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Glossary

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum medical cannabis products contain all the naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant the products have been sourced from, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This classification is usually reserved for cannabis extracts, such as oils, tinctures, and capsules.

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

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

 

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

 

Full spectrum products contain all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. This means that they may have a wider range of potential therapeutic effects due to the 'entourage effect'.

Broad spectrum products are similar to full spectrum, but they have gone through additional processing steps to remove any trace of THC. This makes them a good option for those who want the potential benefits of all the other compounds in cannabis without the psychoactive effects that can come along with THC administration.

Isolates contain only one specific cannabinoid. This means that they do not have any of the other compounds, which also means that the entourage effect is not present.

 

Are full spectrum products the best option for medical cannabis patients?

 

Although full spectrum cannabis products do have the potential to offer patients a potentially more well-rounded and effective treatment option, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some patients may be sensitive to THC or not want to experience any psychoactive effects whatsoever, and for these individuals, isolates or broad spectrum products may be a better option.

Some health conditions, such as anxiety or PTSD, may also require a more tailored approach to treatment. In these cases, specific cannabinoids or terpenes may be more beneficial, and isolated cannabis based medications that offer these specific compounds may be the most effective option.

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.