What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are organic compounds found naturally in the Cannabis Sativa plant that act directly or indirectly with cannabinoid receptors to help maintain the stability and health of the body.
Cannabinoids have their unique property of communicating with the nerves in our cells. This communication makes some changes in the secretion of chemicals in our brain and causes various effects in our body.
Cannabinoids are generally classified according to their origin. Hemp and some other plants produce cannabinoids that interact with our receptors. These plant cannabinoids are called phytocannabinoids. Our body also produces its own cannabinoids to work on cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids because they are created internally in our body. Cannabinoids that are not found in nature can be synthesized in vitro and they are called synthetic cannabinoids.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the more than one hundred phytocannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD was first isolated in the 1940s, but the discovery of its formula and identification of the structure was completed in the 1960s by Professor Raphael Mehoulam, the “father of cannabis research” and a group of researchers.
According to numerous scientific studies, CBD has a number of important therapeutic and healing properties. Since 2013, more than 1,100 CBD studies have been included in the American National Institutes of Health (NIH) index. We can say that CBD, a safe and non-addictive substance, is one of the most exciting and promising compounds studied by the medical and scientific communities today.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a valuable compound obtained by separating the flowers, buds, resin and leaves of the natural Cannabis Sativa plant by various methods and mixing it with oils such as coconut oil, olive oil or hemp seed oil.
CBD oil, which is used in many categories, mostly in the health sector, is delivered to the end user by bottling at different rates such as 5%, 10%, 20% depending on the density of the CBD in it.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), found in nearly every living thing, is a complex cell signaling system. The endocannabinoid system includes three basic components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids – Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are similar to phytocannabinoids, but they are produced by our bodies. These endocannabinoids help internal functions run smoothly.
Endocannabinoid receptors – Endocannabinoid receptors are found in our body, and endocannabinoids bind to these receptors to signal that the ECS should take action.
Enzymes – Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they have performed their function.
Today, experts are still working to fully understand the endocannabinoid system. So far, we know that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating a number of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. In addition, the endocannabinoid system is actively working in our body, even if we do not use cannabis-derived products.
What is the Entourage effect?
The Entourage effect is the results produced from the synergistic interaction of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes and fatty acids naturally found in Cannabis Sativa plant. Simply put, the Entourage effect is the benefit of maximizing the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant by combining it all, rather than taking the components one by one.
The entourage effect for CBD means that the cannabidiol in the product you use is not only responsible for relieving pain or reducing anxiety. Other cannabinoids such as CBN and CBDV, and terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene increase the benefits of CBD. Cannabidiol positively affects the endocannabinoid system, but it needs a “team” of compounds to reach its strongest status. CBD and THC interact with each other in a complex way, complementing and enhancing their therapeutic effects. Both CBD and THC have important therapeutic properties.
For example, it’s fine to take a vitamin C tablet. But eating a whole orange or grapefruit is much more beneficial for you. Because the positive effect of all the nutrients, fibers, minerals and other compounds in the fruit on your body is more than just vitamin C.
What are the types of CBD oil?
Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate are the three most common types of CBD, and each is produced differently. These terms refer to the number of different cannabinoids and plant materials found in the product. At one end of the spectrum is CBD isolate, which contains nothing but pure CBD, and at the other end is full-spectrum CBD containing various cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes.
Full spectrum – Full spectrum CBD is the type of CBD that contains all the healing compounds naturally found in the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, proteins, fiber, rich essential vitamins and other cannabinoids.
Broad spectrum – Broad spectrum CBD is the type of CBD that falls between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate. We can also think of broad-spectrum CBD as THC-free Full Spectrum CBD, but they contain less cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in full-spectrum products.
Isolate – CBD isolate is the purest type of CBD produced by decomposing all other compounds found in the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids.
Does CBD get you high?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis, is a popular ingredient known for its psychoactive effects. But even though they come from the same plant, CBD should not be confused with THC. CBD does not bind directly to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor found in our body, like THC. CBD changes the shape of the receptor, weakening CB1’s ability to bind with THC.
While too much THC can cause rapid heartbeat, coordination problems, and temporary forgetfulness effects, CBD does not. CBD helps you feel more relaxed, calm, less anxious and even fall asleep more easily. CBD has the soothing qualities of THC without any intoxicating effects.
Does CBD have any side effects?
Thousands of studies performed and extensive review by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal CBD’s incredibly low risk of side effects. As part of research on CBD by the World Health Organization: “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.Reported adverse effects may be the result of an interaction between CBD and current medications used by patients.”
However, some people have experienced some side effects, especially in the first use and when consuming high concentrations of CBD. These are;
- Diarrhea
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness
- Feeling of tiredness
- Dry mouth
Always consult your doctor before consuming CBD, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking a prescription medication. CBD can reduce or increase the effect of some drugs, just as it can be in grapefruit consumption.