THE HUMAN ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a collection of cell receptors and the corresponding molecules (agonists) in the human body.
This system helps to regulate sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, pleasure, pain, reproduction and fertility, memory, and temperature regulation. When the ECS is in balance, your body is in homeostasis.
Endocannabinoids are the molecules that act as chemical messengers that bind to cannabinoid cell receptors and tell the body to do certain things. The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids with the help of consuming foods like fatty acids found in nuts and fish.
Over 60 cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis, can bind to cannabinoid receptors. Although different cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) cause different effects, they are all being used in similar fashion.
The cannabis plant is great in aiding the human body and plays a part in improving many vital functions in the body.
CANNABINOIDS
Cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN and THC fit into our CB1 And CB2 receptors like a lock and key, each having a specific effect on internal body processes. This network of receptors stretches around the entire body and helps to regulate bodily functions and maintain homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system helps the human body to manage pain, appetite, sleep, memory and more, as well as having powerful anti-inflammatory effects and aiding a healthy immune system.
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and spinal cord helping to regulate appetite, assist with memory and reduce pain.
CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and help reduce inflammation.
Endocannabinoid System: A Simple Guide to How It Works (healthline.com)
TERPENES –
There are more than 20,000 terpenes, with more than a hundred in cannabis alone. Terpenes are volatile aromatic oils produced by cannabis as a natural defense mechanism against pests and disease. Like cannabinoids, terpenes are a product of the trichome. Many common plants produce the same terpenes also produced by the cannabis plant, including citrus fruits, herbs, and other medicinal plants.
Terpenes are responsible for the unique flavors and aromas, which define individual strains. They are also responsible, in part, for the nuanced experiences of each strain, including varied medicinal benefits. They are like cannabinoids in the sense they have different heat sensitivities, effects and medicinal benefits.
Many terpenes interact synergistically with cannabinoids, to influence their effect on the endocannabinoid system. This is what we refer to as the entourage effect. When all the compounds work together, the entourage effect is achieved, and maximum therapeutic benefits can be obtained.
FULL SPECTRUM VS BROAD SPECTRUM
Full Spectrum –
Full Spectrum means that the full-spectrum of cannabinoids & terpenes are included in the product, offering many health benefits that are otherwise not found when these are removed.
While Full Spectrum products include traces of THC, the threshold is limited to under 0.3%. The small amount of THC in a full-spectrum product will not give you ANY hallucinogenic effects, but it helps the body absorb and use the other cannabinoids including the CBD so that they work more efficiently in the body.
A study in 2015 found that full spectrum products offer higher levels of anti-inflammatory properties than their CBD isolate & broad-spectrum counterparts. This is due to the synergistic interactions between the different cannabinoids.
Broad Spectrum –
Broad Spectrum has many different meanings depending on the product, a broad-spectrum product from one company may be completely different than a broad spectrum product from another.
Essentially, what Broad Spectrum means is that the product does not contain the Full Spectrum of the plant. This could be as simple as just removing the THC, to completely removing all the minor cannabinoids & terpenes other than the CBD.
Our Broad Spectrum includes both CBD and CBG, two of the most studied cannabinoids outside of THC. These results can be found on our COA page.
“Cannabis Terpenes: What They Are & How They Affect You.” PlantedU, June 1, 2019. https://plantedu.com/what-are-cannabis-terpenes.