What Exactly Are Cannabinoids?
“Cannabinoid” may seem like a hefty new word to add to your vocabulary, but you have most likely already encountered cannabinoids. If you throw drops of CBD into your morning smoothie or use it in your skincare routine, you have experienced the magic of cannabinoids.
CBD and THC are the most well-known, but the Cannabis sativa plant contains more than 80 compounds called cannabinoids. Keep reading for a proper introduction to cannabinoids!
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are classified by their ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (or ECS). Phytocannabinoids are naturally-occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp, usually concentrated in the female flower heads. They are responsible for the physical and psychological effects of the plant.
How Do Cannabinoids Work?
Ever wonder why you feel so amazing after eating a CBD gummy? You can thank cannabinoids! Cannabinoids have a variety of effects, providing a wide range of benefits.
Let’s dive into some cannabis science to see how cannabinoids work in your body.
Cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a unique communication system in the brain and body that affects many essential functions, impacting how you feel, move and react.
Cannabinoids closely resemble natural compounds produced in our body called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are produced by the human body, promoting balance within your body. Due to the stress of modern life, at times, our bodies can’t keep up, introducing the need for cannabinoids.
Like endocannabinoids, each cannabinoid has a different composition, interacting with cannabinoid receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. This interaction can provide a variety of different benefits, giving your body what it needs to balance.
This balance may not seem like a big deal, but this little shift back into homeostasis can make a huge difference. Giving work presentations or helping your kids with homework can seem like a daunting task when your body feels off-balance. Cannabinoids can help support you to feel yourself again. Thank you, mother nature!
Types of Cannabinoids
Remember, there are over 80 types of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Perhaps we should start with the two most well-known: CBD vs. THC.
THC
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) contributes to the psychoactive effects of cannabis. If you have ever smoked weed, you know what we are talking about. THC activates the CB1 receptors associated with relaxations, euphoria, and anxiety.
CBD
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp. (What does CBD stand for? Cannabidiol) CBD will uplift your mood and body without the feeling of a high. CBD works with your body to help it communicate with itself, giving you what you need most! Hemp plants are Cannabis sativa plants that are characterized as having less than 0.3% (not enough to get you stoned).
CBG (cannabigerol)
A less common phytocannabinoid, CBG has been climbing up the ladder for its benefits. CBG is known as the “mother cannabinoid” of all other forms, but the mature hemp plant only holds trace amounts.
P.S. Our Relief Pain Support Gels are uniquely formulated to combine the power of CBD and CBG with other herbal nutrients for pain women commonly struggle with.
There are other cannabinoids that play an important role in the experience of the cannabis plant including, CBDa, THCa, CBC, CBN, CBDv, and other compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
The Entourage Effect
Teamwork makes the dream work! The effects when all hemp compounds working together are stronger and more effective than an isolated ingredient working alone. Cannabis is a complex plant containing many different plant compounds past cannabinoids. The Cannabis sativa plant also contains flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds.
Terpenes are found throughout nature in flowers, herbs, and trees. Terpenes are delicate molecules and usually can be distinguished by fragrance. They are basically what gives these plants their smell.
The natural blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavinoids synergize together, producing a more powerful effect. This is called the entourage effect.
Choose Your CBD
CBD oils can be divided into different categories based on hemp compounds: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate.
Full Spectrum hemp extract contains the full range of phytocannabinoids in the hemp plant. Leaving hemp how nature intended it, this our preferred type of hemp extract providing the full entourage effect. Full spectrum hemp extract leaves a low trace of THC (lower than 0.3%)!
Broad spectrum hemp extract is further processed to remove all traces of THC! Some of the other cannabinoids may be extracted during this removal process, but you can still experience the entourage effect with broad spectrum.
The “isolate” of CBD is a lot like what it sounds. All cannabinoids and compounds are removed except CBD. This option is often criticized as it won’t provide the entourage effect.
The rule of there is no “I” in “team” applies to hemp extracts! Full-spectrum hemp extract allows all the compounds to work in harmony, nourishing your body.
Power Of Cannabinoid
Now that you know cannabis nutrients don’t just start and end with THC and CBD, you have a better appreciation for the more underrated cannabinoids that help create the beloved entourage effect.
Winged Wellness harnesses the power of cannabinoids as our formulas use both full and broad-spectrum hemp extract. We want to leave cannabis how nature intended it, supporting you through your busy days with better balance.