endocannabinoid system

What’s The Difference: CBD Isolate And Full-Spectrum Extracts

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The world of CBD products can be both an exciting and overwhelming place. While it is fantastic that there are so many different CBD products available, that also means that there is so much more to look at and learn!

The variety can cause confusion, and we completely understand that. It gets even harder when there are many products with similar names as it becomes difficult to know what one offers that another does not.

We’d like to take some time today to explain the difference between CBD isolate products and full-spectrum products. We often get asked about these substances, so we know that it is a confusion point for many. Let’s get started!

First, Meet CBD:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details about what separates isolate products from full-spectrum products, let’s touch on what CBD is and what it is most frequently used for.

Cannabis, whose varieties include both marijuana and hemp, is known for having many different types of effects. The effects of cannabis are caused by cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis, and CBD is one of those compounds!

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

Every body has an endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of receptors, and those receptors can bind with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a specific type of chemical compound. Cannabis contains more than 100 different kinds of these substances, along with other compounds called terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its distinctive taste and smell.

When a cannabinoid binds with a receptor, a specific effect will begin to happen in the body. The effects can be in the blood, nervous, digestive, or really any other system! The effect depends on where the cannabinoid came from, where it binds, and how well it binds. Based on these attributes, different effects will happen.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, in particular, has become very popular because it does not cause any psychoactive effects. This means that you don’t get high when you use CBD products, but you can still feel other effects. CBD products have been on a fast-track to full legalization in the United States.

CBD is available in a lot of different products, but the products are often marketed as either full (or broad-)-spectrum or isolate. So what’s the difference?

All About CBD Isolate

CBD oil marketed as a CBD isolate is a form of pure CBD. Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, but CBD isolate products contain the cannabinoid CBD and nothing else. The extraction is very pure as the other components are removed through a complex process, usually involving CO2 or other solvents.

Since CBD has been widely researched (compared to other components of cannabis) and there are many studies supporting the effects that it has on the body, CBD isolates have been a very popular choice for medicinal use. In fact, the FDA recently approved a CBD-isolate pharmaceutical called Epidiolex.

As there are no other cannabinoids in isolate products, the results and effects are more predictable. Many even believe that this is the safest and smartest way to use CBD.

Understanding The Power of Full-Spectrum CBD Extract

The other type of CBD oil that you might hear about from time to time is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extract. Sometimes, this extract is abbreviated as FSO. In FSO, there are more cannabinoids in the final product than just CBD because it has not been as extracted as isolated CBD oil.

In broad-spectrum oil, there are more active plant and chemical compounds than just CBD itself. Cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBDa, CBCVA and more might all be in a full-spectrum oil in varying amounts depending on the precise product composition. Additionally, broad spectrum products contain terpenes and flavonoids extracted from the plant along with cannabinoids.

When all of these different cannabinoids work together, some users find that the effects are more powerful or effective for their needs. This is often referred to as the “entourage effect” because the combination of numerous cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids create specific unique effects.

Full-spectrum extract users sometimes mention that they get a bigger boost from it, or that they can notice its effects more.

The Risk of THC

Because THC is the cannabinoid that causes users to feel “high”, compliant CBD products cannot contain high amounts of THC. While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

Most CBD products are low-THC even when they contain the cannabinoid, however, because hemp is a low-THC plant. If your vendor is reputable, they will be able to provide certificates of analysis that clearly indicate THC concentrations, so you don’t have to worry about ingesting something you don’t want to.

Which CBD Product Is Right For You?

Ultimately, the decision about which of these two products is right for you is going to be up to you, but we can help you make that choice if you want!

It was thought for many years that CBD isolate was the superior product because it was cleaner and more straightforward. In more recent years as more research has come in, it has become clear that full spectrum products have their own benefits. 

It’s now believed that in many cases broad-spectrum products may have more powerful effects because the cannabinoids balance and boost each other in positive ways. The interactions between different chemicals and their receptors lead to special effects that you might not see with a CBD isolate. 

We believe that both products have their place. If you’ve never tried any full-spectrum products, however, we do think that it is time for you to see what time of synergy you can discover when you use a product containing a range of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Still, many people prefer to use CBD isolate because they trust the studies done by pharmaceutical companies or they worry about the presence of other compounds. If you would prefer to stick to something that is tried-and-true, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using CBD isolate!

How These Carrier Oils Work With CBD

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While most people pay attention to the CBD extract and content when they are considering different CBD oils, they might not realize that they should be paying attention to the carrier oils, too!

Carrier oils are used in many products as a way to suspend the cannabinoid, CBD. Without a carrier oil, it wouldn’t be as straightforward to create easy-to-use CBD products. The carrier oils help to preserve and dilute the CBD in a way that makes it easy to take.

There are a number of different carrier oils that can be used in CBD products, and they each have their own body-boosting benefits. By knowing what carrier oil is being used in your products, you can double down on what type of benefits you see from the oils. Let’s take a closer look!

The Basics of CBD Oil

CBD oil is an extraction made from a cannabis plant. CBD itself is what is known as a cannabinoid. This is a specific chemical substance that can be found in the cannabis plant; there are hundreds of different cannabinoids in various types of cannabis plants.

When CBD is used in or on the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system works much like a nervous system. Whenever the cannabinoid binds with receptors in the body, specific reactions occur. This is why different cannabinoids have such different effects.

THC, for example, is the main cannabinoid found in marijuana, and it is what makes people have a psychoactive high. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause this type of reaction.

Why Do People Take CBD?

CBD is used by lots of different types of people. There isn’t one category of person that uses CBD, and that’s because there are so many different ways that the cannabinoid can interact with your body and create a positive change.

CBD oil supplements have a wide variety of reported effects, which you can easily find with an internet search.

There is scientific research being done about numerous potential benefits and effects of CBD, and we expect to see more and more specialized treatments made from these phytochemicals as we move forward. Remember, though, the FDA does not officially state that CBD oil can treat these symptoms, despite anecdotal and scientific evidence.

Carrier Oils: Why Are They Needed?

Carrier oils are almost always needed when creating a CBD oil product. While CBD is extracted from the plant itself, the oil needs to be suspended and diluted in another carrier oil to be truly effective.

In particular, the carrier oil can help to improve the absorption rate of CBD by the body. It can even affect how potent the CBD is. Bodies process and digest different types of oils in different ways, so it is important to have a well-chosen carrier oil.

Not all CBD oil products have a carrier oil, but the way that you use CBD may require it. If you use oral CBD, you will most likely need a carrier oil.

Common Carrier Oils & Their Benefits

Carrier oils are more than just a diluter and carrier; they have their own benefits as well! By choosing a specific carrier oil that suits your needs, you can improve the function of your CBD products even more than just have straight CBD.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular carrier oils and what types of benefits they may have.

MCT Oil

This is the most common carrier oil in CBD products. MCT — medium-chain triglyceride — oil is an easily digestible oil. MCT oil is used in many types of supplements because of how efficiently it can be processed by the body.

Additionally, MCT oil can carry a large amount of CBD because of its fatty chain structure. This leads to more concentrated serving sizes and better absorption rates.

MCT oil is extracted from many types of products:

  • • Coconut oil
  • • Palm products
  • • Dairy products
  • • Acids

MCT oil found in supplemental products like CBD oil is likely to come from a coconut oil. Some products may contain MCT derived from a combination of sources, but coconut oil is most common. Most Bridgetown Botanicals products contain MCT oil or a combination of MCT and hemp seed oils.

Hemp Seed Oil

Another type of oil used as a carrier oil is hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil even though they are derived and harvested from the same type of plants. Hemp seed oil is extracted from seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the actual plant matter.

Hemp seeds contain more than 30% oil, so making a carrier oil from them is a very efficient process. The resulting oil is packed with healthy fatty acids, vitamin E, and other amino acids as well. The oil does not contain any CBD.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil, extracted from grape seeds, is another common carrier oil in CBD oil products. This oil has a lot of polyunsaturated fats. Unfortunately, grapeseed oil doesn’t have as many fat bonds, which means that it is a less efficient carrier oil. Still, it is often used in CBD skincare products because it doesn’t contain many skin irritants or much grease.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is often found in CBD tinctures because of its flavor, but isn’t used in many other products because you would taste it too much. Olive oil has lots of antioxidants that can fight infections, but it isn’t as easily digestible as other options because it is composed of very large fat molecules. This could lower the absorption rate of some CBD products. (You can even purchase CBD infused olive oil to add to your favorite salad!)

Look Beyond The CBD

Of course, you’re going to be paying attention to CBD when you are choosing your CBD oil products, but remember that it isn’t the only thing that you should pay attention to. Many products use a carrier oil, and you want to be sure that you choose on that makes sense for you.

Choose a carrier oil that complements your needs. Working on a sore back? Choose something that helps with inflammation. Feeling stressed? Choose an oil with brain-boosting amino acids. By choosing the right carrier oil, you can change the way that the CBD works with you overall.

The Construction of Cannabis: What Are Cannabinoids?

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Are you someone that is curious about the world around you? Do you find that you want to know more about what’s in something rather than just using it and not knowing the difference? Then you’re in the right place!

Today’s article is going to be focused on understanding what cannabinoids are. Anyone who uses CBD or cannabis-based products should be aware of cannabinoids and what role they play in the function of these items. Still, we know that this information isn’t something that we get taught in school.

Get ready for class, everyone! Phytoextractum cannabinoid class is now in session.

What Are Cannabinoids?

The chemical compounds that make up cannabis are known as cannabinoids. There are more than 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, and each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids in it. Each cannabinoid works differently in the body, so the effects that they have differ widely.

You may have heard people talk about how different strains of cannabis have different psychical or psychological effects. Have you ever wondered why that is?

Simply put, that is because each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids, so the way that the compound interacts with your body is different.

How Do Cannabinoids Interact In The Body?

Our bodies have something known as the endocannabinoid system. This system is full of endocannabinoid receptors, and these receptors are the areas of the body that interact with the cannabinoid compounds. When each binding occurs, a different effect or reaction may happen in the body.

Since there are so many different cannabinoids as well as different types of receptors throughout the body, there are different reactions that your body may have

Common Cannabinoid Effects

There are a lot of different effects that can be caused by the interactions that cannabinoids have with the body. In fact, some cannabinoids cause more than one effect. A lot of research still needs to be done into cannabinoids, but it has been found that many issues may be helped with cannabinoids.

There are many resources you can use to keep up-to-date on the latest research on cannabinoids and their benefits. We’re excited to see what future research into cannabinoids will help us discover.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

Though there are hundreds of different cannabinoids, there are a few that are more commonly known than others. In particular, most people know about THC and CBD. Both of these cannabinoids are incredibly powerful and interesting, but they aren’t the only ones.

Let’s take a closer look at both THC and CBD as well as some other unique cannabinoids; you might be surprised at what you learn!

THC and CBD

As mentioned, these are the big players in the world of cannabinoids. These two have some of the strongest and most recognizable effects of all of the cannabinoids, and they are also present in very large quantities.

CBD has incredible benefits, and it is now being used in both medicine (Epidiolex, recently approved by the FDA) and at-home health concoctions. CBD is not psychoactive; this means that it will not make you high when you use it. From CBD oil to CBD edibles, there are many different ways that people are using this cannabinoid to ease their everyday aches and other problems.

THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive. THC is typically the cannabinoid that is responsible for feeling high when cannabis is used, but it isn’t the only psychoactive cannabinoid out there. THC is present in very large quantities in some strains of cannabis; in others, it can barely be traced.

CBC

The next cannabinoid that we want to introduce is CBC, also known as cannabichromene. The amount of CBC found in any cannabis strain tends to be very small, but it is still effective. In fact, this is one of the cannabinoids that most full-spectrum products will make sure to include because of how it rounds out the overall treatment plan.

The endocannabinoid system in your body contains fewer CBC receptors compared to the number of THC and CBD receptors. As such, CBC on its own would not have a very large effect. When used in combination with a full-spectrum product, however, CBC’s presence can activate more receptors.

The CBC receptors studied so far seem to mostly affect the digestive and immune system.

CBN

Now, let’s talk about CBN, also known as cannabinol. Like THC, this is a cannabinoid that does have some psychoactive effects. The effects, however, are not as strong as those of THC. In fact, it is interesting how the two are linked. CBN, as far as it has currently been studied, only seems to show up in strains that also contain THC. Why is that?

It’s actually because CBN is a side product of THC’s oxidation process! As cannabis plants that contain high amounts of THC get older, the THC oxidizes and creates CBN. Depending on the age of a plant, the ratio of CBN and THC will differ, and that is why there is some commonality between the two.

More than psychoactivity, CBN is known for sedation effects. It can make you quite sleepy! If you eat old edibles or use older cannabis plants in any way, it’s quite possible for this effect to occur. This is because of the THC oxidation.

CBG

CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBG, also known as cannabigerol, forms very early in the cannabis growing process. As more and more CBG is created, the presence of this cannabinoid triggers the THC and CBD formation.

The effects of CBG are similar to those of both THC and CBD, and that is likely because of how they are linked. CBG is a great for nervousness and restlessness, and it also may have a number of other effects on mental health. 

As CBG is studied more and more, we believe that it is possible that links to other cannabinoids might be found. Since there are so many cannabinoids that haven’t been studied very much, we can’t wait to see what else will be learned in future years!

All About CBD: Basics of the Endocannabinoid System

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“Endocannabinoid” is a word that has become exceptionally popular these last several years. Thanks to research and scientific breakthrough, we’re discovering more answers to our questions surrounding endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and how they affect the receptors in our bodies.

The System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), named after the cannabis plant itself in the 1990’s, makes its home in the entirety of the human body. Endogenous cannabinoid receptors are found in our organs, connective tissues, immune cells, reproductive tracts, and brains; each location performing different tasks with the same goal – maintaining stability within the body to regulate the effects of external fluctuations, which we know as homeostasis.

We have discovered that the endocannabinoid system plays a huge part in homeostasis throughout not only our bodies, but every vertebrate’s body as well. Not only useful for homeostasis, scientists have uncovered multiple other physiological processes that the ECS is involved in, such as pain-sensation, memory, mood, appetite, and more.

Taking a deeper look into the makeup of the system, we find three major players: the endocannabinoids, the receptors, and metabolic enzymes.

Endocannabinoids

These are molecules that are naturally synthesized by humans and animals that, of course, have the system within. Specializing in intercellular communication, these lipid metabolites (organic fatty compounds) are produced instantly by the body when needed and connect to and activate cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Endo, in Latin, means “within,” so we can understand that endocannabinoids are from inside the body. Cannabinoids, without the prefix, are external compounds that function with the same receptors as endocannabinoids.

The dominant endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG, thank goodness).

Anandamide, named so in homage to the Sanskrit word “ananda” meaning happiness, is a neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain that binds to CB receptors. Anandamide is studied to positively affect mood regulation, feelings of anxiety and fear and more, and aptly nickenamed the “bliss molecule.”

2-AG is an endogenous ligand (specialized protein) for the CB2 receptor and an agonist for the CB1 receptor. This protein helps regulate appetite, pain management and immune system functions.

The Receptors

CB1 and CB2 comprise the main types of receptors in the ECS, with more being studied as we speak.  

CB1 receptors are principally located within the brain and central/peripheral nervous system, with branches reaching to the spinal cord, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, muscles, and lungs as well. These receptors are known for their participation in cardiovascular activity and motor control, as well as expressing the psychoactive effects of THC.

CB2 receptors take their place in the immune and gastrointestinal system. Although seen in the brain and possibly the peripheral nervous system, they don’t present as densely as CB1 in the same areas. Nearly every disease that poses a detriment to human health has shown a change in CB2 receptor expression and endocannabinoid levels in general.

How do these spectacular physical structures work? I think data scientist Nick Jikomes portrayed the process flawlessly:

“Cannabinoid receptors sit on the surface of cells and “listen” to conditions outside the cell. They transmit information about changing conditions to the inside of the cell, kick-starting the appropriate cellular response.”

The Enzymes

The role of metabolic enzymes in the ECS is to decimate the endocannabinoids immediately after their purpose is fulfilled, preventing the molecules from loitering in the body. The special enzymes that take care of this are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).

FAAH hydrolyzes anandamide, while MAGL is responsible for the metabolism of 2-AG.

CBD and the ECS

With the knowledge that anandamide interacts with our bodies in such positive ways, don’t you think we should try to inhibit its breakdown? If you do, then that is a perfect motivator in making CBD a regular part of your wellness routine.

FAAH’s process of hydrolyzing anandamide is inhibited by CBD, thus increasing activity of the bliss molecule. This is accomplished by CBD blocking access of endocannabinoids onto transport molecules, temporarily disabling FAAH’s mechanism.  

Isolated CBD can’t maintain all the work on its own, however, so thanks to the entourage effect we see major benefits to our whole endocannabinoid system, not just a concentrated portion of it.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for sticking around and learning about the ECS! There’s so much more to learn, and sometimes all of this can get complicated. I encourage you to stick with it and educate your friends and family that may have questions on what we already know.