What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds found in a variety of plants and produced in highest concentrations in the flowers of the Cannabis plant. There are over 100 cannabinoids produced in the hairs on the flowers called trichomes, the main ones are THC, CBD, CBG and CBN. 

 

What is CBD?

CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant. CBD has absolutely no psycho-active intoxicating properties (unlike THC). Research has shown that CBD extracted from Cannabis and consumed has the potential to alleviate a wide range of conditions which include:

• Sleep disorders/ insomnia
• Stress and anxiety
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Nausea
• ADD/ADHD
• Depression
• Migraines
• Muscle fatigue
• Menopause 

The Endocannabinoid system:

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found in both humans and animals. It two receptors-- CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found throughout the body, internally and on the skin, and help to regulate and bring the body to homeostasis, which is a state of equilibrium and balance. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating our hormones, mood, appetite, digestion, memory, pain sensitivity, motivation, sleep and much more.

The ECS is involved in communicating and transmitting signals between the body’s various systems such as the central nervous system, the Immune System and the organs. The body produces its own cannabinoids, but these are unable to travel far in the body—this can lead to deficiencies in the ECS. This is why introducing plant- produced natural cannabinoids such as CBD, helps to supplement and support the ECS, which in turn helps to support and bring balance to the body’s various systems.

Different Types of CBD:

Isolate – the purest form of CBD, everything in the plant matter is removed, including all traces of THC, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils and other cannabinoids leaving only the isolated CBD.

Broad Spectrum – all of the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and essential oils are used which means it can deliver the enhanced benefits of an “entourage effect.” This is without the risk of the psychoactive effects of THC, because the THC has been removed.

Full Spectrum - Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils and all other cannabinoids. THC still remains in the product, however the levels need to be below 0,2% to be legally compliant.

How can CBD be delivered into the body?

CBD can be introduced to the system in various ways, either consumed or applied. There are a wide range of product formats and delivery mechanisms available: 

• Vapes
• Oral Oil Tinctures and sprays
• Edibles and Beverages
• Topicals – Creams, Salves and Balms

It is important to choose the one that works best for you!

Bioavailability:

Perhaps the most critical factor for cannabis consumption is the bioavailability of the product. Bio-availability is the degree to which a substance (like CBD) becomes available to the body after consumption or application through different product and methods of delivery.  The various delivery methods and options offer varying degrees of effectiveness. For instance:  
 
--An intravenous dose (i.e. injection) is considered 100% bioavailable as it is administered directly into the bloodstream. 
 
--Vaping and Inhalers, like smoking utilise the lungs to absorb cannabinoids. With a top quality vaporiser or inhaler, the bioavailability for CBD can reach an amazing 50–80%.
 
--Edibles, in other words, ingesting, is somewhere in the range of 5–20%. The effects can be stronger and last longer than other methods of consumption as the cannabinoids are digested through the liver and intestines.
 
---Oil tinctures are absorbed into the bloodstream sublingually, meaning under the tongue and therefore bypass the liver and digestive system. They are known to be 40-50% bioavailable with some liposomal products reaching even higher levels.
 
---Topicals, i.e. creams, balms and lotions. Through transdermal delivery or rubbing cream into the skin, the cannabinoids are absorbed into receptors leading to a therapeutic effect.

Suggested usage and guidelines:

Our products are safe but please follow the guidelines and recommended dosages. CBD is not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

Please note that everyone’s response to CBD is different and has a different ‘therapeutic window’ of efficacy. You may feel an improvement after the first use or you may need daily, continuous use to feel  the benefits. Every user should safely experiment to find the best dosage and product concentration for their needs. We recommend starting with smaller dosages.

Vape:  2 -3 puffs to be held in the lungs as long as possible before exhaling. Effects felt in 2-5 minutes and last for up to 30 minutes. 

Gummies, Cookies, Muffins: 2 - 4 per day. Effects are usually felt after about 20 minutes. 

Beverages: a cup or two per day. Effects felt after about 20 minutes.

Oral oil tinctures: a few drops under the tongue. Effects felt in 20-30 minutes and last for up to 6 hours.

Topical Creams, Salves and Balms: Apply as needed. Effects felt in 30 to 60 minutes and last for up to 5-6 hours.

A person’s use of Cannabis will be a factor in the dosage. Regular users may require higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Higher dosages are advised for more chronic and severe conditions. Dosages should be assessed according to body weight guidelines. 

If you would like additional information on usage and guidelines please click here...