As hemp oil continues to gain popularity, it’s appearing in various forms. One term you’ve likely noticed on labels for hemp supplements, tinctures, and creams is “full spectrum.” But what does it mean, and why should you pay attention to it?
Understanding “full-spectrum” on hemp oil labels
Full-spectrum hemp oil (distinct from hemp seed oil) is an extract sourced exclusively from hemp plants. Hemp refers to cannabis plants containing 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which isn’t enough to produce mind-altering effects. In contrast, CBD oil can be extracted from either hemp or marijuana—cannabis plants with higher THC levels.
What sets full-spectrum hemp oil apart is that it includes all the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. This means over 100 cannabinoids, along with an array of terpenes and flavonoids. Unlike CBD isolate products, which only contain cannabinoid CBD, full-spectrum options deliver a more comprehensive profile of beneficial compounds.
Why full-spectrum hemp oil stands out
Choosing a full-spectrum supplement over an isolate allows you to harness the synergy of the cannabis plant’s compounds, amplifying the product’s benefits. Researchers call this the entourage effect: the phenomenon where cannabis compounds work together to produce greater effects than a single cannabinoid could on its own.
“It’s like a sports team,” explains Dr. Robert Rountree, a leading integrative physician. “You might have a star player, but the team as a whole is what makes the game.”
So, what do these compounds do? Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a “master regulatory system” that is involved in maintaining the immune, digestive, and central nervous systems. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids to maintain balance or homeostasis. However, researchers believe that a deficiency in endocannabinoids could contribute to chronic issues like migraines or irritable bowel syndrome.
Plant-derived cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids, may help supplement the ECS, assisting it in performing its complex regulatory role.* While CBD is the most well-known phytocannabinoid, it’s just one of many. Scientists are still uncovering the potential benefits of the numerous cannabinoids found in hemp, both individually and in combination.
But cannabinoids are only part of the story. Full-spectrum hemp oil also contains terpenes and flavonoids, which enhance its effects. Terpenes, responsible for cannabis’s aroma, influence how cannabinoids are processed in the body. Meanwhile, flavonoids—also found in fruits, vegetables, and tea—are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
“When you combine these phytocannabinoids with their supportive terpenes, flavonoids, and antioxidants from the hemp plant, you get a powerful mix,” says Rountree. “It’s a whole system working together.”
The takeaway
Full-spectrum hemp oil combines all of the beneficial compounds found in cannabis—cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more—to support overall wellness. Think of it as a symphony, where every element plays its part to create a harmonious and balanced experience for your body.