As I’m sure many of you that have done any kind of research into CBD before deciding to make your first purchase, have realized that there are a lot of words out there to describe CBD, and CBD products. We would like to go over some of the more common words, to hopefully help you distinguish the differences, and help paint a clearer picture for those who are new to CBD.
Cannabis – Cannabis is a word used to describe 3 different types of plants: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis (we will go over these in a little bit). The easiest way to describe Cannabis, is to think of Cannabis plants as if the three plants were cousins. Yes, they have some of the same genetic makeup, because they are related, but each is different in their own way.
Marijuana – Marijuana plants are Cannabis plants, that contain amounts of THC higher than 0.3%. Marijuana plants are often harvested for their flowers or “buds”, and will create a mind altering “high” when smoked or ingested. Marijuana plants, although legalized in some states for medical and recreational use, are still considered illegal at a federal level.
Cannabis Sativa – Cannabis Sativa is a form of Cannabis or “Marijuana” that will contain amounts of THC greater than 0.3%. Cannabis Sativa plants are grown and harvested for their flowers.
Cannabis Indica – Cannabis Indica is another form of Cannabis or “Marijuana” that will contain amounts of THC greater than 0.3%. Cannabis Indica plants are also grown and harvested for their flowers.
While Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica both contain the compound Cannabidiol (CBD) they also contain many other compounds in higher concentrations, such as the mind altering cannabinoid THC.
Cannabis Ruderalis – Cannabis Ruderalis plants are more commonly referred to as “Hemp”. Cannabis Ruderalis plants are grown and harvested more so for their seeds and stalks, as well as CBD. Cannabis Ruderalis plants contain higher amounts of CBD, and very low amounts of THC whereas Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa will contain higher amounts of THC, and lower amounts of CBD. Cannabis Ruderalis plants are legal in all 50 states at the federal level. However, some individualized states have not legalized the use or cultivation of Hemp.
Tetrahydrocannabinol – More commonly referred to as THC. THC is a cannabinoid found in all Cannabis plants, that is responsible for the “high” associated with smoking or ingesting the compound. THC as stated earlier, is what differentiates Marijuana from Hemp.
Cannabidiol – More commonly referred to as CBD. CBD is the second most common cannabinoid found in all Cannabis plants, behind THC. CBD is non-psychoactive, and will not produce any kind of mind altering high. CBD has been proven to have many medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and pain fighting properties that make it ideal when being used to treat different ailments.
Endocannabinoid System – The Endocannabinoid System, is the system within our bodies responsible for regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes. The Endocannabinoid System contains CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 Receptors – CB1 Receptors are found predominantly in the brain and nervous system, as well as in peripheral organs and tissues.
CB2 Receptors – CB2 Receptors are found within our immune system.
When it comes to CBD, you will often see the following terms used; these terms are going to help differentiate the type of CBD product that you are purchasing.
Pure CBD Isolate – Pure CBD Isolate, is CBD in its purest form. When referring to Pure CBD Isolate, this means that all of the 100+ cannabinoids from the plant have been removed, leaving only the one singular cannabinoid, CBD. Isolate is a white powdery substance, with no smell or taste. While these products are great for those worried about having to pass a drug test; the down fall of Pure CBD products is that these products only contain the one cannabinoid CBD, which for some people is not enough to alleviate all of their pain symptoms because not enough of the receptors in the body are being activated.
Water Soluble CBD – CBD is an oil, even when in a dry powder state. This means that it will not mix with water, but it will mix with an oil. Water Soluble CBD goes through a process that breaks the CBD molecules down even further, using a process known as nanotechnology. In simple terms, nanotechnology uses sound waves to break down CBD clusters into micro-sized particles. These particles are smaller than 100 nano-meters. To get an idea of how small these particles are, a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, which is one-millionth of a millimeter. Broken down into these tiny particles, CBD becomes a product compatible with water as it’s now small enough to dissolve and blend seamlessly with the water molecules. Water Soluble CBD is a great alternative when available; since our bodies are made up of over 60 percent water, this allows for more bio-availability, which means our bodies would be able to absorb more CBD that it is currently able to.
Full Spectrum CBD – When referring to Full Spectrum CBD, this means that the product will contain all of the compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes within the hemp plant. Full Spectrum CBD will often come in a green or brown color and these products will be more tar-like versus a powder. This will cause Full Spectrum CBD products to have a green earthy smell and taste to them. Full Spectrum CBD is more beneficial as it allows for The Entourage Effect to take place. The downfall is that these products may contain trace amounts of other cannabinoids such as THC; although in very low amounts.
Broad Spectrum CBD – Broad Spectrum CBD refers to Full Spectrum CBD, without the THC. Broad Spectrum CBD offers all of The Entourage Effect benefits, without any chances of THC being ingested into the body. Although there are Broad Spectrum CBD products out there, the extraction process of removing the THC, can cause these products to be higher in price, although this is not always the case.
The Entourage Effect – As mentioned above, any product that claims to activate The Entourage Effect, is going to more than likely to be a Full Spectrum CBD product. These products activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors found within our Endocannabinoid System, and allow for greater and more broad pain relief.
Full Plant Extract CBD – Some companies will label their products as Full Plant Extract CBD. These products are considered Full Spectrum as they will contain all of the compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes found within the Hemp plant; as well these products will typically contain trace amounts of THC.
Hemp Seed Oil – Some companies will list their products as containing Hemp seed Oil. Although these products are made from Hemp, they are made from the seeds of the plant, which contain no CBD. Hemp Seed Oil is often used in health and beauty care products, or for food and cooking. Hemp Seed Oil is loaded with essential vitamins, nutrients, and essential fatty acids. So although it is very good for you when ingested, it does not contain any amounts of CBD on its own. So when coming across a product that claims to contain Hemp Seed Oil, make sure that it also contains either CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum CBD, or Broad Spectrum CBD.
As always, when doing your research into a company before deciding to make a purchase, take into consideration the words outlined above. If you can not find the information you are looking for easily accessible on their website, reach out. All companies should have someone that is very knowledgeable about CBD, and willing to answer any questions you may have that arise. If they do not, you may want to look elsewhere.
Read our previous blog: CBD and Drug Screens – Will I Test Positive by clicking here.
