A Comprehensive Guide to CBD
Like other educational courses, we’ve divided up the content a bit. It’s designed to be accessed in order, but feel free to skip around as you see fit.
What Are Cannabis and CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound produced by the cannabis plant. It is what is known as a cannabinoid, or phytocannabinoid.
There are many cannabinoids in cannabis, with THC (or delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD being the most abundant. With the relatively recent popularity of medicinal cannabis, the cannabis plant as a whole has undergone somewhat of a transformation.
Due to a growing body of scientific research, CBD in particular is quickly gaining popularity and is headed toward mainstream acceptance. CBD oil is finding its way into a variety of products, from tinctures and drops to CBD-infused edibles and CBD balms, as well as a wide range of cosmetics. CBD oil is even becoming popular among pet owners who wish to help their pets live healthier lives. Other minor cannabinoids are also emerging with breathtaking speed.
As its popularity increases, the volume of information grows along with it. Unfortunately, so does the volume of misinformation. Let’s take a deeper look at the cannabis plant in general, and more specifically CBD.
Disclaimer
First this important note: all hemp products should be used only as directed on the label. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition, use prescription medications, or are pregnant or nursing. Doctor’s advice should be sought before you take any supplemental dietary product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Hemp products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is one of a genus of plants known as Cannabaceae. There are two basic species of cannabis that are cultivated for human consumption: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. A third, Cannabis ruderalis, is also noted, but that variety has primarily been cultivated for industrial hemp purposes in the past. Both Indica and Sativa varieties contain abundant amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, depending on genetics, growing conditions and many other factors.
Cannabis has traditionally been “classified” by many as having two basic forms: marijuana and hemp. This is actually a bit of an oversimplification and a bit problematic. First off, marijuana is more of a political or legal definition rather than a scientific term, so it really isn’t appropriate in a serious botanical discussion. Plus, there is societal stigma to the term. Nowadays, cannabis is more accurately broken down into Chemotypes (or chemovars).
Like some other plants, cannabis can have wide chemical composition differences (such as cannabinoid or terpene content), while still having the same general morphological features. A good parallel would be apples. There are thousands of different “apples” out there (Honeycrisp, Red delicious, Gala), and while all have different tastes, colors and resistance to disease… in the end, they are all still biologically apples. Cannabis is similar that during cultivation, the plant can (and will) express differing cannabinoid and terpene content, while still maintaining the same general characteristics. Plants containing high levels of THC (the intoxicating molecule in Cannabis) are virtually indistinguishable (look, taste & smell) from varieties that have virtually no THC. Both will have a huge differences in effects and outcome when consumed by humans, but they are both still only one plant.
In the newer system of classification, cannabis is more accurately defined by cannabinoid expression of the plant. There are three primary cannabis chemotypes that are generally broken down by cannabinoid content of the two primary cannabinoids (THC and CBD).
- Type 1 – Cannabis containing high levels of THC, and low levels of CBD
- Type 2 – Cannabis with roughly equal amounts of THC and CBD
- Type 3 – Cannabis containing high levels of CBD and low levels of CBD.
Cannabis consumers sometimes find it easier to label based on “usability”. For example, type 1 is often referred to as Recreational Weed, and Type 3 as non-intoxicating hemp. Type 2 is often described as medical marijuana (used for medical benefit). While certainly there is some accuracy there, there is much crossover and certainly any/all varieties can be used both recreationally or medically.
The Difference Between Cannabis Chemovars and Legality
As previously stated, Type I Cannabis contains high levels of the psychoactive compound THC, the compound in cannabis that causes the psychoactive high. There are certainly medicinal qualities to THC, however high levels of THC are known to impair a person’s ability to function in a normal state. Type I cannabis is cultivated often for recreational and medical purposes. Type 2 cannabis also contains THC in abundance, but also adds roughly equal amounts of CBD. When you hear talk about cannabis ratios, this is generally what is being referenced. A 1:1 cannabis ratio means that variety has equal parts CBD and THC. THC and CBD are incredibly synergistic and many of the principles for the medical use of cannabis revolve around the different ratios of the cannabis content in the compounds in question.
The United States federal government traditionally defined marijuana as a Class I controlled substance solely based on the THC content. However, many states in the USA have instituted legislation to regulate its cultivation and allow its use as medicine. Some states have also legalized cannabis for recreational use. Many more states have regulated medical marijuana laws for medicinal use of cannabis.
While it does contain other cannabinoids, Type 3 cannabis has negligible amounts of THC and abundant CBD. This is what differentiates it from “marijuana” in the law. Since the adoption of the 2018 Farm Bill, the United States further defined marijuana as cannabis that contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC (by dry weight of the product). By strictly addressing only the Delta-9 THC content, the farm bill essentially legalized all other other cannabinoids found in cannabis, and even Delta-9 in minute quantities. This led to an explosion of popularity of both CBD and other cannabinoids found in cannabis. Most Type III cannabis is legal for human consumption in the US, provided the THC content is less then 0.3% by dry weight. Here at Soul Blossom, we use only USA compliant, phytocannabinoid-rich Type 3 cannabis flower extract in our formulations.
Cannabis oil is a natural oil extracted from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It is used by people all over the world for a variety of wellness purposes. Depending on the formulation of a product, it may contain other beneficial components such as omega fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. CBD Oil is generally made from Type 3 cannabis flower that naturally contain THC in minute (non-intoxicating) quantities. It is the foundation of the explosion of CBD and other minor cannabinoid formulations in recent years.
Different Types of CBD Oil
Let’s now compare some of the different types of CBD oil products. It’s important to remember that definitions have a tendency to evolve over time.
Raw CBD Oil vs. CBD Concentrate
When the essential oils of the hemp plant are extracted, the resulting product is considered raw cannabis extract. The extract can also be put through a series of filtration and distillation processes to remove unwanted compounds (waxes, chlorophyll, and pesticides) to produce various classes of oils differing in purity and CBD content. These refined oils are generally referred to as CBD concentrate or CBD distillate.
Full spectrum CBD oil: As previously mentioned, there are other classes of compounds found in cannabis called terpenes and flavonoids. Raw Type 3 cannabis extract contains these terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoid compounds similar to CBD, including trace amounts of THC (>.3 %). Because it retains the natural balance of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the original plant, these products are considered full spectrum oils we find these products the most beneficial for medicinal use.
Broad spectrum CBD oil: This product is very similar to a full spectrum oil. Like full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil retains the original concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes found in raw PCR hemp extract. It also has all trace amounts of THC removed in the process. This is ideal for those who want absolutely no THC in their CBD products. Broad spectrum CBD oil is the type of CBD oil used in Soul Blossom products.
CBD isolate: CBD can also be isolated and purified. Pure CBD is known in the industry as CBD isolate. In pure form, and at room temperature, cannabinoids are solid crystals. Purified cannabinoids are colorless and odorless. CBD isolate can be consumed directly or used as an additive in other preparations such as edibles and beverages. However, it lacks the beneficial terpenes and other cannabinoids found naturally in the plant.
So for the consumers, it’s important to be label aware in order to understand which type of CBD is used in the products you are purchasing and using. If the types of oil are not easy or readable on the website or label, just walk away.
Wellness Properties of CBD
In this section, we will take a look at the greater scientific picture of how humans (and other mammals) work and how CBD is thought to interact with them.
Disclaimer
First this important note: all hemp products should be used only as directed on the label. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition, use prescription medications, or are pregnant or nursing. Doctor’s advice should be sought before you take any supplemental dietary product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Hemp products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What Exactly Is CBD?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol. It is one of many different molecules known as cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant.
CBD is not an acronym. Cannabidiol is shortened to CBD simply because it’s customary for cannabinoids to have a three-letter designation. Other examples are THC for delta9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, CBG for Cannabigerol, CBN for Cannabinol, and so on.
THC is arguably the most famous member of the cannabinoids family and the one so maligned throughout history. It’s the one found in cannabis that causes a high associated with cannabis. We’ll take a quick look at some other common cannabinoids later.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are active compounds produced by all cannabis plants. They account for most of the benefits of cannabis.
Cannabinoids found in plants are technically called phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids mimic compounds which are called endocannabinoids. These are produced naturally by all mammals.
- Phytocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by plants.
- Endocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by humans or other mammals.
Other cannabinoids found in PCR hemp include cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG). Cannabichromene (CBC) is the third most common cannabinoid 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, which are produced naturally in our bodies, are known as signaling molecules. They are also called neurotransmitters. There are many neurotransmitters produced by the body, with hormones being among the more commonly known ones.
There is a vast array of neurotransmitters produced by the nervous system in response to various states of health and environmental factors. They interact with receptors found on the surface of cells throughout our bodies. Basically, their job is to instruct cells to adjust their activities, which includes changing how cells react to other neurotransmitters.
In order to illustrate how neurotransmitters work, let’s use an analogy.
Your brain doesn’t connect with every cell in your body, just like a CEO can’t directly interact with every employee in a large company in order for a business to be successful. Yet, the CEO has to ensure that individual employees are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. In order to manage these employees, the CEO will implement certain protocols (or systems) that dictate the way the employees are supposed to act or operate. This might include hiring middle managers, creating standard operating procedures, codes of conduct, or other management practices. These systems, if designed well, inform employees how to perform their assigned tasks, work efficiently, and solve problems so everything operates smoothly.
Some of these systems are developed to be flexible in order to sense changes in the environment. So if productivity is slipping in one area, the CEO can send out a team to look into the reason for the slowdown and inevitably make some adjustments, thereby changing the behavior of the workers to become more productive again.
Like the CEO and employees, your body’s nervous system connects to a wide variety of sensors to keep track of what’s going on in every system in your body. The signals from these sensors are decoded by the brain and the nervous system. If a system goes out of balance, the nervous system produces neurotransmitters which travel through the bloodstream and interact with receptors on cells, instructing them to adjust their behavior and create balance. In humans and animals, this is called homeostasis.
The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Now that we understand how neurotransmitters work to adjust our cellular activity, let’s take a look at the role of cannabinoids in particular and their role in supporting homeostasis, or balance within the body.
The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) has two components. First, there are the endocannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells throughout the body. At the moment, we know of two primary cannabinoid receptors in humans (CB1 and CB2). Second are the endocannabinoids themselves that interact with those receptors to have specific effect when activated, devativatesl, etc..
One well known endocannabinoid is called anandamide. Anandamide is responsible for the production and uptake of serotonin. Serotonin, as many exercise enthusiasts know, is the neurotransmitter responsible for a “runner’s high.” It’s also often referred to as the “bliss molecule,” because levels of serotonin in the body are directly associated with a person’s mood. In a 2014 animal study, CBD was not noted to boost serotonin, but it was noted to affect the brain’s chemical receptors’ responses to serotonin that’s already in a person’s system.
There several other endocannabinoids that regulate a wide array of bodily functions, including appetite, sleep patterns, moods, metabolism, immune response, the lifespan of cells, and much more. The endocannabinoid system is very extensive.
Phytocannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors in a similar fashion as endocannabinoids do. With ongoing research, we are beginning to learn specifically which cannabinoids effect which receptors and what the resulting effects are.
Common Cannabinoids Found In Cannabis
- Cannabidiol (CBD): This is the second most common non-psychotropic cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. It is being found to have profound systemic modulation of many systems
- Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives users a feeling of euphoria. It is also a known for it’s sedating and pain relieving qualities.
- Cannabichromene (CBC): This third most common cannabinoid, also non-psychoactive, is thought to support mood and improve joint and muscle function.
- Cannabinol (CBN): This is believed to support joint and muscle function and aid a good night’s rest.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): This is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that supports mood and improves joint and muscle function.
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv): This is less psychoactive than THC.
- Cannabidivarin (CBDv): This is similar to CBD in its effects, but much more bioavailable.
- Delta8 THC: This is similar to delta9-THC; it is less psychoactive and may support a relaxed mood.
- THCa and CBDa: These are the acidic components of THC an CBD found in raw cannabis; they are non-psychoactive, but are thought to have significant medicinal applications.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are volatile hydrocarbon compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Most other plants also produce terpenes, but cannabis is currently the most terpene-dense plant known.
Terpenes evaporate at room temperature and our noses are highly sensitive to them. You are definitely familiar with terpenes.
Despite their volatile hydrocarbon designation, terpenes are recognized as safe for human consumption by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) and are used in a variety of foods and cosmetic products. In nature, some terpenes repel pests while others attract pollinators and seed spreaders.
Terpene molecules are all very similar, but each has its own scent, flavor and effects. Various combinations of terpenes are responsible for the distinct aromas of the many different cannabis varieties, also known as cannabis “strains”.
Terpenes have been shown to have powerful effects on our bodies. In fact, terpenes have been used by humans for over a thousand years for aromatherapy purposes. For example, the scent of citrus is produced primarily by a combination of the terpenes limonene and pinene—both possible mood elevators.
Other common terpenes include linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene, terpinolene, citronellol, and camphene. Traditional uses for these terpenes include muscle and joint functions and overall general wellness functions.
In cannabis, terpenes are produced in the highest concentrations in the plant’s female flowers. Like cannabinoids, terpenes also effect cannabinoid receptors and boost the effects of cannabinoids. Some terpenes create feelings that are enlivening and other are more sedating.
What Are Flavonoids?
When it comes to cannabis bioactive compounds, cannabinoids and terpenes tend to dominate the literature. However, while they may get less attention, flavonoids are suspected to make a significant contribution to the overall wellness benefits of cannabis.
Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds that create secondary metabolites in many plants. It was once thought that the primary function of flavonoids was to provide color pigmentation to plants, notably in flowers, for the purpose of attracting pollinators. Many plants, including those with edible fruits and vegetables that contain non-green pigmentation, owe their colors in part to flavonoids. They may also protect plants from harmful UV rays.
If that’s not enough, flavonoids are known to be pharmacologically active compounds, which means that preliminary research indicates they have medicinal benefits. For example, quercetin is a flavonoid found in cannabis (and other fruits and vegetables). It has been shown to have anti-microbial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties.
While not fully understood by science, flavonoids may also have a synergistic effect in cannabis, which takes us to the next topic.
The Entourage Effect
Although not as potent as cannabinoids, both terpenes and flavonoids are very valuable components of cannabis. They are all believed to work together in cannabis to produce a range of effects which is thought to be greater than the sum of its individual components. This is known as the entourage effect.
More research is needed to determine the exact role that terpenes and flavonoids play in the overall wellness effects of CBD oil, but it seems clear that they definitely work in concert with cannabinoids to produce a richer effect than cannabinoids alone. Different cannabinoids also are thought, or even known by science at this point, to interact and provide a synergistic (or improved) effect. For example, THC is a known as an antagonist at CB1, which like its human counterpart anandamide, produces feelings of euphoria. However, its also is highly psychoactive and biphasic (meaning using more leads to worse outcomes). There are several well known adverse effects from THC. CBD is a what is known as a negative allosteric modulator at CB1. It does not directly bind to it like THC does, however CBD still does interact with it in other ways to effectively decreases the receptors activity level in the presence of CB1 antagonists. In effect, it turns down the volume at the receptor site in the presence of THC. When CBD is ingested in combination with THC, it has the effect of “lessening” the intensity of THC’s effect on the CB1 receptor. It particularly, it tends to blunt the noted adverse effects of THC (such as the “munchies”, high heart rate, dry mouth, etc.). By interacting together, CBD impacts the overall expression of THC in the body by lowering the volume of CB1, causing different and often less intrusive effects than THC alone. There are hundreds of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids and much more research is needed to understand the complex entourage effects of cannabis.
As mentioned in CBD 101, some CBD oil products on the market are actually oils infused with just isolated CBD. These products only have one molecule and do not take advantage of the added benefits of terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids and do not produce the entourage effect. We at Soul Blossom do not recommend these products for medical use.
Getting Started with CBD
In this section, we hope to offer some good tips and pointers for those who may be new to CBD and help them along on their CBD journey. After all, this is one of our prime missions here at Soul Blossom, whether or not you ever end up buying one of our products.
Disclaimer
First this important note: all hemp products should be used only as directed on the label. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition, use prescription medications, or are pregnant or nursing. Doctor’s advice should be sought before you take any supplemental dietary product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Hemp products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How To Buy High-Quality CBD
The CBD market is exploding right now. Of course, along with the good, responsible companies, some less than savory ones (for lack of a better term) are trying to capitalize on this hot, new trend. Like in all corners of business, these unsavory companies will cut corners to increase profit margins. Some companies use inferior products that are even unsafe. Others are outright dishonest, selling so-called CBD oil products that have negligible amounts of CBD in them. Some downright criminal elements may sell products that may contain dangerous synthetic CBD. These are the pitfalls of an unregulated market.
CBD oil is not a product to skimp on in terms of quality. Cheap is definitely cheap in this business. You need to make sure the manufacturer who makes the CBD oil products you use can be trusted to opt for oils rich in natural CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. If you go through a distributor of CBD oils, as many do, you need to make sure the distributor only sells products manufactured at the highest level by industry leaders using only time-tested, but innovative processes.
A recent survey by the Brightfield Group found that a full 40% of CBD products on the market DO NOT contain the amount of CBD listed on the label. With so many disreputable CBD oil producers flooding the market with products of questionable quality, it can be difficult to know whom to trust and where to find the highest quality CBD oil.
Identifying A Good CBD Provider
There are a few factors to consider when searching for a company that makes or sells high quality CBD oil products. In this industry, there are generally two sources of high quality CBD oil products—those who manufacture them or partnership distributors who bring them to the marketplace.
We here at Soul Blossom are based out of Round Rock, Texas, where the production of wholesale cannabis products ars still very limited. However, we have partnered with industry leaders based out of Colorado to bring you the highest quality CBD oil products available on the market. Our products, sold under the Soul Blossom brand, are manufactured by proven and well-established industry leaders.
All great CBD companies, whether manufacturers or distributors, make sure their products start with high quality hemp, use a safe and thorough extraction process to produce raw hemp extract, are innovative, and only use quality ingredients in the products they offer.
The good news is that a reputable company will gladly provide this information. If it’s not screaming from every corner of their website, then you can use the contact us form to inquire about their hemp source, extraction methods, and the source of other ingredients. If a company will not provide you with this information, then simply rule them out. There are plenty of respectable, high quality CBD oil makers out there, and there is no reason to waste your time with non-transparent sellers.
Hemp is farmed all over the world. The United States has only recently started to rebuild its hemp industry after almost a century of prohibition. The United States now produces some of the finest quality cannabis and hemp products in the world.
All hemp is not created equal. Industrial hemp is grown for its seeds and fibers, and it is not bred to produce high levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. On the other hand, the PCR hemp used in our products has been specifically cultivated so it is very high in cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
If a manufacturer or distributor specifies that their CBD was extracted from industrial hemp, then it’s safe to assume that the product is either lower in CBD than a product made with PCR hemp, or has been further processed and has lost much of its natural essence. Finding a company whose products are made with PCR hemp is highly desirable. As distributors, we felt it was an essential element for our brand.
Also, look for companies that offer lots education, advise and guidance. While there are plenty of great suppliers, the effective use of cannabis as a wellness agent is a complex and information intensive endeavor. We find that companies that offer education and even cannabis services, in addition to quality products to be a bit more user-friendly for those new to cannabis. For example, we here at Soul Blossom have advocates that are certified Cannabis and Hemp Advisors through Healer.com , one of the industry leaders in the medical application and use of cannabis. Check out our “Cannabis Coaching” section for more information.
Once You Find A Company You Trust, Stick With Them
It may take a bit of time, but once you find a distributor and company that you trust, go ahead and stick with them for a little bit. This will help you to gauge the effectiveness of the product and determine if they have the desired wellness benefits for you. Despite what some people might tell you, the full wellness benefits of CBD are progressive. It sometimes may take a bit of time to find the right dose for you and for your body to move into a homeostatic state.
Obviously, we hope that you’ll consider Soul Blossom as your distributor of choice. We sell only the highest quality products available on the market, using the latest innovative techniques designed to increase bioavailability and efficaciousness. Our products only contain phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) oils from high-CBD hemp grown in nutrient-rich soils in the United States. Our products undergo multiple levels of scientific testing, and all of the detailed results are available on our website. This should assure you of the quality and content. And please, if you have any questions, absolutely drop us a line, and we’ll be happy to help.