Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa L plant family. Hemp produces the medicinally rich cannabinoid, CBD, in high concentrations, but maintains low levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC, providing all the medicinal effects of the cannabis plant without all of that pesky incarceration.

Just as lemons and oranges are both citrus fruits, Hemp and Marijuana come from the same plant family (Cannabis), but differ in their chemical make-up, use, and cultivation. The difference is mostly in the chemical make-up though, with Hemp containing about twice (or more) the amount of CBD when compared to Marijuana, but around ten times as less THC. This makes Hemp virtually non-psychoactive.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that can be found in plants of the Cannabis family. There are over 100 different varieties of cannabinoids that have been discovered, the most noteworthy being THC and CBD. Many of these cannabinoids have been studied and shown to have health benefits by working with our body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS.

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of the most notable cannabinoids that has been discovered in cannabis plants. It’s the chemical resposible for the majority of benefits hemp can offer. It continues to gain popularity as studies reveal its many potential uses in medicinal treatments.

Plants have cannabinoids but so do our own bodies. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids naturally produced by cells in the human body that bind to your cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) which make up your ECS.

The ECS stands for the endocannabinoid system which is located throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including your brain) and peripheral nervous system. The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors called CBRs. One way that our bodies help to maintain itself is via this endocannabinoid system. It keeps our bodies functioning optimally by adapting to certain specific changes and helping regulate physiological and cognitive processes, including things like fertility, pregnancy, immune system activity, pain, appetite, mood, and even memory. The ECS also assists in the body’s overall recovery and repair.

CBD hemp oil is a plant-based cannabinoid – or phytocannabinoid – that acts upon cell receptors in a similar way to our endocannabinoids help activate the ECS. CBD acts upon CBRs in the ECS as well as limiting the breakdown of anandamide. In doing so, CBD can help your ECS function at its best and help regulate your appetite, sleep, and even pain more effectively.

There are over one hundred identified compounds in the cannabis plant, each working and helping in their own way in the ECS. While these one hundred compounds have their own standalone therapeutic benefits, but they combine together to provide far better results. This is known as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is when the various compounds of full-spectrum CBD hemp oil are combined, their benefit is greater than what you’d receive from each individual component. In Aristotle’s words: “In the case of all things which have several parts and in which the totality is not, as it were, a mere heap, but the whole is something besides the parts.”

But then again Aristotle thought objects slowed down because they got tired. So, yeah probably not the greatest guy to take science advice on, but regardless, he was right about that synergy stuff.

Terpenes are compounds found in many plants including cannabis that are most associated with their aromatic effects. Terpenes bind with cannabinoids, leveraging one another creating synergy. There are many different combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids which produce a variety of effects.

Full-spectrum is a term that is used to describe the method of how a CBD oil is produced.  With full-spectrum oils, the entire plant is used and all of its compounds extracted.  You will have a broad range of cannabinoids, terpenes, antioxidants, nutrients, and other plant compounds included.  It can provide a greater effect than CBE alone as when everything is included, as nature intended, you have synergy, known as the entourage effect.

CBD is still undergoing many peer-reviewed medical studies for its health benefits.  There have been studies that show its effectiveness in a variety of medical conditions including anxiety, pain relief, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, seizures, IBS,  cardiovascular diseases, and depression.  If you want to take the time to do you own research, check out the research linked here.

Check out this article from the University of Oregon.

Please consult with a healthcare professional familiar with CBD or your pharmacist regarding your current medications and CBD hemp oil.

That depends on several factors including the amount used, frequency and length of use, as well as your body’s metabolism, weight and health status. More isn’t always better. We recommend you start with a small amount and adjust as needed to find your sweet spot. We also recommend chatting with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how CBD hemp oil may be working for you.