Last updated: October 2026
Full spectrum CBD is a hemp extract that keeps all the plant’s natural compounds: CBD, minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN, terpenes, flavonoids and a small amount of THC. Because THC is controlled in the UK, legal products can contain no more than 1mg of THC per container.
Here’s what full spectrum CBD contains, how it compares with broad spectrum and isolate, whether it’s legal in the UK, and how to choose one safely.
What’s in full spectrum CBD oil?
| Compound | Examples | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | Cannabidiol | The main, non-intoxicating cannabinoid |
| Minor cannabinoids | CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDV | Present in smaller amounts |
| THC | Delta-9 THC, THCA, THCV | Intoxicating at higher amounts; controlled in the UK |
| Terpenes | Myrcene, linalool, limonene, beta-caryophyllene | Aromatic compounds that give hemp its smell and taste |
| Flavonoids | Cannflavins, quercetin | Plant pigments, also found in fruit and vegetables |
The exact mix varies with the hemp variety, how it’s grown and how it’s extracted, which is why the lab report matters. Read more: cannabinoids guide and what are terpenes?
Full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate
| Full spectrum | Broad spectrum | Isolate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other cannabinoids and terpenes | Yes | Yes | No |
| THC | Small amount | Removed | None |
| Drug test risk | Higher | Very low | Lowest |
The only difference between full and broad spectrum is THC. For the full comparison, read full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate and what is CBD isolate?
Is full spectrum better? The entourage effect
Supporters of full spectrum point to the “entourage effect”: the idea that hemp’s compounds work better together than CBD alone. It is a reasonable theory, and some observational research has found people using whole-plant extracts needed lower doses than those using purified CBD.
But there are no good head-to-head trials comparing full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate, so it isn’t proven that full spectrum works better. Broad spectrum keeps most of the same compounds without the THC, which is why it is the most popular choice in the UK and the type we use. Read the entourage effect explained.
Is full spectrum CBD legal in the UK?
Only if it meets strict conditions. THC is a Class B controlled drug, so a CBD product containing THC is controlled too, unless it meets the Home Office “exempt product” definition. One condition is that it contains no more than 1mg of each controlled cannabinoid in the whole container, not per dose.
You’ll often read that full spectrum is legal “up to 0.2% THC”. That’s a myth: 0.2% relates to licences for growing hemp. In a 10ml bottle, 1mg of THC is only about 0.01%, so many full spectrum oils sold online, especially imports, are unlikely to qualify. The product should also be on the FSA public list. See is CBD legal in the UK?
Will full spectrum CBD get you high?
Not at UK-legal levels. 1mg of THC spread across a whole bottle is far below the amount that causes intoxication. Products with much higher THC, often bought from abroad or unregulated sellers, could have noticeable effects and are illegal here. Read can CBD get you high?
Full spectrum CBD and drug tests
Drug tests look for THC, not CBD. Because full spectrum contains THC, regular use can build up enough for a positive result, especially with higher-THC products. If you’re tested at work, drive for a living or compete in sport, choose broad spectrum or isolate with a lab report showing THC “not detected”. See does CBD show up on a drug test?
How to choose a full spectrum CBD oil
- Read the batch lab report. Check the THC result and make sure it stays within 1mg for the whole bottle.
- Check the lab is independent and ideally ISO 17025 accredited.
- Look for the FSA public list.
- Avoid imports labelled with US-style “under 0.3% THC” limits, which don’t meet UK rules.
- Consider broad spectrum instead if you want the wider plant profile without the THC risk.
See how to read CBD lab reports and our CBD dosage guide.
FAQs
What does full spectrum CBD mean?
It means the extract keeps all of the hemp plant’s natural compounds, including CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and a small amount of THC.
Is full spectrum CBD legal in the UK?
Only if it contains no more than 1mg of THC in the whole container and meets the other Home Office exempt product conditions. The 0.2% THC figure applies to growing hemp, not products.
Will full spectrum CBD get me high?
Not at UK-legal levels, where a whole bottle contains no more than 1mg of THC. Higher-THC products from abroad could have effects and are illegal in the UK.
Is full spectrum CBD better than broad spectrum?
Not proven. The only difference is THC, and there are no good trials comparing them. Broad spectrum keeps the other plant compounds without THC.
Will full spectrum CBD show up on a drug test?
It can, because it contains THC. If you are drug tested, choose broad spectrum or isolate with a lab report showing THC not detected.
Does Evopure sell full spectrum CBD?
No. All Evopure CBD products, including the Evolabs flavoured oils, are broad spectrum with 0% THC.
Sources
- Home Office. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids.
- Food Standards Agency. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance for businesses.
- Russo EB (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology.
- Pamplona FA et al (2018). Potential clinical benefits of CBD-rich cannabis extracts over purified CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy. Frontiers in Neurology.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Evopure makes broad spectrum CBD products.
