Full Spectrum

There are three main types of medical cannabis extracts; full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate.

Full spectrum cannabis extracts contain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes and other natural compounds produced by the cannabis plant that the product was extracted from.

At a glance: Full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate cannabis 

What is a full spectrum extract?

A full spectrum extract contains all of the naturally occurring chemicals in a cannabis plant including the cannabinoids terpenes and flavonoids it is sometimes described as a ‘whole-plant’ extract.

Cannabinoids are the plant’s most known compounds and in a full spectrum extract, both THC and CBD appear, THC is responsible for cannabis’ intoxicating effects.

THC levels may differ in full spectrum extracts and they also include minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN, a compound that is formed as THC ages and oxidises.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give each cannabis cultivar its distinct smell and flavour. They are also thought to enhance cannabinoid effects on the body.

These aromatic compounds are delicate and can be lost during the processing of medical cannabis, so their presence in full spectrum extracts sets them apart from others.

Flavonoids are plant pigments and can be found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and cannabis plants, all of these compounds are thought to work together to produce what is known as the ‘entourage effect.’

Full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate extracts

Full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate describe how much of the cannabis plant’s natural chemical makeup in a product is retained.

Many medical cannabis extracts first go through a process known as CO2 supercritical extraction, which uses pressurised carbon dioxide to separate and extract the desired compounds.

Dried cannabis is full spectrum by nature since it is unprocessed plant material. For extracts and concentrates, such as oils, vape cartridges or edibles, it depends on how the product has been processed.

Full spectrum products contain all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant, and that includes THC.

Full spectrum THC products may have a wider therapeutic effect due to the ‘entourage effect.’

Broad spectrum extracts sit just below full spectrum, as they contain most of the natural compounds, but have gone through additional processing steps to remove THC. 

Patients who want the potential benefits of other compounds in cannabis without THC’s psychoactive effects may consider a broad spectrum product.

Isolates contain just one specific cannabinoid, usually CBD, isolate extracts go through one more refining process to isolate the single compound. They do not have any other compounds and therefore cannot activate the entourage effect.

Distillates are highly refined oils made by distilling whole-plant cannabis oil to produce a pure cannabinoid content, it can remove most terpenes so most distillates are not considered full spectrum extracts.

The entourage effect and full spectrum extracts

When the compounds of cannabis enter our bloodstream and our endocannabinoid system, which is a signalling system found throughout the body, the compounds can enhance or alter the functions it is responsible for.

The entourage effect suggests that when cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids enter the body at the same time, they each enhance each other.

While research is limited, a 2021 literature review found pain conditions had more effective results using cannabis extracts with a range of cannabinoids and terpenes than when using isolated THC extract, but concluded more clinical trials were needed.

Full spectrum products in UK medical cannabis

Many cannabis flowers and oils that can be prescribed as cannabis-based products for medical use (CBPM) are full spectrum and contain cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids of the plant.

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor, recreational cannabis is still illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Full spectrum products that are prescribed may have higher levels of THC than those that can be bought over the counter, such as products labelled full spectrum CBD, or full spectrum cannabidiol.

What is full spectrum CBD? 

Products labelled full spectrum CBD are different and contain only trace amounts of THC as they are made from the hemp plant typically, which is naturally higher in CBD and has very little THC.

Over the counter CBD products must meet strict legal limits on controlled cannabinoids such as THC and CBN, so it only appears in trace amounts, and a CBD product can contain no more than 1mg of each controlled cannabinoid per container. 

Is full spectrum cannabis right for every patient?

Full spectrum products are available to patients and may be beneficial for some as THC may help with symptoms such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, anti-nausea effects and muscle relaxation

However, full spectrum products may not be suitable for everyone. Some patients may be sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC and want a lower potency or avoid THC altogether.

Each person interacts differently with THC, and some may experience negative side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, dizziness and increased heart rate. Patients who are new to medical cannabis may be more likely to experience these side effects so titration is often suggested, where the dose is gradually increased for symptom relief without unwanted side effects.

THC can affect driving ability and can be detected in roadside tests, patients prescribed THC should follow clinician’s guidance on driving and some may prefer a
THC-free option.

Prescribers may recommend a CBD-dominant broad spectrum or isolate product for patients with a personal or family history of psychosis, heart conditions or those taking medication that may interact with THC.

Isolate extracts may be prescribed for patients who require higher doses of one compound for their medical condition.

Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor, who will consider your condition, medical history and current medication before recommending a treatment that is personalised to each patient.

Frequently asked questions about full spectrum 

What is the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate cannabis products? 

Full spectrum medical cannabis products contain the full range of natural compounds that are found in the cannabis plant, broad spectrum contains most of the compounds except the psychoactive compound THC, while isolates contain just one cannabinoid, which is usually CBD.

What is the difference between CBD and full spectrum CBD?

CBD refers to the cannabinoid, a non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant that can be used for medical cannabis treatment. Full spectrum CBD is a CBD-dominant extract that includes the plant’s other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids and small amounts of THC.

Is full spectrum CBD legal in the UK? 

Full spectrum CBD is legal in the UK. It can be purchased over-the-counter if THC and CBN stays within its strict limit of no more than 1mg of each controlled cannabinoid per container. Full spectrum medical cannabis has been legal since November 2018 in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor and may contain more than 1mg of controlled cannabinoids per container.

Does full spectrum cannabis make you feel anything, and can it make you high?

Full spectrum medical cannabis products contain THC which is the psychoactive compound known for giving cannabis its ‘euphoric’ feeling and can cause a ‘high’ depending on the THC level and dose, which is why specialists start patients low and slow.

What is full spectrum good for?

Full spectrum products are thought to enhance the effects of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system as it contains the full range of compounds found in the cannabis plant, this is known as the ‘entourage effect.’ A clinician will determine if a full spectrum product is suitable for each individual’s medical cannabis treatment.

Who should avoid full spectrum products?

Medical cannabis isn’t usually prescribed to people with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia. A specialist may suggest a THC-free option for some heart conditions, for people taking medicines that interact with THC, or for people who drive and would rather avoid THC.

Is it okay to use full spectrum products every day?

Using a full-spectrum medical cannabis product every day is assessed on an individual basis. A clinician will determine if this is the right medical cannabis treatment for you as well as dosing and frequency alongside regular medical reviews.

To find out if you are eligible, try our free medical cannabis eligibility checker, it takes under 2 minutes to fill in.

Our medical cannabis glossary can also help you learn more about terms you may associate with medical cannabis. 

Releaf - Redefining healthcare