Convenience store operators who are not up to speed in building their CBD vocabularies may hear the phrase “broad-spectrum CBD” and not understand the meaning, but knowing CBD terminology is key for any retailer selling CBD products.
By understanding CBD terminology, retailers can help customers find the CBD product that fits them best and inspire customers to return again for future CBD purchases.
First, retailers should develop a solid understanding of what CBD itself is. CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid that was first isolated from cannabis more than 80 years ago.
It is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Clinical research on CBD indicates that it may help people suffering from anxiety, cognition, movement disorders and pain. It remains a popular herbal drug.
Terminology can be tricky: “CBD isolate” is pure CBD and contains no other cannabis plant compounds. So-called “full-spectrum” CBD, on the other hand, contains additional compounds like small amounts of THC, terpenes and flavonoids.
Broad-spectrum CBD products also include an array of other compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.
For example, broad-spectrum CBD could include cannabichromene and cannabinol as well as terpenes. The idea behind broad-spectrum CBD is that by consuming CBD in conjunction with a variety of other cannabis compounds, it will work better and include added benefits.
But unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD usually doesn’t contain any THC, although some products may include undetectable quantities of it, such as 0.1% THC.
Legally CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC.
Customers take broad-spectrum CBD for the same reason they take other CBD products: to ease pain or anxiety, to feel relaxed and for overall well-being.
Someone who is trying CBD for the first time may want to start with an isolate, since it is the purest form. Those with some experience of CBD may go with broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products. Whichever they choose, retailers should suggest that they be careful to adhere to the manufacturer’s dosage instructions and seek professional medical advice if they have any questions or to report side effects.