Cannabinoids are the building blocks of the Cannabis plant. There are currently over 100 known variations of the parent Cannabinoid CBG.
Some are created with time and light as the plant grows, some morph as the plant is processed or heated.
Hemp Vocabulary - Some of the main words in CBD conversation
Cannabinoids
This is the word describing the pieces of the Cannabis plants that interact with receptors in the human body. Technically they are Phyto Cannabinoids and the ones Your body makes are called Endocannabinoids. The plant makes ones like THC (the major culprit behind the euphoric high your brain experiences from marijuana) and CBD (the balancer) while your body makes Anandamide (the bliss hormone associated with "runners high" and the natural high that accompanies happiness) and 2-AG (the body's police officers). Science believes our bodies make even more and has proven that the plant has over 113 including CBG, CBC and CBN.
Endocannabinoid System - ECS
This includes our own internal cannabinoids and receptors. Two of the main receptors in the ECS are CB1 receptors, which are mainly found in the brain and nervous system, and CB2 receptors which are primarily found in the immune system and other organs of the body. When stimulated, this system supports balance, stability, and overall homeostasis in the body.
Whole Plant/Full Spectrum
This means that the entire plant was used to create the product, it will contain 0.3% THC as well as other cannabinoids beyond just CBD and terpenes, which are the flavor profiles of the plant. Due to different variations in Hemp strains and cultivation the exact makeup can differ greatly so you should always consult the lab report for the batch to see exactly how it measures up.
Broad Spectrum
This means that it includes several cannabinoids but does NOT contain THC. A true broad spectrum will also include terpenes though the term is widely used to describe anything without THC but more than just CBD so check those labs!
Isolate
This is a refined and potent 99% pure CBD leaving out any terpenes or other cannabinoids resulting in them being undetectable on the lab results. This is the safest way to use CBD if you are subject to drug testing though you should always check the lab results to ensure the CBD was refined without harsh chemicals.
Carrier Oil/Emulsifiers
Not many of us would decide to sit down and chew on a stalk of hemp which means the delivery method needs to be altered. In order to transform the parts of the plant into a liquid form extra oils or liquids are added and which ones are used will change the way you can dose, how fast the dose effects you and the bio-availability of the dose. For example, oil and water do not mix so products with a Hemp Oil or MCT (multi-chain triglyceride, aka coconut oil) base will be restricted to sublingual use. Vegetable Glycerin however will mix with beverages allowing you to drink your dose.
Hemp Seed Oil
This is an oil extracted from the seeds of a hemp plant using a cold expeller-pressed method. This oil does not contain cannabinoids. It is a food product that can be used for cooking and flavor. Hemp seed oil is high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are very good for heart health and makes delicious popcorn and salad dressing!
Potency & Dosing
The number on the outside of the bottle denotes the amount of CBD in the entire bottle. Some companies will also break it down to how much you receive per dose/dropper which is just a division of the total milligrams by the total volume. Regarding a recommended dose, I keep it simple and small to start, 1:10. 1 milligram of CBD for every 10 pounds of person or pet. This is not a limit or definite, we are all different with different battles, but that gives you a place to start and the freedom and control to decide each day what your body needs.
Labs
I'm in Florida and the Sunshine State, as well as many others, demand that CBD products be tested to show potency and purity. Those results must be easily accessed via a scannable code on the product and/or a website providing the batch results. Your bottle should be stamped with a batch/lot number and that should lead you to the third party lab results proving to you what is in the bottle (and what isn't).
I cannot stress enough how important it is to deal with a company that provides labs and it totally transparent with you regarding their practices. You have made a conscious decision to use a natural alternative, now make sure it is.
Extra Credit
The list is always growing and there is so much more to learn! Please visit my friends at Relive and enjoy their compilation in their CBD Dictionary.
Cannabinoids
Cannabigerol
CBG is often referred to as the ‘parent cannabinoid’. All phytocannabinoids start out as CBG in their developmental processes and as the plant grows, time and age will transform the CBG into the other pieces. Using a product that still has CBG in it will help amplify the effects of the other pieces. It binds to CB1 & CB2 Receptors.
Tetrahydrocannabinol - Delta 9
This is the one that everyone knows about and the one that tends to get all the credit. THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors and is known for its mind altering effects and the "high" attributed to Cannabis.
Delta-8
When THC-Delta 9 ages it becomes either Delta-8 or CBN and the potency of the psycho-activity fades as do the government regulations. Research proves its anti-nausea effects and calming nature. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7776837/
Cannabinol
CBN is a non-intoxicating compound that is best known as the cannabinoid created when THC ages. Studies on CBN have found that it may be a potent antibacterial agent, a powerful neuroprotectant as well as a way to treat intraocular pressure and to stimulate appetite.
https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-cbn-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabinoid
Cannabidiol
The second most popular piece and the name most commonly used when referring to products regardless of their other contents. CBD does not bind to Endocannabinoid receptors, instead it helps your body protect the cannabinoids you make. This action has been found to ease the body's response to conditions like inflammation and anxiety.
Cannabichromene
CBC is non-intoxicating, so it doesn’t produce a euphoric high like THC. The reason it is non-intoxicating is because it binds poorly to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. But CBC does bind with other receptors in the body, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), both of which are linked to pain perception. When CBC activates these receptors, increased levels of the body’s natural endocannabinoids like anandamide are released.
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cannabichromene-cbc-cannabinoid
This peppery scented terpene is the only known terpene to also display characteristics of a cannabinoid. In other words, BCP is capable of interacting with some of the receptor sites that comprise the endocannabinoid system.
BCP targets the CB2 receptor. This means that BCP does not produce a psychoactive effect.
A paper documents a study that shows the potential of BCP as a treatment for anxiety and depression. The paper, published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, discusses the role of CB2 receptors in anxiety and depression disorders.
BCP is considered an innovative compound that has valuable pharmacological effects over existing benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Article posted by: https://dispensemagazine.com/lets-talk-terpenes-beta-caryophyllene/
A subdued and nuanced floral aroma with notes of fruity citrus, apples, and rose.
Whether you’re seeking a sense of relaxation or an aid for sleeplessness or anxiety, knowing how much nerolidol is in your medicine can play a key factor in selecting the ideal strain.
One of the most common terpenes found in cannabis is myrcene. Beyond cannabis, myrcene is found in hops and is responsible for the peppery, spicy, balsam fragrance in beer. It’s also expressed in lemongrass, which has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries.
Herbal medicines containing myrcene have a long history of being used as a sleep aid in folk medicine. In Mexico, myrcene-rich lemongrass infused tea has been used in as a sedative and muscle relaxant. It is common for Germans, who are the second largest hops growers in the world (the US is first), to use myrcene-rich hops preparations as a sleep aid.
Boasting a delicately sweet and floral aroma with hints of citrus and spice. Commonly found in German chamomile and the South American candeia tree.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of bisabolol can potentially treat a variety of skin conditions. Bisabolol also acts as an antioxidant, contributing to the overall medicinal benefits cannabis may provide.
A 2010 study explored bisabolol as an anti-cancer agent by inducing apoptosis in acute leukemia cells. A 2014 study demonstrated bisabolol’s cytokine inhibiting activity to potentially treat skin inflammation. A September 2015 study examined the potential of bisabolol as a topical treatment for chronic venous leg ulcers.
https://apothecarium.com/blog/nevada/2018/6/7/terpenes-the-essentials-bisabolol
Humulene naturally occurs in clove, basil, hops, and cannabis sativa. It carries a subtle earthy, woody aroma with spicy herbal notes. Though cannabis is commonly associated with appetite stimulation, humulene is actually known to suppress hunger.
Classified as a sesquiterpene and has a close biogenic relationship with caryophyllene, as they may amplify each other’s anti-inflammatory properties. This is likely due to humulene being an isomer of caryophyllene, which means they share similarity in their molecular formation but with a different chemical structure. As caryophyllene is often associated with gut health, humulene can act as an appetite suppressant when highly present in cannabis.
The potential of humulene to be an effective agent against cancerous tumor growth was researched in May 2003. Another study from December 2007 suggests anti-cancer potential may be increased by the presence of both humulene and caryophyllene.
https://apothecarium.com/blog/nevada/2018/6/7/terpenes-the-essentials-humulene
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Why, When & How
We call the buds of a cannabis plant Flower and there are just as many strains as there are bad puns but when it comes down to it You won't find a faster way to feel a dose and it truly is the most pure form of dosing.
**Remember: HEMP, is legal to sell, buy, carry and consume due to its less than .3% THC content. This is NOT the bud that will leave your head wonky and the snack cupboard empty, this is the bud that is aiming for a calm positive mind and a relaxed body.**
Why
Every other delivery method has had a man or a machine change the plant somehow. I find the companies that are organic and can prove their potency and purity but when it comes down to it, if you have a liquid in a jar, the molecular structure has been changed, carrier oils have been added and the plant has started to degrade from extraction, exposure and time. Buds are picked, dried and then they wait, in tact, with all their genetic greatness better preserved.
When
If you need a dose to kick in fast you don't want to wait for a pill to dissolve in your stomach and sometimes even a sublingual will take too long, that's where smoking (or vaping) answers the call. By drawing in a puff (a hit, a toke, etc.) you deliver a bit to the receptors in your mouth and then send the rest directly to the receptors in your windpipe, lungs and sinus cavities. All of these areas are teaming with Endocannabinoid System receptors and your body will pull the supplemental cannabinoids it needs and put them to work immediately.
How
You can buy loose flower and roll your own, or use a bowl or pipe you already have. (See, I don't judge you for having cool gear stocked away.) Pre-rolls are great for the grab and go kinda guy or gal and vape pens if you would like to be a bit more covert. (ONLY vapes that are distillate, no flavors, no preservatives, no fillers or carrier oils, just pure hemp goop.)
I know smoking has preconceived notions attached to it and maybe it's not the Best method for You, but don't write it off because of visions of Hippies dancing in your head. Find out for Yourself how smoking feels and what it offers.
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