Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum, or complete spectrum, refers to a category of hemp extracts that seeks to preserve as much as possible of the compounds naturally present in the plant. A Full Spectrum extract may therefore contain various cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other plant constituents derived from hemp.

This term is widely used in the CBD industry to distinguish these extracts from Broad Spectrum products and isolates. The aim is to retain a chemical profile as close as possible to that of the original plant, while complying with the applicable regulatory requirements.

A composition inspired by the plant

Hemp naturally produces several hundred compounds, including more than one hundred identified cannabinoids. Among the best known are CBD, THC, CBG, CBC and CBN, as well as numerous terpenes and flavonoids.

A Full Spectrum extract aims to retain a broad range of these constituents after extraction. However, the final composition depends on many factors, including the variety grown, production conditions, extraction method and various purification stages.

Cannabinoids in a Full Spectrum extract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is generally the predominant cannabinoid in Full Spectrum extracts intended for the hemp market. It is naturally accompanied by other cannabinoids present in varying proportions depending on the plant used.

The diversity of these molecules helps reproduce a chemical profile that is more representative of hemp than that obtained with an isolated cannabinoid.

The role of terpenes and flavonoids

Terpenes contribute to hemp's natural aromatic profile by providing the various vegetal, fruity, woody, citrusy or spicy notes characteristic of each variety. Flavonoids complement this chemical richness as they are also compounds naturally produced by the plant.

Depending on the manufacturing processes, some of these molecules may be retained throughout extraction, while certain manufacturers choose to reintroduce specific terpenes in order to recreate an aromatic profile close to that of the raw material.

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate

Full Spectrum is one of the three main families of hemp extracts, alongside Broad Spectrum and isolate.

Full Spectrum extracts retain a very broad range of compounds naturally present in the plant. Broad Spectrum extracts also retain several cannabinoids and terpenes, but follow a different formulation, particularly with regard to THC. Isolates, on the other hand, consist almost exclusively of a single highly purified cannabinoid, generally CBD.

A major category of hemp products

Full Spectrum extracts are used in many hemp-based products, including CBD oils, resins, certain concentrates, cosmetics and various specialised preparations.

Understanding this concept makes it easier to interpret product pages, certificates of analysis (COAs), extraction methods and differences in composition between the various extract categories available on the market.