Originally posted on JULY 31, 2019 in CBD NEWS

Anyone unfamiliar with cannabidiol, or CBD, may be surprised to learn its association with weight loss. After all, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis has long been known to do the exact opposite; stimulate appetite. However, now that medicinal cannabis is legal in more parts of the world, new research (linked below) has found that industrial hemp-derived CBD may have an effect on weight. How you ask? Read on and find out.

What is CBD and How Does it Work?

Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis, and CBD is one of over 100 known today! After THC, CBD is the second most plentiful cannabinoid, composing up to 40 percent of some cannabis extracts. While THC is known for its intoxicating effects, CBD doesn’t get you high.

Studies have shown that CBD may offer its benefits by stimulating certain receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system and prolonging the effects of the “bliss molecule” anandamide. By allowing anandamide to remain in the body longer, it doesn’t just help soothe soreness but also helps in other areas as well. CBD may also support the body by helping to decrease the number of cytokines, which are inflammatory molecules. 

What does this all have to do with weight loss? Keep on reading…

4 Ways CBD May Help with Weight Loss

1. CBD’s Effects on Food Intake

Unlike THC, CBD does not make you hungry. Though there haven’t been many studies on the effects of CBD on weight loss, one study found CBD could actually reduce food intake. Researchers compared three cannabinoids and found that CBD minimized total food consumption in rats. It works by helping to block the overflow of neurotransmitters, which leads to binge-eating behaviors, thus regulating appetite and weight. However, as these tests were done on rats, more research on the effects of CBD on human appetite is still needed.

2. CBD to Combat Stress-Eating

Many people turn to food to help them deal with stress. The endorphins that stress eaters get from eating unhealthy comfort foods may effectively battle stress hormones, but it does so at the cost of weight gain, as well as other health problems. Because CBD has been found to help ease stress and anxiety, it may curb this behavior and prevent you from putting on unwanted pounds due to stress-eating.

3. CBD and Breaking Down Fat

One study published in the Journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that CBD stimulates the genes and proteins that help break down fat. CBD speeds up “fat browning”, which is the process that turns the white fat cells linked with obesity into healthier brown fat cells that generate energy. The researchers also found that CBD may increase the activity of mitochondria, boosting the body’s ability to burn calories while decreasing the number of proteins involved in fat cell generation.

4. CBD to Manage Blood Sugar

Sugar is a highly addictive substance that can wreak havoc on your health and weight. Once diabetes develops, the body becomes more resistant to insulin, causing more fat absorption. CBD has been found to minimize insulin resistance, decreasing fat build-up.  

How to Use CBD Oil for Weight Loss

Though more studies need to be done on CBD’s effects on human weight management, CBD is quite safe and has very few side effects. While the findings of recent research are promising, it’s important to note that these studies are still in their early stages. However, when coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, CBD oil could very well lead to faster, healthier weight loss.

Contributed Post. Article originally posted on https://madebyhemp.com/

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Why is it important to include CBD in Health and Wellness Routine

With continued research, fans of cannabis – both old and new – are coming to realize how useful CBD can be as part of an overall wellness regime.

Cannabis is not just something that “stoners” use on a recreational basis in an effort to get high. While it certainly can be consumed for recreational purposes, cannabis has so many more uses.

In fact, science continues to show us how the various cannabinoids in cannabis – including CBD – play a key role in health and wellness and serve as a natural alternative to traditional remedies for various ailments.

And in addition, Cannabis and its benefits can be obtained through a great variety of products, including CBD oil candles from Muddy Boot Botanicals

With continued research, fans of cannabis – both old and new – are coming to realize how useful CBD can be as part of an overall wellness regime.

How CBD Helps Your System

CBD – or cannabidiol – may have some incredibly promising cannabis health benefits to the mind and body, but how exactly does it work to do this?

CBD’s ability to promote better health and wellness stems from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system of the body. This system is tasked with regulating brain, endocrine, and immune functions, and influences various experiences in the body, including appetite, pain, stress, anxiety, inflammation, and mood, among others. 

More importantly, the system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis – or balance – in the body that’s needed to keep the body healthy and free of disease and ailments. 

The endocannabinoid system is made up of endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors located throughout the central and nervous systems. The body produces its own cannabinoids that bind to these receptors, but cannabinoids from outside sources – such as CBD and THC from the cannabis plant – can also serve a similar function. 

When cannabinoids interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system – either directly or indirectly – they can relieve pain, minimize inflammation, improve mood, promote better sleep, and alleviate stress and anxiety. 

Why Incorporate CBD Into Your Wellness Routine?

As already mentioned, the endocannabinoid system’s main job is to maintain homeostasis in the body. The body’s internal conditions must constantly be controlled and in proper balance because the cells depend on this environment to function properly. If the conditions are not optimal, certain processes will not function the way they should, and that can lead to disease.

CBD can help the endocannabinoid system maintain this balance and help the body adapt to outside stressors. As such, adding this cannabinoid to your daily wellness regime can help you boost your overall level of health and wellness. 

Here are four main areas in which users can take advantage of the benefits of CBD.

Promote Better Sleep 

Good sleep is integral to overall health and wellness. Lack of proper sleep can bring about a myriad of health issues. In fact, not getting enough quality sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. 

Many people go to great lengths to try and improve their sleep patterns, including taking sleep medications. However, CBD may be an effective natural alternative to pharmaceutical meds.

Studies have been conducted on CBD and its relationship with sleep, revealing that the cannabinoid can encourage better sleep and may be able to treat specific sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, to name a few.

Induce an Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Inflammation in the body can lead to a host of issues because of the damage it causes to the cells and tissues as a result of oxidative stress from free radicals. A high level of oxidative stress can cause serious damage, even to our DNA.

Recent research has shown a link between CBD and reducing inflammation. More specifically, CBD can mimic how the immune system works to alleviate inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation, a number of ailments can be relieved, including pain and skin conditions.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Perhaps the most well-known reason for introducing cannabis into a daily regime is to reduce stress and anxiety. Cannabinoids’ role in alleviating stress and anxiety stems from their interaction with certain receptors that influence serotonin. 

Low levels of serotonin in the brain can cause anxiety. Medications that target serotonin levels – known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – work to increase the level of serotonin in the brain by blocking reabsorption of the neurotransmitter. This, in turn, can alleviate stress and anxiety and boost a person’s mood.

CBD and THC can mimic the work that SSRIs do to make serotonin more readily available, thereby helping to relieve stress and anxiety and help patients feel better. The cannabinoids do this by enhancing 5-HT1A transmission and may affect serotonin faster than medications.

Promote Healthier Skin 

CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are particularly useful when trying to improve the look and feel of the skin. More specifically, it can help alleviate certain skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Studies have found that CBD and THC serve as effective agents in the function of sebaceous glands, which secretes “sebum,” an oily substance which can clog pores and cause acne flare-ups. Dilation of CBD topicals can minimize the secretion of sebum and therefore help keep the skin free and clear of breakouts. 

Different Ways to Incorporate CBD Into Everyday Life

There are various ways that CBD can be used and implemented into your daily regime, depending on your comfort level. Here are a few formats that CBD is available in:

Edibles. CBD can be quickly and easily added to beverages and foods and ingested orally. Whether you add the product yourself and create your own recipes or purchase edibles that are already infused with CBD, edibles are an easy and convenient way to add CBD to your daily regimen. 

Tinctures. Another simple way to consume CBD is to use tinctures that can be taken sublingually, meaning under the tongue. The great things about tinctures is that they provide CBD in a concentrated form that bypasses the digestive system and takes effect more quickly once it is absorbed through the mucous membrane under the tongue.

Topicals. Individuals who are looking to alleviate specific pain points may find topicals more convenient, as they can be applied and rubbed onto the exact areas where the pain is being experienced. Topicals are also useful for those who wish to apply them to the skin as a means to boost skin health and combat acne.

Vapes. To quickly take the edge off and alleviate stress or anxiety, vapes tend to work quite well. Consuming CBD in this manner also takes effect rather quickly because the CBD does not have to be digested before it starts working.

Capsules. An easy way to take CBD is in capsule format. That said, exact dosing might be a bit more difficult.

Final Thoughts

CBD continues to show great promise in the world of health and wellness. With so many different applications – including promoting better sleep, improving skin health, alleviating anxiety, and combating pain – CBD certainly has a bona fide place in this sphere. And with a variety of different modes of application and consumption, CBD can be implemented according to each individual user’s comfort level.
This article originally appeared on myfoli.com

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Originally posted by Kay Van Norman on silvernest.com on Sep 2, 2017 10:07:08 AM

Building financial security and maintaining health are consistently listed as top aging concerns for adults over 55. Most of us know creating a financial portfolio (make a plan, balance assets, make regular deposits) is important to ensure lifelong financial security. But what about your vitality?  Do you have a plan? Have you considered what “assets” you need to support lifelong vitality?

Using the familiar structure of a financial portfolio, the Vitality Portfolio® strategy encourages you to create a practical roadmap for lifelong health:

1. Make a Vitality Plan
2. Balance Vitality Assets (function, core and wellness)
3. Make Regular Deposits

Making a Plan

How long do you expect to live?  I ask this question during keynote speeches and people always seem to have a number in their head. In future blog posts (Aging – It’s a Family Affair) we’ll explore how people come up with it, but for now consider your number — and more important, consider what you want to be able to do through your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 100’s! Making a vitality plan helps you set, track, and reach your goals.

Functional Assets

Strength, mobility and endurance are “mission critical” assets for maintaining independence; yet optimizing function through physical activity is the most underused healthy aging strategy available today! It’s easy to disregard functional changes that happen gradually, so here’s some food for thought.

Statistics don’t motivate action unless they’re personally relevant. For example: Strength declines approximately 1-1 ½% per year after about age 30. That doesn’t sound like a lot until you do the math.  If you’re not regularly challenging your strength – you’re losing it – on average about 60% by age 70 and 75% by age 80. Imagine going about your daily life carrying a backpack filled with your body weight (i.e. ½ the strength requires double the effort). Consider how difficult daily tasks would become and how many activities you would have to give up.  

Physical frailty IS common and predictable with age, but it’s NOT due to age or inevitable! Studies show even 90+ year olds can prevent and reverse loss of muscle mass and strength with resistance training.

Take charge! If you get fatigued while walking – walk more! If you’re having trouble rising from a chair, do it more; every time you sit down, stand up and sit down 3 more times. See how many knee lifts you can do during TV commercial breaks or commit to standing up and sitting down 5-10 times during each commercial break.  

To maintain the gift of mobility gently stretch and move your muscles and joints through every range of motion. Embrace cardiovascular exercise to help your heart, lungs, and blood vessels deliver oxygenated blood throughout the body. Endurance activities bathe your brain in oxygenated blood so are also closely linked to brain health! Get out and move briskly every day; walk, swim, dance, or even do seated exercises that elevate your heart rate – toe touches, heel presses, knee lifts, low kicks, marching in place all with arm swings. 

Age is not a diagnosis so confront functional challenges with physical therapy intervention.  Consciously invest in lifelong functional independence.

Core Assets: Ageless Thinking and Resilience

Attitudes and expectations directly impact aging. Engage Ageless Thinkingby consciously rejecting negative expectations of aging. Activate Resilience by embracing adaptive strategies to overcome challenges – regardless of age.

Thirty years ago people with disabilities were often institutionalized with no expectations or opportunities; and outcomes were bleak. The disability movement changed attitudes and expectations and literally transformed lives. Now young people with profound disabilities are given resources, tools, and encouragement to overcome and live fully in spite of challenges, and they accomplish astonishing things!  

Unfortunately, attitudes haven’t changed much for adults who face physical or cognitive disabilities later in life. They most often receive resources, tools, and support to cope with disabilities.  There’s a profound difference in mindset between coping and overcoming – resulting in profoundly different outcomes. If you’re facing a challenge take age out of the equation, embrace adaptive strategies, and insist on pursuing the fullest recovery possible.    

Wellness Assets

Visualize the six dimensions of health: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and vocational as spokes on a wagon wheel. Consider how many deposits you regularly make into each dimension (spoke) and then draw your Wellness Wheel. Are some “spokes” large (carrying most of the load) while others barely exist? Are you missing an entire “spoke”?  It takes conscious effort to balance wellness assets across the body, mind, and spirit.   

Don’t leave your vitality to chance!  Make a plan, balance your assets, and make regular deposits into lifelong vitality.  Visit www.kayvannorman.comfor a free downloadable Vitality Portfolio® tool-kit to get you started.

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As the world embraces CBD for its medicinal value, CBD product manufacturers and other health professionals continue to discover more and more ways to take advantage of its health and medicinal benefits. This offers consumers more options and allows them to choose the method most convenient for them. Methods include oils, tinctures, edibles, patches, vape oil, and topicals in the form of creams, lotions, balms, and more.

Topical CBD, unlike other CBD products, doesn’t enter the bloodstream but is no less effective. Depending on the issue you’re trying to address, it could even work faster than say, tinctures and edibles, which are ingested, and work from inside the body. Because topical CBD is applied right to the skin and exactly where it’s needed, the cannabinoid is absorbed directly into the affected area so it’s able to work faster, providing quick relief.

Whether you’re new to cannabidiol and deciding which product is for you, or you’re just exploring other options, we’ve got everything you need to know about topical CBD right here.

What is Topical CBD? (and How Does it Work?)

Topical CBD is a product infused with cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant, and designed to be applied externally, onto the skin. It is known to provide quick localized relief without ingestion. Since topical CBD it is applied externally, it only affects the surface layers of the body. This is all it needs though. 

Inside each of our bodies is an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a network of receptors which can be found in the brain, nervous system, and other parts of your body. The ECS is also in our skin and is the key to how topical CBD works.

Topical CBD works by interacting with the ECS receptor points in our skin. When these receptors are activated, they start to seek out “stressed” receptors and bring them back into balance. When we have stressed out receptors, we notice symptoms ranging from aches and pains to general soreness and stiffness.

Now that you know a little about how CBD works topically, let’s discuss the various types of skincare products it can be found in.

[Can CBD for Athletes Speed up Muscle Recovery?]

What are the Different
Types of Topical CBD?

Topical CBD has essentially three different consistencies: creams and lotions, balms and salves, and oil. Here’s how they are different from each other.

CBD Cream and Lotion

CBD cream and lotion fall under the same category because while creams are slightly thicker than lotions, they have similar consistency and texture. These products make use of a small amount of water, along with moisturizing agents like shea butter, aloe vera, and other nutrients. These are formulated to moisturize and restore the skin barrier.

CBD Salve and Balm

Unlike creams and lotions, CBD salve and balm products do not use water, hence the more solid consistency. They are typically made with beeswax and fatty oils combined with CBD. They are thick and harder to spread throughout the skin compared to creams and lotions, therefore, these products are best used on specific, targeted areas that need relief.

Topical CBD Oil

Topical CBD oil often has other ingredients like olive oil or coconut oil. They are also formulated with other essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. They are the easiest to spread over large areas of the body and are best used as a massage oil to relieve pain and give your skin an over-all relaxing sensation.

How Do you Apply Topical CBD Products?

1. Make sure to clean the affected area prior to application. It’s best to wash it with soap and water to rid the spot of any other product residues, dirt, or natural oils as these could affect your skin’s absorption of the product.
2. Take a good amount of the product and massage it onto the problem areas. Leave it for a few minutes so it’s absorbed into the skin before covering it with a bandage or putting garments over it.
3. Use as frequently as needed to get the best results. CBD products don’t get you high, plus topical CBD doesn’t really enter the bloodstream so it won’t have any effects to the rest of your body.
4. Wash your hands when you’re done. CBD topicals have other active ingredients and while they provide relief to painful areas of your body, it could sting when it gets to your eyes and other parts of the body.

What are the Most Common Uses of Topical CBD?

CBD has been proven to have anti-inflammatory benefits, and because one of the most common causes of pain is inflammation, using topical CBD can provide relief and relaxation.

Sun Burn

Overexposure to the sun’s rays is what triggers sunburns. The affected skin then turns red and irritated, and in severe cases, it can cause swelling and blisters. These are signs of inflammation. CBD creams and lotions can help reduce the pain and inflammation and at the same time helps rehydrate the burnt skin.

Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of your joints, most commonly associated with aging. It causes moderate to severe pain, swelling, and stiffness, and could even limit your ability to move the affected body part. Topical CBD can help with the symptoms, according to a study made in 2015. It concludes that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects.

Muscle Pain

A lot of athletes have been using CBD to speed up muscle recovery after rigorous training. They often take it orally, but topical CBD has similar effects. CBD creams, salves, and balms can help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation and the physical discomforts caused by intense physical activities.

Other studies claim that topical CBD may prove helpful for other skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more.

[Why You Should Not Buy CBD Oil on Amazon]

What are the Different Factors to Consider When Choosing a Topical CBD?

If you’re new to topical CBD and trying to figure out which product will work for you, it’s best to take a look at the different factors and understand how they come into play with each product. Here are a few things you need to consider.

Ingredients

There would often be other ingredients in topicals apart from CBD and they’re not always the same. Different manufacturers use different ingredients and once you know what you want to use the topical for, you have to make sure that the added ingredients in it do not counter your desired effect.

For example, if you hope to treat skin issues by using CBD cream but the formulation includes other comedogenic ingredients that could block your pores, it could do more harm than good. Always read up and do your research.

Concentration

The potency of topical CBD affects its effectiveness so you might want to check if a product’s potency is strong enough to make it past the skin so that it can work on providing relief to the affected area. Always opt for high-quality topicals that are highly concentrated to get the best results.

Consistency

Different consistencies of topical CBD may vary in effectiveness, and depending on what you want to use it for, one product may be better for you than the other. For example, balms and salves are thicker than lotions and creams and may work better because its thickness makes it easier for the skin to absorb it. On the other hand, if you have dry skin and need a little bit of hydration, you might want to go for lotions and creams as they contain moisturizing agents that could ease the dryness. It’s always a good idea to match the products to your specific needs.

Manufacturer

Make sure you source CBD skincare products from manufacturers you can trust. Legit CBD companies have high-quality products and provide you with an accurate chemical breakdown of everything that they offer, allowing you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the kind of topical that’s right for you.

Final Thoughts

Topical CBD for skin, like other CBD products, is a great alternative to over-the-counter medicines. Studies have proven their anti-inflammatory benefits without the side effects that traditional, prescription medications often have.

To maximize the benefits of topical CBD, know exactly what your problem areas are—it’s always good to have a specific target. Then, do your research so you know how to choose the best consistency and the exact product that can address it. Finally, observe best practices when using it.

Contributed Post. Article originally posted on https://madebyhemp.com/

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You are as good as the company you keep. Thanks to the entourage effect, that’s a good thing for those who use CBD products. The entourage effect is the idea all compounds found in cannabis are best when taken together than when taken separately. This can be likened to eating an orange when you want vitamin C benefits compared to eating a vitamin C tablet.

While the entourage effect plays a crucial role in the benefits of CBD, not all products will trigger this phenomenon. Knowing if your formula is entourage effect-enriched is critical for those using hemp extract for optimal wellness. Let Made by Hemp guide you through the ins and outs of the entourage effect.

How Do I Know if My CBD Product Has the Entourage Effect?

It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement surrounding the ever-growing presence of CBD products in health and wellness shops. Like any new product you purchase, it’s important to check out the label. There are many telling pieces of information on them, including if the product has the entourage effect.

Now, most CBD products won’t openly say, “Entourage effect included.” Instead, you are going to look for other words that classify what type of CBD product you are purchasing. While they all come with their own sets of benefits, these each have a different level of potency. Here are some terms to look out for when shopping for the highest-quality CBD products.  

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full spectrum is the terminology to look for when seeking a product which has the entourage effect. CBD products that are truly full spectrum are extracted while maintaining the integrity of as many cannabinoids as possible, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), therefore, CBD oil derived from hemp will have trace levels of THC up to .3% by law.

Its low concentration of this molecule makes the product non-intoxicating. However, with THC in the equation, all of the cannabinoids are present. All cannabinoids being accounted for is the basis of the entourage effect and what makes full spectrum CBD oil one of the highest-quality hemp products on the market.

So, if you are buying CBD oil, and it’s labeled as full spectrum as well as zero THC… it’s not full spectrum.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum CBD oil also carries the entourage effect, for the most part. However, the formula is likely not as potent as full spectrum hemp extract. The reason for this is that broad spectrum CBD oil contains little to no THC.

After the extraction process, some companies will remove THC from the final product. However, the remaining cannabinoids remain in the formula, therefore, broad spectrum can sometimes also technically be full spectrum, depending on the formula. Since THC levels are so low in hemp to begin with, the differences are minimal. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil may not be as bioavailable or beneficial as full spectrum.

CBD Isolate

When you first see the words, “CBD isolate,” you might interpret that the product is a potent dose of this cannabinoid. While there are benefits to using CBD isolate, you are legitimately purchasing CBD that’s isolated from other hemp compounds. That means there are no additional cannabinoids in the formula. Therefore, if you are buying CBD isolate, you most likely won’t experience the benefits of the entourage effect.

The benefit to CBD isolate, however, is that it is completely THC Free, and thus anyone needing to avoid any amount of THC can feel safe taking this product as it won’t cause a failed THC drug test.   

[RELATED BLOG: Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, Isolate, and PCR: Decoding the Difference]

CBD, THC, and the Entourage Effect

If you brush your hand over a hemp flower, you’ll notice microscopic hairs float into the atmosphere. These are known as trichomes. Like human hair follicles, trichomes have glands. Within these glands lie chemical compounds that make cannabis one of the most unique plants on this earth–cannabinoids.

Research indicates there are 113 known phytocannabinoids on record. Each cannabinoid has its own molecular structure that allows it to interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system in its own unique way.

The two most commonly known cannabinoids are THC and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the cannabinoid primarily found in marijuana. It’s the reason the plant has intoxicating properties. However, there are low doses of THC also found in hemp.

Under federal law, all hemp extracts need to be formulated using hemp plants with a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. Otherwise, the product is technically considered marijuana. Instead of higher levels of THC, hemp plants are abundant in CBD.

CBD is responsible for opening the eyes of the mainstream media because this cannabinoid exhibits a litany of beneficial side effects, with none of them causing a mind-altering experience. With that being said, CBD doesn’t do all this beneficial work for your endocannabinoid system on its own. It gets by with a little help from its friends.

The Entourage Effect and Cannabinoids

While there are benefits to THC and CBD, you won’t experience maximum results without the other 111 phytocannabinoids discovered by humankind. Research on the entourage effect primarily looks at how THC and CBD interact with other chemical compounds found in hemp. However, there has been research and studies conducted on several phytocannabinoids and their potential benefits as well.

While in their beginning stages, the studies are promising. These early analyses also lend credence to the fact the entourage effect exists, and that this phenomenon plays a vital role in experiencing maximum benefits from hemp extract.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

Like CBD, CBC doesn’t seem to elicit an intoxicating experience. This cannabinoid also shows to be antagonists of our TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. These receptors play a role in our pain perception. In addition, early studies report that CBC may be potentially beneficial in neurogenesis.

Cannabinol (CBN)

This cannabinoid has started to make waves in the scientific community for its possible sedative effects. Our body converts THC to CBN. While it’s not psychoactive or intoxicating, the way CBN interacts with the CB1 receptor may be the reason those exposed to THC get those sleepy eyes. Preliminary sleep studies with CBN are promising for those who are looking for a non-habit forming sleep-aid.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)

CBDA is the precursor to CBD. Like CBD, the main objective of CBDA is to bring homeostasis to the system. Research on CBDA shows that this cannabinoid inhibits the COX-2 enzyme. As a result, CBDA may potentially be a potent anti-inflammatory.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (TCHA)

When pressure is acted upon THCA, it converts to THC. While research on this cannabinoid is still in its early stages, there are a lot of promising finds on this molecule. Anecdotal evidence points to THCA potentially having neuroprotective properties. Thanks to the entourage effect, THCA and CBC may play a role in boosting brain function.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

While there are minimal traces of CBG in hemp, both THC and CBD start off as this essential cannabinoid. CBG is broken down into CBGA, which then branches off to either CBDA or THCA. Eventually, it becomes one of the two cannabinoids most associated with cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

This cannabinoid is found in small doses in hemp. It has intoxicating capabilities. However, research indicates it may help with brain disorders, including epilepsy. Thanks to the entourage effect, many of the intoxicating side effects are offset, allowing the hemp extract user to experience the other benefits of THCV.

While cannabinoids play a huge role in how the entourage effect works, there is another critical component of this scientific phenomenon. These compounds also live within the trichome glands and are bound by the hemp plant’s volatile oils. They are known as terpenes and are the chemical compounds responsible for the science behind aromatherapy.

What Are Terpenes?

While cannabinoids get a bulk of the credit for the benefits of hemp extract, they don’t work alone. In a true group effort, other chemical compounds within the hemp plant also benefit from this symbiotic relationship.

When pressure is applied upon a hemp plant (as in during hemp extraction), the trichomes get ruptured. As a result, the trichomes release aromatic oils into the atmosphere. Compounds that cause these scents are known as terpenes.

Cannabinoids are synonymous with cannabis. However, terpenes are present in every plant. Scent compounds are a byproduct of biological evolution. To survive in the present day, plants needed to develop defense mechanisms that would keep insects and bacteria from destroying the crops.

Plants developed terpenes as a means to repel predators. However, their sweet smells attract pollinators such as birds, bees, and humans as well. Every non-extinct plant species today has perfected their scent that would allow the genus to prosper. Thanks to these terpenes, human beings can now prosper as well.

The Entourage Effect and Terpenes

Research indicates that terpenes play a critical role in the entourage effect. One analysis stated, “Selective cross-breeding of high-terpenoid- and high-phytocannabinoid-specific chemotypes has thus become a rational target that may lead to novel approaches to such disorders as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, drug dependency, dementia and a panoply of dermatological disorders, as well as industrial applications as safer pesticides and antiseptics.”

There are over 100 terpenes in cannabis. Here are the terpene aromatic compounds commonly found in hemp.

Myrcene

This chemical compound is typically found in tangy plants like mango, lemongrass, and bay leaves. Studies on this terpene find that it exhibits strong antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities. In terms of the entourage effect, myrcene has shown to exasperate the effects of THC.

Lastly, this compound keeps an eye out for the rest of the entourage. Research on myrcene suggests this compound combats resistance in the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it opens the door for other cannabinoids and terpenes to reach more areas of the endocannabinoid system.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a spicy scent that is found in clove, black pepper, and hops. It is not known to have any intoxicating effects. However, studies on caryophyllene suggest this compound is effective in boosting potential anti-spasmatic and anti-inflammatory capabilities of hemp extract. These benefits make caryophyllene a must for athletes in need of CBD for recovery.

Linalool

One of the most well-researched terpenes, linalool is responsible for the floral scent of lavender, rose, and Roman chamomile. It also plays a crucial role in the entourage effect, promoting a sedative-like impact on the system. Research indicates this terpene helps boost production of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. Thus, linalool is essential for regulating sleep patterns and may promote mental well-being.

Also, linalool has shown a lot of promise in rejuvenating skin cells. When combined with other terpenes like limonene and with cannabinoids like CBD hemp extract is a great addition to anyone’s beauty regimen.

Pinene

As the name suggests, this essential oil is responsible for the piny scent found in hemp, pine needles, and sage. Research on pinene is promising to support cognitive function. In fact, pinene helps counteract the psychoactive abilities of THC. This action allows the body to still reap THC’s non-mind-altering benefits. Lastly, pinene helps keep the entourage in the entourage effect robust by forming other terpenes, including limonene.

Limonene

Citrus fruits can thank this terpene for its distinct scent. However, CBD users can thank limonene for the hemp plant’s energizing effects. Limonene is quickly absorbed by the bloodstream, making it so beneficial for those who use CBD tinctures for a jolt of phytocannabinoid self-care. In true entourage effect fashion, limonene also assists the body in absorbing other terpenes.

Humulene

This compound is responsible for the wood-like scent found in clove, hops, and coriander. Humulene commonly interacts with caryophyllene. Research indicates, the two boost one another’s potential anti-inflammatory effects.

How to Experience the Entourage Effect with Hemp Extract

Just because it has CBD on the label doesn’t mean you are going to experience the entourage effect. It is essential that your product is either full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp oil. When you see these words, it means that the entire hemp plant was included during the extraction process.

Each part of the hemp plant is unique and requires different nutrients to carry out their purpose for the survival of the plant. The stems, seeds, and leaves of hemp have varying concentrations of amino acids, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Utilizing the whole plant isn’t just more sustainable; it can actually enrich the overall formula.  

Research indicates that cannabinoids and terpenes can be increased naturally during the growing process. These sustainable plants require excess light in order to up their cannabinoid counts. However, thanks to federal laws, these practices can also make choosing a CBD company more difficult.

Opt for a CBD company or brand who works with farmers which are Farm Bill compliant and cultivate phytocannabinoid-rich hemp. The best way to check for this is to always ask for or review the lab test or certificate of analysis (COA) for each CBD product you purchase. 

Contributed Post. Article originally posted on https://madebyhemp.com/

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