Getting a clear picture on the complete benefits of healing with Cannabis can be tricky. For starters, we know more about THC and CBD compared to several other cannabinoids present in the Cannabis plant. Both compounds have got people’s attention because of its potential health benefits but they still want to steer clear of the psychoactive effects of THC.
With the discovery of other cannabinoids, researchers are eager to evaluate the variety of therapeutic benefits it can offer. Let’s look at how cannabinoids can work best together and can potentially become the best form of treatment for health conditions.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids were discovered as compounds existing in the Cannabis plant as early as the 1960s. Through advancement in research, we know that these cannabinoids can not only help improve our daily routine but can treat a variety of ailments.
Our body comprises of a system called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that monitors various functions related to sleep, mood and appetite. The Cannabis compounds binds with the neural receptors, CB1 and CB2, allowing the compounds to enhance various functions in our body.
The Entourage Effect
When cannabinoids work together they amplify the healing properties providing better results. A study on cancer patients showed that taking THC and CBD together had greater effects of pain relief compared to THC administered separately.
CBD not only amplifies the benefits but reduces the psychoactive effects of THC. The compound responds to the endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 receptor making sure that THC does not bind with these receptors.
Dr. Ethan Russo, a researcher and thought leader behind the entourage effect, advocates the idea of synergizing compounds versus isolating them. The combination of cannabinoids in an extract are more effective for treatment where the benefits rise with a greater dose while isolated compounds cannot work to its full potential as dosage increases. The idea being that the sum is greater than the parts.
The CBD spectrum
You may have heard about Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum and CBD isolate as part of what goes into making CBD.
Full Spectrum consists of the whole plant extract taken straight from the Cannabis plant. It removes components such as lipids, fat and chlorophyll while retaining the healing properties of other compounds with low traces of THC. This less processed form carries neuroprotective properties and helps treat symptoms related to chronic pain.
Broad Spectrum carries a range of cannabinoids taken from the hemp plant. In Broad Spectrum CBD concentrate the THC compound is isolated and removed. A combination of cannabinoids boosts the healing while keeping the refined blend THC free. It is a popular blend among people who prefer getting the best health benefits of different compounds without any THC.
CBD isolate as the name suggests is the extract that is isolated from other cannabinoids and refined to carry 0 THC. The main difference is that CBD isolate does not contain plant extracts or other compounds in the mix. This extract can be taken to reduce stress and works well to stabilize mood and behavior.
The power of other compounds
CBD is available in a variety of strengths, flavors and sizes. Some contain different spectrums of CBD while others carry a special blend mixed with other compounds such as CBG, CBC and CBN. Combining these compounds provide relief from symptoms and offer much more to improve health.
CBG- A building block for the other compounds, Cannabigerol or CBG has promising health benefits. Like CBD, it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors to improve different functions in the body. The Cannabis strain contains a low amount of CBG but it still works to reduce anxiety and improve your appetite.
CBC- For researchers, Cannabichromene also known as CBC is the most promising compound for treatment. This cannabinoid particularly binds with the body’s pain receptors allowing it to be useful for treating pain related symptoms.
Extracted as CBDA, the acid is further broken down to enhance its potency as a compound. Studies suggest that it carries anti-inflammatory properties effective for treating acne and other skin conditions. It also constrains the growth of cancer cells with restorative properties to help cancer patients.
CBN- Cannabinol or CBN is a compound taken from THC after it is distilled. While THC carries psychoactive effects, this compound does not get you high. Studies show that it works well to improve sleep cycle acting as a potent sedative for insomnia. It can also stimulate bone tissue growth preventing bone damage and healing fractures.
Monitoring dosage
You can take CBD in different ways where each product’s effectiveness depends on its bioavailability, quality and CBD spectrum. For some people, a higher dosage works while others may experience similar effects with a much smaller dose. If you have a health condition, you should consult your doctor before administering the dosage.
Effectiveness of dosage
When administering CBD dosage it is important to know that its effectiveness rely on a few factors including the state of your health, your weight and the potency of CBD concentrate. The effectiveness of a dose can vary and depends on what works for you.
The packaging usually indicates the amount per serving, this can help you get a fair idea of how much you need to use. For example, each CBD capsule usually contains 5mg of CBD, while tinctures can have 1000mg of CBD in a 10 ml bottle so you get 5mg of CBD in each drop.
With CBD consumption there is no one size fits all approach. For beginners, it is useful to try the step wise approach. It is a simple method of starting with the lowest dose possible and slowly increasing it until you find the amount that suits you best.
More healing with more compounds
The synergy of other Cannabis compounds can work best to enhance your health and wellbeing. Whether you choose to take a whole plant extract or a combination of isolated compounds, rest assured that there are no side effects.
Researchers are eager to explore the entourage of cannabinoids and its full potential. Such a possibility will not only improve health but save lives.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based entirely on independent research conducted by our team of experts, and while we continue to consistently provide accurate information from credible resources, none of the following information should be interpreted as legal advice.
