CBD EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

What is CBD Oil?

CBD it’s a natural oil that is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Its been used through history by people all over the world for multiple beneficial purposes. Broad Spectrum CBD oil contains a variety of active compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes that when they interact with each other they work even better. Some of these formulations may contain other compounds such as omega fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

The Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Marijuana possess the psychoactive compound THC, the compound in the plant that causes a high. Hemp is not marijuana. Even though hemp does contain some cannabinoids, it has slight amounts of THC. To be legally cultivated, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC, they also contain small concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes, so it is not the most desirable source of CBD oil.

Types of CBD Oil

CBD From PCR Hemp vs. CBD From Marijuana

Oils can be extracted from marijuana or from hemp. The oils extracted from marijuana are referred to as cannabis oil. Extracts from marijuana may contain some CBD but are intended to contain enough THC.

The “PCR” or Photocannabinoid-Rich is a type of CBD Oil which has a different composition and characteristics than regular CBD Oil. It is broader than regular CBD oil. It contains CBD but also a variety of other cannabinoids, including Cannabichromene, Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabidolic Acid (CBD)

Raw CBD Oil vs. CBD Concentrate

When these oils of the hemp plant are first extracted, the resulting product is considered raw hemp extract. This extract can be put through a series of filtration and distillation processes to remove unwanted compounds and residues, such as waxes and chlorophyll, this results in various classes of oils differing in purity and CBD content. These oils are referred to as CBD concentrate or CBD distillate.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Another class of compound is called terpenes. Raw PCR hemp extract contains these terpenes as well as other cannabinoid compounds similar to CBD. PCR hemp extract retain the natural balance of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the original plant, these products are the full spectrum oils.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum CBD oil is similar to a full spectrum oil. Full spectrum CBD oil retains the original concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes found in raw PCR hemp extract but might have traces of THC. Broad spectrum CBD oil while containing these concentrations of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes has all trace amounts of THC extracted. This is ideal for those who want absolutely no THC in their CBD products.

CBD Isolate

CBD can also be isolated and purified its known as CBD isolate. At room temperature, cannabinoids are solid crystals and they are colorless and odorless. It can be consumed directly or used as an additive in other preparations such as edibles and beverages; however, they do not contain the beneficial terpenes and other cannabinoids found naturally in the plant.

CBD-Rich Oil/Phytocannabinoid-Rich (PCR)

This term is generally used to label a CBD oil which has gone through some initial filtration and distillation steps to remove unwanted compounds such as chlorophyll and waxes. This product has a higher concentration of CBD than the raw extract, hence the term CBD-rich oil.

CBD-Infused Oil

This term can be used to describe either a product which has been infused with purified CBD isolate or a product which has been infused with a CBD-rich, full spectrum or broad spectrum concentrate. They should be properly labeled and should specify which ingredients were used. It’s important to be informed because they all produce different effects.

A List of CBD Oil Products:

To summarize, there are a variety of products which contain varying levels of CBD as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Hemp seed oil — Oil produced from hemp seeds, does not contain CBD. • Raw industrial hemp extract — A low-quality source of CBD oil.
• Raw PCR hemp extract — A high-quality, full or broad spectrum product which is rich in CBD and contains the naturally occurring compounds in hemp, including cannabinoids and terpenes.
• CBD concentrate or distillate — A full spectrum or broad spectrum product from which unwanted compounds have been removed. • CBD isolate — Purified CBD that does not contain other beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids.
• CBD-rich oil/Phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) — Either full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD concentrate or oil infused with CBD concentrate.
• Broad spectrum oil — An oil rich in CBD and the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes present in hemp EXCEPT for THC.
• CBD-infused — Generally refers to a product infused with pure CBD, but is also used sometimes to refer to a full spectrum product.

Now that we’ve cleared up these terms, let’s answer some of the most common questions asked by first time CBD users.

CBD Oil and Wellness

What, Exactly, is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is just one of different molecules called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol has been shortened to CBD because it’s accustomed for cannabinoids to have a three-letter designation, such as THC for tetrahydrocannabinol, CBG for cannabigerol, CBN for cannabinol and so forth.

What Are Cannabinoids?

These are active compounds produced by all cannabis plants. They are responsible for the majority of the benefits of cannabis. Cannabinoids found in plants are technically called phytocannabinoids; they mimic compounds which we call endocannabinoids that are produced naturally by all mammals.

• Phytocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by plants.
• Endocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by human or other mammal bodies.

There are other cannabinoids found in PCR like cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol(CBG). Cannabichromene (CBC) is the third most common compound found in cannabis. Like CBD, cannabichromene is non-psychoactive. Cannabigerol (CBG) is produced early on in the hemp’s growth cycle. Both CBC and CBG are believed to have properties similar to those of CBD.

What Do Endocannabinoids Do?

Endocannabinoids, those produced naturally by our bodies, are signaling molecules. They are technically called neurotransmitters. Hormones are a more familiar type of neurotransmitter.

A broad supply of neurotransmitters are produced by our nervous system in anticipation to several states of health and environmental factors. They connect with receptors found on the surface of cells throughout our bodies. Their job is to guide a cell to balance its activities, including how they behave with other neurotransmitters.

The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) has two components: the endocannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells throughout the body and the endocannabinoids themselves that interact with those receptors.

An example is the Anandamide that is responsible for the production and uptake of serotonin that is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” ; its associated with mood.

The endocannabinoid system is extensive and lenghty. It regulates a wide lineup of bodily functions, like appetite regulation, sleep patterns, moods, metabolism, immune response, and lifespan of cells.

List of Common Cannabinoids

This is a list of the most common cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis and some of their effects:

• Cannabidiol (CBD) — The second most common cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant that is non-psychotropic (it doesn’t get you high).
• Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives users a feeling of euphoria.
• Cannabichromene (CBC) — This third most common cannabinoid, also non-psychoactive, is thought to support mood and joint and muscle function.
• Cannabinol (CBN) — Believed to support joint and muscle function and aid a good night’s rest.
• Cannabigerol (CBG) — Non-psychoactive and used to support mood and joint and muscle function.
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) — Less psychoactive than THC.
• Cannabidivarin (CBDv) — Similar to CBD in its effects.
• Delta (8) THC — Similar to delta (9)-THC, less psychoactive and may support a relaxed mood.
• THCa and CBDa — Compounds found in raw cannabis that are non-psychotropic.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are a type of volatile hydrocarbon compounds produced by cannabis plant as well as most other plants. However, cannabis is currently the most terpene-dense plant known to humans.

These are safe for human consumption by the Food and Drug Association and are used in a variety of food and cosmetic products.

In nature, terpenes act as both a repellent for pests and as attractants for pollinators and seed spreaders.

Terpenes also have powerful effects on our bodies; they have been utilized by humans for for years in what’s commonly known as aromatherapy.

Some of their most common uses include: support for muscle and joint function, mood and overall wellness.

Terpenes also act on cannabinoid receptors.

Research Into CBD’s Benefits

CBD is frequently used to support emotional stability. Research shows that CBD has an effect on levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide. Anandamide is produced by the nervous system to trigger the uptake of serotonin in the brain.

A boost in serotonin can correspond to an increase in feelings of wellbeing. It all goes back to the endocannabinoid system.

CBD’s Effects On Sleep

Another common use for CBD oil is to help healthy sleep cycles.

Can You Take Too Much CBD Oil? Is It Safe?

CBD is non-toxic. You would have to consume a big amount of CBD oil before it could produce any truly negative health effects.

Taking more CBD than needed might cause some undesirable effects like making you too relaxed for particular activities like work or sports.

We are all built different so we need to find the appropriate dosage for the desired effect based on the product you are using, we recommend to stick with that product.

How Long the Effects of CBD Last: What You Need to Know

As we mention before we are built different so the span of its effect can vary from person to another. How long it takes to feel the effects and how long these effects are experienced depend a lot on the person who is taking it.

With that in mind, there are a couple general things to take into consideration when determining just how long CBD effects will last.

If You’re New to CBD, Give it Some Time

If you’re new to CBD being consistent is key, you’ll want to give your body some time to adjust to taking it. Many people start and immediately see extraordinary results, but this isn’t always how CBD works, remember that CBD affects each person differently. It’s best to give your CBD regimen some time before determining how long and what methods and dosage work best for you. How You Use CBD Determines

How Long it Takes to Feel the Effects and How Long the Effects Last

How long it takes CBD to work, as well as how long the effects last, will vary, but its known that CBD effects will last between 2-8 hours.

These are some of the most common methods of using CBD (including how long it takes to feel the effects of each and how long these effects last) include:

Tinctures

CBD tinctures are taken most effectively by mouth — many people will hold it there for one to two minutes before swallowing.

It typically takes 15–30 minutes to feel the effects of a CBD tincture, and the effects are known to last between 4–6 hours.

CBD capsules are taken like a regular supplement. When ingested orally, it must first go through the digestive system and then the liver, where CBD molecules are metabolized by various enzymes. This is something that reduces the concentration of its compounds and the amount that is passed into the bloodstream. In consequence it takes longer to feel the effects, up to one hour in which its benefits usually last between 6–8 hours.

Edibles/Beverages

CBD edibles and beverages work very similar to the CBD capsules, they all must pass through the digestive system and the liver. Its recommended to do so on an empty stomach, which can accelerate the time of CBD absorption. Also consuming capsules or edibles with fatty-acid-rich foods promotes bioavailability. The effects last between 4–6 hours.

Topicals

CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin, in the form of lotions, creams, balms and salves contributing to localized benefits to the area of the body to which they are applied. They are absorbed through the skin, bypassing the digestive tract completely.

Because of this the CBD effects can be felt much quicker than when using other methods. CBD topical effects can be perceived within 15–20 minutes and can last for up to 6 hours.