Full Spectrum Hemp Extract : The Complete Package

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for Pets

What does Full Spectrum mean? And why is a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract better than a Broad Spectrum or CBD isolate product? As the CBD marketplace continues to be flooded with new brands and products, it’s hard to find a safe and effective CBD product for pets. At CBD Dog Health, we trust the science which shows Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is the most effective therapeutic form of CBD for pets on the market. Here’s what you need to know:

With few exceptions, nearly all new clinical research studying the therapeutic use of CBD for dogs is tested using full spectrum hemp extract for dogs.  When hemp is extracted in this way, it preserves the balance of the hemp plant’s many interdependent beneficial compounds. This natural synergy not only ensures a more effective product, but a safer one with less incidence of side effects. Due to its undeniable efficacy and safety, this is the formulation of choice when it comes to using CBD for pets to achieve therapeutic benefits. 

Active Components of a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract

The complementary relationship between hemp’s active compounds results in an amazing synergistic phenomenon, known as the “Entourage Effect”. In order to better understand this effect, let’s go over the three main types of active molecules: Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids and understand what happens when they all exist in harmony.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical substances that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body and brain. Cannabinoids are the active constituents of the cannabis plant, and are responsible for many of the medicinal effects seen when using cannabis products. While over 139 cannabinoids have been discovered in the cannabis plant the two most prevalent are THC and CBD. Other notable cannabinoids include Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Cannabidivarin (CBDV), among many others. Each has their own unique therapeutic properties. 

CBD is known for having numerous therapeutic benefits without the hypnotic properties associated with other cannabinoids such as THC. Research shows that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, pain reliever, bone stimulant, and muscle relaxant, among many others.

In cannabis plants, classified under the name hemp, THC is less abundant than CBD. THC is most commonly known for its psychoactive properties, however it has a wide range of beneficial therapeutic effects.  Although THC is psychoactive in higher amounts, when used alongside CBD and the other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, its psychoactive effects are greatly diminished and thus can be used safely for almost any person or pet. Some of THC’s therapeutic benefits include: anti-cancerous, reduces nausea, relieves pain (even severe levels of pain), relaxes muscles, protects the nervous system, and reduces inflammation. 

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Terpenes in EASE: FSHE CBD Oil for Dogs What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic molecules produced by a wide range of plants, including the cannabis plant. They are responsible for attributes such as flavor, colors, and aroma of a plant or flower. In addition, they have many other wonderful properties that are highly beneficial therapeutically. According to an article published in the European Journal of Chemistry, terpenes’ medicinal properties are supported by numerous in vitro, animal and clinical trials that show anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-allergic, antibiotic and anti-diabetic attributes, among many others. Without terpenes, CBD and THC cannot work as effectively, and in many cases their therapeutic benefits are lessened without them.

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant rich phytonutrient (plant based nutrient) that are responsible for the vivid color of many fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are similar to terpenes in that they contribute to the flavor and aroma of plants, but they have their own unique therapeutic benefits as well. The flavonoids in cannabis are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, cancer-fighting, immunoprotective, anti-oxidative, and anti-viral among many other beneficial effects. In a recent study, certain flavonoids and terpenes were shown to be neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. 

To date, about 20 different flavonoids have been discovered in cannabis. 

full spectrum hemp extract entourage effect Entourage Effect & THC Synergy

Numerous new studies demonstrate that when extracts rich in phytocannabinoids (including THC), terpenes, and flavonoids are left in their unrefined state, as in a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, they produce the greatest therapeutic effect. This synergistic phenomenon is colloquially known as The Entourage Effect

While CBD is effective on its own, a recent analysis demonstrated that CBD’s medicinal effects are much stronger when combined with other synergistic compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.  A 2011 review of multiple studies in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that when terpenes were present in conjunction with cannabinoids, multiple benefits were seen, including relief of anxiety, pain, inflammation, epilepsy, cancer, and even fungal infections. This multi-system benefit from just one plant is known as Polypharmacology. 

As we mentioned previously, the Entourage Effect can only happen when all parts of the cannabis plant are present, and that includes THC. However, just because Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (FSHE) has THC doesn’t mean you (or your pet) is going to get high. The inclusion of THC has been shown to boost the pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD oil, so without THC, you simply will not see the full benefits of CBD oil for pets. Using a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for dogs and pets will in fact lessen side effects and increase positive benefits, as shown in this research

Refined Products: Broad Spectrum Extract and CBD Isolate For Pets

Broad Spectrum CBD oil for pets contains many of the beneficial constituents of cannabis, usually including more than one type of CBD, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. However, Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract is characterized by the refinement process it has undergone in order to remove certain naturally occurring components of the plant, namely THC. In addition to removing THC, these extraction methods inadvertently also remove other vital components, such as terpenes and flavonoids, upsetting that delicate entourage effect we previously discussed. Due to a lack of regulation in the CBD space, you may find it difficult to determine if a CBD for pets product is a true full spectrum, or if it has been adulterated and refined. Products may be clearly labeled as broad spectrum, however certain companies may also use confusing terminology such as ‘Full-spectrum THC Free’. Don’t be fooled! There is no such thing as THC-Free full-spectrum hemp extract. 

Broad spectrum hemp extracts for pets often have a higher ticket price than Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, because isolating and removing THC is a costly process. 

Isolate Extract is the bare minimum when it comes to CBD oil. Like its name suggests, it is the result of isolating and extracting one single component of the cannabis plant, CBD. While CBD is not inherently harmful on its own, a recent study has shown that CBD isolate can only reach a certain beneficial threshold (meaning it is only useful at a very specific dose). And, at higher doses, its benefits actually decrease when used singularly. Without the other compounds of the plant present, this single compound can only do so much, and unfortunately that’s just not enough to achieve true therapeutic benefits. 

Why does such a minimally beneficial product exist? Largely due to the demonization and misunderstanding of THC, and the misconception that a ‘pure’ product will be safer and more beneficial. Isolate promises the user a product devoid of THC. Isolate is also marketed towards those who have never used CBD and want to test its effect on them in a very introductory manner. The pharmaceutical mentality of isolating singular molecules for an intended therapeutic effect creates a problem in that this isolation not only limits CBD’s effects but also makes side effects more likely. This form of CBD oil (isolate) is what is used in prescription forms of CBD such as Epidiolex. While an isolate may be a “consistent” product that is easily reproducible, it simply does not achieve the same results as a full spectrum hemp extract, as this study demonstrates. All new clinical research being conducted is done on full spectrum extract, at institutions like Colorado State University, Baylor University, and Ontario Veterinary College, to name a few. 

THC Safety For Pets

There are many people who are concerned about the safety of THC in a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for dogs and pets. Any FSHE sold in the United States is required by law to contain no more than 0.3% THC. Because the amount of THC is only a small (yet significant) amount, it should not produce any hypnotic effects. If your dog is sensitive to THC, Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is still a safe option, since the presence of the other compounds, most notably CBD, help negate any intoxicating effects that THC can have on some people and animals. For more information, including links to safety studies, and the benefits of THC, see our THC for Pets blog

Generally speaking, in the conventional veterinary field, there is a lot of uncertainty of the safety of THC and CBD for pets, and unfortunately this is simply due to a lack of knowledge, not a lack of data. Most of what vets experience in the field relating to cannabis is from what vets often call (incorrectly) “THC toxicity” which is usually when a pet ingests their human owners’ crude cannabis flower or edibles. This effect is not truly toxicity, but actually intoxication, which has a very different meaning. Toxicity implies that a harmful or fatal effect can happen, when that is simply not the case for cannabis. There is no lethal dose (known as LD50) of either CBD of THC dominant extracts, and this has been proven in lab research

The cannabis most humans use are strains high in THC and low in CBD. When animals are not properly weaned onto THC (as they would be in a therapeutic manner like for cancer treatment), they will experience intoxicating effects. Because animals don’t understand being “high”, oftentimes the symptoms of animal THC consumption will be uncomfortable to experience (for both owner and pet), but rest assured they are not fatal effects and will wear off over time. This is what THC intoxication is, and the effects will dissipate as the THC wears off, with no long term harm done to the animal. 

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for Pets

When it comes to using Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for dogs and pets, FSHE has been proven to be incredibly safe, effective and well tolerated by all mammals, especially our companion animals. At Fire Flake Farm, Angela Ardolino gives all of our CBD Dog Health Full Spectrum Hemp Extract products to the variety of animals on her farm, including dogs, cats, ducks, goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens and more! Beyond our own use on the farm proving CBD’s safety, there are numerous safety studies (like this one) that show without a doubt, Full Spectrum CBD oil for pets (including THC) is safe for all mammals, even at very high doses. 

Until cannabis is federally legal, the demonization of this amazing plant will likely continue. However, much progress has been made in the past few years from a legal standpoint and from an educational one to get the word out that cannabis has amazing therapeutic benefits that are often very complimentary to other holistic and traditional therapies being used currently in veterinary medicine. At CBD Dog Health, a main part of our mission is to help spread education to veterinary professionals around the globe, to help facilitate more understanding and less fear of cannabis for pets. Not to mention giving vets this education will give them an invaluable tool in helping their patients with all kinds of ailments.

While there are many forms of hemp extract on the market today, the scientific community has quickly realized that the largest amount of benefits are going to be found in Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for dogs and pets. Its synergistic effects have been proven to be vastly more effective and wide reaching than its isolated counterparts. There are vast amounts of data proving its safety and lessened side effects. Countless clinical trials and collaborative research is being done to continue to explore full spectrum hemp extracts’ benefits. As time goes on and more research is done, the scientific community will continue to agree that Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is the most effective and safe way to use cannabis for ourselves, and for our pets.