What's in CBD - besides CBD

You might have come across CBD oil in shops, magazines, or on the internet. It is one of the most popular CBD products due to its numerous medicinal benefits.

Types of CBD

CBD, also know as cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant known as hemp. CBD oil comes in three forms; isolate, full-spectrum CBD oil, and broad-spectrum CBD oil.

Isolate CBD oil contains only CBD. It does not contain any other cannabinoids or other healthy elements from the plant.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains other plant compounds but does not contain THC. Full-spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, contains all the compounds and cannabinoids of the plant. While full spectrum CBD contains THC, it comes in a small amount, 0.3%, which is not enough to get you high.

When we say compounds and cannabinoids, what exactly do we mean? Apart from CBD and THC, many more beneficial components are found in the hemp plant. They all have a role to play in the medicinal benefits.

What's in Cannabis?

Terpenes

These are the aromatic organic hydrocarbons that are present in the cannabis plant's essential oils. They give the cannabis plant its taste, smell, and color.

They are essential in CBD oil because they work hand in hand with CBD and THC, the primary cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They have unique therapeutic benefits.

There are different terpenes profiles, which results in many different cannabis varieties. That earned them the name ‘fingerprints of cannabis plants.’ There are around 200 individual terpenes in the cannabis plant, but these are some of the main ones;

• B-myrcene

This is the most common type of terpene found in cannabis.

It has muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and sedating properties. It works by enhancing the anti-inflammatory effects of CBG and CBD found in CBD oil.

• Limonene

This type of terpene gives the plant citrus and a spicy aroma. It is believed to have anti-depressant, anti-bacterial, and anti-anxiety properties.

It is believed to work synergistically with CBD to offer enhanced anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. It also enhances CBG and CBD’s anti-cancer effect, and works with THC to get rid of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• B-caryophyllene

This type of terpene is mostly found in varieties of cannabis that are rich in CBD. It gives the plant a spicy and woody aroma.

It is believed to have anti-fungal, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. It enhances CBD's anti-inflammatory properties and THC's gastric cell protection properties.

• Linalool

Linalool gives the cannabis plant a citrusy, floral, and spicy fragrance. It has pain-relieving and calming effects and also helps in fighting acne. It works synergistically with CBD in anxiety and pain relief. It also works with THC to enhance pain relief and sedation.

Also, along with THCV, THC, and CBDV, Linalool contributes to and enhances the anticonvulsant effects of CBD oil.

• Alpha-humulene

This terpene gives the cannabis plant a fruity and earthy smell. It plays a role in the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil.

To get the best results from your CBD oil, consider what terpenes it contains and determine if they will help you achieve your goal.

Also, consider the part of the plant that the CBD oil was extracted from because the flowers have the highest concentration of terpenes.

Many full spectrum CBD oils, such as Eden’s Herbals, have a third party lab report which will tell you exactly what is in their proprietary blend of oil

Flavonoids

These are antioxidant chemicals, which are responsible for giving the cannabis plant its pigmentation. Different strains of cannabis plants have different colors, thanks to the different flavonoids they have.

Anthoxanthis and anthocyanins, for example, are flavonoids that are responsible for giving some cannabis plants their purple color.

Research has established that flavonoids have a variety of medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, and neuroprotective properties.

Flavonoids have also been seen to play a major role, together with terpenes, to give the entourage effect. They are mainly found in broad-spectrum oils, which is evident in their dark green colors and strong taste.

There are around 20 flavonoids that have been found in cannabis plants, but the most common ones include;

• Cannflavin

Having different varieties from Cannaflavin A to Cannaflavin C, this type of flavonoid is the most common in cannabis plants. They are responsible for the dark green color.

It is believed to add to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil because they inhibit the pathway for prostaglandins.

• Apigenin

This gives various cannabis plants their yellow color. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. It has also been seen to be responsible for the sedative and anxiolytic effects on the GABA receptors.

• Quercitin

This type of flavonoid may contain antiviral effects and inhibits viral enzymes. Also, it inhibits prostaglandins production, which makes it add anti-inflammatory properties to CBD oil. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, Quercitin may be used therapeutically in treating fibromyalgia.

• Kaempferol

This flavonoid has antidepressant effects and is believed to reduce the chances of getting some coronary diseases and cancer.

Cannabinoids

These are chemicals found in the cannabis plant that is responsible for activating the body's endocannabinoid system. CBD is one such cannabinoid.

Apart from CBD, there are more than 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, and all have different purposes. Some of the most common ones include;

• THC (?9–tetrahydrocannabinol)

This is one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. However, it is only found in the full-spectrum CBD oil and in small amounts (0.3%) because a higher amount can have psychoactive effects.

THC binds with the brain’s CB-1 receptors, producing relaxation, elation, and sometimes laughter. It helps in pain relief, elevating mood, and helps in digestion.

• CBG (cannabigerol)

It is present in small amounts and has no psychoactive effects. It is effective in addressing the growth of cancerous cells, glaucoma, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease.

• CBC (cannabichromene)

Occurring in small amounts, CBD is non-psychoactive and is a buffer against THC. It has anti-inflammatory effects and helps with brain development.

• CBN (cannabinol)

This cannabidiol is psychoactive, but not as much as THC because it occurs when THC mixes with oxygen. It occurs in small amounts and is effective in dealing with sleep disorders and arthritis.

Other cannabinoids include;

• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

• CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

• CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)

• CBL (cannabicyclol)

• CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)

Before buying CBD oil, it is important to have it tested by an independent third party or ask for a lab report from your seller. That will establish which of these components are present and in what amounts.

If you would like to experience the benefits of all of these compounds in your CBD oil, look for a full spectrum CBD oil.

Eden’s Herbals offers a full spectrum CBD oil created in partnership with a laboratory to create a brand new proprietary blend of cannabinoids and other compounds. Check out their lab report for a detailed breakdown of what is in this amazing CBD oil!