As the cannabis and hemp industry continues to expand, it's important to note that not all THC oils are created equally. Full spectrum THC oil, in particular, is gaining popularity as the most potent option for vapes, gummies, and other cannabis and hempproducts. What sets a full spectrum THC extract apart from others? Its robust profile of terpenes and cannabinoids. Let’s discuss full spectrum THC oil benefits and the best brands for high-quality products.
What Is THC Oil?
Before diving deep into the traits of full spectrum THC oil, let's talk about THC oil on a broad level. THC oil is an extract made from the cannabis and hemp plants that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use.
This THC oil can be used in a variety of products—including edibles, topicals, tinctures, and vape cartridges. Edibles are food products infused with THC oil—such as gummies, chocolates, or mints.
Topical products like salves or lotions contain THC oil. Many people apply topicals with THC extract directly to the skin to support a healthy glow, as well as joint and muscle health.
Tinctures are fast-absorbing liquid extracts that combine THC oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or extra virgin olive oil. They can be added to food or drinks but are most commonly taken in the mouth with a dropper.
Perhaps the most common way to enjoy THC oil is by vaping. Vape cartridges are pre-filled with THC oil and are used with a pen or vaporizer. Users inhale from the device for a fast-acting buzz.
How Is THC Oil Made?
The oil is extracted from the plant using a variety of methods that range from the use of solvents or heat to purer options, like CO2 extraction.
In this process, the plant material is combined with either a solvent or supercritical CO2. These procedures dissolve the THC and other cannabinoids found within the plant. The resulting liquid is then evaporated or purged, leaving behind a concentrated full spectrum THC extract that can be used in various cannabis and hemp products.
Another method for extracting THC oil is using heat and pressure. This technique, known as rosin pressing, involves applying pressure and heat to the plant material to extract the oil without the need for solvents. The resulting rosin can be dabbed or vaporized, providing a potent and flavorful experience.
Regardless of the method used, the goal of THC oil extraction is to produce a concentrated product that can be used in a variety of ways, from vaping and dabbing to adding to edible products or using topically. It's important to note, however, that due to the lack of regulation in the industry, finding a reputable and safe THC oil product can be a challenge.
Opt for products that use cleaner extraction methods, like CO2 extraction. CO2 extraction doesn’t alter the cannabinoid profile like coming into contact with solvents can. It makes for a more robust full spectrum THC extract that enhances the potency of cannabis and hemp products.
THC oil can have psychoactive effects and may support your wellness. However, not all THC oil is made equally. Let’s take a closer look at the most type of THC oil—full spectrum extracts.
What Is Full Spectrum THC Oil?
THC is just one of over 100 known cannabinoids found in cannabis or hemp. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in our bodies that govern our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system influences everything from our digestive system to our immune system to our central nervous system. That’s why you have a mind-altering experience whenever you vape THC oil.
Full Spectrum THC oil contains all of the cannabinoids, terpenes (aromatic plant molecules), and other beneficial plant compounds found in the whole cannabis or hemp plant. It is typically a thick, oil-like substance that ranges in color from light amber to dark brown.
The potency of full spectrum THC extracts can vary widely depending on the strain of cannabis or hemp used, where it was grown, the extraction method, how the oil was processed, and so many other factors.
What Is the Difference between Full Spectrum THC Oil and THC Distillate?
After extraction, most oils are full spectrum, as all the compounds from the initial extraction are still present. From there, manufacturers may put the oil through a distillation process. During distillation, cannabinoids can be isolated, removed, or added to create unique THC extracts.
In the CBD industry, many brands will preserve all original cannabinoids but remove THC. A 0.0% THC CBD oil is known as “broad spectrum,” as it has a wide variety of terpenes and cannabinoids, but is missing THC.
We get it! Purchasing cannabis or hemp products can be confusing, especially while reading the labels. However, once you understand how to read labels, you will learn that they have invaluable information. That includes how strong the product is.
Some cannabinoids, like THC, are sold as distillates. Distillates are highly concentrated THC extracts. This might sound like distillate THC would be more effective. However, distillates only have one cannabinoid.
Cannabinoids are more effective when there are other cannabinoids and terpenes around. The unit is stronger than the whole. This sign of unity is known as the entourage effects, and is known to enhance full spectrum THC oil benefits.So, while THC distillate may have a lot of THC, it won’t provide a well-rounded wellness experience.
Full spectrum THC extracts are more potent than distillates. They contain a wide variety of cannabinoids and terpenes that foster the entourage effect. It’s important to read labels carefully to ensure there are a full spectrum of cannabis/hemp compounds in the extract. That way, you will experience the maximum benefits of THC oil.
Full Spectrum THC Oil Benefits
As we mentioned, one of the primary benefits of full spectrum THC oil is that it contains other beneficial compounds that work together with THC to produce a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This means that these compounds enhance the effects of THC, potentially providing greater benefits and a stronger boost to the user.
Besides a boost of mind and body benefits, there are other full spectrum THC oil benefits. CB1 receptors in the brain influence appetite through the endocanabinoid system.THC binds to CB1 receptors, which is why you may experience munchies after consuming marijuana.
THC, and other cannabinoids, help support a relaxed mind and body. A calm system can be beneficial for many things, including aiding healthy sleep patterns, enjoying social interactions, and supporting muscle and joint comfort.
Full Spectrum Delta 9 THC Oil vs. Delta 8 and Delta 10
Just because a product says it’s “full spectrum” on the label, doesn’t mean that it's the highest quality THC oil. To get around legal loopholes, many manufacturers are using synthetic cannabinoids to sell THC extracts where marijuana is illegal.
Both hemp and marijuana contain THC, which is why hemp was illegal for almost a century. After the 2018 Farm Bill, marijuana became more defined. If a product contains more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, it is marijuana.
Delta 9 THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in THC, but it’s not the only one. It’s just the only one currently regulated.
Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC are naturally occurring cannabinoids in cannabis plants. However, they are present in small amounts. As a result, manufacturers will synthetically produce these cannabinoids to use in products.
These cannabinoids are nowhere near as researched for safety as Delta 9 THC, and should be used with caution. That’s why we recommend you vet every product, including reading their lab reports to determine the levels of Delta 9 THC.
Is Full Spectrum THC Extract Legal?
The legality of full spectrum THC oil varies depending on where you live. In some states and countries, marijuana and all of its extracts, including THC oil, are illegal. In other areas, medical or recreational marijuana use is legal, and THC oil is available for purchase from licensed dispensaries. Therefore, it's important to check the local laws in your area regarding the use and possession of THC oil to avoid running into legal issues. Know the laws not only where you live but wherever you travel if you plan to vape full spectrum THC oil cartridges on the go.
It's also worth noting that even in areas where recreational or medical marijuana is legal, not all types of THC oil may be permitted. For example, some states distinguish between different types of cannabis extract. Therefore, full spectrum THC oil and CBD oil may have different rules and regulations governing their use. It's essential to do your research and understand the laws in your area before purchasing or using any cannabis product, including full spectrum THC oil.
Top 3 Full Spectrum THC Cartridges
Not sure which full spectrum THC cartridge is reputable and effective? Let us help you out! Here are five full spectrum THC oil brands that we love.
1. Extrax
Founded in 2010, Extrax has grown from a small local operation in Southern California to a nationwide brand with a reputation for excellence in customer service and products. Extrax offers a wide range of high-quality cannabis products, including full spectrum Delta 9 extracts.
One of their most popular cartridges is Blue Cheese X Key Lime Sugar Extrax Disposables. It is enriched with PHC live resin, which is a potent extract made from flash-frozen flowers immediately after being harvested.
2. CBDfx
CBDfx is a popular California-based CBD company that was founded in 2014. They are one of the first companies to offer a wide range of CBD products that also include THC.
One of their most popular cartridges is their Wedding Cake (Hybrid). It has 5mg of THC and 500mg of CBD that helps support a calm mind and relaxed body.
3. Fully Activated
Not all cartridges are disposable, which we appreciate for sustainable reasons. That’s why we have to point out our friends at Fully Activated.
Fully Activated THC oil comes with a dropper that makes loading your cartridge seamless. Their Full Spectrum CBD Vape Juice. This highly potent formula is available in 1500mg and 3000mg strengths.
Picking the Right THC Full Spectrum Extract for You
Full spectrum THC oil is a cannabis or hemp extract that is bolstered by a wide range of beneficial plant compounds in addition to THC, such as other cannabinoids and terpenes. This distinction makes full spectrum THC different from distillate, which is a purified form of THC that lacks the other plant compounds present.
The presence of these additional compounds is what makes full spectrum THC oil so potent and potentially beneficial for wellness. However, because the cannabis and hemp industry is still largely unregulated, it's crucial to purchase full spectrum THC oil products from reputable brands.
Only shop from companies that share third-party lab results that verifies THC content. This will ensure that you're getting a product that is free from contaminants and accurately labeled, helping you get the most out of your buzz!
Gerrid Smith is a seasoned entrepreneur with 15 years of digital marketing experience, featured in notable publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur. In 2018, Smith turned his passion for health, wellness, and cannabis into a business, co-founding Joy Organics, an internationally-recognized CBD brand. It saw remarkable success with $15.9 million in revenue in its first year and the establishment of a thriving partnership program. A few years later, he co-founded budder, a THC-focused sister company, to meet the growing demand for more buzz-worthy products.