We’ve been testing CBD since 2022. If you prefer full-spectrum CBD products, these are our favorite gummy, oil, capsule, and topical options.

You might have noticed that some CBD products are made from full-spectrum CBD. But what exactly does that mean?

“Full spectrum CBD products contain an expanded range of cannabinoids, including THC [and] terpenes, that may nourish the body towards anti-inflammatory benefits,” Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, an integrative nurse specialist, told Healthline.

Broad-spectrum CBD only contains the cannabinoids and terpenes without the THC. Meanwhile, isolate CBD products contain strictly CBD.

Some people avoid full-spectrum CBD due to the THC content. However, isolates come with their own cautions.

As Fontaine explained, because using isolates may require higher doses to reach a therapeutic level, some researchers fear it could increase adverse side effects.

In this article, we explain more about what full-spectrum CBD is and our recommendations for the best full-spectrum CBD oils, gummies, topicals and capsules that we’ve tried.

We selected these full-spectrum CBD products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. We’re personally tried all the products on our list.

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Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.

To choose the brands on this page, we considered all the CBD brands that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test CBD products.

Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD that contains all the beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant. These include:

  • Cannabinoids: There are more than 100 cannabinoids, including CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD and THC are responsible for the therapeutic and psychoactive effects of cannabis products. While CBD doesn’t cause impairment, THC has an intoxicating effect.
  • Terpenes: Cannabis has more than 150 terpenes. Terpenes affect a plant’s fragrance and can have therapeutic benefits.
  • Flavonoids: Cannabis includes about 20 flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in all kinds of plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and more. Like terpenes, they can have therapeutic effects. Research from 2016 suggests that the flavonoids found in cannabis have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties.

While a 2015 study suggests that CBD can be beneficial on its own, newer research from 2023 suggests that CBD’s therapeutic effects are stronger when combined with other cannabis compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and lesser-known cannabinoids. This theory is called the entourage effect.

While broad-spectrum CBD does include other compounds, it doesn’t contain any THC. However, THC found in full-spectrum products may increase the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits of CBD.

Keep in mind that with very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%), full-spectrum CBD still shouldn’t produce a “high.” However, this depends on the product’s potency, the amount you take at once, and your personal tolerance.

If you take a large dose of a high potency product, you may be ingesting enough THC to produce a euphoric effect. Some CBD product websites also note that the THC may be detectable in some drug tests.

Research from 2017 shows that CBD is generally considered safe. However, don’t take CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additionally, some people may experience side effects like:

  • tiredness
  • diarrhea
  • changes in appetite or weight

It’s always best to talk with a healthcare professional before trying CBD, especially if you’re already taking medications or want relief from specific symptoms. CBD may interact with some medications that have a grapefruit warning.

If you’re planning on taking CBD products by mouth, avoid doing so alongside high fat meals. One 2020 study found that high fat meals can increase CBD blood concentrations, which can increase the risk of side effects.

At the same time, if you’re looking to increase absorption, you can try using this in your favor instead of increasing your dose by taking CBD alongside a high fat meal to make it more effective.

If you plan on using a topical product, avoid applying it to broken skin. Do a patch test before using it broadly.

What species of cannabis plant is used depends on the grower and the effect intended. There are some full-spectrum CBD products made from the Cannabis sativa plant and some from the Cannabis indica plant. CBD products commonly contain a hybrid strain that contains genetic material from both.

 

 

Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are federally legal, though they’re still illegal under some state laws.

Some CBD products may also be made from cannabis instead of hemp plants and may have more than 0.3% THC. These products can be found at dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal, but we haven’t included any in this article.

If you’re shopping for a full-spectrum CBD product, check how much THC is in it so you can make sure it’s what you want.

Full-spectrum CBD can be beneficial due to the entourage effect, which theorizes that CBD is more effective when taken alongside other cannabis compounds.

Full-spectrum CBD does have traces of THC, but it’s likely not enough to have an intoxicating effect. This depends on the CBD product’s potency and your dosage, though. If you take a large dose of a high potency product, you may be ingesting enough THC to produce a high.

CBD can interact with some medications. It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before getting started.

Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.