About Cannabinoids & Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp: Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
Researchers discovered the Endocannabinoid System in the late 1980s. It is located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and helps regulate the body in a bid to create balance or homeostasis. The cannabinoids in Hemp can bind to the CB1 receptor sites (primarily in the brain), and CB2 receptor sites (mainly in the body). Cannabis strains contain a massive array of cannabinoids that bind to these sites once consumed, producing varying effects depending on which receptor site they bind to. This is why Hemp is such a versatile healer! With over 120 cannabinoids in this plant, CBD, as the most famous to date, has gained worldwide popularity. A few more powerful healing cannabinoids gaining momentum, including CBG, CBN and CBC, have a similar effect but also have their very own healing properties.
WHAT IS CBD, CBG, CBN AND CBC?
CBD - Cannabidiol
CBD - Cannabidiol is generally most abundant cannabinoid in the industrial hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not directly activate our brain’s CB1 receptors, meaning users don’t feel the same intoxicating effects. Instead, CBD seems to increase the level of endocannabinoids (2-AG and anandamide) in the body. There is evidence that CBD interacts with brain cells, including opioid receptors, which regulate pain, and dopamine receptors, which control behavior. CBD potentially inhibits the adverse side effects associated with THC. A study by Aso et al., published in Molecular Neurobiology in 2019, looked at CBD’s impact on THC’s effects. The team found CBD indirectly blocks THC’s effects on the CB1 receptors by elevating the activation of adenosine type IIa receptors.
Research shows CBD potentially has dozens of therapeutic benefits but does NOT cause a psychoactive high... The data has shown CBD helps with pain, anxiety, depression and heart health along with several other well documented potential benefits .
CBG – Cannabigerol
CBG is arguably one of the two most essential cannabinoids of all, yet few people have ever heard of it. It is the chemical parent of THC and CBD. In other words, both cannabinoids begin as CBG and wouldn’t exist without it. CBG is essential to produce the cannabinoids which provide medicinal benefits. Researchers discovered CBGA, the acidic form of CBG, in the 1970s. They soon realized that CBGA was the precursor of better-known cannabinoids. CBG comes from a process called biosynthesis, which is based on chemical reactions that result in other chemical components. A pair of these components, olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate, combined to create CBGA, which was possibly the first cannabinoid. While CBG is mainly known as the building block of other cannabinoids, it has possible therapeutic benefits in its own right. A study by Valdeolivas et al., published in Neurotherapeutics in January 2015, found that CBG had neuroprotective properties for Huntington’s Disease.
Research shows CBG potentially has dozens of therapeutic benefits but does NOT cause a psychoactive high .. Data has shown that CBG potentially works to fight inflammation, pain, nausea and works to slow the proliferation of cancer cells. Research has shown it also significantly reduces intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma. Strains high in CBG will be beneficial treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, and cancer.
CBN – Cannabinol
CBN provides you with a sedative effect that makes it ideal if you have insomnia. Steep Hill Labs claims that just 5mg of CBN is a more effective means to relax the body than 10mg of Valium. It is a mildly intoxicating cannabinoid linked with a reduction in pain. A study by Zygmunt et al., published in The Journal of Neuroscience in June 2002, found that a combination of CBD and CBN could significantly decrease pain levels.
Research shows CBN potentially has dozens of therapeutic benefits but does NOT cause a psychoactive high.. Data has shown that CBN, offers a unique profile of effects and benefits that have researchers clamoring for more scientific investigation. So far. studied benefits include: pain relief, anti-insomnia, promotes growth of bone cells, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive and appetite stimulant.
CBC – Cannabichromene
CBC, is a powerful, non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBC, has been shown to encourage the human brain to grow by increasing the viability of developing brain cells in a process known as neurogenesis. CBC plays a significant role in the anti-cancer and anti-tumor capabilities of cannabis. CBC battles inflammation, as well, but without activating any of the endocannabinoid receptors in the body. For this reason, the healing powers of CBC increase significantly when combined with other cannabinoids, like CBD, which do activate endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the body, "entourage effect."
Research shows CBC potentially has dozens of therapeutic benefits but does NOT cause a psychoactive high .. Data has shown that CBC promotes the growth of new brain cells. may help with depression and has anti-viral and inflammatory properties. CBC has also been a successful remedy for migraines.
HEMP SEED OIL
Hemp seed oil is extracted from seeds of the hemp plant. The extraction occurs through cold-pressing, similar to the way that olives are cold-pressed to make olive oil.
Although the hemp and the cannabis (marijuana) plant belong to the same plant family, Cannabis sativa L, they are two different plants and have different compositions. The most notable difference is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in each plant. THC is the psychoactive portion of the cannabis plant. It’s the chemical that makes you feel “high”.
While the cannabis plant has high THC levels (up to 28%), the hemp plant’s THC concentration does not exceed 0.3%. Thus, products derived from the hemp plant are unlikely to create a “high” and are mainly used for medicinal purposes.
Health Benefits
The many health benefits of hemp seed oil come from its high content of three polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. Additionally, its ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids is 3:1.
Improved Skin
A dermatology study found that oral consumption of hemp seed oil improves symptoms of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Researchers attribute these results to the fatty acids found in hemp seed oil.
Hemp seed oil is also useful in treating other skin conditions, such as cradle cap, psoriasis, and acne. In addition, hemp seed oil strengthens the skin and makes it better able to resist infection.
Lower Blood Pressure
Omega-3 fatty acids abundant in hemp seed oil can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure). Research recommends using omega-3 fatty acid supplements along with blood pressure medicine to lower blood pressure.
Promotes Heart Health
Hemp seed oil is rich in linoleic acid. Studies have shown that eating a diet high in linoleic acid significantly reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.
Lowering cholesterol levels reduces your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.