The Secret World of Cannabinoids
Much more than CBD and THC
Most people have already heard of CBD and THC, the two most famous compounds in the hemp plant. But cannabis is actually a veritable treasure trove of more than 100 different molecules, known as cannabinoids. These special compounds are collectively responsible for the beneficial effects of the plant. In this post, we discover the cannabinoids and their effects We understand why it is key what is in a CBD oil in addition to the cannabidiol itself.
Heat Activation! The Importance of Decarboxylation
A curious fact is that in the raw hemp plant, cannabinoids exist in an "inactive" acidic form (e.g. CBDA, THCA). In order for them to be converted into their active form (CBD, THC), which is the one that interacts with our body, heat is needed. This process is called decarboxylation. It is an essential step in the production of quality CBD oils, as it "awakens" the full potential found in the plant.
Meet the Phytocannabinoid Family!
Let's look at the phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids) that you can find in premium products.
CBD (Cannabidiol) - The Balancer
It is the best known non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Its popularity is due to its widely researched role in supporting the body's internal balance, the endocannabinoid system.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) - Regulated
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) - Regulated Here we explain the great difference between CBD and THCTHC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. It is important to know that in hemp products legal in the EU, the proportion of THC is negligible (less than 0.2%), which does not cause any "high" effect. However, this minimal amount plays a key role in creating the "entourage effect".
CBG (Cannabigerol) - The "Mother" Cannabinoid
It is often called "the mother of all cannabinoids", as most other cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) are derived from the acid form of CBG (CBGA) in the plant. So, what is CBG? Essentially, the starting point, the cannabinoid "stem cell". More and more research is focusing on it because of its promising properties.
CBN (Cannabinol) - The Relaxed
What is CBN? CBN is normally formed when THC degrades over time. It is often associated with a feeling of calm and relaxation, and is generally found in higher amounts in mature or "aged" hemp plants.
CBC (Cannabichromene) - Team Player
CBC (Cannabichromene) - Team Player Although less well known, CBC is one of the most common cannabinoids after CBD and THC. Research suggests that it is an excellent "team player" because it can enhance the beneficial effects of other cannabinoids.
The Secret Weapon: The Entourage Effect
Now that we know the protagonists, we come to the most important point. The theory of entourage effect argues that cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids do not act in isolation, but in synergy, enhancing each other's effects.
Imagine an orchestra: the sound of a violin is beautiful, but the full orchestra (with all its instruments) offers a much richer, more powerful and fuller experience.
For this reason, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts are considered by many to be more effective than pure CBD isolates.
Conclusion! The Power of Hemp's Active Ingredients
The active ingredients of hemp form a complex system. When choosing a CBD product, it pays to look for one that preserves this natural diversity. Laboratory certificates help you to verify exactly which cannabinoids contains the product, ensuring that you receive the full force of nature.
For a more in-depth and detailed reading on the science of phytocannabinoids, we invite you to consult the original source of this article:
