Using full spectrum whole plant CBD has been so beneficial to our body care products. Almost all body care I create only uses full spectrum. I believe in using whole plant medicine but I understand why our customers also prefer isolated pure CBD especially in tincture form. Neither are any better. It is all up to the individual, every body is different!
So what is the difference between Full Spectrum and Isolated?
Full spectrum contains over 85 different cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBC, etc) terepenes, flavonoids(Quercetin, Apigenin, and Cannaflavin A), and antioxidants. Although favonoids and terepenes are similar, they each contribute their own therapeutic effects. When used together, their benefits are synergistically enhanced. Full spectrum also has trace amounts of THC but only rating at a 0.3% which is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects or the "high" euphoric feeling.
Isolated CBD is just what the name says. Isolated in scientific terms is the purest form of a compound achieved by isolating it from its environment and all the other compounds. The end result is pure CBD without terepenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids.
Lets talk about the endocannabinoid system!
Most of us have not heard of the endocannabinoid system, and its nothing to be ashamed about. It has been under scientific study for a while, almost 60 years now and little information has been released over the years. What we do know is that all animals from fish to birds have an endocannabinoid system and it isn't a singular isolated system like the nervous system or the cardiovascular system but instead the endocannabinoid system is based off receptors located throughout the whole body.
The human body creates its own endocannabinoids to react with the receptors but also foods and plants( beyond cannabis) also have endocannabinoids which interact w
ith our system. The two most popular documented receptors scientists have discovered are the CB1 and the CB2 although there are other receptors that scientist have proposed. Also, there are two popular documented endocannabinoids as well called anadamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol or 2-AG. Enzymes are needed to break down and synthesize anadamide and 2-AG.
Remember in biology class when our teachers discussed what our bodies primary goal is?
No, not reproduction thats a whole other topic but...
Its to acheive homeostasis! Balance in the body so our bodies can continue to survive and thrive. The endocannabinoid system is like the regulator for homeostasis, the internal adaptogenic system that is always working to keep our body functional. The system interacts with pretty much every other system in our body including, the central nervous system (stimulating CB1 receptors can inhibit GABA and glutmate. CB2 receptors dominate peripheral system which controls pain and inflammation), stress and mood (adaptogenic), digestive system, metabolism, bone health, fertility, skin health, immune system, and inflammatory response.
Unfortunately, these studies have shown the endocannabinoid system can easily be thrown off by high stress levels, lack of exercise, pharmaceutical and recreational drugs, chronic diseases, genetics and poor diet.
Luckily, CBD can help restore balance in our bodies. Since CBD is technically a phytocannabinoid it reacts with our endocannabinoid system by modifying the CB1 and CB2 receptors. After the enzymes break down cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids bind with the receptors. Over time, this makes it harder to over stimulate the endocannabinoid system thus preventing the endocannabinods degradation. Phytocannabinoid CBD helps to boost our system naturally by inhibiting the receptors reuptake and degradation. This promotes homeostasis, reduces pain sensation and decreases inflammation.
The skin and the endocannabinoid system
Dis-regulation of the endocannabinoid system has been associated to dermatological disorders such as psoriasis (chronic auto immune inflammatory disease), atopic dermatitis, acne and other skin impurities and skin cancer. Other things can help respect your skin, like finding gentle soaps that help your natural PH, and oils and butters that help skin cells renewal. Since CBD binds directly to endocannabinoids, it helps the skin find its balance quickly and effectively ensuring harmony. CBD is anti inflammatory and supports the immune system. It can help acne prone skin because it reduces the formation of sebum, is naturally antimicrobial, and helps calms the skin while restoring the skins natural tone.
CBD has a plethora of benefits, every body is different so self exploration with CBD and finding out what works for your body is highly recommended. Thank you for reading and I hope this blog has helped you find comfort with hope of taking care of your health!
Until next time! <3
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/17/1/163/284269
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025619619300072
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/
Leave a comment