As the science of cannabis and hemp explodes with new innovations and compounds, one hemp derived cannabinoid is quickly gaining popularity and seeing rapidly increasing demand due to its powerful effects and legal status as a hemp derivative.
Anyone with an interest in therapeutic, legal hemp derived compounds, that produce potent physical and psychoactive effects, should take note of THC-O Acetate —often referred to simply as THC-O (pronounced “THC oh”) or THC-OA. Read More
With the rising popularity of hemp derived CBD products, the number of choices and options for consumers can seem overwhelming at times. This article aims to shed some light on one of the key variables to help demystify the terminology of “spectrums” surrounding these hemp products.
You may have heard the terms full-spectrum, isolate, non-isolate and broad spectrum thrown around, but many customers don’t fully understand the significance of these descriptors.
The meaning of these variations is an important factor in choosing the hemp or cannabis product that is right for you.
The spectrum being described by these terms refers to the molecules derived from the hemp plant known as cannabinoids. While there are more than 100 known cannabinoids identified in hemp and cannabis plants, the spectrum which is most often analyzed and discussed focuses on a more narrow range of typically 10 cannabinoids.
These plant molecules, also known more specifically as phytocannabinoids, interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The human endocannabinoid system is one of the most important discoveries in recent medical history and it has been found to regulate multiple critical functions in the human brain and body.
The interaction of the exogenous phytocannabinoids with receptors of the internal ECS help balance and regulate any potential deficiency or excess of naturally occurring endocannabinoids (endogenous neurotransmitters such as anandamide & 2-AG) to promote homeostasis within the human brain and body. This interaction is a key reason why so many individuals experience benefits from hemp derived products across a wide range of issues.
When it comes to hemp derived products the key molecule to discuss is Cannabidiol – commonly referred to as CBD.
CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate refers to a single molecule product where the Cannabidiol molecule is extracted from the plant to remove all of the other cannabinoids and plant material to produce a white, crystalline powder that is as high as 99.9% pure CBD. This crystallized powder is then formulated into various products including gummies, tinctures, edibles, topicals and more.
Benefits of CBD Isolate include rapid absorption, consistent and accurate dosing and shelf life stability.
Full Spectrum
Full Spectrum CBD Oil usually refers to oil that contains a wide range of cannabinoids and plant molecules. Full-spectrum CBD Oil will typically contain anywhere from 15% to as high as 80% cannabidiol with smaller percentages of other cannabinoids such as CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
Many users find Full-Spectrum Oil to be more beneficial since there are multiple cannabinoids working together with plant molecules such as chlorophyll, vitamins and terpenes to produce synergistic effects commonly referred to as the “Entourage Effect”. Since each person’s biochemistry is unique, a wider range of cannabinoids can potentially offer a better potential outcome for a larger number of users.
To be legally defined as Hemp, the levels of delta-9 THC must be not more than 0.3% according to the 2018 Farm Bill legislation. Similar to CBD Isolate, the full-spectrum extract is formulated into various products such as tinctures, vape cartridges and topicals.
Broad Spectrum
A new terminology has emerged recently to describe a distillate oil that falls somewhere in between isolate and full spectrum, which is called Broad Spectrum CBD Oil. Broad Spectrum CBD Oil is similar to Full Spectrum, but it is further refined to remove the THC below detectable levels while keeping the other beneficial cannabinoids in the oil.
Broad Spectrum CBD oil typically contains somewhere between 70% to 90% Cannabidiol while retaining the other beneficial cannabinoids and plant molecules such as CBN, CBC, CBG and CBDv with no detectable THC.
Broad Spectrum is an excellent choice for customers who desire the benefits of the “Entourage Effect” but do not want any THC in their product. This is especially beneficial for people who may be subject to testing for THC for work or other requirements.
Broad Spectrum oil is used to formulate CBD oil tinctures, CBD vape cartridges, CBD topicals creams and other high quality products.
While there are many other factors to consider when choosing your CBD products, hopefully this explanation of the differences between isolate, full spectrum and broad spectrum will provide some insight into which option is the best fit for your individual wellness regimen!
The integral role of terpenes in medical cannabis research has led to increased interest and recognition of the potential holistic benefits of these compounds in recent years.
The unique scents from these compounds are not only distinctive, but also functional, protecting plants from predators and environmental stressors.
Terpenes Are Everywhere
Terpenes are produced by many species of plants and even some insects. Conifers (e.g. pine trees) for instance, contain high levels of a-Pinene while citrus usually contains high levels of Limonene.
Wine connoisseurs are also known to discuss terpenes as there are over 50 terpene compounds, including Linalool that have been identified in grapes and wine.
The Most Common Terpenes
In cannabis plants, there are over 200 known terpenes, and they are the reason why every strain has a unique smell and different effects.
Some of the most interesting and prevalent cannabis terpenes from a wellness perspective are briefly described below.
Entourage Effect
In addition to their own individual holistic effects, terpenes work synergistically with one another as well as cannabinoids like CBD to increase therapeutic potential, modulate efficacy and mitigate unwanted effects, a phenomenon referred to as the “Entourage Effect”.
Potential Holistic Benefits
When choosing CBD oil products, terpenes potentially offer a significant improvement in the overall experience for end-users.
Research On Terpenes
More research is need to understand the individual effects of terpenes and their synergistic interactions with cannabinoids and other compounds, but the early results are very encouraging for the future of terpene exploration!
[1] Russo https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
When it comes to cannabinoids, many people are familiar with the two most commonly known molecules, THC and CBD (and their respective variants).
What many people don’t know however is that these molecules have many counterparts within the hemp and cannabis plant genealogy.
There are currently a minimum of 113 known cannabinoids that have been identified through research and independent studies.
Research has revealed that the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates homeostasis within the human body and these plant based molecules (phyto-cannabinoids) interact with the ECS and endogenous cannabinoids to deliver the myriad health benefits that have been reported by users and confirmed in numerous studies.
Below you will find a brief summary of 3 cannabinoids getting more attention recently for their potential holistic properties and health benefits.
Cannabinol, or CBN may sound very similar to it’s relative Cannabidiol (CBD) but CBN displays its own unique array of medical benefits and effects that have researchers anxious to continue investigating this molecule.
Some of the benefits already discovered include:
One of CBN’s most interesting and noteworthy attributes is the sedative effect it has on users. According to a study by Steep Hill Labs, 5mg of CBN for sleep is as effective as a 10mg dose of the pharmaceutical sedative diazepam.
CBN does not induce a psychoactive effect and has shown no negative side effects.
Cannabichromene is another lesser known cannabinoid that has some amazing potential medical benefits for users.
Recent studies have suggested that CBC may contribute to the overall analgesic effects of medical cannabis.
Here of some of the most noteworthy findings so far about CBC:
CBC has been found to interact with many receptors in the brain. While it is common for most cannabinoids to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD interacts with other receptors as well.
CBC in particular is known to interact with the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors as well, which may result in some of its medicinal properties.[6]
CBG is a cannabinoid that is known as the building block for many compounds in cannabis, including THC and CBD.
CBG is non-psychoactive and can be thought of as the “stem cell” or “parent” of other cannabinoids. However, CBG is not found in high concentrations in most strains. Certain strains of hemp may have higher CBG content.
CBG is important because of its numerous health benefits, especially for people with disorders affecting the central nervous system, including neurological diseases, skin disorders, chronic pain, and others.
The medical benefits of CBG are still under investigation, but the list thus far is impressive and growing.
CBG can also affect the body by increasing anandamide levels. Anandamide is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid that helps regulate many biological functions, including appetite, sleep and memory.
The effect of CBG on GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid – a brain chemical that regulates the activity of neurons) uptake was found to be greater than both THC and CBD in one study.
CBG has been shown to block serotonin receptors as well, which suggests a role for CBG in treating depression.
It’s important to note that much of the evidence comes from pre-clinical studies, meaning that the safety and efficacy of most cannabinoids has yet to be proven in humans. That being said, studies on CBN, CBC and CBG have revealed a wide range of possible benefits.
HealthSmart CBD offers full-spectrum hemp oil CBD products that include all three of the amazing cannabinoids and a more comprehensive array of medical cannabinoids than you can find anywhere in any other product.
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