Best Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: Better Than Isolates?
CBD continues to grow in popularity thanks to all the buzz surrounding it from scientific reports and research studies, exciting reviews in major publications, and positive word of mouth from avid CBD users.
Like most customers who are new to CBD, you probably have a ton of questions about what full-spectrum CBD is, what it can do for you, and what brands are the best to purchase full-spectrum CBD products from. Fear not! Our comprehensive guide is the best place to start. Stick around and continue reading to learn more about full-spectrum CBD and find out who are our top picks for the best full-spectrum CBD oil brands.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Buying Guide
Since we have high standards, every brand we looked at for our guide to the best full-spectrum CBD oils was held close to our strict criteria. As such, we spent a lot of time and effort to make sure only the best brands were given to our readers.
Before we began writing our article, we first put together a list of some of the most popular brands in the CBD market. Because there are always new brands making their way into the CBD world, our list began to grow quite quickly.
Once we had our list, we then broke it down even further by reading verified customer reviews, looking at how each brand sourced its hemp and made its products, and if the brand used a third-party lab to test its products. We also wanted to know if those third-party lab results were made easy for customers to find.
Before we knew it, our list was significantly narrowed down. Our new, smaller list showed us that only a handful of brands met our high standards.
Even though our list was shorter, we felt the need to cut it down even further. Our ultimate goal was to present the best full-spectrum CBD oil brands without overwhelming our readers. With that in mind, we shortened the list down to our top five brands.
Finally, our research would not be complete if we didn’t include reviews from industry experts, actual CBD users, and CBD journalists.
What Else We Included in Our List:
When we were coming up with our definitive full-spectrum CBD oil list, we knew we also needed to look into:
- How well each brand was at tackling various health conditions such as the ones listed further down within this article.
- We needed to know where each brand sourced its hemp, and also how that hemp was being processed.
- It was important for us to find out if that brand was following the strict guidelines put out by the FDA.
- We looked into the variety of CBD oil that the brand was selling– full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate.
- If any of the brands sold full-spectrum CBD oils, then we wanted to know if those oils contained less than 0.3% THC to ensure that they were able to be legally sold and purchased in the United States.
- It was imperative for us to know if the brand used an independent third-party laboratory to test all of its products.
- Were those laboratory results easy for customers to find?
- Were customers given easy to understand instructions with each product?
- Finally, we wanted to know what the brand’s reputation was. In order to confirm this, we looked at verified customer reviews. We specifically also wanted to look into if the brand told the truth to its customers about CBD such as what it is, how it functions, and what its many benefits are.
After we found the answers to our questions through our extensive research, we were finally able to present our finalized list to you. Below are our top picks for the best full-spectrum CBD oil brands.
5 Best Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Brands in 2020
#1 FAB CBD Oil: Customer’s Choice
The FAB team has vast experience in the health and wellness industries. As such, they take that experience and use it to make the best CBD products out on the market today. All of FAB’s full-spectrum CBD oils come in a number of different strengths and flavors.
The brand, founded in 2017, makes sure that each of its products meets and exceeds its high standards. Along with its line of full-spectrum oils, FAB also produces CBD gummies, a fresh-scented topical cream, CBD dog treats, and CBD-free green superfoods.
All of FAB’s organic hemp comes directly from Colorado. Next, FAB uses the very clean, industry-preferred Co2 extraction method to ensure that all of its hemp extracts are super clean and free from chemicals and pollutants. What’s left are some of the best full-spectrum CBD oils that are packed with health-boosting cannabinoids and terpenes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
FAB is our top pick for the best full-spectrum CBD oil because:
Top-rated CBD Oils: FAB’s full-spectrum CBD oils come in 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg, and in mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural flavors.
Product Offerings: FAB has a robust product line that includes full-spectrum CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD topical cream, and CBD dog treats.
Local Hemp: FAB’s organic hemp comes from Colorado. When it comes to harvesting and growing hemp, FAB definitely does not cut any corners. The brand uses state-of-the-art cloning methods and cutting edge harvesting equipment.
Third-Party Labs: FAB uses ProVerde, an independent lab, to test all of its products. Those results are then made accessible to customers through FAB’s website.
Top-notch Return Policy: FAB has been cited time and again for having one of the best return policies. Customers can return products within 30-days to receive FAB’s money-back guarantee on any of its products.
PROS:
- Robust selection of CBD oils in various strengths and flavors.
- Best rated customer service department
- A large number of positive customer reviews
- Was voted the best CBD oil for pain
- Also voted the best full spectrum CBD cream by Observer
- Third-party lab testing
- Fast and secure shipping of orders
- Free shipping on all orders over $89
CONS:
- No auto-ship or subscription membership options
#2 Premium Jane
Premium Jane is based out of Scottsdale, AZ. The brand employs farmers, agricultural experts, chemists, biologists, and marketing developers to help ensure its success in the very competitive CBD industry. All of Premium Jane’s products are sourced from regulated and controlled industrial hemp that is regularly tested for microbes, pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, and chemical fertilizers.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Professional Team: Premium Jane employs a team of experts including farmers, microbiologists, and agricultural experts.
Third-party Lab Testing: Premium Jane tests all its products using a third-party lab. All lab results are then made available to customers.
Coupon Codes: The brand regularly offers discount coupon codes
PROS:
- 100 percent organic hemp
- Agricultural experts, farmers, and microbiologists on staff
- Large product selection including oils, gummies, and topicals
- Affordable prices
- All products are made in America
- Coupon codes available
CONS:
- No vape product offerings
#3 NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals’ main mission is to enlighten the world about the benefits of plant medicine. NuLeaf wants to help its customers achieve optimal health through CBD products so that they can have a healthier body and mind.
The brand was founded in 2014. As such, NuLeaf aims to bring customers the most potent and purest CBD products. Every one of the brand’s full-spectrum CBD oils is free of additives and other dangerous chemicals.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Organic Hemp: The Colorado-grown hemp that NuLeaf uses is produced through sustainable methods.
Guaranteed Purity: NuLeaf’s products are GMO-free, pesticide-free, and free of artificial flavorings. and do not contain pesticides or artificial flavorings.
PROS:
- The brand is fully involved in every step of the manufacturing process
- Full-spectrum CBD oils offerings
- Money-back guarantee
- Hemp that’s sustainably grown and cultivated
CONS:
- Only full-spectrum CBD oils are offered
- No flavor options
#4 CBDfx
CBDfx’s mission is to give both new and experienced CBD users access to organic, innovative, and quality-crafted CBD products. The brand offers over 50 premium CBD products and takes pride in how each of those products is crafted.
The brand is committed to research and product development. As such it consistently pushes to bring out new CBD products to all of its customers. CBDfx seeks to revolutionize the CBD industry.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Large Product Range: CBDfx creates pet products, CBD oils, gummies, vape liquids, creams, and a lot more.
Detail: CBDfx closely works with its labs to ensure that each of its products meets the brand’s standards.
Innovation: The brand truly believes that CBD should both be a natural medicine as well as an enjoyable product. As such, CBDfx puts forth brightly colored packaging as well as fruit-flavored vape oils.
PROS:
- The high-quality product range
- A wide array of vape products
- Products are well-made and innovative
- Positively reviewed customer service
CONS:
- Not much is known about the actual company
#5 Elixinol
Elixinol strives to both learn and teach others about hemp. The brand’s mission is to help the world discover the healing properties of CBD. Elixinol is dedicated to research, science, and making new and innovative products rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to anyone who seeks an alternative wellness option.
HIGHLIGHTS:
High-Quality Hemp: Elixinol grows its own hemp, so they can control the process from seed to bottle.
Lab Testing: Every product is tested to ensure that it meets the brand’s standards.
Product Variety: Elixinol offers customers a wide array of products.
PROS:
- A large variety of products including CBD capsules, CBD oils, and turmeric capsules.
- Organic hemp that is grown and processed in Northern Europe
- Free delivery and money-back guarantee
CONS:
- Limited shipping destinations
What’s the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate?
While full-spectrum CBD oils are the most popular and contain the most benefits, there are two other varieties of CBD oils.
Many consumers are not aware of the difference between the three types of CBD oils sold in today’s market. It is helpful, before purchasing CBD oil, to know the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oils are packed with beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannaflavins. All of these compounds come with their own host of benefits. A small breakdown of these compounds is as follows:
Cannabinoids
Some of the most common cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD oils are CBD and THC. Put simply, cannabinoids are natural compounds of the cannabis plant. Even though there are over 480 compounds found within the Cannabis Sativa plant, only about 66 of those compounds are cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids work by interacting with specialized cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in the central nervous system. Exactly how the cannabinoids affect the body depends on which area of the brain the cannabinoid is working with. Of all the cannabinoids, CBD is believed to contain the most anti-anxiety properties, and when paired with THC, counteracts THC’s psychoactive effects.
Terpenes
Terpenes are responsible for the scent that a plant gives off. Along with that scent, terpenes also play a role in how a CBD product will affect you. The two main terpenes in a plant are limonene and myrcene. When terpenes work with CBD, they bind to the brain’s neurotransmitters and receptors. Much like different cannabis strains, some terpenes will help to relax, while others will increase energy levels.
Flavonoids and Cannaflavins
Flavonoids are very much like terpenes because they affect the smell and taste of cannabis. They also protect plants from UV radiation and diseases. Flavonoids ensure the survival of the plant.
Cannaflavins are a type of flavonoid that is specifically found within the cannabis plant. Scientists believe that cannaflavins contain anti-inflammatory effects that far outweigh any type of aspirin.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD oils are different from full-spectrum oils in that they do not contain any THC. They do, however, still contain those beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes along with CBD. If full-spectrum oil isn’t your thing, then broad-spectrum might be the next best option because you can still take advantage of CBD’s benefits minus the THC.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is exactly just what the name suggests. In CBD isolates, the CBD has been separated from all of the other compounds, leaving a product that contains over 99 percent pure CBD. Typically, the crystalline CBD isolate powder is infused into a carrier oil such as MCT.
What is the Entourage Effect?
Many people have specific reasons for choosing full-spectrum CBD over broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates. One of the main reasons is that full-spectrum CBD is packed with a lot of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds.
But how exactly does full-spectrum CBD work within the body? The simplest answer is that CBD and THC work together in something called the entourage effect. For those who might not know, the body has an endocannabinoid system that works to regulate bodily functions and processes including:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Memory
- Fertility
- Reproduction
Even if you don’t use CBD oil or cannabis, the endocannabinoid system is still working within your body. CBD and THC, both found in full-spectrum CBD oil, act on the endocannabinoid system. Recently, scientists discovered that taking both THC and CBD together is more effective than taking them by themselves.
Likewise, the CBD, THC, terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and other compounds all work together to produce a better effect than if they were isolated by themselves. When full-spectrum CBD enters the body, it works directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate the functions listed above. Similarly, all of the compounds within the full-spectrum CBD are working with each other in a synergistic way to boost each other’s best benefits while minimizing the unwanted effects.
In fact, a 2011 research study found that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids working together was helpful at alleviating:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Epilepsy
- Inflammation
- Fungal infections
- Cancer
Some people are sensitive to the effects of THC. However, when CBD is combined with THC, researchers discovered that CBD reduces some of the side effects of THC including anxiety, hunger, and drowsiness. Still, another study from 2018 found that some flavonoids and terpenes may potentially have both anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the study suggested that these compounds could potentially heighten CBD’s therapeutic potential.
Is it Better to Take Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
Considering all of the benefits that are associated with full-spectrum CBD oils, it appears that, indeed, it is better to use full-spectrum oils over broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. Time and time again, research studies continue to prove that full-spectrum CBD can help to alleviate and control health conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Depression
- Cancer
- High Blood Pressure
- Muscle tension and pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Sleep Disturbances
- Chronic Pain
Countless users of full-spectrum CBD vouch for the oil’s effectiveness against chronic inflammation, and therefore, say that full-spectrum CBD oil has been the most efficient for them over the other two CBD oil varieties. While many studies regarding CBD’s effects on various health conditions are currently ongoing, it’s definitely exciting that so many established studies are already proving that CBD is effective at helping a great number of common health conditions.
Full-spectrum CBD also contains minerals, fatty acids, fiber, and protein, which means that it has a nice, dense nutrient profile, therefore giving it nourishing effects. Moreover, full-spectrum CBD oil can also help with nausea, pain and inflammation, and other neurological symptoms that stem from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are concerned about the fact that full-spectrum CBD oil contains THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, you shouldn’t be. Because the amount of THC in full-spectrum oils is less than 0.3%, you will not experience any of the compound’s psychoactive properties. Put simply, you will not get high from taking full-spectrum CBD oils. Instead, you will only reap all of the compound’s many benefits including its ability to help treat:
- Pain
- Muscle cramps and tension
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
There are many fantastic reasons to use full-spectrum CBD oil over broad-spectrum oils or CBD isolates. In the end, you must decide which option will be best for you.
Does Full-Spectrum CBD Have Adverse Effects?
In general, full-spectrum CBD does not have many adverse effects. Some of the more common side effects include low blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and mood changes. According to researchers, any negative side effects could be the result of CBD negatively interacting with prescription medications such as blood thinners.
A great rule to follow regarding CBD and prescription medications is: if you are advised to avoid grapefruit while on a specific medication, then you should avoid using CBD. This is called “The Grapefruit Rule”. CBD acts very similar to grapefruit in that both contain compounds that bind with and neutralize enzymes in the gut that help to break down and rid the body of medications.
When these enzymes are prevented from doing their job, too much medication will go through the liver and not be processed, leading it to enter into the bloodstream. This will result in dangerous levels of the medication to be in your body. Likewise, a very low dose of medication could quickly turn into a very high dose under these circumstances.
The most common medications that you should not use CBD or eat grapefruit with are antihistamines, statins, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants. These can be both prescription medications as well as over-the-counter medications.
As with any new medication or natural supplement, read the directions, do some research, and definitely call your doctor/healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding medication and CBD interactions.
How Much CBD is Best to Take?
Many people who are new to CBD commonly wonder how much CBD they should be taking each day, along with how often they should be taking it. While many would love a solid response to this question, the truth is that there really is no “one size fits all” answer to this question.
In short, there is not one specific dose that will work best for every single person. Everyone’s body is different, therefore, what works best for you will not work well for someone else. A great jumping-off point to remember with CBD is to start low and go slow. Also, some mistakenly believe that higher is always better. This is not so. With CBD, medium-range doses have more benefits over higher or lower doses.
A great suggestion for beginners when it comes to CBD is this: start with 5mg of CBD once a day for one week. Then, if you are not feeling any impact, slowly start to increase the dose. As you increase your dose, stay with that new dose for one week before increasing again. As you are going through this process, remember to check in with your body to see how you are feeling. As with any new supplement or medication, your body will need time to get used to the CBD and the dosing.
We recommend beginning with a ½ dropper full of FAB CBD’s 300mg full-spectrum CBD oil once a day. This should equal about 5mg of CBD. Stay with this dose for one week, and then slowly increase if you feel the need to. As you increase, go up to ½ a dropper full twice a day. This will roughly come out to about 10mg of CBD. Repeat this dosing until you have reached your desired dosing.
