Entourage: The Effect not the Show
Full-spectrum extract plays on the term of the “entourage effect” in cannabis. This effect is derived from the concept that marijuana has 500+ compounds that are beneficial to the medicinal industry, and when all of these are given their full potential in working together, they awaken and promote the full therapy of cannabis. While THC and CBD are grand, they are not as powerful alone; therefore, the entourage effect produces a full potency of effects via full-spectrum extract.
Full-Spectrum Extraction: How?
During full spectrum extraction, fats deemed unnecessary are removed while the cannabis plant keeps its unique ratios of the desired cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. This process creates a rare market for full-spectrum extracts because, during most extractions, the flavonoids and terpenes are at higher risk to be lost. The RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) process helps to retain the more volatile components by use of very low heat and ethanol. Additionally, a process using a long vacuum method helps to save those that could be potentially lost during the making of a full-spectrum extract.
Full Spectrum Extract vs. Broad
Although they sound remotely the same, broad-spectrum removes the THC component. While the Entourage Effect is still present, there are no intoxicating “high” effects as you would get with full-spectrum extracts. As with full-spectrum extraction, broad-spectrum enhances the effects of CBD because of the other present components.
How Will I Know if It’s Really Full-Spectrum?
Unfortunately, at this time, the only true way to identify a full-spectrum extract product is by examining the lab results of the given extract.
For starters, check out products with these labels to grab a possible full-spectrum extract: live resin, High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extract or HTFSE, and/or High Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extract (HCFSE).