Written by Daniel Gana and Abraham Benavides, MD

The full version of this article, along with citations, is available on BioSource Botanical’s website

As hemp products are getting more popular, many companies now sell products labeled "full spectrum" which are in fact a few isolated cannabinoids with terpenes sourced from other plants. While these products may appear as full-spectrum, they aren’t the same as getting the full benefits from the whole cannabis plant with a full blend of compounds.

The cannabis plant is special because it has about 750 different compounds, including 120 cannabinoids, 200 terpenes, and some flavonoids. These compounds work together uniquely to enhance each other's effects. 

This “teamwork” is called the entourage effect. It's what makes the plant effective for health benefits and reduces the side effects of psychoactive compounds like THC. This teamwork is absent when cannabis compounds are isolated and may affect its overall effect on the body. 

Scientists have studied this effect and found that using the whole plant for health benefits is more effective than just using single compounds. Whole-plant extracts are especially helpful for conditions like epilepsy, migraines, and multiple sclerosis. By learning how the natural combination of compounds in cannabis works, we can better understand why products that maintain this balance give better results than those made from isolates.

Why Whole-Plant Products Are Better

Natural Balance of Terpenes and Cannabinoids

When cannabinoids are paired with terpenes from other plants, their benefits may be less powerful than when they come directly from the cannabis plant. Each cannabis strain has a unique blend of terpenes and cannabinoids that support each other in the body. This natural mix creates stronger effects for pain relief, reducing anxiety, and other therapeutic benefits. 

Some scientists believe this improved effect is because cannabinoids and terpenes come from the same compound, known as geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP). GPP is a precursor for both terpenoids (like myrcene, pinene, and limonene) and cannabinoids (like THC and CBD).

Cannabinoids and terpenes develop together in just the right ratios and electronic configuration for maximum impact. This balance isn’t something you can easily recreate by adding terpenes from other plants. This is a feat only nature has been able to achieve, and now you know why cannabis strains produce different effects on users. 

In addition to this unique blend, cannabis terpenes also do more than provide the plant with unique scents. Terpenes like myrcene help cannabinoids like THC and CBD reach the body's receptors more easily. This makes the therapeutic effects of the plant stronger and last longer. When terpenes and cannabinoids come together naturally, they provide effects like pain relief, anxiety reduction, or sleep support that are harder to achieve with isolated compounds.

Interestingly, some cannabis terpenes, such as β-caryophyllene, work directly with the body's cannabinoid receptors, especially the CB2 receptor, to boost CBD’s benefits. When terpenes from other plants are used, the results can be weaker or different because they lack the fine-tuned balance found in cannabis.

Presence of other Therapeutic Compounds in Full-spectrum Hemp

Full-spectrum hemp doesn’t just contain terpenes and cannabinoids. It also has flavonoids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Each of these adds value to the plant’s health benefits.

What do Flavonoids do in Full-Spectrum Hemp?

Flavonoids are natural chemicals that give plants their bright colors and help protect them from sunlight and bugs. Cannabis contains unique flavonoids called cannflavins, which help lower inflammation without the side effects of some anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Studies show Cannflavin A and B are about 30 times more effective than aspirin at reducing inflammation. This strong anti-inflammatory role can contribute to the overall benefit of cannabinoids and terpenes in a true full-spectrum product. 

Scientists also believe flavonoids can increase the bio-accessibility of compounds like cannabinoids in the gut. They do this by protecting them from the activity of enzymes that break them down, thereby allowing cannabinoids to remain active in the body for as long as possible. So, maybe one of the reasons your cannabis experience is short-lived is because the product lacks flavonoids, which are often destroyed during extraction. 

Importance of Fatty Acids in Full-spectrum Hemp

Hemp is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for overall health. 

These fats help cannabinoids and terpenes get absorbed better into the body by making it easier for them to pass through cell membranes.

Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Full-spectrum Hemp

Hemp has essential vitamins and minerals that support general wellness, such as vitamin E. 

These nutrients boost the body’s antioxidant defenses, which can make cannabinoids and terpenes more effective.

Conclusion

BioSource Botanicals preserves the whole-plant benefits by keeping a rich mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds. Many hemp products lose some of these important compounds during extraction, which means they miss out on the full therapeutic power of the plant. 

BioSource Botanicals uses a special extraction process to keep these natural compounds balanced.

With Active-Spectrum Hemp Extracts™, BioSource Botanicals sets a new standard for full-spectrum hemp products, ensuring that customers get stable, long-lasting benefits. This new approach could change how we use hemp products for health and wellness.

For more information, BioSource Botanicals is here to help!