So What are Cannabinoids?
The human body—as well as nearly all other animals —have a collection of receptors, enzymes, and naturally occurring molecules called the endocannabinoid system or the ECS.
Although there’s more to be understood about this amazing system, we do know the ECS brings balance to your nervous system, sleep, immune system, and more.
Cannabinoids are a specific class of molecules found in hemp and marijuana that interact with the receptors in the ECS creating various effects in the body.
And there are a lot of different types of cannabinoids—113 at least!
Some of these cannabinoids help with sleep. Others are used to treat epilepsy. Some either have no effect or effects we haven’t seen yet, and only one out of all 113 of them—THC—can get you high.
Common Types of Cannabinoids
CBD (cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol or CBD is a substance with several incredible therapeutic benefits.
It’s often used to help regulate sleep. CBD is known for providing stress relief. The FDA even recently approved a CBD-based medication for extreme types of epilepsy.
This incredible molecule has even caught the attention of Harvard’s Medical School!
It can come in several forms including oils and CBD tinctures that you can add to food and drinks or you can even simply place a couple drops under your tongue for fast relief.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Cannabigerol or CBG is the precursor molecule to all other cannabinoids. This means, through natural processes, CBG converts into other cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
CBG hasn’t quite had the same spotlight as CBD, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have many of the same benefits.
There have been studies that show CBG can ease some of the symptoms of IBS and even provide neural protection against Huntington's disease.
It also shows promise in lowering inflammation, helping with headaches, as well as stress relief. There’s even evidence that CBG works as an effective antibacterial!
Not only this, but when it’s combined with CBD—like it is in our full-spectrum CBG tincture—its benefits are intensified!
We have a whole article about it if you’re looking to learn more!
CBC (cannabichromene)
CBC, usually found in higher concentrations in tropical strains of cannabis, has been found to also reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
There is still a lot of research into how CBC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, but it seems its effects are actually mediated through interactions outside of these receptors.
Among CBC’s effects in the body are an increase in anandamide—a chemical known to inhibit tumor growth—a decrease in both inflammation and acne, and even promotion of brain health in adults.
CBN (cannabinol)
When THC—the psychoactive cannabinoid—breaks down over time, it converts to cannabinol (CBN). Some say that it is mildly psychoactive in this form, but it’s usually not found in very high concentrations.
It’s typically regarded as the mark of a degraded full-spectrum product.
You shouldn’t find much CBN at all in a fresh, high-quality CBD or CBG product. You’ll actually find no CBN in our products according to our most recent lab results.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a cannabinoid found in its highest concentrations in the marijuana plant but can still be found in much lower concentrations in hemp.
This is the compound that “gets you high” creating a euphoric feeling. It’s known to increase appetite, reinforce sleep, and affect sensory perception.
There’s been decades of social, political, and legal controversy surrounding this chemical. Even still, THC is controlled by different levels of legality depending on where you live.
These legal questions even impact your CBD products.
According to federal regulations, THC found in hemp-based products such as CBD and CBG oils must be found to be at 0.3% concentration or less. You shouldn’t feel any effects at such low levels of THC.
Still Curious?
Since our tinctures are full-spectrum products, they contain all the cannabinoids that are present in the hemp we grow. This means that you get the benefits of all the cannabinoids that our high-quality hemp can offer.
We hope that this cleared up any questions you have. If you still want to know more, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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