In recent years, scientific studies have confirmed what many already knew: CBD is a natural remedy with many uses, capable of maintaining or restoring balance in the body. But what exactly is CBD, and how does it affect the body's endocannabinoid system? What is the difference between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate? Whether you've just discovered CBD or want to deepen your existing knowledge, you'll find all the explanations you need here.
If you have any further questions, please use our FAQ section.
20 CBD terms you should know
Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the portion of a substance that can be absorbed after digestion. This can vary depending on how you consume CBD. For example, oral ingestion results in a bioavailability of 20%, while inhalation increases to 30%. However, you should keep in mind that bioavailability is just one aspect among many to consider when choosing a method of ingestion.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant, such as terpenes or essential oils
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is a natural chemical component found in all cannabis plants. One of the most important cannabidiols is CBD. It is an effective medicinal compound and does not produce intoxicating effects. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system and has antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic effects.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are natural components of the cannabis plant. All cannabinoids, the most important of which are CBD and THC, act on the body's endocannabinoid system.
CBD
The common name for cannabidiol.
CBD isolate
As the name suggests, CBD isolate contains nothing but pure, isolated CBD. While "pure" is considered a kind of gold standard for CBD, research has shown that the benefits of CBD can be further enhanced by its interaction with other cannabinoids and other components of the cannabis plant. This is called the entourage effect.
CBD oil
CBD oil is one of the most popular ways to consume this natural remedy. It is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and seeds of the hemp plant. The resulting extract is then added to hemp seed oil. When using CBD oil, keep in mind that the quality of the product can make a huge difference. Preferably choose an organic product without chemical additives. Find out about its origin, manufacturer, and production method.
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the cannabinoid that produces the high in the cannabis plant. While THC and CBD have similar chemical formulas, their molecular structures differ. As a result, consuming THC results in a "high," while consuming CBD does not.
dosage
Dosage determines the amount of a substance needed to achieve a specific desired effect. When it comes to CBD dosage, you should definitely not follow the motto "more is better." Instead, you should consider the following factors: general health, the severity of the health problem, body weight, metabolic status, the functioning of your endocannabinoid system, sensitivity to CBD, and several others. Taking CBD is fundamentally about restoring balance, so it's advisable to start with the smallest possible dose. After that, you can listen to your body and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabis-like molecules produced by the human body. Strictly speaking, these molecules are found not only in humans but in all vertebrates. The phytocannabinoids in cannabis mimic the body's endocannabinoids, with each type producing a different, corresponding effect in the body.
Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system was discovered relatively recently, although it has a tremendous influence on health and well-being. It is the primary factor in maintaining balance in the body and regulates joy, well-being, and energy. However, when an imbalance occurs in the form of illness or injury, it takes on another role: restoring balance and normal bodily functions.
Entourage Effect
The entourage effect describes the synergy between CBD, terpenoids, cannabinoids, and other substances in the cannabis plant. When these components work together, they can enhance the healing effects of CBD.
hemp
Hemp is the name given to cannabis plants cultivated specifically for industrial use. The THC content of the hemp used in CBD products must not exceed 0.3%. Hemp with a low THC content can be found in a wide variety of products, from food products like oil or flour to non-food goods like paper, clothing, or even building materials, and of course, in medicinal products like CBD.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants and mimic the endocannabinoids produced in the human body. There are more than 110 phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including CBD. Each of these phytocannabinoids has a different effect on the body.
Psychoactive
Psychoactive refers to something that influences brain functions, affecting mood, perception, or behavior. THC is psychoactive, CBD is not.
Terpenes
Terpenes are organic compounds that contribute to the taste and smell of plants like cannabis. They are part of the entourage effect, the potentiation of CBD by other substances.
THC
THC is the generally accepted abbreviation for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol: the substance in cannabis that causes the intoxicating effect.
Tinctures
CBD tinctures are not the same as CBD oil. Tinctures are made by soaking high-CBD hemp flowers in a solvent made from alcohol and water and boiling them for several hours. Sometimes vinegar or glycerin is used instead of alcohol. However, alcohol absorbs the most CBD and is therefore the preferred method. After this process, which produces a concentrated extract, it is mixed with carrier oils to improve bioavailability and flavor. CBD tinctures are generally highly effective and easily absorbed when taken sublingually (under the tongue).
Method of administration
The delivery method describes how CBD is ingested or applied. CBD delivery methods include tinctures, edibles, tablets, lotions, or oils. The way CBD is delivered has a significant impact on bioavailability, meaning how quickly an effect is achieved and how long it lasts.
Full spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all—or almost all—components of the cannabis plant. These include flavonoids, turpentine, and other cannabinoids, unlike CBD isolate, which contains only pure CBD.
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