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!