Tag Archives: cannabinoids

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds. CBD products contain a wide range of Cannabinoids.

Cannabinoid Acids and Compounds

Cannabinoid acids are the precursor to Cannabinoid compounds. The acids become active after decarboxylation (exposure to heat).

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CBD Oil and the Entourage Effect

Posted on by Hempstil
CBD Entourage Effect
CBD Entourage Effect

If you know anything about Cannabidiol you may have heard people talking about cannabinoids and terpenes working together. These powerful elements work side-by-side increasing the levels of potency. CBD oil and the entourage effect are key to delivering a highly effective product. Furthermore, it is crucial in supporting a number of health benefits. When this process is active it means CBD and all the nutrients it contains are hard at work. It can mean the difference between a positive or disappointing Cannabidiol experience.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

The most effective type of Cannabidiol goes by the name of full spectrum. This extract is widely acknowledged as the most effective CBD product. It contains a wide range of cannabinoids. The full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work in synergy. This phenomenon is why it has the name of the ‘entourage effect’. In short, the aforementioned compounds combine and take the product to another level. It goes without saying an enhanced product will deliver superior results. In fact, many fans of full spectrum CBD oil will not countenance any other product.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Synergy

The list of cannabinoids present in full spectrum CBD is certainly impressive. Not only that, but consider the different terpenes and the unique benefits they provide. These nutrients represent plant medicine at its finest. Separately, they can bring something unique to the table. Indeed, each standalone ingredient is powerful but together they connect to enhance CBD oil. This elevates CBD to a higher level of quality and potency.

THC and the Entourage Effect

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plays an important role in the entourage effect. However, this does not mean there are high levels of THC. Indeed, the Hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L.) contains low levels of around 0.3% THC. During CBD production the THC levels shrink down to less than 0.02% to 0.03% subject to the country. This means the level of Tetrahydrocannabinol is very low. This amount of THC is not significant enough to cause any impairment to the user. Hence, CBD oil is non-intoxicating and will not lead to any addiction problems.

CBD and Drug Testing

This leads on to the subject of drug tests. Some employers have a company policy that subjects their employees to random drug testing. Of course, these people would not want to risk anything that might put their employment in jeopardy. All tests are different, but it is possible that a full spectrum CBD product would trigger a positive test result. In these circumstances, a product with 0% THC may be a more suitable choice. It will be less effective, but would not cause any issues with drug screening.

Raw CBD Oil Extracts

In addition to the full spectrum, raw CBD oil also harnesses the ‘entourage effect’. Raw extracts are not fully decarboxylated. Furthermore, they do not have the same level of purity as Gold CBD extracts. Neither are they comparable when it comes to the taste of the oil. However, they also contain similar small, trace levels of THC.

Power of the Entourage Effect

The ‘entourage effect’ mechanism is incredibly powerful. However, to be able to function, it needs the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. That means THC must be present even in a tiny, minuscule amount. At these levels, THC is likely to assist in providing benefits with no adverse issues. The inclusion of trace amounts of this compound should not deter potential users. All things considered, full spectrum CBD (with the entourage effect) is a highly effective supplement.

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CBD and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Posted on by Hempstil
CBD Endocannabinoid System
CBD Endocannabinoid System

Most people are now familiar with Cannabidiol. It has built a deserved reputation for unleashing a plethora of health benefits. This is not a coincidence but rather a sign of how effective this supplement is when used on a regular basis. Indeed, it has a positive impact on physical and mental symptoms. However, when looking at these processes in detail, it is clear to see how CBD and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) work together. This interaction in the body regulates vital functions and is what delivers such impressive results.

CBD Oil and the Endocannabinoid System

Most people are probably not aware that we all have an endocannabinoid system. Its name comes from the plant that led to its discovery. When CBD improves health, it is interacting with the ECS in this way. To be more specific, the human body has cannabinoid receptors. When we take CBD oil, the substance changes into metabolites. It then binds to the endocannabinoid receptors. These go by the name of CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CBD endocannabinoid system ECS reacts with the CB1, CB2 receptors to deliver a chain reaction of events. These processes are essential to our survival.

CB1 Receptors and Cannabidiol

CB1 receptors are found in the human brain. They are among the most common receptors found in the nervous system. Their role varies but includes regulating memory and mood. They are also responsible for pain sensation and perception. CB1 receptors are also responsible for any psychoactive elements of Cannabis which will bind to them. That said, most CBD products only contain minute quantities of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CB1 receptors can be found throughout the body albeit in lower quantities.

CB2 Receptors Work with CBD

CB2 receptors are found in our central nervous and immune systems. They play an important role in moderating inflammation and immune response to pathogens. If you take CBD oil to treat arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), then your CB2 receptors are at work. These conditions are all consistent with an overactive immune system.

CBD (ECS) Promotes Homeostasis

A perfectly functioning CBD oil endocannabinoid system (ECS) will promote harmony and balance in the body’s cells, tissues and organs. This is what we call homeostasis. Sadly, research indicates it is relatively easy for the endocannabinoid system to become out of sync. When this occurs, high-stress levels, poor diet and lack of exercise are all possible contributing factors. However, CBD promotes homeostasis and could correct any imbalance restoring parity.

CBD Oil and the ECS

It is true that people take CBD oil supplements for a multitude of reasons. That said, the vast majority of those conditions will see some involvement by the endocannabinoid system ECS. The CB1, CB2 interaction plays an integral part in many symptoms as we embark on the road to recovery. This is how CBD and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) work together. CBD oil and the ECS are a formidable, effective combination.

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The Main Cannabinoids in CBD Oil

Posted on by Hempstil
Cannabinoids in CBD Oil
Cannabinoids in CBD Oil

There are over 100 cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant. However, these are not all included in Cannabidiol products. Cannabinoids start as cannabinoid acids which are the precursor to an active compound. For the most part, there are 8 main cannabinoids in CBD oil products. The 3 which immediately spring to mind are CBD, CBDa and THC. The 2 former compounds will support improvements in health while the latter is key for altogether different reasons.

Key Cannabinoid Compounds in CBD

It should come as no surprise, Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main cannabinoid of interest to most people who consume CBD oil. It is often pure, Gold with a distinctive smell and taste. The next compound is CBDa. This is the precursor to CBD. In short, when CBDa interacts with heat (decarboxylation) it becomes a CBD compound. CBDa also offers a number of health benefits. This compound is usually associated with the raw CBD oils. In most cases, it is dark to light brown or Green in colour. These raw CBD tinctures contain a combination of the CBD and CBDa.

The Only Psychoactive Compound

The next cannabinoid compound to look out for is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the psychoactive element in marijuana. In the vast majority of CBD oil products, THC is only included in very small or trace quantities. These trace amounts are not sufficiently high enough to cause impairment. In other words, they do not leave users feeling ‘high’. In some cases, THC in small quantities does offer certain benefits. Even a trace amount of THC will have a positive impact on other ingredients. This phenomenon is called the ‘entourage effect’ and is found in the full spectrum CBD oil. It means the various elements (cannabinoids, terpenes) combine and the whole product works better as a result.

List of Cannabinoid Acids in CBD Oil

Cannabis does not produce the compounds we are familiar with, such as CBD and THC. However, it does produce cannabinoid acids which have antibiotic and/or insecticidal properties. You can find the typical cannabinoid acids found in CBD oil below;

CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid)
CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid)
THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid)
CBGVA (Cannabigerovarinic acid)
THCVA (Tetrahydrocanabivarinic acid)
CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic acid)
CBCVA (Cannabichromevarinic acid)

List of Cannabinoid Compounds

When the oil extract has been processed and is fully decarboxylated, this activates the cannabinoid acids. This process yields the compounds listed below;

CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBG (Cannabigerol)
THC (Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol)
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBGV (Cannabigerivarin)
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)

The number may vary or differ to an extent with some manufacturers or in specialist products. That said, on the whole, these are the 8 main cannabinoids in CBD oil products. In general, the list of compounds will largely remain the same. However, the quantities of each ingredient will vary on manufacturer lab test reports. After reading this article, you should now have a better understanding of the different cannabinoids in a typical CBD oil product.