[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so do its consumers. Current cannabis consumers are much more knowledgeable about the products that they purchase – and the standards to which they are processed. Full-spectrum concentrates are a great example of how the cannabis industry is evolving to meet the needs of its customers. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26821″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]While concentrates such as shatter, vape oils and distillates are not new to the industry, the concept of producing a premium, full-spectrum product is slowly becoming the new norm.
What are Full-Spectrum Concentrates?
While cannabis concentrates are typically very high in cannabinoid content with many concentrates reaching 60-90% pure THC or CBD content, many extraction processes destroy or dilute the terpenes found within the plant. Terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis its unique aroma, as well as contributing to many of the effects including sedative properties, anti-anxiety and even anti-cancer agents.
Full-spectrum concentrates preserve not only cannabinoid content, but also terpene and flavonoid profiles for a more “whole” customer experience. This is known as the “Entourage Effect”. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26822″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
The “Entourage Effect”
The “Entourage Effect” contributes to the benefits of the cannabis flower as a whole. That is to say that the components found within cannabis plants – cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids – are all designed to work together to produce the desired effects.
One example of the “Entourage Effect” in action is how the cannabinoid CBD can actually help balance the heavy cerebral effects of THC. Therefore, allowing patients to benefit from THC but without overwhelming cerebral effects.
Terpenes also contribute to the effects of cannabis in many ways. As terpenes are not only found in the cannabis plant, but also throughout nature, the effects have been well studied. Ever take a bath with lavender essential oil? That is the terpene linalool at work. This terpene contributes to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety and can even assist with pain relief. Another well known terpene is Terpinolene, which is commonly found in tea tree oil. This terpene is praised for its antifungal, antibacterial and sedative influence. All of these effects work in tandem with THC (or CBD) to produce the full-spectrum benefit of the cannabis plant. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26823″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Final Thoughts
Pure THC or pure CBD products do have their place in the cannabis industry and can help to treat a number of disorders, but full-spectrum products takes that one step further.
Many strain specific concentrates, such as the ones we carry at Compassion Concentrates, are derived from that particular cannabis plant – meaning that they contain terpenes as well as cannabinoid content. Choosing strain-derived or full-spectrum concentrates is as close to nature as you can get.
Fortunately, with the array of concentrates on the market, it is becoming much easier to choose the exact product for you based on the strain or the levels of cannabinoid and terpenes found in that extract.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
