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For anyone seeking a natural way to manage stress and anxiety, chronic pain, or inflammation, cannabidiol (CBD) presents an appealing natural alternative to find potential relief. Many in the CBD community claim that full spectrum CBD oils and products offer the most benefits. We’ll explain the different types of CBD and offer our picks for the best full spectrum CBD oils.
If you’re a newcomer to hemp extracts, it is easy to get confused about the different types of CBD available and how they differ. First, you should know that CBD is one of more than 100+ cannabinoids (naturally occurring chemical compounds) found in the cannabis plant. If the word cannabis sets off alarms in your head, it’s probably because you’re equating it to marijuana. The difference is that marijuana gets you “high” because of the presence of another cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, which possesses psychoactive properties. This is not CBD.
We’ll get into the details later about how (and why) these different cannabinoids affect your body in the ways that they do, but the important thing to remember is that experiences can vary greatly based on the chemical composition of the product you’re using.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Some of the most popular products on the market today are those that contain full spectrum CBD oil. While the delivery mechanism can be anything from a tincture you take under your tongue with a dropper to gummies you swallow, these are great products that contain more than just CBD.
Full spectrum CBD products incorporate additional parts of the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids and terpenes, aromatics found in the plant’s essential oils that supply the strain with its unique scent. Beyond just CBD, some of the other beneficial cannabinoids that you’ll find in full spectrum CBD oil are trace amounts of THC, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC).
Our Top Full Spectrum CBD Products
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall CBD Oil – Spruce CBD Oil
- Strongest CBD Oil – CBDistillery
- Best CBD Oil for Daytime – Cornbread Hemp
- Best CBD Oil for Sleep – NuLeaf Naturals
- Best Organic CBD Oil – R+R Medicinals
How We Chose These Full Spectrum CBD Oils
In choosing the best full spectrum CBD products, we evaluated each one on six key categories:
- Strength — How much CBD does the oil contain?
- Source — Does the company source their hemp in the USA?
- Flavor — Are the oils flavored, and do they use natural flavoring ingredients?
- Transparency — Can you easily access independent third-party lab results for the oil?
- Value — How much does the full spectrum oil cost?
- Customer Experience — What do customers say about the product?
Top 5 Best Full Spectrum CBD Oils
Best Overall: Spruce Full Spectrum CBD Oil
takespruce.com
Spruce is a family business that produces American-made, lab-grade CBD products of the highest quality. It offers its full-spectrum CBD oil in multiple strengths. The 750 mg strength provides 25 mg of CBD per serving, and comes in a natural peppermint flavor.
Why buy: We love Spruce CBD because they use organic hemp from North Carolina and Kentucky grown without pesticides. This full spectrum oil is made with organic hemp seed oil and natural flavors, and offers a potent dose of cannabinoids and beneficial plant compounds for a stronger entourage effect.
Strongest CBD Oil: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil
thecbdistillery.com
CBDistillery is one of the CBD industry’s most well-known and reputable brands. And when it comes to full-spectrum CBD oil, this brand delivers on its promise to create high-quality products made from non-GMO industrial hemp. At 83 mg of CBD per serving, their Maximum Strength Relief + Relax formula is the strongest full spectrum CBD oil on our list.
Why buy: We like that CBDistillery full spectrum CBD oils are all third-party lab tested and are created from U.S. Hemp Authority certified hemp grown using natural farming practices. This maximum strength oil is a great option for those who aren’t getting the relief they need from lower strength oils.
Best CBD Oil for Daytime: Cornbread Hemp Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil
cornbreadhemp.com
Cornbread Hemp Distilled Full Spectrum CBD oil is crafted from Kentucky-grown USDA organic hemp and USDA organic MCT oil for a product you can trust. It offers 25 mg or 50 mg of CBD plus naturally-occurring cannabinoids and terpenes without any preservatives or flavorings.
Why buy: We love this full spectrum CBD oil from Cornbread Hemp because it is made from a unique flower-only hemp extract for a cleaner CBD oil with a lighter taste. This product is great for promoting a sense of calm throughout the day.
Best CBD Oil for Sleep: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Oil
nuleafnaturals.com
NuLeaf Naturals offers a simple yet powerful full spectrum CBD oil. It contains two ingredients: their full spectrum whole-plant extract from Colorado-grown hemp and an organic virgin hemp seed oil. They use an advanced clean Co2 extraction method that results in a fuller plant extract that’s also easier on the environment.
Why buy: This full spectrum CBD oil from NuLeaf Naturals can provide a full range of the beneficial plant compounds that can work together to promote the entourage effect. We recommend this oil for help promoting rest and healthy sleep cycles at night.
Best Organic CBD Oil: R+R Medicinals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
rrmeds.com
R+R Medicinals makes a USDA organic full spectrum CBD oil that offers an extra-strength blend of phytocannabinoids. The 1000 mg size contains 33.33 mg of CBD per serving plus over 4 mg of minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBN, CBG, and THC for powerful relief potential.
Why buy: We like this full spectrum oil from R+R Medicinals because it packs so many beneficial cannabinoids plus organic MCT oil and organic mint flavoring into one bottle. This is a great option for a completely USDA organic CBD supplement.
The Research on Full Spectrum CBD Oil
While further study remains to be done, CBD has shown promise in studies for a number of different potential health benefits. Scientific research conducted on mice indicated that CBD and other cannabinoids can be effective in the management of difficult to treat pain.
CBD has also been shown to reduce social anxiety and multiple other forms of anxiety disorders, as studied in animal models.
Other animal and human studies have illustrated potential benefits of full spectrum CBD oil that include:
- Regulation of nausea and vomiting
- Reduction in the severity and frequency of seizures
- Management of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
The reason why CBD has such a profound effect on the body is due to the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS works hard to keep your body in a state of balance called homeostasis so that your sleep, mood, appetite and other bodily functions remain stable. It does this by interacting with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.
One of the most significant advantages to full spectrum CBD oil comes courtesy of something called the entourage effect. This concept reinforces that the whole of the cannabis plant is greater than the sum of its parts—meaning that when multiple cannabinoids work together, the effects of each become supercharged and work synergistically to provide greater benefits.
What’s the Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate?
Full spectrum CBD oil won’t be for everyone. Some might be put off by the presence of both CBD and THC, while others may not enjoy the oil’s earthy and musky flavor profile. The good news is there are several other categories of CBD products to dabble in that might make you feel more comfortable or that you find easier to stomach.
We already talked about how full spectrum CBD is derived from cannabis plants, but we should also mention that it comes from industrial hemp plants. These are cannabis Sativa plants that contain high concentrations of CBD and less than 0.3% THC, a ratio that legalizes the plant’s contents on a national level, thanks to the passage of the 2018 United States Farm Bill. As mentioned, these hemp plants contain other cannabinoids and terpenes, making use of the whole plant.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, you will find CBD isolate. Products that feature CBD isolate have been heavily purified and distilled to remove any and all terpenes and cannabinoids besides CBD. These THC-free products are great for anyone looking to take advantage of pure CBD’s therapeutic properties without worrying about THC.
Broad spectrum CBD oil exists right in the middle of full spectrum and CBD isolate. Similar to CBD isolate, broad spectrum is THC free, but it does include some of the other terpenes and cannabinoids that you might find in full spectrum like CBN and CBG.
When Should I Use Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
There are definitely advantages to full spectrum CBD oil that you just can’t get with CBD isolate or even broad spectrum. We generally recommend full spectrum products over other options because these CBD products tend to provide the most benefit and a fuller effect thanks to the complete profile of plant compounds. Full spectrum CBD oils are specifically great for supporting healthy sleep cycles and support managing chronic pain.
The main reason to consider a broad spectrum of CBD isolate product is to avoid ingesting any THC. CBD should never make you feel high, but products that contain even trace amounts of THC could cause a positive drug test. You should always keep that and your personal circumstances in mind as you select your CBD products. Also know when looking for lab tested oils you can refine your search to select from only organic options.
How to Shop for Full Spectrum CBD Oils
In order to find the best full spectrum CBD product for you, there are a few things to consider. Here is what to remember when shopping for full spectrum CBD.
What to Look For
Concentration: Always make sure you know how much CBD an oil or edible contains, both per container and per individual serving.
Source: We recommend choosing brands that use hemp grown in the U.S. using natural or organic farming methods.
Testing: The most important thing to look for in any CBD product is proof of independent third-party lab testing.
How to Read Labels
These are the key pieces of information you should look for on the label of any full spectrum CBD oil.
- Strength – This is typically shown as milligrams of CBD per 1 mL serving.
- Lab Test Results – Most brands include information, or a QR code, for the lab test results of their CBD.
- Carrier Oil – CBD oil tinctures use carrier oils like MCT oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil. If you have a food allergy, be sure to check the type of oil used in a product.
- Dosage Guide – Some CBD brands include a dosage guide on the label to help you measure the appropriate amount of CBD per serving.
How to Use
Full spectrum CBD oils can either be taken sublingually, in which you hold the oil under your tongue for 30 seconds or so before swallowing, or can be mixed into food and beverages. Depending on the amount of CBD you need per day, this can be done either once or twice per day. If you are taking a full spectrum CBD oil to help with insomnia or sleep, it’s best to take those in the evening, an hour or so before bed. For support in managing stress or anxiety, you may want to take one serving in the morning and another serving in the evening. As with all CBD products, full spectrum CBD typically works best over time as it builds up in your system through consistent use.
Safety & Side Effects
According to the World Health Organization “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” Like any dietary or wellness supplement, however, it can cause a few mild side effects in certain people. These can include dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. One important thing to note is that there can be a drug interaction between CBD and certain prescription medicines, especially blood thinners. If you’re currently undergoing a course of medication or take a prescription medication, check with your physician to ensure you can safely add CBD to the mix before beginning.
Takeaway
The best full spectrum CBD oils may allow you to boost your wellness and enjoy natural relief through your own body’s endocannabinoid system. Use our guide to make sure that you know what to look for when shopping and which brands to consider in order to get the best possible product for you.
Josh Hall has been professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
We’ve all seen the CBD oil craze that’s taken off over the past few years, but what about other cannabinoids like CBG? Cannabis plants contain over 100 cannabinoids, and CBD (cannabidiol) is only one of them.
CBG (cannabigerol) is another, and this compound is starting to get a little more notoriety for its own set of wellness benefits, some of which are different than CBD. What is CBG and what are the best CBG oil products?
Our Picks for the Best CBG Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best CBG Overall – NuLeaf Naturals CBG Oil
- Best CBG Softgels – NuLeaf Naturals CBG Softgels
- Best CBG for Inflammation – Plant People Relief Drops
Best CBG Products
While CBG is quickly on the rise, there aren’t nearly as many CBG oils as there are CBD products on the market. However, we did some digging to find the best hemp oils on the market that contain high levels of both CBD and CBG so you can reap the benefits of both of these compounds. To determine which products were the best, our team personally tried several CBG oils, read hundreds of customer reviews, and considered lab testing and hemp source as a part of our review process, and determined the top three CBG oils and products, listed below.
NuLeaf Naturals CBG Oil
NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals CBG is a full spectrum oil with a natural flavor. The product comes in three strengths, each containing about 30 mg of CBG per serving.
Why buy: They source their CBG from organically grown U.S.A. industrial hemp, and combine it with an organic virgin hemp seed carrier oil. All of their products are also tested by independent third-party labs to ensure purity and quality.
NuLeaf Naturals CBG Softgels
NuLeaf Naturals
If you want to avoid the natural taste of a hemp extract, NuLeaf Naturals CBG capsules may be right for you. With 30 mg of CBG per serving, these capsules are strong, but may take some time to take effect as your body processes the pill.
Why buy: This plant-based soft gel makes it easy to take CBG, and provides a consistent dose every time. It’s made from organic full spectrum hemp extract, organic virgin hemp seed oil, cassava root extract, water, and vegetable glycerin.
Plant People Relief Drops
Plant People
As an alternative to NuLeaf Naturals, we recommend Plant People Relief Drops. This is another great, full spectrum brand that is a certified B Corp. This oil contains both CBD and CBG, and is designed to help support your body for pain and inflammation with natural botanicals like turmeric and ginger.
Why buy: Plant People’s CBD + CBG oil is USDA certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and KETO-approved. It is third-party lab tested for quality, and meets the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) standard.
What is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol, and it’s a very unique cannabinoid because it’s essentially the stem cell or “chemical parent” that produces other phytocannabinoids. Within the hemp plant, CBG transforms to create minor cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol) and CBC (cannabichromene), as well as more well-known compounds like CBD and THC (the latter of which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis).
Exactly how this transformation process takes place is somewhat complicated, so without getting too deep into the science behind it, here’s a brief explanation of how it works:
- The cannabis plant produces what’s known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).
- Enzymes held within the plant take that CBGA and break it down into different cannabinoid acids, specifically cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
- As a result of aging or a heating process called decarboxylation, those acids convert to CBD and THC.
Essentially, without CBG, some of the most popular cannabinoids like CBD and THC would not exist. And with the increased popularity of cannabis products, more people are starting to learn about the many potential benefits of full spectrum hemp extracts that contain CBD, CBG, and various other phytocannabinoids.
What are the Benefits of CBG?
We’ve all heard story after story about the miraculous benefits of CBD oil, but speaking honestly, there’s a lot more research that needs to take place before we can fully understand the impact of CBD on the human body. Now when it comes to CBG, there are even fewer studies and scientific evidence to grasp the full breadth of CBG’s benefits. However, there have been studies that illustrate the positive effects it may have in relation to certain health and wellness concerns.
Inflammation
Much like CBD, there are indications that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties, especially when it comes to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One particular clinical study used mice as part of its experiment, and found that CBG diminished inflammatory markers in the test subjects and may be considered for clinical trials in human patients.
Glaucoma
A unique trait of CBG may be its ability to help treat glaucoma by reducing intra-ocular pressure, according to one study published in 2008. In fact, glaucoma is one of the most common reasons for using prescribed medical marijuana strains that have adequate CBG content, which may be a key reason why cannabis helps treat this condition.
Appetite
Cannabis is known for giving users the “munchies,” and CBG is one cannabinoid that may also elicit these effects but without the high. A more recent animal study suggested that CBG may be an appetite stimulant, which can benefit those who struggle to get enough food intake naturally due to underlying health conditions like cancer or hypothyroidism.
Bacteria
CBG has shown to have certain antibacterial effects, particularly when studied on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This kind of bacteria is responsible for different types of staph or skin infections, and is resistant to traditional drugs and antibiotics. CBG’s potential ability to kill existing drug-resistant bacteria and prevent more from forming may prove to be helpful in future treatments of MRSA infections.
How Does CBG Work?
Just like CBD, CBG elicits its beneficial effects through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps us regulate many other systems to help us maintain homeostasis (the state of stability and optimal functioning).
CBG works by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors (also known as CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes that form the ECS. Our cannabinoid receptors play a pivotal role in normalizing physiological processes like our mood, pain sensation, and hunger signals. The intense reaction that occurs when CBG meets these receptors is what produces its wellness benefits.
CBG also increases a naturally occurring endocannabinoid in our system called anandamide that helps to regulate functions critical to survival, including sleep and memory. And similar to CBD, CBG also has little to no negative side effects when taken in appropriate dosages.
CBG vs CBD
CBG and CBD are similar cannabinoids found within cannabis plants, but the primary differentiator between the two comes from how they interact with cannabinoid receptors. CBG binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors within the nervous system, while CBD interacts indirectly with these same receptors. Because of this, CBG may have a greater potential to impact a person’s health.
It’s important to add that one trait CBG shares with CBD is that it is non-intoxicating. Unlike THC, those who use CBG (or CBD, for that matter) won’t receive a mind-altering high—in fact, it’s one of the benefits that users most appreciate about the experience.
Is CBG Better Than CBD?
CBG has yet to achieve the critical acclaim of CBD, but that’s not to say it doesn’t pack a punch—or that its time isn’t coming. CBG products actually supply much of the same benefits that CBD offers, and they allow you to stack the two cannabinoids together for more potential benefits. Therefore, it’s not necessarily that “one is better than the other,” but that you should look for hemp oil products that feature both compounds and a full spectrum of other phytocannabinoids in order to get the best effects.
Josh Hall has been a professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
CBN (cannabinol) comes from the cannabis plant. Like the other cannabinoids, including CBD oil and CBG (cannabigerol), CBN has grown in popularity as a natural remedy. The main reason people are buying CBN products is to improve sleep quality. Online articles say a dropper of CBN oil is a natural sleep aid that can help replace some prescription medicines. But what do you need to know about the full spectrum wellness of this hemp extract?
How Does Cannabinol (CBN) Work?
Like CBD (cannabidiol), CBN shares a similar chemical composition to THC—but again, it has only a fraction of the psychoactive attributes. The compound most directly affects our endocannabinoid system (ECS), the regulatory system that ensures our body remains in a stable state of homeostasis and operating properly.
Within the ECS, there are cannabinoid receptors (CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors) that help to normalize our mood, appetite and other critical functions.
CBN will interact with both receptors, though it more frequently binds with the CB2 receptor. It also causes a response in the naturally producing protein called the TPRV2 receptor, which is why the compound is responsible for combatting pain and inflammation and treating skin conditions.
Related: Most Affordable CBD Oils of 2021
Is CBN Safe?
There are a few side effects associated with hemp extracts. Full spectrum CBN oil, like CBD oil, can only contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) so there is little risk of psychoactive effects.
That said, it’s mainly anecdotal evidence that suggests CBN provides better sleep. It’s important to remember there is a long way to go in studying the health benefits of cannabis, this isn’t medical advice, and these products are not approved by the FDA to cure any condition. Be sure to consult with your primary care physician before taking any dietary supplements.
Our bodies all respond differently to cannabinoids. Since CBN can cause grogginess or a feeling of sedation, the effects of CBN may mean you should avoid heavy lifting or driving. Full spectrum extracts from hemp plants include CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC alongside terpenes to produce what’s known as the “entourage effect.” This is believed to provide the maximum wellness benefit, but it’s important to tread lightly and start at a low dose to know how it will affect you.
Is it Legal?
Yes, CBN products are legal, like CBD products, as long as they are derived from industrial hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill made the hemp plants legal, and many brands have unveiled new products featuring cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp. The Food and Drug Administration has yet to weigh in on these products.
Some products that contain CBN, like it’s cousins CBC and CBG, operate in a gray area. People who buy cannabis products as an anti-inflammatory, for glaucoma, or to boost their immune system are willing to operate in this space. While cannabis-derived CBN products are legal in states where recreational marijuana is legal, you may want to check your own state’s laws if you have questions about those products.
How is CBN Administered?
CBN oil or capsules is just as easy as using CBD oil. In fact, many of the same CBD delivery mechanisms are available for CBN-infused products.
Some think CBN is most effective when used in tandem with CBD to gain the combined benefits of the “entourage effect.”
Best Oils and Capsules to Buy Online
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
NuLeaf Naturals CBN Oil
NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil has always been one of the strongest hemp extracts on the market, and their CBN oil follows the same pattern. This is a brand committed to whole plant (re: full spectrum) therapies. They now offer 300mg, 900mg, 1800mg “Next Generation Cannabinoid” tinctures. NuLeaf’s CBN oil, much like CBD oils for sleep, may promote restfulness and support healthy sleep cycles.
NuLeaf Naturals CBN Softgels
NuLeaf Naturals
If you want to avoid the taste of a full spectrum oil, softgels may be the way to go. These will take a bit longer to take effect, as your body has to process the pill, but if you schedule your dose properly you can get the same whole plant wellness without the natural taste that some people don’t enjoy.
Picking the Best CBN Products
We feature NuLeaf Naturals here because the brand was founded by a team of self-described “plant medicine aficionados.” All of their product line features strong, full spectrum CBN derived from organic industrial hemp grown in the U.S.A, and their products are all fairly priced.
Josh Hall has been a professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
