Phyto

Honey Sticks & Their Sweet Origin (Plus New Kratom Honey!)

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Everyone is familiar with honey, but what do you really know about this sweet, sticky substance?

Honey comes from bees; that much is obvious. But how (and why) exactly do bees put time into creating this nutritious, delicious food? There’s a lot to learn about honey and the many different types of honey that you can enjoy.

Honey sticks are one of the easiest ways to try honey, and we’ve launched our own honey sticks (packed with kratom, of course) that you can order today. Let’s learn more about this sweetener so you can get a taste of what our honey sticks are made of.

All About Honey

What is honey?

Honey is a sweet food that is usually found as a thick liquid. Honey bees make honey by gathering nectar from flowers and other plants. After pollination, the nectar gathered goes through a process inside the beehive before it is stored as a future resource by the bees.

The natural variation in plants causes the variation found in honey. The nectars produced by plants have varying sugar, mineral, and organic compound contents. The honey created by a bee’s hives is very dependent on what type of nectar is gathered.

Why Honey is Made

Why exactly do bees make honey? Do they make it just for humans like us to enjoy?

Of course not!

Honey bees gather nectar to create honey as a food source to help the hive’s health and ability to survive difficult seasons like winter. The daily food source of bees in favorable seasons is actually pollen from the same plants they gather nectar from. 

Pollen is an immediate food source for honey bees and even helps them grow a larger brood. The bees have pollen baskets on their legs which help with pollen collection; nectar is added to the pollen to help compact it for easier transport.

When nectar is brought back to the hive, honey bees add enzymes which cause a shift in the nectar’s chemical composition. As dehydration occurs, the water content reduces, and honey forms.

Different Colors of Honey

If you’ve ever bought honey at the grocery store or a farmer’s market, you’ve probably noticed that the color of honey can vary. In fact, there are seven official color categories used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to classify honey.

These seven categories are:

  • • Water white
  • • Extra white
  • • White
  • • Extra light amber
  • • Light amber
  • • Amber
  • • Dark amber

“White” honey may seem confusing as there isn’t any honey that is truly white in color. Rather, this designation means that the honey is transparent or very near so.

What exactly do these designations mean, and why are there different honey colors at all?

The color of honey is inconsistent because the pollens and nectars collected by bees vary. Different plants lead to different colored kinds of honey, and one hive can even produce varying colors of honey depending on the season or crop availability in the area.

If you want to get more technical about it, the variation of color can be somewhat attributed to the mineral content of the flower source. Magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, surfer, and manganese can all influence the color of honey.

Flavors of Honey

Do the flavors of honey vary alongside its color?

Yes, it can vary. Often, the two vary in similar and expected ways once you learn that lighter honey is more mild and darker kinds of honey have richer, stronger flavors. Of course, there are always going to be some exceptions to this rule. For instance, bees that collect pollen and nectar from tulips create deep-colored honey that has a very mild taste.

Some types of honey are more popular (and common) than others. These are some types of honey you likely come across while shopping:

  • • Blueberry honey: light amber honey with a rounded, full flavor.
  • • Clover honey: among the most popular in the US; mild tasting
  • • Wildflower honey: used for varieties made from miscellaneous or undefined plants

Honey Changes Color

Did you know that honey can change color over time?

No matter what color honey is initially, it is likely that the color will darken over time or when heated. This is natural and normal, but it can confuse your understanding of whether these actions always cause variation in honey’s color. However, we’ve already shown how honey simply comes in many color and flavor varieties!

Just Launched: Phytoextractum’s Honey Sticks

You might wonder why we’re excited to share so much about honey in this blog post, and that’s because we’re excited!

Here at Phytoextractum, we’ve just launched a new product that we know our kratom fans might love: Kratom Honey Sticks.

Kratom honey sticks are a simple, easy way to enjoy kratom. Each stick contains 25mg of mitragynine, and the packaging is as convenient as one might expect from honey sticks. We’ve made sure to introduce a product that might surprise you in both its usefulness and uniqueness.

Enjoying Our Honey Sticks

Our customers have shared that it’s easy to enjoy these honey sticks. The sticks simplify kratom for many and can be eaten directly. Mixing the sticks into your favorite drink or even your kratom tea is also easy – the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Consider how you like using honey or sweetener and see if kratom honey sticks would work in those applications.

High-quality Service, High-quality Products

As always, we want to remind our customers how important it is to ensure they purchase their kratom and kratom-related products from high-quality vendors. Contamination is a serious risk, and you want to be sure to purchase from vendors with your safety in mind.

We were one of the first American Kratom Association members to qualify for Good Manufacturing Practices certification. We test all products for accurate identification, alkaloid content, heavy metals, and microbial safety. If you have questions about our testing processes, contact us at any time. Every good vendor should be ready and willing to answer these questions; we know we are!

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

Kratom & Social Media: The Limits Of Discussion

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Did you know that kratom companies have to be incredibly careful about what we say about kratom? From our packaging to our blog, many topics are off limits due to the current stance of the FDA regarding our product.

One place where kratom businesses are currently most restricted is on social media platforms. Social media companies, whether private or publicly traded, have to carry out their business in line with the laws of the countries they operate in. Although kratom is not and never has been federally illegal in the United States, this leads to some opposition to kratom advertising and posting.

The effects of those restrictions can be seen throughout the industry. Let’s look at the policies around what can and cannot be discussed on social media about kratom.

Why is Kratom Talk Limited?

To understand why there are limits on what can and cannot be said about kratom online, it’s essential to understand that kratom is in a bit of a regulatory gray area. The FDA has made no secret of its dislike of this product, but it has not been successful at its attempt to ban kratom. 

So companies selling kratom are very limited in how they advertise, what they claim, what is written on the packages, and much more. As there isn’t an evaluation that determines exactly what can and cannot be said, the companies are instead limited to avoiding specific topics altogether.

What Cannot Be Said About Kratom

The FDA has been particularly vigilant in enforcing this policy when it comes to kratom. In particular, companies have received warning letters for talking about the following topics on their packaging, marketing posts, and even on their informational blogs:

  • Serving size
  • Different strain effects
  • Customer testimonials and anecdotes
  • How to use kratom
  • How kratom interacts with the body or brain

As you can see, this covers a lot of what kratom consumers may want to know about kratom. This makes it hard for suppliers to talk with their customers about their products and, in some cases, can be very confusing for everyone involved.

Still, companies must respect these rules if they want to stay in business. Instead, they are careful about how they communicate. Even on this blog, we are careful about how we discuss kratom. While it is essential for information going to consumers to be factual, it is also vital that the flow of information isn’t halted altogether.

Kratom on Social Media

How does this limitation on what can be said about kratom online extend to social media?

Before

When kratom first became popular for use in the US in the early 2010s, many social media sites began banning discussion of the substance. This was due to the questionable legal status of the botanical. Social platforms didn’t want to be responsible for any legal trouble and instead avoided talking about kratom.

For many years, this was the norm. Some kratom companies made social media profiles, but their use was limited due to the limitations on what can be said about kratom and the rules of advertising supplement products. Posts can be interpreted as marketing in some cases, and that makes social media companies nervous.

The Present

However, we’re starting to see more and more companies and kratom advocacy organizations appear online. Brands have been more open about their presence as the kratom consumer market has grown and as states have enacted reasonable kratom regulations through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Unfortunately, social media platforms use their community agreements and terms of service to shut down the accounts of kratom companies. Similarly to cannabis companies, kratom brands can’t count on keeping their profiles and pages. They also face “shadow bans” – accounts and posts may not be removed, but they are shown to an extremely limited (if any) audience.

We are still optimistic that positive change is coming. Misinformation about kratom is hard to combat, and it is often spread online in locations where knowledgeable individuals are restricted. This means that there is no clear pipeline to clear up misunderstandings and brands often have no chance to appeal decisions that social media platforms make.

Only time will tell if the shift will continue in this direction or if social media will once again restrict all talk about kratom. For that reason, it’s essential not to rely on social media to get your information about kratom and other topics.

Where to Get Information about Kratom

If you cannot expect to always find information about kratom on your usual social media websites, where should you go to find information? Many kratom users are eager to learn more about the substance, its origin, and its science. However, that information isn’t always easy to find for the reasons we outlined today.

Thankfully, there are several places where you can regularly find interesting and informative posts about kratom, kratom news, and the general kratom community. Some shops have informational blogs, and many advocacy groups periodically share kratom’s latest science and political information.

Here at Phytoextractum, we keep our blog updated with posts inspired by the latest happenings in the community and questions our customers ask us. While there are limits on what we can and cannot say about kratom, we do our best to communicate clearly whenever the topic cannot be covered in-depth due to legal limitations.

If you are looking for updated information with fewer restrictions, visiting sites of advocacy groups such as the American Kratom Association is a great way to do so. They have a page specifically for the latest science being done on kratom, and this is just one of the many dedicated corners they cultivate for curious minds like yours.

Finally, consider reaching out to your local kratom shop. They will be able to talk with you about the products they stock, the information they have, and even connect you with local advocates. This local source of information is powerful, and you can also get involved in grassroots organizations to help legalize and protect kratom in America.

Liquid Kratom Shots: Are They Worth The Hype?

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Liquid kratom shots are not a new phenomenon. You’ve probably come across these tiny shots of liquid at gas stations or local smoke shops. The packaging often resembles energy drink shots, and there are many similarities in their ingredients list.

As kratom is rising in popularity, these types of liquid kratom shots are increasing in popularity as well. More brands are producing them, so you have many options when you come across them at your local retailer or while shopping online.

Despite how many of these liquid shots exist, does that mean they are a good choice for you? Not necessarily. Today, learn more about liquid kratom shots, what exactly they are, and who might want to give them a try.

What are Liquid Kratom Shots?

Kratom shots look a lot like other “shot” sized drinks, such as energy drinks. You’ll find them at smoke shops and sometimes at gas stations or convenience stores. What are these small liquid shots?

Liquid kratom shots are typically a combination of an energy drink and kratom extract. Unlike standard energy shots, liquid kratom shots claim to boost their energy-enhancing effects naturally with kratom. 

The exact makeup of these liquid kratom shots can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, the flavor, and the quality of kratom extract used to make the drink. Sometimes, multiple types of kratom’s key chemical components are used to make the shots. Some vendors even include synthetic enhancements.

The critical point to remember is that there is no set makeup of liquid kratom shot, and you should review the label carefully to determine what is in the drink before using it. Additionally, it can be helpful to think of these kratom shots as a subcategory of kratom extracts. Let’s learn more about this category and other liquid extracts.

Understanding Liquid Extracts

Kratom powder is the substance made when kratom leaves are ground into a fine, powdery state. This powder or kratom leaves themselves can be turned into a more concentrated version by steeping in certain liquids and then reducing the liquid until the alkaloid content is very concentrated.

That’s how we get kratom extracts. The extracts can be wholly dehydrated into a powder form, or they can be kept in liquid form. There are different types of liquid forms depending on the method of extraction and what is left in the substance after filtration.

Liquid kratom is often made from multiple types of kratom or other additives to affect the final product and potency. For example, we stock different liquid extracts. Some are full-spectrum options, while others are made from isolated kratom alkaloids.

Liquid kratom shots can be considered a type of liquid extract. Liquid extracts come in many different forms; some contain additives just as liquid kratom shots do. However, most kratom users would not consider kratom shots a straight kratom extract due to the vast differences in composition.

What’s The Difference Between Extracts and Shots

#1: Added Ingredients

Liquid kratom extracts may include a full range of kratom alkaloids extracted from the plant or specific alkaloids (usually mitragynine) in isolation. Some extracts contain ethanol as a solvent, and some use water or glycerin as a suspension liquid. However, there aren’t usually any other ingredients added. Liquid kratom extracts are a more pure delivery method than liquid kratom shots.

On the other hand, liquid kratom shots often contain additional ingredients to change the overall purpose of kratom in the shot. Energy drink additives are used in these shots, and they often include the following:

  • • Caffeine
  • • L-Theanine
  • • Passionflower extract
  • • Artificial stabilizers
  • • Other herbal extracts

How all of these ingredients work together has not been studied to any extent, and it’s currently impossible to say if there are benefits or risks when combining them. Kratom on its own is still being studied, and these combinations are largely guesswork.

#2: Different Alkaloids

The effects of kratom on the human body are thought to be caused by various alkaloids found in kratom leaves. Specific alkaloids are found in kratom strains in varying amounts. While mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the two alkaloids studied and mentioned most, many other alkaloids are present in kratom plants in small quantities as well.

Kratom extract often contains highly concentrated amounts of mitragynine and smaller amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Many kratom extracts are also full-spectrum products that have some other alkaloids as well.

Liquid kratom shots, however, may contain unknown concentrations and combinations of alkaloids. Some liquid kratom shots contain higher percentages of 7-hydroxymitragynine than are typically found in the natural plant.

#3: Strain Consistency

When buying a high-quality liquid extract from a reliable vendor, you should know which strain is being used to make that product. Most vendors include the name of the primary strain product in the name, and you can expect consistency from batch to batch.

Liquid kratom shots are made from different strains each time. Vendors may use whichever they have on hand, which can alter the drink’s effect. Reliable vendors will have a more consistent process, and this will be reflected in their labels and ingredients.

Safety at Phytoextractum

As with all kratom products, liquid kratom shots and similar extracts are not regulated by the FDA. Most kratom suppliers and manufacturers have their standards, but most states do not require them to meet compliance regulations. While the movement to introduce consumer protections and Good Manufacturing Practices across the country is underway, it will take time for these protections to be in place nationwide.

Until then, we know how important it is for us to take safety into our own hands as one of your favorite kratom providers. We take safety seriously and follow the latest guidelines when producing our kratom extracts.

Through the AKA’s compliance program, we can ensure that our products are being tested, packaged, and sold in the safest way possible. We will continue to hold ourselves to this standard for as long as we provide kratom to our consumers.

No matter where you do your kratom shopping, please take time to vet your vendors thoroughly. Verify that they follow the latest industry safety procedures and provide testing information on their website. If this information is lacking, you may want to choose another supplier for your kratom needs.

6 Herbal & Exotic Teas You’ve Been Missing

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Many of our customers have tried kratom tea, but have you tried other teas made from botanical products? Kratom tea is popular for many reasons. However, it is far from the only unique herbal tea and offers something beyond the traditional tea scope.

Today we’ll talk about six different botanical teas, including kratom tea, that might be worth trying. Each of these teas has been historically used for various purposes. Will any of those purposes align with what you want to try? Find out as you get to know these unique concoctions.

#1: Chamomile Tea

Have you heard of chamomile tea?

We won’t be surprised if you have, but some have not yet discovered the wonderful benefits of this herbal tea.

Chamomile tea is a traditional, medicinal tea made from the chamomile plant’s dried flowers. Specifically, the tea has been used in traditional medicine due to its calming and relaxing properties. Today, people still reach for this gentle herbal tea to help them relax throughout their day.

One remarkable fact about chamomile is that it’s good for many different body parts, like many herbs and plants. As a tea, it calms upset stomachs and nervous energy. As a topical ointment, it soothes burns and sore spots. As a mouthwash, it can reduce the pain of sores and other ailments. It’s a plant with an incredible amount of healing power.

#2: Ginger Tea

The ginger plant is native to parts of Asia, and both its root and stem are edible. These edible parts of ginger have been used for thousands of years in traditional teas and medicines for various ailments.

Most ginger teas were traditionally made by boiling ginger pieces or stems in milk or water. Today, ginger tea can be found in tea bag form, or you can still use ginger in other forms to make the tea more traditionally. Ginger can be used to make tea in many different forms:

  • • Dried
  • • Fresh
  • • Preserved
  • • Crystallized 
  • • Candied
  • • Powdered

There are ways that all of these base forms of ginger can be used to create tea, but most people find that using dried, preserved, or fresh ginger is best for making tea.

Ginger tea has been traditionally used to help with the following conditions:

  • • Cold or cough
  • • Upset stomach
  • • Motion or morning sickness

#3: Kombucha

Did you know that kombucha is actually a type of fermented tea? Most people familiar with this drink do not associate it directly with tea, but most kombucha is made from a base of black tea and sugar. These ingredients are mixed together and allowed to ferment into this specialized drink.

Once the tea is brewed, the kombucha can be made by adding vinegar and allowing fermentation to occur. Alternatively, a previous kombucha culture can be added to the mix to allow for this growth. Either way, the final product is a somewhat caffeinated drink that tastes similar to apple cider vinegar in some ways.

Kombucha is said to help regulate the digestive system, detoxify the body, and otherwise provide supplemental benefits. However, more research still needs to be done to identify exactly how kombucha cultures affect the body.

#4: Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a tea brewed in parts of South America for its psychedelic effects. The tea has been used both medicinally and socially in certain cultures. The consumption of this tea is recommended to be done only with the supervision and direction of an experienced elder of these cultures.

While the plants needed to brew ayahuasca are not explicitly banned, it is illegal to consume infusions like ayahuasca that cause psychedelic effects in the U.S.

#5: Yerba Mate

Next, let’s talk about yerba mate. You might be familiar with this caffeine-infused drink that has long been called “Cowboy Coffee” in parts of South America. Made from the dried leaves of a type of holly native, yerba mate is an earthy infusion with energy-boosting effects.

Traditionally, this tea is prepared and shared in a gourd. The gourd is often passed around a group of people, with more water being added as it is shared. This communal event is an integral part of the culture for many individuals, and the practice of sharing yerba mate continues.

Even though it is native to South America, it is possible to get the ingredients necessary to make yerba mate and other types of mate infusions worldwide. Many people enjoy this supplemental tea as an easy source of caffeination every day.

#6: And, Of Course, Kratom Tea

Finally, we want to talk about kratom tea. Kratom tea is a very popular way to consume kratom easily, and most people find it to be the perfect way to use kratom without its natural bitterness taking over.

Kratom tea is made from the dried leaves of the kratom tree. Native to Southeast Asia, this tree naturally contains chemical compounds that may have different effects on the body. When brewed into an herbal tea, the tea has many potential benefits. Depending on how the leaves are dried and harvested, kratom leaves also come in many different strains and colors, all of which have different chemical makeups.

Kratom tea is easy to get started with, and we’ve got several resources that will help you learn more about what kratom is and how people use it. Get started the right way. And enjoy the convenience of Phytoextractum’s kratom tea bags!

High-Quality Products from Phytoextractum

Here at Phytoextractum, we are proud to source and sell only high-quality ingredients. We put a lot of time into ensuring that our products are tested, safe, and well-packaged. In addition to being part of the American Kratom Association’s GMP program, which dictates high standards, we also ensure our other products have excellent quality.

If you ever have any questions about our products, from kombucha to kratom, feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help anyone curious get the resources that they need to learn more.

KCPA in Oregon: The Latest News on This Active Bill

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Phytoextractum has been thrilled to be part of changing the landscape of the Kratom industry across the US for the last few years. Recently, we’ve been working with Kratom advocacy organizations to help pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in Oregon.

If you’re familiar with Kratom news, you might remember that the Oregon state legislature previously passed a KCPA bill during the 2021 session only to have it vetoed at the Governor’s desk. This time, however, we’ll be able to see Oregon’s first official KCPA bill come to fruition.

Today, learn more about the KCPA bill in Oregon, what happened to the first iteration of the bill, and what’s going on with the current bill.

What is KCPA?

Are you unfamiliar with KCPA bills? Let’s do a quick review.

Known formally as Kratom Consumer Protection Acts, KCPA bills are bills created at the state level to provide guidance, regulation, and protections to everyone involved in the Kratom industry. From rules that protect consumers’ right to take Kratom to guidelines for Kratom processors to follow, KCPA ensures that Kratom is a safe, protected product.

KCPA bills also include a variety of testing rules for vendors and processors to ensure that consumers have safe access to Kratom. The combination of all of these rules is known simply as KCPA, and Kratom advocacy organizations are working across the country to help get these bills passed.

Without any of these protections in place, consumers cannot verify that the Kratom they purchase is safe and adequately tested. Additionally, processors and vendors have a hard time knowing exactly what they need to do to keep up with the latest best practices in the industry. Across the board, there is room for error in the entire industry without KCPA.

Why a Prior KCPA Bill in Oregon Didn’t Become Law

As mentioned above, the Oregon state legislature previously passed a version of a KCPA bill, but it ultimately did not become law. The state’s governor, Kate Brown, decided to veto the bill last year due to some areas that she felt were weak and had potential for issues for the state.

Specifically, Governor Brown was worried about which organization would be in charge of setting up the guidelines, regulations, and more for the Kratom industry. The original bill suggested that the Department of Agriculture would be responsible for this, just as they are for marijuana. However, the Governor disagreed with this choice.

This caused her to veto the bill. While we were unhappy with this development, we didn’t give up. We went back to work on adapting the bill to adjust for the Governor’s concerns. After working through her concerns with the Governor’s Office, the Oregon KCPA bill was redrafted and introduced in the House.

What’s Changed Since Then

Since then, we and other advocates of the KCPA bill in Oregon have considered the Governor’s input and worked on updating the guidelines to match her recommendations. The new version of OR HB4010 sets the Department of Revenue up as the regulatory agency, and previous critics have publicly supported this change.

Phytoextractum has been a critical backer of this bill for several legislative sessions, and we’re happy to be supporting other advocacy groups in getting these protections in place. Our public testimony on the importance of these regulations in the industry has played a significant role in getting KCPA moving in Oregon.

In fact, we’ve been working with these groups for more than five years in Oregon and other states to ensure that similar protections happen across the country. We want to see both Kratom processors and consumers be able to safely exist in the Kratom industry, and we believe that we’re on the right path to see that change.

Is KCPA in Oregon Now Law?

OR HB4010, also known as Oregon’s KCPA, was passed unanimously by the Oregon State Senate on March 2nd, after also passing unanimously in the House. Thankfully, Governor Brown was pleased with the changes made to the bill. She signed it into law on March 23rd, and this is a huge step for the Kratom community in Oregon.

Now, vendors and processors will be required to keep up with the latest rules and regulations set by the Department of Revenue, and a system to ensure the protection of products and consumers will be set into place in the coming months. These changes will be essential for the long-term preservation and success of the industry. We’re thrilled to see these things taking root.

The Kratom industry will reduce unregistered processors and untested products within the marketplace. Additionally, consumers will be able to purchase Kratom legally and confidently, which is a huge win for the Kratom industry in Oregon.

Ready to Advocate For Kratom?

Do you want to see similar protections in other states? Many states have not yet adopted any of these KCPA protections, and we are working every day to try to see these changes enacted nationwide. We’re fighting to prevent anti-Kratom laws from being enacted in some states. No matter where you are in the country, there is somewhere for you to get involved.

Ask around your local Kratom shop or visit the American Kratom Associations website today to find out how you can get involved. Join us on our mission to ensure that safe, legal Kratom remains legal across the US. Your testimony could make a huge difference in seeing KCPA protections spread across the country.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

CBD Science: CBD’s Effect ON 5-HT Receptors

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Do you know how reported effects of CBD happen inside your body?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our body and causes different types of positive benefits. There are a number of layers to how those interactions happen. There is even talk about how cannabinoids, in general, can have effects on other receptors on the body; we’re sure to learn more and more as research into CBD continues.

Today, we’re learning about how 5-HT receptors are affected by CBD. If you aren’t familiar with either of these things, don’t worry! We’ll give a complete rundown as we continue educating customers like you about CBD and the science behind it.

How CBD Interacts With Endocannabinoid Receptors

Before we get into the details of what the 5-HT receptors are and why they matter with CBD, let’s talk about the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The endocannabinoid system is a system that specifically receives signals from cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. The system is made up of receptors, enzymes, and other bits that process various body reactions. The system can have effects on pain, appetite, emotions, and more.

While CBD does interact with CB1 and CB2 (the primary endocannabinoid receptors), there are other receptors outside of the ECS that interact with CBD more strongly. 

5-HT Receptors and CBD

One of the receptors that interact with CBD very effectively is the 5-HT receptor. Specifically, CBD interacts with the 5-HT1A receptor.

What Is The 5-HT1A Receptor?

The 5-HT1A receptor is a serotonin receptor. Serotonin receptors work in the central and peripheral nervous systems to regulate and stimulate a wide variety of both biological and psychological functions in the body.

The 5-HT1A has been shown to have effects in numerous of the body’s processes, and there may be more areas of influence that have yet to be studied. We can’t get into all of the science here for the risk of sounding like doctors (we aren’t!), but we do encourage you to find out all you can about potential benefits from reputable sources. 

5-HT1A is just one of many 5-HT receptors. This family of receptors is known more generally as serotonin receptors because serotonin is used to regulate related functions. Because of the wide variety of areas that 5-HT receptors can affect, a lot of pharmaceutical drugs are created to interact with these receptors. 

CBD Binds To 5-HT1A

Studies have shown that certain amounts of CBD can activate the 5-HT1A receptor and cause changes in the body’s biological and psychological state. This means that CBD could have effects on any of the systems or areas under study for affect by the 5-HT1A system.

Stress, in particular, has been studied with regard to how CBD and 5-HT1A interact. Early studies show that CBD may help to slow the effect of stress on the body, but more research still needs to be done to confirm this.

CBDa, which is a precursor to the formation of CBD found in live plants, has very strong reactions with 5-HT1A as well. Since it binds more strongly than CBD to these receptors, there is interest in doing more studies about how CBDa might be used to enhance a number of other structures and functions in the body.

Beyond 5-HT1A

As mentioned, CBD binds with different types of receptors in the body. Each time it is able to bind strongly with receptors in the body, there is a chance that some positive benefits may happen.

Most of the time, we focus on what reactions the receptors have when CBD binds with them, but we also need to talk about what doesn’t happen when CBD binds with them!

Anytime a receptor binds with a molecule, the receptor is no longer available to other molecules. Sometimes a stronger match will come along that causes the molecules to sort of swap places, but the receptor cannot typically be activated by multiple molecules at one time.


Because of this, CBD can be referred to as a reuptake inhibitor. Let’s explore what this means!

CBD Blocks Other Molecules

To understand how CBD blocks other molecules and what this could mean for the body, let’s walk through the molecule-receptor binding process.

  1. 1. Binding proteins bring molecules into cells or near enough to them to react. Some receptors are on the inside of cells; some are on the outside. Regardless, most molecules need to be carried in on certain fatty proteins to be able to make it through the protective layers.
  2. 2. CBD is very attracted to these fatty proteins. Often, it will beat out other molecules when being picked up by the proteins. This means that CBD gets into the cells rather than another molecule.
  3. 3. CBD prevents the breakdown of other substances because it binds to receptors and proteins instead of them; thus, it can act as an inhibitor.

Let’s talk about a more specific example to help you understand.

There are scientific studies that support the idea of CBD being a beneficial substance. How might it benefit the body? For example, when CBD is picked up by proteins instead of a substance known as adenosine, less adenosine is broken down.

Higher levels of adenosine mean that more adenosine binds to A1A and A2A receptors. These receptors are responsible for blood flow, and increased blood flow may contribute to wellness. In some cases, issues may be caused by a lack of adenosine because the body is processing it too quickly.

CBD, it seems, can help to prevent that.

More CBD Science

Are you interested in learning more about CBD science? Great!

One of the things that we pride our business on is that we take time to educate our customers about more than just our specific products; we also love sharing more about the science behind them!

CBD, in general, is still a widely misunderstood substance even as it grows in popularity. Many people do not understand how or why it works, so we have created a number of informational guides to facets of that information.

Here are a few of our most popular informational articles:

To stay updated with the information we share on our resources blog, you can visit the blog here!