If you’re relatively new to the world of CBD, you may feel bombarded by some of the different terms. You might be finding it difficult to choose between different ingredients: CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD?? Phytocannabinoids?! Endocannabinoids?! CB Receptors? There may seem a lot to work out but it’s quite simple really. Read our CBD dictionary below to make sure you understand each CBD term and what it means.
UrthLeaf’s Handy CBD Dictionary
We appreciate there are a lot of scientific words that accompany a CBD purchase. CBD is a part of nature therefore the process of obtaining the oil, extracting the goodness, and how it works in the human body is very scientific. But don’t be put off! Once you understand the terms, it’s easy to see which CBD product will work for you. Bring on the UrthLeaf CBD Dictionary!
CBD Dictionary
Cannabinoid
CBD is a cannabinoid which is a family of plant compounds that has about 100 members. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these compounds. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds and the most well-known is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC (see definition below). Cannabidiol makes up about 40% of the plant resin extract.
Cannabinoids exert their effects by interacting with specific cannabinoid receptors present on the surface of cells. These receptors are found in different parts of the central nervous system and the two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the body are CB1 and CB2. Again, we’ll explain more about this later.
Cannabinoids are differentiated based on their degree of psychoactivity. Common cannabinoids you may see on ingredient’s lists are CBG, CBC and CBD and these are not known to be psychologically active agents. However, THC and CBN appear to have varying degrees of psychoactivity.
The most abundant is CBD, which is thought to have anti-anxiety effects.
CBD Isolate
First up, is pure CBD, or CBD Isolate. If you come across CBD Isolate as an ingredient in a CBD product, this means it contains pure CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid and CBD Isolate has been “isolated” from its environment of other plant chemicals ie the other cannabinoids.
Isolating a compound from its natural environment makes it possible for drug companies to do research on it. CBD Isolate is perfect for research development, though it isn’t always the best way to gain the wonderful effects and benefits of CBD.
Full Spectrum CBD
This is the biggie and the term you are most likely to come across. A full spectrum hemp oil and a CBD Isolate may contain the exact same amount of CBD, but a full spectrum oil will contain a lot more than CBD. Full spectrum CBD or hemp oil delivers the most effective benefits, and this is due to the Entourage Effect. This is very easy to understand. It basically means CBD works best when it’s got its other cannabinoid buddies working alongside it. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Full spectrum oils also contain powerful plant chemicals called terpenes. These are aromatic chemicals (also found in plants like cinnamon and ginger) that help CBD do its job better. And it’s all because of the amazing, mystical process called The Entourage Effect.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad Spectrum CBD is a mix between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate. Just like full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD contains other compounds found in this particular plant family. However, like CBD Isolate, broad spectrum CBD does not contain THC.
So, broad spectrum CBD can deliver the enhanced benefits of The Entourage Effect because it contains multiple cannabinoids, but without the risk of psychoactive effects from THC.
Yes, full spectrum CBD contains tiny amounts of THC. Even with the risk of psychoactive effects, THC is still a beneficial cannabinoid. CBD products must not contain more than 0.3% THC in order to be sold legally and this tiny amount will not produce any psychoactive effects. So, rest assured that full spectrum CBD is perfectly safe.
Endocannabinoids
You can’t read about CBD without coming across the term, Endocannabinoid System or ECS. The ECS is a complex cell-signalling system which plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory and fertility.
Endocannabinoids are similar to cannabinoids, but they’re produced by your body. They help to keep internal functions running smoothly.
CB Receptors
CB receptors are found throughout the human body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to start working. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. For example, they might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain. Or they might bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal that your body is experiencing inflammation.
Phytocannabinoids
Phyto simply means plant in Greek. So, phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids specifically found in plants. The cannabis plant produces hundreds of chemical constituents and phytocannabinoids are the most unique. The cannabis plant contains some of the highest concentrations of phytocannabinoids.
It’s made from legal hemp, which contains 0.3% or less THC, the compound that causes the feeling of being high, normally found when taking marijuana.
Hemp has significant amounts of CBD but contains only trace amounts of THC. Yes, hemp and marijuana come from the same plant family (Cannabis) but they are different plants with big differences.
Never fear! UrthLeaf are here!
We always want to make sure our treasured customers are well looked after. And that goes beyond providing high-quality CBD products. It also means ensuring each and every one of you understands what you are buying and how it can help you every day. We hope our CBD dictionary has been helpful.
Our blog is full of interesting and informative articles about CBD. Browse through our unique CBD stories for all the answers you are looking for. Then head over to our online shop to find a fantastic CBD product to suit your needs.
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