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The Benefits of Organic Full-Spectrum CBD
Do you prefer an organic full-spectrum CBD product? If so, you’re not alone. Many consumers opt for this choice when purchasing a CBD remedy. However, many people don’t know why a full-spectrum product is a great choice or what each cannabinoid and terpene in the product actually does to the body.
What is organic full-spectrum CBD?
In simple terms, an organic full-spectrum CBD product uses the whole hemp plant. This kind of product contains flavonoids, terpenes, phytocannabinoids, and other nutrients.
In addition, an organic full-spectrum CBD formulation encourages all the compounds in hemp to work together in the body, which can help amplify their benefits. This process is known as the entourage effect, a theoretical result with many advocates.
What is the entourage effect?
Many researchers believe that organic full-spectrum CBD delivers better results, known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the theoretical phenomenon that occurs when multiple hemp compounds work together to deliver holistic benefits. Many believe that combining the hundreds of naturally-occurring chemicals in hemp leads to a more enhanced effect.
What therapeutic benefits does the entourage effect unleash?
Thus far, most research on the entourage effect has centered on the interactions between THC and CBD.
In 2010, researchers conducted a study involving Sativex, a pain relief aid for patients with multiple sclerosis that contains a mixture of THC and CBD. In the study, there were three groups of participants, all experiencing severe pain due to cancer: one group received Sativex, one group received pure THC extract, and the others received a placebo.
After analyzing the results, researchers discovered that Sativex was twice as potent as a pain reliever than pure THC, even though the same amount of THC was given to the participants as was contained in Sativex. Thus, they concluded that CBD increased the effects of THC with regard to pain relief.
Research also indicates that cannabis users who smoked pure THC—versus products that contained both THC and CBD—experienced memory problems and other similar issues, which were not shared by those who smoked a product that combined the two substances.
The cannabinoids and terpenes in organic full-spectrum CBD
Suppose you’re interested in trying an organic full-spectrum CBD product to experience the benefits of the entourage effect. In that case, it’s important to know the primary compounds in the hemp plant, aside from CBD and THC.
There are multiple cannabinoids and terpenes in organic full-spectrum CBD products. All these different compounds come with their own set of potential benefits and uses, and knowing them will give you insight into how full-spectrum CBD can enhance your health.
6 cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD products
While you might be aware of the most popular cannabinoids, there are several other ones in organic full-spectrum CBD.
1. CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) has boomed in popularity in recent years, especially since many swear that it helps with pain and anxiety. But there are actually many ways in which CBD can be beneficial. Here are just four benefits of the cannabinoid.
- CBD may relieve pain: CBD is a known anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, animal studies suggest that CBD reduces sciatic nerve pain and the pain of a surgical incision. Research also indicates that CBD can reduce pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity.
- CBD may have neurological benefits: Research suggests that CBD may have neuroprotective properties. Studies indicate that the cannabinoid may help with various health conditions related to the brain, including Parkinson’s, epilepsy, MS, and Alzheimer’s.
- CBD may help with depression and anxiety: Anxiety and depression are very common mental health conditions in the United States, and many people are looking for natural ways to either complement or replace their traditional medications. Because CBD can act on the brain’s serotonin receptors, it holds promise as a way to manage depression and anxiety and their related symptoms.
- CBD may keep the heart healthy: CBD may lower blood pressure due to its ability to counter stress and anxiety. In addition, CBD has potent antioxidant properties, allowing it to decrease oxidative stress in the body to help facilitate better heart health.
As CBD becomes more popular, researchers will continue to investigate the cannabinoid to discern its benefits. But, so far, the studies show a promising future for CBD.
2. CBDA
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is converted to CBD when exposed to heat. CBDA interacts with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. This enzyme is linked to inflammation after injury or infection. Thus, by inhibiting it, CBDA can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and help to relieve pain.
CBDA is also great at impacting serotonin levels. While serotonin is known for its mood-balancing properties, it is also essential for sleeping, eating, digestion, and motor skills. While you need serotonin to function optimally, an excess—triggered by a stressor, like chemotherapy—can cause nausea and vomiting.
Nausea is challenging to manage, and continuous nausea can be very stressful and frustrating. While more research is needed, CBDA may affect the body’s 5-HT serotonin-producing receptors, which may eventually hold promise for CBDA as a medication for chemo-induced nausea.
Because of its affinity for 5-HT receptors, CBDA may also help combat depression. This benefit is because CBDA affects the 5-HT receptors very similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants.
3. CBC
Cannabichromene (CBC) is another lesser-known cannabinoid, although it’s being researched quite heavily for its potential health benefits. The possible therapeutic properties of CBC include the following:
- CBC may help against cancer: CBC may have the ability to help mitigate cancer, which might be due to its interaction with anandamide, a natural endocannabinoid in the body. CBC inhibits anandamide uptake, meaning it stays in the bloodstream longer. Research suggests that anandamide may have the potential to fight breast cancer, which means that CBC could be a promising complementary agent. In fact, research has shown that CBC is the second-most-powerful cannabinoid in terms of inhibiting new cancer cell growth. (CBG was shown to be the most powerful).
- CBC may promote healthy brain function: In an animal study, researchers found that CBC positively affects neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the brain. These cells are vital for a healthy brain because they differentiate (i.e., mature and become more specialized) into astroglial cells, which protect against oxidative stress, inflammation, and toxicity.
- CBC may relieve pain: CBC may reduce pain and inflammation, and it does so differently than no-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). CBD does not have the often dangerous side effects of those kinds of medications.
- CBC may have antidepressant properties: When used together with other cannabinoids, CBC shows powerful antidepressant effects.
- CBC may help with acne: A research team demonstrated that CBC has the potential to prevent acne. A hallmark of acne is excess sebum production as well as inflammation of the sebaceous glands. The team discovered that CBC inhibited the excessive lipid production of the sebaceous glands.
Given all of its benefits, more products with CBC will likely hit the market, making this cannabinoid just as popular as others.
4. CBCA
Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) is the acidic precursor of CBC. A non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, CBCA is present when CBGA goes through a process of degradation, meaning the cannabinoid encounters heat exposure.
Researchers haven’t studied CBCA too extensively. Right now, some believe that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. But because its non-acidic version, CBC, has such a wealth of therapeutic characteristics, it’s likely that CBCA also has benefits.
5. THC
Many people are as familiar with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as they are with CBD. More often than not, people associate THC with its psychoactive effects. But what many might not know is that THC has several health benefits, including the following:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Inflammation
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- MS
- Alzheimer’s
- And much more
When combined with other cannabinoids, THC’s effects are even better. And if you buy a high-quality full-spectrum CBD product, you can rest assured that you’ll experience the benefits of THC without encountering its intoxicating effects. CBD products must have extremely low levels of THC to be federally legal.
6. CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG) is considered a minor cannabinoid with promising potential for medical use. Endocannabinoid receptors are numerous in parts of the eye, and CBG may effectively mitigate glaucoma because it reduces intraocular pressure.
Animal tests have also found that CBG may be an effective anti-inflammatory agent when soothing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, a recent animal study found that CBG helped protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease, which creates nerve cell degeneration in the brain.
Like many other cannabinoids, CBG may also help with cancer, as it blocks receptors that cause cancer cell growth. Like CBGA, CBG helps prevent the development of colon cancer cells in mice.
Lastly, research has shown that CBG might be an effective anti-bacterial agent against MRSA, which is resistant to several drugs.
6 terpenes in full-spectrum CBD products
While many consumers know at least a few cannabinoids, terpenes are another story. But these compounds play an important role in any organic full-spectrum CBD product.
1. B-Caryophyllene
B-Caryophyllene is a terpene found in cannabis. And studies suggest that it might help relieve pain and inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. Researchers also indicate that b-caryophyllene may help prevent the brain from aging because of inflammation, which can lead to conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Still, more research on b-caryophyllene is required to prove its efficacy for these uses.
2. A-Bisabolol
A-Bisabolol is found in many cannabis strains, as well as in other plants like the chamomile flower. It has been used in the cosmetics industry for years as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent, and these qualities have led researchers to study its potential for medical use.
Currently, studies suggest that a-bisabolol may have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-irritant, analgesic (painkiller), and antioxidant properties.
3. Nerolidol-Trans
While Nerolidol-Trans has several potential benefits, as shown in animal studies, researchers need to do more clinical trials to determine whether it could be useful for humans.
Thus far, studies have shown that nerolidol-trans holds a lot of promise. Researchers indicate that it’s an effective antifungal, sedative, and antioxidant agent. It may also have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties and reduce anxiety and skin lesions.
4. Guaiol
Pronounced “gweye-all,” guaiol is a terpene with a woody, rosy scent. Like the other terpenes discussed, its most significant potential benefits lie in its ability to act as an anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agent.
Guaiol is very versatile, and some think it may help soothe constipation, gout, arthritis, and sore throat. In addition, a lung cancer study showed that guaiol might also fight against cancer cells.
Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, this terpene might also be a great candidate for food preservation.
5. Humulene
Humulene has been heavily researched and has been proven to have effective anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and appetite suppressing properties. It’s also shown potential as an anti-cancer agent when combined with other terpenes and phytocannabinoids, like those found in organic full-spectrum CBD products.
As an anti-bacterial chemical, humulene may also be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a common, dangerous type of staph.
6. Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis. You can also find it in hops and lemongrass, the latter of which has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries.
Not enough research has been done on myrcene alone to pinpoint its true benefits. But lemongrass, which is rich in the terpene, has long been used as a sleep aid, muscle relaxant, pain-reliever, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Myrcene may also inhibit the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxins found in several commonly consumed foods. This effect happens because myrcene can hinder the liver enzyme CYP2B1, which allows aflatoxins to cause damage to human DNA.
Organic full-spectrum CBD has various health benefits
While more clinical research into organic full-spectrum CBD is required, each cannabinoid and terpene has demonstrated some potential for varying health benefits. These benefits range from helping with sleep, to pain relief, to fighting oxidative stress, to reducing inflammation, and much, much more.
Because it encourages the entourage effect, whereby all cannabinoids and terpenes theoretically work together to create superior benefits, full-spectrum CBD products may be preferred over remedies with only one hemp compound.
