FAQ
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary active competent of the cannabis plant. They are called cannabinoids, and thus far over 120 have been identified. They naturally interact with a system inside our bodies called, an Endocannabinoid System.
What is an Endocannabinoid System?
This system can be found in all Vertebrate species with three main components:
- Cannabinoid receptors - found on the surface of cells
- Endocannabinoids- small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors
- Metabolic enzymes - break down endocannabinoids after they are used
Cannabinoid (CB) receptors sit on the surface of the cell and “listen” to conditions outside of the cell. There are two major CB receptors: “CB1” and “CB2”. These aren’t the only two but they were the first discovered and are still being studied today.
CB1 receptors are one of the most abundant receptor types in the brain. These are the receptors that interact with THC to get people high.
CB2 receptors are more abundant outside of the nervous system, in places like the immune system. However, both receptors can be found throughout the body.
Endocannabinoids are molecules naturally produced by our own body so compounds like THC can bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors previously mentioned.
There are two major Endocannabinoids:
Anandamide and 2-Arachindonyl Glycerol (2-AG). These Endocannabinoids are made from fat-like molecules within cell membranes and are synthesized on-demand...This means that they get made and used exactly when they are needed, rather than packaged and stored for later use like many other biological molecules.
Metabolic enzymes quickly destroy endocannabinoids once they are used. The two big enzymes are Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down Anandamide, and Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL), which breaks down 2-AG.
Anandamide is degraded primarily by the FAAH enzyme. So, inhibitors of FAAH lead to elevated Anandamide levels in the body and are being pursued for therapeutic use. CBD Isolate has been found to inhibit FAAH, leaving more Anandamide available.
In simple terms, CBD blocks FAAH which allows the body more Anandamide. Anandamide plays a role in many bodily activities, including appetite, memory, pain, depression, and fertility.
The most notable difference between these two cannabinoids is that THC gets you “high” (AKA—is impairing or intoxicating), and CBD does not. That’s because they each work on different pathways within the human body; CBD acts on a number of non-psychoactive receptors in our bodies . Even in extremely high doses, there is no way that CBD can get one “high” as with its cousin THC, but such large doses may result in drowsiness.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, CBD doesn’t just have one target or function in the body, but rather it interacts with multiple different channels, including those mentioned above. As a result, it may feel differently for different people; and even seem to feel differently for the same person at different times. This is why there is no one regimen that works for everyone-- and we encourage experimentation with our products; at various times of day, in distinct environments, and in varying doses.
In simple terms, CBD blocks FAAH in our bodies which allows our body more Anandamide. Anandamide is also known as "the bliss molecule" playing a role almost every function: sleep, appetite, mood etc. FAAH "eats away" at Anandamide naturally occurring in our body. CBD blocks FAAH and allows more Anandamide present.
Yes. As a general rule, if you’re taking a prescription that has a grapefruit warning label on it, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting a CBD regimen. CBD interacts with an enzyme in the liver, called cytochrome p450, which is responsible for breaking down a number of medications. Altering this enzyme can increase the amount of circulating medication in the body.
Full-spectrum refers to an extract that contains the full range of beneficial compounds that are found in the plant’s natural form. When you have a full-spectrum product, you can harness the full power of the entourage effect-- that is, the synergy between all of the elements of the plant that make it far more effective than an isolate product, which contains only one compound. Research has proven time and time again that full-spectrum products are many times more effective than their isolate counterparts.
Yes, all mammals have an endocannabinoid system, so CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties might just apply to our animals, too. For the time being, only one study has been conducted on the safety and effects of hemp-derived CBD on dogs-- and it demonstrated that CBD (in both measured doses) eased pain and increased the comfort of osteoarthritic dogs-- without any side effects.