CBD Oil and Cannabinoids Overview

CBD OilCBD oil is extracted from the seeds, stalks, and flowers of hemp. Pure CBD oil is usually consumed under the tongue to allow the CBD and other botanical compounds to diffuse through the mucous membrane. It can be swallowed and ingested, but it might take longer to feel the effects of the CBD.

Pure CBD oil contains a variety of other cannabinoids, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, protein, chlorophyll, fiber, flavonoids, and terpenes. The taste of unfiltered CBD oil is typically described as nutty, earthy, or grassy.

Staying educated about CBD is key for the best experience possible. If you’re new to CBD, understanding all the different terminology and plethora of products can be really confusing! 

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the type of oil you buy. Knowing the difference between full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate is key. 

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum products contain CBD and other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. This is CBD that contains all cannabinoids and chemical compounds naturally present in cannabis. Full spectrum CBD is believed to best lend to the entourage effect (see below) and has gone through the least amount of processing and refinement.  Although some full-spectrum CBD oils due contain trace amounts of THC (0.03% or less), the products that Blissforia has selected to represent are THC free.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is 99%+ pure CBD. It has gone through several refinement processes to remove all other cannabinoids and various plant compounds. This odorless, tasteless form of CBD is considered the purest form of CBD that exists and contains zero probability of any intoxicating effects. 

Because all other compounds have been removed to create CBD isolate, this type of CBD does not lend to the entourage effect like a full or broad spectrum product. CBD isolate is typically best for those with extreme sensitivities to THC or other cannabinoids or CBD newbies who are tentative to use cannabis-based products. 

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a phenomenon linked to full spectrum CBD. The entourage effect happens when minor cannabinoids in hemp extract interact with the plant's terpenes and other plant components to magnify and multiply each plant element's therapeutic potential, including CBD. This means the entourage effect has the potential to enhance the health and wellness benefits of CBD.

Terpenes

Full-spectrum products boast the health benefits of the original plant terpenes.  Terpenes are volatile molecules that are responsible for a unique aroma profile of plants, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Aromatherapists have used these terpenes for centuries.  There are more than 200 terpenes in cannabis which, like cannabinoids, also bind to different receptors in the body to provide an array of potential health benefits.

Beta-Caryophyllene:

Caryophyllene is a common and often abundant terpene found in cannabis. Its distinctive flavor contributes to the spiciness of black pepper and can be found in high amounts in cloves, hops, and rosemary. It falls under the FDA’s “generally recognized as safe” classification, so large doses can be safely consumed.

Over the last decade, caryophyllene has gained the attention of scientists when it was discovered to be one of the first non-cannabinoids to directly activate cannabinoid receptors. Caryophyllene-rich cannabis strains may therefore have specific medicinal effects due to this terpene’s effect on our endocannabinoid system.

The potential benefits of caryophyllene:

CB2 receptors are found in immune tissues throughout the body and are increased in the brain in disease or following injury. Their activation reduces inflammation, which lessens pain and reduces the damaging consequences that chronic inflammation has on brain function and risk for developing brain diseases.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are one of the three main cannabis components that are thought to encourage the entourage effect, alongside phytocannabinoids and terpenes.

CBD Oil Overview

Flavonoids are a significant contributor to the way we perceive cannabis through our senses. While we usually contribute cannabis odor and flavor to terpenes, flavonoids have recently been shown to provide an influential differentiating factor between strains. More than 20 different types of flavonoids exist within the hemp plant, and they make up around 10% of the plant’s total bioactive compounds. Flavonoids do not exist only in cannabis, however. They’ve also been found in several different plants, including flowers as well as produce. Some flavonoids are found exclusively in cannabis, nicknamed cannaflavins.

Flavonoids have a considerable influence on the color, smell, and flavor of specific cannabis strains. If you ever see a deep purple cannabis strain, know that the color comes from the flavonoids anthoxanthins or anthocyanins. Odors and flavors in cannabis are a direct result of the synergistic effect between terpenes and flavonoids, allowing us to differentiate between strain varieties. Flavonoids also have a pharmacological impact on cannabis.

Although much more research needs to be done on these potent compounds, flavonoids cannaflavin A, B and C have significant potential for many medical benefits.

Another critical thing to remember about flavonoids is that they contribute to the overall synergistic quality of the compounds in cannabis. The reason why certain strains have such therapeutic qualities is because of the relationship certain chemicals have with one another.

One way to ensure that you get the best possible benefit from flavonoids is to confirm you’re using a strain with a high cannaflavin content. Also, using a CBD oil labeled “full-spectrum” would ensure you’re getting all the possible cannabinoids and flavonoids.

As with any other health supplement, potential listed benefits will not apply to every single person. For safety, be sure to consult with your physician before starting to use any new cannabis product to make sure it’s right for you. Always buy from a reputable company and start with low doses.

Still have questions about the difference in the types of CBD oils?  Feel free to contact us anytime. We’re always here to help! 

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