Cannabinoids
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Of over 480 different beneficial compounds that are present in the plant, only around 66 are officially termed cannabinoids. The diversity and abundance of the compounds in cannabis plants truly make it nature’s best medicine.
The most well known among these compounds is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the other well known, important and very exciting compound that is found in the cannabis plant. We are only recently starting to realise the powerful effect it has on our bodies and are now taking advantage of its health benefits and interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).
We also have to give a special mention to all the minor cannabinoids for they have their own qualities as they are reported to work synergistically with CBD and THC to help enhance the effect of their powerful health benefits and interaction with the body and our endocannabinoid system. This interaction has been coined as the entourage effect, which is why whole plant extracts is advocated over extracted isolated compounds.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect occurs when CBD is ingested with the other compounds from the cannabis plant, rather than in isolation. The theory is that all of the compounds in cannabis work together synergistically to enhance its healing effect on the body.
What is the difference between cannabis and hemp?
The plant Cannabis Sativa has two primary species, industrial hemp and marijuana. Both contain CBD however hemp has a much higher concentration of CBD and very low levels of THC, compared to its counterpart, marijuana that you will find has lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is the second most active component in cannabis. It is likely the most popular to be used medicinally as more and more studies have found it to play an integral role in the interaction with our own endocannabinoid system and the plethora of benefits it provides. CBD is not a psychoactive compound like it’s counterpart, THC. You cannot get high from consuming CBD products.
Endocannabinoids