HEMP, CBD & CANNABIS IN GENERAL

* What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?

CBD is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid (chemical compound of the Cannabis plant) found in hemp that has no psychoactive effects. Hemp is legal to grow domestically as part of the 2018 US Farm Bill.

CBD has been shown anecdotally to help relieve many physical and mental ailments. People often treat CBD like a daily vitamin in their wellness regimen for homeostasis and balance. Or another tool for athletic training or injury recovery. As money for research becomes more available (with less risk and more comfort around working with hemp in labs), more and more peer reviewed studies report that CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and antiemetic. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved hemp or CBD products for any medical uses, and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

* How is Hemp Different from Marijuana?

“Hemp” and “Marijuana” are scientifically both Cannabis sativa L. They are both of the Cannabis genus belonging to the Cannabaceae family. They have been bred to be very different plants. Marijuana for its resinous buds more concentrated with the psychoactive compound, THC, and hemp for its fibers and seed oils. The US designates hemp to be no greater than 0.3% THC by weight. But hemp is still Cannabis, it’s just most certainly not Marijuana. In the US, hemp often now looks and smells like marijuana since it is being grown for CBD potency, and not typically for traditional industrial or commercial reasons like in Europe or Asia.

* What Is The Difference Between Hemp Seed Oils And CO2 Hemp Extracts?

Hemp seed oil found in the health food section of grocery stores like Whole Foods is processed by by cold pressing cleaned hemp seed. The resulting oil is very rich in healthy, fatty acids, and many find it a great alternative to traditional oils on the market.

Hemp extracts are processed very differently. Instead of using the seeds, the hemp flowers are desired. The most common processing method is called supercritical CO2 extraction. This method heats and pressurizes CO2 to a state where it behaves as both a liquid and a gas. In this state it acts as a stable and environmentally safe solvent to then extract the full-spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp flowers and plant mass. Other common exact ion methods utilize ethanol or hydrocarbons for solvents.

* What Is The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The Endocannabinoid System is a group of cannabinoid receptors present in the brain and central and peripheral nervous systems. As far as we know, it is found in humans and many animals. The sole function of these receptors (CB1 and CB2) is to interact with cannabinoids in the body. The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids, but cannabinoids can also be created synthetically, or be found naturally in plants like cannabis. Research shows the endocannabinoid system may be involved in many physiological processes, and it is most commonly said to help maintain balance and homeostasis Throughout the entire body.

* What Are Cannabinoids And Terpenes?

There are three types of cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hundreds of natural compounds exist in Cannabis sativa, and at least 80 of these are classified as cannabinoids (both of these numbers are continuing to grow). Endocannabinoids are compounds our bodies naturally produce to interact with the endocannabinoid system. Synthetic cannabinoids have been developed for medical use. Terpenes are the aromatic hydrocarbons that give Cannabis sativa its wide spectrum of smells and tastes depending on the terpene ratios present in the strain.

The most well-known and researched cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol), and CBG (cannabigerol).

When phytocannabinoids and terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system, the resulting perceived effects depend on the quantity and ratio of the introduced compounds.