terpenes make their oil 'full spectrum' but we feel that it doesn't. These oils much contain a meaningful amount of THC.
If the product does not contain THC then it is classed as a 'broad-spectrum'. The difference between the two is very clear when taken side by side.
A surprising amount of CBD oil companies in the UK offer full spectrum cbd oil - if you'd like to know who then drop us a message.
Why are full spectrum CBD products important?
The small amount of THC present in Full Spectrum CBD products works alongside the other cannabinoids and plant goodness present to provide users with a sensation known as "the entourage effect". This is where all of the compounds present in the product interact with each other to provide a blissful sensation.
Part of the reason we're so evangelistic when it comes to full spectrum CBD products is because of this sensation - you can recreate a similar sensation with a broad spectrum CBD product, but you really need the small amount of THC for the full effect.
What are the best Full Spectrum CBD Oils to buy from the UK?
There are plenty of CBD companies who sell amazing CBD oils that are truly full-spectrum and their reputations speak for themselves. We are really enthusiastic about these kinds of oils so our standards are fairly high!
CBDiablo 5% & 10% CBD oils
The CBDiablo range of whole plant/full spectrum CBD oils only extends to their 5% and 10% but that seems to be enough. The 10% feels as though it is a 20% - it hits like a mack-truck. Featured at the top of our best CBD oil page.
How much is it? Starting at £36 per bottle.
Blessed CBD 5% & 10%
Blessed CBD is another provider of full spectrum oils and have a great reputation. Looking at their lab-reports you can see that their 5% & 10% oils do indeed contain a wide spectrum of cannabinoids, but the company do claim their stronger oils are full spectrum when they are not. It is a little sad that even a company who produce such good oils still claim their 'broad-spectrum' oil is full.
Anyway- apart from that the oils are great if not a little bit too expensive. You would be much better going for one of the two brands above.
How much is it? Starting at £74.95 per bottle.
Mindful Extracts
Mindful Extracts stock full spectrum products available in strengths from 5% to 20% in 10ml bottles.
Simply CBD
Simply CBD are another company selling very cheap full spectrum oils which actually tick all of the boxes for us.
Loveburgh 2.5%, 4.2% (420) & the 600mg CBD Oils
Loveburgh is another company who produce exceptional CBD oils which are full spectrum. A standout for us is their 420 CBD oil which was featured on the BBC and passed all of the tests that the oil was subjected to - unlike Holland and Barrett, or Celtic Wind.
Apart from the nod to the famous weed holiday, the brand's oils have an amazing reputation online and across the UK for producing really effective products. This oil really does compete with oils that are double its strength.
Anything else to mention?
Typically, you won't find full spectrum CBD products on Amazon UK, or sold by major high street brands such as Healthspan, Holland and Barrett or Boots. Why is this? Well, it's probably because they're worried about the upcoming rulings from the FSA which threatens to make selling full spectrum CBD products illegal. So these brands won't risk investing huge amounts of money into a product that could be taken off their shelves in a second. It's a massive shame, because it means that most consumers won't have easy access to full spectrum products. But we do kind of understand why these brands have chosen to avoid the hassle completely.
In Conclusion
Wherever possible you should try and choose a full spectrum CBD product, in our humble opinion. If that isn't an option then broad spectrum CBD products are also a great choice. Feel free to look around our site to read our reviews of full spectrum CBD products.
