Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. CBD may be extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants, but it is most commonly produced from hemp. CBD products are a hot topic lately because of their promising health benefits, and the growing industry that focuses on them is becoming a multi-billion dollar business.
With a variety of benefits and minimal side effects, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to CBD. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about CBD!
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid or chemical compound. It is naturally found in the hemp plant. CBD interacts with our bodies by producing specific effects, such as pain relief and anti-anxiety. There are numerous different cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, but CBD is one of the most well-known.
Cannabinoids act as neurotransmitters in the body and affect many aspects of your health; including mood, memory, appetite, immune response, and more.
Much like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), cannabinoids bind to receptors throughout your endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is responsible for many bodily functions.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and will not get you ‘high’. This makes it a more attractive option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, but do not want any mind-altering effects.
What is the difference between cannabis and hemp?
Cannabis (marijuana) and hemp are the two primary varieties of Cannabis Sativa L. (the Latin name for the cannabis plant).
Hemp and Cannabis can be differentiated by looking at their chemical composition.
Hemp: High CBD, Low THC
Cannabis: High THC, Low CBD
To be regarded as hemp, the cannabis plant must not contain more than 0.3 percent THC. This means that CBD hemp products must include less than 0.3 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to be legal.
On the other hand, Marijuana (Cannabis) is known for high levels of THC (typically between 15-30%) which causes the intoxicating effects people have come to know from using it.
Hemp also has many industrial uses and can be used to make things like paper, textiles, clothing, and plastics.
The Endocannabinoid System & The Human Body
To understand what is CBD (Cannabis) oil, you should also understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a biological system that plays an important role in regulating both homeostasis and heath. It consists of cannabinoid receptors throughout your body; these are what bind to cannabinoids like CBD (and THC) resulting in different effects depending
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological and physiological mechanism that regulates many homeostatic processes. The endocannabinoid system, which is present in all mammals including humans, is a neural communication network. The endocannabinoid system links chemicals (cannabinoids) that are released in the body with the central nervous system through receptors.
Cannabinoids work by binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) that are located throughout our bodies. These receptors are found in the brain, nervous system, and connective tissues. These CB receptors regulate an assortment of functions including mood, memory, appetite, pain sensation and many others.
There are several types of cannabinoids, and it’s critical that you know about them. Here are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis:
Endocannabinoids- Naturally produced by mammals, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (collectively called ‘endocannabinoids’) are the cannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce. These endocannabinoids regulate important functions such as appetite, sleep patterns, mood, motor skills,
Phytocannabinoids – are a type of cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Phytocannabinoids are very similar chemically to the endocannabinoids that our bodies naturally create- but they are slightly different. The two most common phytocannabinoids found in cannabis include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Synthetic cannabinoids – Synthetic cannabinoids are produced by a chemist who alters existing compounds. These chemicals mimic cannabinoid activity but also have an unpredictable
Other important parts of your endocannabinoid system include an enzyme called FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase).
FAAH is an important piece of the endocannabinoid puzzle as it works to break down anandamide after it’s been used. If this enzyme isn’t present, your body won’t be able to regulate anandamide and an anandamide deficiency will occur. This has been linked to a number of emotional and psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Your ECS has an important role to play when it comes to regulating homeostasis throughout your body. Many of these processes are an essential part of maintaining a healthy immune system, appetite and sleep-wake cycle! The ECS is involved with regulating many aspects of your health including appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory. Just like other neurotransmitters that are responsible for these functions, endocannabinoids can be interpreted as neuromodulators that play an important role in the regulation of sleep patterns, blood pressure, digestion, hormone secretion, and even fertility.
WHAT IS HOMEOSTASIS?
Homeostasis is the idea that a certain system in your body tends toward balance, and works to make sure this happens. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your body is in a constant state of balance, but rather it tries to maintain this equilibrium as much as possible.
For example, if you eat something your blood sugar levels may increase. Your pancreas will sense this and release a hormone called insulin, which helps cells throughout the body absorb glucose. This will bring your blood sugar levels back down to normal.
Your body is always working towards homeostasis, but this doesn’t always happen. It’s important to understand what factors can impact your body in a way that disrupts homeostasis, and how you can help your body maintain a state of balance.
CBD & HOMEOSTASIS
One of the main functions of your ECS is to promote homeostasis throughout your body. The cannabinoids that are produced by cannabis plants work to mimic the cannabinoids our bodies naturally produce and are responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
There are several factors that can impact your body’s state of equilibrium- including diet, sleep patterns, physical activity levels and environmental conditions just to name a few! Your ECS is involved with helping you maintain balance in these cases as well by communicating this information to your body’s systems.
In particular, the ECS has been shown to play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and digestive track! This makes sense- since these are two of the most critical aspects of homeostasis throughout your entire body.
THE SYSTEMS OF THE BODY AND THE ECS
The endocannabinoid system is a key player in the regulation of numerous bodily functions. It interacts with other systems while also governing them all to promote homeostasis throughout your body!
The cleverly designed Endogenous Cannabinoid System helps direct how each part operates and communicates through this complicated network so that you can stay healthy by maintaining balance within yourself.
NERVOUS SYSTEM & THE ECS
Your nervous system is made up of your brain, spinal cord and all the nerves throughout your body. It registers sensations and stimuli, relays information back to the brain for interpretation, and controls all of the autonomic functions in your body.
The experience of sensation and the retention of memory are also impacted by the nervous system. The two extremes of overstimulation or exhaustion can be caused by too much activity in the nervous system. Too little activity can also lead to problems.
The endocannabinoid system has an important role in maintaining balance in the nervous system. It helps to ensure that the nervous system does not stray too far toward one of these poles. This is essential for keeping your body healthy and functioning at its best!
CBD has been shown to help protect neuron cells and their structures from degeneration. CBD also helps to support neurological function in preliminary tests in studies with rats. This interaction of the ECS and the immune system is primarily responsible for these effects, but CBD has also been shown to help preserve blood-retinal barrier function in experimental diabetes.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM & THE ECS
The endocrine system is made up of glands throughout the body that secrete hormones.
Hormones are a type of chemical messenger that helps to coordinate your metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, and mood!
The ECS plays a role by regulating the release of hormones. It works to balance out hormone levels throughout your body by communicating to the glands.
For example, when you are hungry your ECS sends a message to stimulate feelings of hunger so that you can eat!
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM & THE ECS
The cardiovascular system is made up of your heart, blood vessels and blood.
Blood carries nutrients to cells throughout the body so that they can function properly. It also carries waste away from these cells to your lungs, kidneys and liver where it can be filtered out of the body!
Scientists are starting to better understand the important role that cannabinoids play in maintaining a healthy heart and vascular system.
Endocannabinoids, according to studies, can assist regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Further, scientists have discovered that cannabinoid receptors are present in the muscle tissue of the heart. They exhibit a number of effects that lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
These receptors can cause vasodilation to occur. Vasodilation is the process of blood vessels dilating, which results in a decrease in blood pressure. They can also weaken the force of heart contractions, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
The ECS plays an important role in ensuring that the cardiovascular system works properly!
THE GUT & THE ECS
The gut is often referred to as the body’s “second brain”. It regulates digestion, helps you process feelings of stress and anxiety. It also plays a role in the immune system!
Pretty incredible, right? Now that we’ve learned just how important your gut is for our health, let’s talk about the role that your ECS plays in maintaining a healthy digestive track!
The endocannabinoid system has receptors situated throughout the digestive system, which is why it’s linked to so many different functions.
Endocannabinoid receptors are present in both the stomach and the intestines.
Further, they exist in areas of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients! For example, it can be found in the brush border of your small intestine and in the cells that line your large intestine.
Endocannabinoids also play a role in regulating the speed at which things move through your digestive tract, also known as gut motility. When the ECS is in balance it sends signals that help to increase gut motility. When it isn’t, the opposite occurs!
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has the ability to control hunger and the urge to eat. As a result, cannabinoids with varying effects can stimulate or suppress hunger.
THC and CBD can contribute to a feeling of being hungry, whereas THCV has been shown to reduce the desire to eat.
The ECS works to balance out metabolism, the rate and efficiency at which calories are broken down by your body. When everything is in balance you’ll feel more full and satisfied after eating, which will help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight!
ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM & IMMUNE SYSTEM
Without a properly balanced ECS, it will be difficult for your immune system to function at its best.
The ECS is closely tied to the immune system and its role in regulating inflammation.
Endocannabinoids within your body fight against disease by encouraging an anti-inflammatory environment.
When you’re sick, endocannabinoid levels drop! This can cause a number of negative symptoms that usually lead to sickness for longer periods of time.
In addition, scientists have discovered that cannabinoids like CBD can help to decrease feelings of pain and increase appetite in those who are sick with a cold or flu!
CBD’s role in the immune system is still being studied but scientists have discovered that it does play an important part and assists with inflammation!
How to Support the ECS?
There are many things you can do to support your ECS, including eating different types of food and engaging in physical activities.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE– One study published in the journal Neuroscience found that anandamide (one of our natural cannabinoids) can increase after a session of physical exercise. This leads to an increased sense of well-being, and it also helps you feel less pain!
Yoga –
Yoga has been shown to help stimulate your endocannabinoid system. This is due in part to the physical movements, which lead to increased blood flow and oxygenation of muscles; it’s likely that these factors contribute to an increase in cannabinoid levels!
According to research published in the December 2018 issue of Molecular Aspects of Medicine, it’s conceivable that mind-body techniques such as yoga and tai chi stimulate CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, which may lead to greater mood.
Chocolate –
In addition to giving you a little boost of energy, chocolate has been linked with positive mood changes and an improved sense of well-being. Scientists have discovered that it works to block enzymes responsible for the breakdown of our natural cannabinoids! Also found in dark chocolate is anandamide, which can stimulate feelings of happiness.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES –
Fruits and veg are full of antioxidants that fight the damage free radicals do to your cells and DNA! This helps keep you healthy on a cellular level. They also contain different types of vitamins like A, C & E that help support your immune system!
Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-rich foods like salmon and walnuts contain essential fatty acids that can help to support your ECS.
The endocannabinoid system is what helps you maintain homeostasis as a human being; including your mood, memory, immune response and more! This tiny biological pathway plays such a huge role in your health; however, it is often overlooked or ignored.
Potnail Benefits of CBD Oil
What are the potential benefits of CBD oil?
There are many ways that you can benefit from taking CBD oil; it is safe, natural and easy to use!
The best way to reap all of the benefits is by incorporating a quality product into your daily routine.
Some people like using tinctures while others prefer capsules or topical applications. You may need to try different things to find what works best, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
CBD has no psychoactive effects and will not get you high; however, it does provide many physical benefits that can improve your quality of life.
As mentioned earlier in the article, CBD doesn’t just play a role in mental health but also benefits the immune system.
It is for this reason that many people use CBD oil to help them fight off infections and even cancer! It can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on what you are hoping to achieve.
Potential Benefits Of CBD Oil
You may be wondering what the benefits of CBD oil are. There are many!
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re searching for physical or mental health—so don’t hesitate to explore!
CBD and other cannabinoids have been studied extensively and their effects on the body system are becoming more known as time goes by. CBD oil is full of benefits, which could help you to live a healthier life!
Until recently, CBD oil was only popular among people who used it for medical reasons. However, with the changing legislation and public opinion around cannabis and its derivatives, this is slowly changing.
CBD oil is not just good for mental health but has a wide range of potential benefits that can improve your quality of life! Some of these include:
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Helps to ease symptoms of pain and inflammation
- Promotes mental health & balance
- Assists with managing side effects from chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients
- Reduces anxiety, panic attacks and depression symptoms.
- Helps to improve the quality of sleep
- Improves the appearance of skin by reducing acne and providing relief from wounds
- Supports healthy joints, muscles & bones.
- Provides relief from nausea and vomiting
- Increases your ability to focus.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD may be used to treat a variety of illnesses:
- Pain
- Alzheimer’s
- Perkinson
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Cancer
- Infectious diseases
- Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Nausea
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart Attack
- Hypoxia
- Tingon disease
- Autism
CBD BALANCES THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The endocannabinoid system is vital for our well-being. It helps you maintain a sense of balance throughout your body, including your mood, memory, immune response and more. Taking CBD will help your ECS function at its best since it is providing it with a boost!
CBD For A MENTAL HEALTH Boost
CBD has the capacity to help individuals live a better, more balanced life by assisting them in achieving an optimal state of mind. It may also assist people in reducing the feelings of stress that come with everyday living activities.
How does CBD work in the body to support mental functioning?
CBD interacts with your serotonin and adenosine receptors, which are responsible for maintaining a healthy mood.
5-HT1A is a serotonin receptor in the body. This protein is found on the surface of a cell or in a neuron. When it interacts with CBD, they cause an effect to occur by opening a channel or firing enzymes such as dopamine and norepinephrine (Sagan). These neurotransmitters work to improve your mental state!
It may also help to boost levels of the production of anandamide! This is known as “the bliss molecule” because it works to promote feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
CBD FOR SKIN
CBD can also work to improve the quality of your skin by maintaining a healthy level of sebum production. This lipid is produced as a form of protection for the body’s cells, and it can become too abundant when CBD oil is not present in the system.
CBD may help to regulate the production of sebum in order to ensure that your skin maintains a balanced level. This can be especially helpful for acne sufferers, as CBD has anti-inflammatory properties!
CBD For The Gut
CBD has the ability to work wonders for those living with digestive issues. It can help maintain a healthy microbiome by boosting up your endocannabinoid system.
The ECS and gut microbiome are intertwined, as studies have shown that activating CB receptors will increase the number of endocannabinoids present in your gut.
It also helps to maintain a healthy gut by regulating the immune response to outside irritants, reducing inflammation, and promoting gut motility.
Last studies have shown that CBD also works to support healthy gut-barrier function. This is the lining of your gut, and when it functions properly you will be able to absorb nutrients from food. A healthy gut-barrier mechanism also results in a constant metabolism, a good mental state, and proper digestion!
CBD For Pain Management
Pain is one of the most common reasons people choose to take CBD oil! It works by activating specific receptors in your body that are responsible for blocking pain signals from being sent throughout your nervous system. These cannabinoid receptors are typically activated by your body’s naturally-produced cannabinoids, but taking CBD oil can help to mimic these effects.
It also works to reduce inflammation in the area of pain, which is especially helpful for those who suffer from chronic pain conditions! If you are working with a professional about how to manage your condition, consider asking them if they recommend CBD oil.
CBD For Heart Health
Heart health is another area in which you can benefit from the effects of CBD! It works to improve your heart functioning by increasing levels of adenosine, working with serotonin receptors to maintain a healthy mood, and boosting up cortisol. When these are all at optimal levels, they will help to regulate your heart rate.
CBD may also aid in the reduction of stroke and heart attack danger! It does this by working with serotonin receptors in order to maintain an optimal level of blood flow throughout your body, which is especially helpful for those who have certain cardiovascular conditions that are caused by poor circulation.
CBD FOR NAUSEA
CBD is proving to be an effective treatment for mild nausea that many of us experience on a regular basis.
Studies have shown that CBD can help to reduce nausea by working with serotonin receptors in the body.
It also helps to block vomiting from occurring because it works at the level of a vomiting center located within your central nervous system! This may be helpful for those who struggle with chronic or acute forms of stomach discomfort, as well as motion sickness and morning sickness.
There have been a few research that looked at the effects of endocannabinoids on motion sickness.
After individuals completed various types of extreme flight activities, both anandamide and 2-AG, the body’s two main endocannabinoids, were found to differ in their levels in the body. For those that experienced motion sickness during and after the flight, endocannabinoid receptor activity was reduced while those that did not experience motion sickness saw no change in endocannabinoid receptor activity.
It is important to note that they used the average of all participants, and therefore this does not indicate a correlation between CBD oil consumption and reduction in motion sickness throughout space travel or flight. They are simply reporting what happened when various types of individuals were exposed to certain conditions.
CBD FOR SLEEP
CBD is becoming a popular solution for those who suffer from insomnia and poor quality of sleep.
Studies show that CBD can help to reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep, as well as improve your overall sleep patterns throughout the night!
It works to block serotonin receptors and your body’s ability to reactivate them, allowing you to stay in REM sleep for longer periods of time! This is helpful because it reduces the number of times that a person wakes up during the night.
Consuming CBD oil before bed can also help to alleviate feelings of anxiety, which many people struggle with when trying to fall asleep at night.
CBD has the ability to help you stay awake or fall asleep. When you take it as an adaptogen, its impact is determined by your body’s demands and what it needs.
CBD FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
People who suffer from ASD can also benefit from the effects of CBD! This is because individuals with ASD tend to have a lower concentration of endocannabinoids in their central nervous system than those without ASD. This means that CBD can help to restore your endocannabinoid levels and balance them with other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin!
By working with the receptors in the central nervous system, it will also be able to reduce or eliminate feelings of anxiety so you can feel more comfortable engaging socially without feeling overwhelmed by others’ presence.
CBD FOR MIGRAINES
Did you know that CBD can also help to relieve the symptoms of a migraine? Many people who suffer from migraines have found relief thanks to using prescription medication, but some doctors are beginning to recommend others try out CBD oil as well. In one study, researchers gave oral doses of 200mg of CBD to a select group and compared the results with another control group.
They found that those who took doses of 200mg reported feeling relief from their migraines, while neither group saw any change in pain after taking placebos! This is great news for individuals struggling to find effective ways to reduce the intensity and length of each migraine.
CBD FOR ANXIETY
Anxiety is a common issue that many people face in today’s world, and CBD oil can help to reduce symptoms.
This works because it interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain which will increase your levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to calm down your central nervous system!
This is helpful if you are struggling with social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder, as CBD oil can help to calm your body down and reduce the physical symptoms that often come along with these conditions.
It also helps to improve attention levels throughout the day by regulating cortisol levels in order for you to focus on what’s important!
CBD ASSISTS WITH SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENTS
Having to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy medications can be extremely difficult for those undergoing cancer treatments. CBD has been shown to help individuals manage their symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss caused by appetite suppression, and insomnia.
CBD FOR MUSCLE RECOVERY
Those who are into fitness and working out understand that certain injuries can be extremely painful.
CBD has also been shown to help athletes recover from intense workouts or injuries. One study found that after participants took orally administered CBD, their muscles experienced less inflammation and were able to repair themselves faster than those who did not take CBD!
This is because it works with the endocannabinoid system in order to reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.
For athletes, this means being able to recover from a strenuous workout and return to the field without feeling too sore!
The Different Ways of Consuming CBD
There are several ways to consume CBD, which can make it difficult for some individuals to determine what the best way is!
It’s important that you understand how your body absorbs CBD in order to see its full effects.
There are four main methods of consumption: sublingual (under the tongue), inhalation, edibales and topicals.
Sublingual –
Inhalation
For those who don’t like the taste of oil or are looking for faster effects, vaporizing is another way to consume CBD.
It works by heating up the molecules in order for it to be inhaled into your lungs and then sent directly to your bloodstream! This results in fast-acting relief that doesn’t make you feel groggy.
Popular products: vape pens, concentrates, dab, smokable CBD flowers
Pros:
- allows for fast absorption into the bloodstream, which can help you feel relief more quickly than sublingual methods.
- Flavor can be an added bonus for those looking to make vaping more enjoyable!
Cons
- it can be difficult to determine dosage with this method because you don’t know how much CBD is being consumed. It
- Smoking in general comes with its own set of negative health effects.
Topicals
Topicals are one of the most popular ways to apply CBD. This refers to products that you rub on your skin, such as balms and oils.
When you use CBD topicals, it doesn’t get absorbed into your bloodstream.
However, it has an effect on the ECS. The skin contains a large number of CB2 receptors, which are particularly abundant in the epidermis. There are more CB2 receptors on your skin than anywhere else in your body, and topical products can affect them.
Topicals are a wonderful way to treat skin issues such as sunburn, acne and dryness.
Popular Products: CBD salves, CBD lotion, CBD face cream, CBD serum
Pros:
- can provide quick relief to sore muscles, inflammation, and skin conditions.
- great for those who are looking for something that doesn’t enter the bloodstream.
- Help maintain glowy and healthy skin.
Cons:
- it doesn’t provide the full-body effects of CBD like other methods can. One reason for this is that it does not enter your bloodstream and therefore cannot travel to various parts of your body.
- Potency and dosage can also be tricky to determine.
WHAT KIND OF CBD IS BEST FOR YOU?
Now that you know all about the different methods of CBD consumption and their benefits, it’s time to decide which one is best for you!
Only you can determine what’s best for your unique needs.
However, we recommend starting with sublingual CBD oils as this method is known to provide the most benefits and allows for easy dosing! This way you will know whether or not CBD works for you without feeling any discomfort from other methods that may take longer before you feel the effects.
CBD oil is a popular way to consume CBD because it provides fast-acting relief and can be easily dosed. It’s recommended that you start with sublingual CBD oils if you’re new to consuming CBD. Topicals are also a great option for those looking for localized relief from skin conditions or sore muscles. If you’re looking for something that provides a full-body effect, we recommend trying CBD vape pens or concentrates.
CBD capsules are another great way to consume CBD and can be a good option for those who don’t like the taste of oil or want something that’s easy to take on the go. However, they can take a little longer to feel the effects than other methods.
You can also try all of these options and see which one works best for you!
Remember that it’s always good to start out with a small amount, especially if you’re new to using CBD products. This will ensure that there aren’t any severe side effects like stomach pain or nausea.
We’ve collected all of the information you’ll need to make an informed selection:
TOPICALS
Best for: Acute application on the skin, small aches, beauty, glowing skin
Effects felt in : 1-5 min
Effects last: 4-5 hours
CAPSULES & EDIBLES
Best for: All-day benefits
Effects felt in 1 hour
Effects last: 6-10 hours
CBD OIL
Best for: Quick and rapid effects, mixing with foods and beverages
Effects felt in: 5-20 min
Effects last: 4-6 hours
VAPE OIL
Best for: Immediate effects, People that are already vaping
Effects felt in: Immediate
Effects last: 1-2 hours
The Entourage Effect and Full Spectrum CBD
The Entourage Effect is a term used to describe the synergistic effect of all compounds in cannabis working together.
Different cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant molecules work together like an orchestra for our endocannabinoid system (ECS). As research on CBD becomes more advanced, we begin to see that it is the entourage effect working in concert with CBD that provides a therapeutic benefit.
It isn’t just about CBD. It is about how it interacts with the other components of cannabis to produce an effect greater than any single compound acting alone.
This means that when people talk about the entourage effect, they are referring to how all of these compounds work together synergistically.
In 1998, an article was written in the European Journal of Pharmacology entitled An Entourage Effect: inactive endogenous fatty acid glycerol esters enhance cannabinoid activity.
This study analyzed how certain esters bind to CB-receptors and increase the biological activity of endocannabinoids while working together – something that doesn’t happen when they were isolated.
In some early studies from 1981, researchers discovered that THC had a far more powerful effect on mice when it was administered as a whole plant rather than an isolate.
These are just two examples of how when using cannabis or hemp in any form, the effect is different than when it is separated into its components.
THE BELL-SHAPED THEORY OF CBD ISOLATE AND FULL-SPECTRUM CBD
The bell-shaped theory is a hypothesis that was proposed by Raphael Mechoulam, the man who discovered THC and CBD.
He proposed that the effects of CBD are dose-dependent, meaning they would have a bell curve response. At low doses, there wouldn’t be much effect because not enough receptors were activated. When you increase the dosage to moderate levels (100 – 300 mg), it stimulates activity in cannabinoid pathways and provides an anti-inflammatory response. At very high doses (500 mg+), the effect would again be reduced.
This theory was tested in a study that observed two sets of mice: one set received CBD isolate, while the other got whole plant extracts of a CBD-rich strain of cannabis.
The bell-shaped response seen in CBD isolate-treated mice indicates that the effects pique at a specific dosage level and become less effective as doses drop below or leap above this level. This was not the case when mice were given full spectrum rich CBD extract.
the whole plant extract was found to be more effective than CBD isolate.
What is the difference between full-spectrum to broad-spectrum?
Full-spectrum contains THC. Broad-spectrum does not contain THC.
THC is the cannabinoid in cannabis that makes you feel “high”. Full-spectrum CBD oil typically has very small amounts of THC, less than 0.3%. It will NOT make you high but it can interfere with drug testing and cause a positive result.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil has a greater range of cannabinoids and terpenes, but it doesn’t include THC.
Finally, there is CBD isolate which contains only pure cannabidiol without any trace amounts of other chemicals from the plant. This type does not contain THC or any other compounds from cannabis. In this form, CBD is the only compound included and it typically comes in a crystalline powder.
What to check before you buy CBD?
Now that you know how CBD is extracted and what the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate are, let’s talk about what to look for when you buy CBD.
You need to know where your product is grown and how it was cultivated, as well as how it was extracted and what other ingredients may be included.
If you want CBD that is grown organically without pesticides or herbicides, make sure you are buying from a reputable source.
You should also inquire about the extraction process and what solvent was used. This information is usually clearly labeled on the bottle or website, but if you’re unable to find it, you can always call and ask.
We’ve compiled a list of the most important things to consider while buying CBD:
– Make sure the product is free of pesticides and herbicides.
-Ensure that there are no fillers, additives or preservatives in the product.
-Check for third-party lab reports to ensure that what is printed on the label matches up with reality.
-Look for CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC content to ensure the product is legal in your area.
-Make sure there are no animal ingredients in the product.
-Consider buying organic hemp products because organic farming practices do not permit pesticides or herbicides to be used on the plant.
-If you are interested in full-spectrum CBD, look for products that contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes rather than just one or two.
-Ensure the company is reputable and has good customer service.
-Make sure your CBD has been organically grown.
CONCLUSION:
This article should provide you with a solid grasp of CBD and how it works.
You should now be able to tell what to search for when purchasing CBD products and choose a high-quality one that meets your needs.
Before buying any CBD product, do lots of research because not all companies are equal.
We hope you enjoyed this article and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions by emailing us at: