Hot Topic: CBD

Hot Topic: CBD

Cannabidiol aka CBD is one of over one hundred identified compounds found in the hemp plant. It is the most abundant compound found within the plant accounting for up to 40% of its compounds. These compounds, referred to as cannabinoids, also includes tetrahydrocannabinol aka THC. Most people are familiar with the compound THC, which is known for its psychoactive effects and is the compound found in hemp that is responsible for the ‘high’ that many people experience and associate with consuming hemp and hemp products.

Although both are cannabinoids, CBD and THC differ in a multitude of ways. The number one question we hear when talking CBD is ‘does it get you high?’

Does CBD get you ‘high’?

The simple answer is no. CBD does not contain any psychoactive components and therefore won’t give you the same mind altering effects as THC. Although CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure, there’s a small difference in the way that their atoms are arranged and also in the ways that they interact with the ECS.

The ECS:

Discovered as recently as the 1990’s, the Human Endogenous Cannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex control system within every body that exists to receive cannabinoid compounds produced within the body. That’s right, our bodies actually produce endogenous cannabinoids which are received and controlled by our own built in cannabinoid system. However, research has found that in order to produce cannabinoids, our bodies need a sufficient amount of omega fatty acids. This is because omega fatty acids are precursors to endogenous cannabinoids.

Not only does the ECS control the reception of endogenous cannabinoids but it also interacts with exogenous cannabinoids that enter the body from the outside.

The ECS is comprised of many different types of cannabinoid receptors including CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the brain where they aid in regulating coordination, movement, pain, emotions, mood, thinking and appetite. CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and help to regulate inflammation and muscle pain. When cannabinoids enter the body they attach to the ECS receptors which are responsible for regulating many bodily functions.

When THC enters the body it binds with the cannabinoid 1 aka CB1 receptors, mostly found in the brain, which produces the sense of euphoria or ‘high’ that many people describe experiencing. CB1 receptors found in the brain are abundant in areas having to do with memory, emotion, pain and coordination. When CBD enters the body there is little to no contact between this compound and CB1 receptors, resulting in no sense of euphoria or ‘high’. Researchers have even found that CBD can in fact interfere with the binding of THC to CB1 receptors, resulting in a decrease in psychoactive effects. THC also binds with CB2 receptors, which are mostly found within your immune system and are responsible for reducing inflammation an even pain. CBD, unlike THC, has very little effect on both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Although CBD and THC have many of the same medical benefits, due to their identical molecular structure, the side effects that each compound delivers differs drastically due to the differences in the ways in which they interact with the various cannabinoid receptors in the body, as described above. For example, when CBD interacts with a receptor like 5-HT1A, it can offer anxiolytic, antidepressant and neuro-protective effects!

The binding of THC with CB1 and CB2 receptors which results in an array of side effects has deterred many people from potentially benefiting from the use of cannabis. The similarities in health benefits paired with the differences in side effects is what has prompted many people to begin experimenting with CBD. Because CBD offers many of the same health benefits as THC without the undesired psychoactive side effects such as tiredness, paranoia and anxiety, it has become a leading area of study and research. People suffering from conditions like epilepsy or mild to severe anxiety who do not wish to experience psychotropic effects but do want to reap the health benefits that the hemp plant has to offer now have the opportunity to do so.

Over the last few years extensive research has been done on hemp/cannabis regarding it’s many therapeutic uses and applications. These studies have shown the positive impact that CBD can potentially have on the brain, sleep cycles and even chronic pain. Just last year in 2018 the first FDA approved cannabinoid derived pharmaceutical hit the market for the treatment of seizures.

Studies have even suggested that supplementing the ECS with plant-based cannabinoids like CBD may help the body restore homeostatic balance, especially when paired with foods rich in omega fatty acids such as MCT oil.

The research is ongoing and new discoveries are made everyday!

CBD is only one of over 100 different cannabinoid compounds. Research on the different health benefits of each compound is ongoing and new discoveries are made and realized everyday. Until recently, a large focus was being put on isolated CBD as it was thought that it was more beneficial than a full-spectrum formula. However there is a growing body of research that suggests a full spectrum formula, that is one that contains not only the CBD compounds but a variety of other cannabinoids, may offer the most complete array of health benefits.

Each of the cannabinoid compounds found within the hemp plant have specific healing attributes, leading many to believe that the therapeutic impact and the health benefits of the whole plant may be greater than a single isolated compound. When consumed together, the various compounds, minor cannabinoids and various flavanoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant work together and interact with the body to produce a greater positive health impact which researchers call the entourage effect. Although most CBD on the market contains upwards of 80% concentrated CBD cannabinoids, there are some that contain a variety of beneficial compounds. One brand doing just this is Kanabia. Kanabia offers a variety of CBD+ tinctures which contain not only CBD but also CBD-V, CBG and THC-V.

So What Are The Benefits Of CBD?

CBD offers anxiolytic, antidepressant and neuro-protective effects which essentially means that it can help in reducing anxiety and depression while helping to protect your nerve cells from damage and degeneration. It can also assist in the management of inflammation, acute pain and arthritis. More and more research is also being done on the potential for CBD to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, depression and even addiction.

CBD In The Market:

The CBD market has seen a huge surge over the last few years. Between 2017 and 2018, the U.S hemp-derived CBD market has nearly doubled in size which is a direct result of The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 aka The Farm Bill. The Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December of 2018, officially recognized the distinction between recreational cannabis and industrial hemp. The bill essentially lifted the prohibition on Industrial Hemp so long as it’s THC content was no greater than 0.3%.

The signing and passing of this bill is directly related to the increase in the various CBD products you’ve undoubtedly noticed being marketed and sold within North America, specifically in the United States. From tinctures, pills, oils and creams to skincare, makeup, food and drink, CBD can be found in almost anything. While CBD consumption is increasing and expanding, so are those offering these various products, making it more and more difficult to find a source that you not only enjoy but also trust. Like many health trends before it, CBD is now what is considered a ‘buzz’ word. Companies are jumping on the CBD bandwagon and are slapping the word on as many products as possible. However, it’s important to understand that CBD is only one of over 100 different cannabinoid compounds. Research on the different health benefits of each compound is ongoing and new discoveries are made and realized everyday. Until recently, a large focus was being put on isolated CBD as it was thought that it was more beneficial than a full-spectrum formula. However there is a growing body of research that suggests a full spectrum formula, that is one that contains not only the CBD compounds but a variety of other cannabinoids, may offer the most complete array of health benefits.

Each of the cannabinoid compounds found within the hemp plant have specific healing attributes, leading many to believe that the therapeutic impact and the health benefits of the whole plant may be greater than a single isolated compound. When consumed together, the various compounds, minor cannabinoids and various flavanoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant work together and interact with the body to produce a greater positive health impact which researchers call the entourage effect.

What does that mean for the variety of CBD infused products currently on the market? It just means that while they may offer some of the benefits that the hemp plant has to offer, it doesn’t offer all of them.

Our Recommendation:

Of course we recommend doing your own research when deciding whether to purchase CBD products and also which product you’re going to try out. We also recommend exploring not only the benefits of CBD but also the benefits of the other beneficial cannabinoid compounds. While most CBD products contain only CBD, there are a few that offer CBD + an array of other health benefiting cannabinoids.

As we mentioned above, Kanabia’s Golden Harvest CBD oil is a premium full-spectrum cannabinoid complex. They currently offer a variety of liquid tinctures in MCT oil ranging from doses as low as 250mg to 1000mg. Kanabia uses a unique variety of industrial hemp and a revolutionary extraction process that ensures that their full spectrum golden harvest products offer a complete range of cannabinoids - rather than just CBD. These other cannabinoids include CBG, THC-V and CBD-V and each contain their own unique health benefits. While most products contain upwards of 95% CBD isolate, Kanabia provides a full array of cannabinoids meaning you’re also getting a full array of health benefits.

As a company, Kanabia is also committed to science and research. Their Director of Science and Pharmacy, Chris Luoizos BSc(Pharm) is continuing to explore the therapeutic potential of Kanabia’s Golden Harvest cannabinoids.

We Wanted To Hear From You...

Last week we asked you guys over on our Instagram page about your CBD experience. When asked if you had used or currently use any CBD products, around 50% of you said no! These were some common reasons for not currently using CBD:

The most popular response for not using CBD was a lack of information and education. While some people have found that they don’t have a need for it, many people are eager to try it out and are simply looking for more information before deciding to give it a try. This is where we come in!

For those people who answered yes, these were some of the responses to why they have or currently incorporate CBD products:

We then opened up the discussion to hear from you! These were some of the questions that people were seeking answers to. With the help of our friends over at Kanabia, we’ve answered them for you!

FAQ about CBD:

Q: What are the potential side effects (no matter how rare/unlikely)

A: With everything, not matter how natural the product is, we always recommend consulting your health care practitioner when deciding to incorporate a new supplement into your routine - even natural medicine! There is research that indicates some individuals may experience anxiety, changes in mood and appetite and dizziness when using CBD. CBD may also interact with certain medications, making it all the more important to consult a professional before using it. It is also important to note that not all CBD products are the same. Make sure you’re consuming a reputable brand that has the research to back their claims and that you read all labels before consuming. Some of these side effects can be caused by the presence of THC in CBD products, which is common in a lot of supplements on the market.

PS: Kanabia products contain 0% THC (non-detectable)!

Q: Can it only be activated to get the full benefits when combined with THC?

A: No! CBD does not need to be combined with THC to reap its benefits. One of the most wonderful things about CBD is that you can reap the benefits that THC has to offer, without the common side effects mentioned above.

Q: Are there different potencies?

A: Absolutely! The amount of CBD that a product or dosage contains varies greatly. Kanabia currently offers 3 different potencies, ranging from 250mg to 1000mg per dose. We always recommend starting small and working your way up depending on how you feel.

Q: What kinds are there? What ways can I use it/ take it?

A: CBD comes in all shapes and sizes and can be consumed in so many ways - with more being introduced everyday. This include topical creams, ointments, makeup, food, beverages and more. One of our favourite ways to consume CBD is through a liquid tincture. Using the dropper provided, insert it directly into your mouth or add it to your favourite beverage. We love adding CBD to our different superfood lattes and our Macaccino Drink Mix! You can also add it to smoothies, coffee, tea, water and juices!

Q: How does it compliment your superfoods?

A: There is quite a bit of research that points to the important relationship that omega fatty acids and CBD have. As mentioned above, omega fatty acids play a critical role in helping to maintain the proper and optimal function of your ECS (endocannabinoid system). This internal system, which is responsible for receiving and delivering the benefits of internally produced and externally received CBD, is maintained by omega fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help to:

• keep your receptors healthy and functioning
• grow new receptors
• synthesize cannabinoids within the body
• create other types of cannabinoids
• regulate the entire ECS

Without consuming enough omega fatty acids, which we know aren’t naturally produced by the body so we need to consume them through food, you won’t reap the benefits of CBD oil. This is why some of the best forms of CBD are in tincture form. Kanabia’s tinctures, for example, contain MCT oil. MCT oil aka medium-chain-triglycerides, contain omega-3 fatty acids making it the perfect vessel for their CBD+ oils, ensuring that you reap all of the amazing benefits of their high quality oils.

Because omega fatty acids are essential when it comes to maximizing the benefits of CBD, we like to pair Kanabia’s CBD+ oils with our instant probiotic lattes. Our instant Turmeric, Matcha, Chocolate and Beet probiotic lattes are made using our organic coconut milk powder which not only makes for a creamy plant based latte but also contains omega fatty acids. This combo is not only delicious and nutritious but also grounding and relaxing, thanks to the addition of Kanabia’s CBD+.

All of this information + so much more is available on Kanabia’s website, which you can see here. Read more about their research-driven revolutionary products and the evidence behind them. From there you can purchase their CBD+ oils (currently for US residents only), get a sneak peak of what’s to come and get all of the info you need in order to decide if CBD is right for you!

Still have questions about CBD? Leave them below!