CBD or cannabidiol has been a hot topic over the last few years and has become increasingly popular among all kinds of people. Many claim CBD can help reduce inflammation, alleviate daily stresses, and ease pain and aching. Others may simply use it to lighten their mood or relax after a long day. In order to understand how CBD and cannabinoids can help with such issues, we must first look at how the body responds to it.
Cannabinoids act on your body’s endocannabinoid system, composed of endocannabinoids, which are fatty acid neurotransmitters that bind with cannabinoid reactors. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for processes such as memory, sleep, stress response, and appetite, and cannabinoids work to address these issues. The cannabinoids found in hemp plants produce similar effects to our body’s endocannabinoids.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, features two main cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. Each has a different physiological effect and contributes to different benefits of CBD. Scientists have found that cannabinoids in plants such as cannabis mimic the network of receptors and enzymes inside out body, or endocannabinoids.
This ECS is directly connected to the central nervous system (CNS), which is responsible for a lot of the activity in the body. All multicellular species, with the exception of animals like jellyfish, have central nervous systems and advanced species including have an endocannabinoid system similar and network of neurotransmitters similar to ours. The ECS and CNS both work in conjunction to regulate immunity, brain function, pain management, and other vital functions.
Endocannabinoid Receptors
Endocannabinoids and their cannabinoid receptors are lipid-based. So is CBD, which is why coconut or olive oil are popular carriers for CBD oil. Depending on what type of cell these receptors act on, their binding can create a positive sensation, a boost in mood, and even play a role in reducing pain.
The two main cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1s are the most common receptors in the nervous system and, depending on their location, can affect mood, response to pain, motor function, and memory. They are found mostly in the brain, as well as throughout the human body.
Due to their concentration in the brain, CB1 receptors affect mental processes, mood, and memory processing. Cannabis plants high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) tend to act more on CB1 reactors, creating a psychoactive effect. CBD, on the other hand, can help counteract anxiety caused by such states.
CB2 is mostly found in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. When activated, CB2 receptors can play a significant role in reducing inflammation. Some studies report that CB2 may also have a therapeutic effect on bowel issues. CBD is high in cannabinoids that act on the CB2 receptor, stimulating anti-inflammatory processes in the body.
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabis and hemp plants include a number of different chemicals including phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant nutrients. Phytocannabinoids include THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and more. All these phytocannabinoids and their variants produce different reported effects on the endocannabinoid system. Different cannabinoids come from different types of cannabis plants.
Cannabis refers to any plant in the cannabis sativa L. Hemp is legally classified as a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC, and the 2018 Farm Bill passed in the United States states that the cultivation, production, and manufacturing of industrial hemp is legal. Hemp, while very low in THC, is extremely high in CBD and other phytocannabinoids including CBN, CBG, and many terpenes.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the essential oils of plants and can drastically change the scent of the same plant. Similar to the way herbs and spices work in the preparation of a meal, terpenes give the plant its smell and flavor. Ranging from citrusy or piney to earthy and musty, there are about 100 terpenes found in the hemp plant. They are non-psychoactive and located in the trichomes of the plant.
Terpenes are found in a variety of plants and have corresponding effects. For example, the terpene linalool is said to have a relaxing effect. Linalool is also found in lavender, which is known for its relaxing aroma. Hemp plants have a lot of different terpenes, each of which adds to the effect of the CBD. Some of the most common terpenes are myrcene, linalool, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.
Hemp Extraction
When cannabinoids are extracted from the hemp plant, a full-spectrum CBD oil is created. Full-spectrum means it includes all the phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and plant nutrients from the plant.
For a more pure extraction, a broad-spectrum CBD oil will undergo an additional step to keep only the desired cannabinoids. Most of the time, this is to remove traces of chlorophyll and other plant flavors from the oil.
For the purest extraction, a CBD isolate can be made, which contains 99% CBD. This removes the other cannabinoids such as CBN or CBG, as well as any terpenes. This results in a flavorless oil, best used for CBD edibles or for pure tinctures.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils that contain cannabinoids and terpenes have their own flavor and character profile. The different chemicals work together to create something known as the entourage effect, a unique feeling created by different cannabis strains. The key to producing healthy hemp plants full of CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes is sourcing high-quality hemp.
At Roots to Flower, we source hemp from Homegrown Agriculture, where research, observation, and experience produce high-grade plants ready to be extracted into potent full-spectrum CBD oil.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
CBD works mostly on the CB2 receptors that provide an overall sense of relaxation in the body. CBD has been known to promote wellbeing, alleviate the symptoms of stress, reduce inflammation, as well as provide relief for muscles after a long day. You will not get ‘high’, or experience any psychoactive effects.
For noticeable effects to manage pain or stress, a 1000MG tincture is a good choice. For those just getting started with CBD or using it experimentally, try our Andes Mint 500MG tincture.
How Long Does it Take for CBD Oil to Work?
It can take anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour or more for the effects of CBD to kick in. It is always better to start with just a little and add on more as necessary. Stronger dosages may take effect quicker, so make sure you check the amount of CBD present in the serving.
The main factors that affect how long it can take to work might be weight, tolerance, metabolism, mood, and whether you take it on an empty stomach.
How Long Does CBD Oil Stay in your System?
CBD will usually remain in your system for 2 to 5 days, although this is not the same for everyone. Tolerance and metabolism also play a role in how long. While the presence of CBD may last for a few days or more, its effects are usually gone within hours of ingestion.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of confusion about cannabis, hemp, CBD, and THC, and the legality, effects, and uses of each. While THC rich cannabis plants and manufactured only in places where that is legal, CBD has become legal in most places in the world, with some restrictions on how it can be used.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is a product extracted from hemp that has a number of positive reported effects and benefits including lowered stress level, anti-inflammatory properties, and promoting overall wellness for the body and mind. Hemp cultivation and CBD production allow us to create tinctures and products that are environmentally conscious and good for you. Visit www.root2flower.com for more information.