Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. It is the primary cannabinoid in the hemp plant, not to be confused with the marijuana plant where THC is the primary cannabinoid. Both hemp and marijuana do share similar characteristics though which is where common misconceptions around CBD arise from. They both come with over 100 cannabinoids that are non-psychoactive (don’t get you ‘high’) such as CBD, CBG or CBC.Cannabidiol is the most studied compound of the cannabinoids. As such, it has become widely used by those seeking a new approach to every day health and wellbeing.

The ECS is located inside every person, whether you use CBD products or not. It is a network of cannabinoid receptors that stretch throughout the entire body. The ECS works closely with both our central nervous system and our peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoids are produced by your body and are used as and when they are needed. 

Cannabinoid receptors can be found all over the human body. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors help regulate many functions related to our central nervous system, while CB2 receptors manage the abilities associated with our peripheral nervous system.

The difference between Hemp Oil and CBD oil is misconstrued many. So let us set the record straight:

Hemp seed oil is mainly dietary fats which don’t include phytocannabinods (such as CBD or CBG). 

CBD oil is a combination of a carrier oil (usually coconut oil) and phytocannibnoids used to aid health and wellbeing. 

Phytocannabinoids occur naturally in hemp leaves and flower, but not seeds. An adult hemp plant is required to extract the phytocannabinoids that full and broad spectrum CBD products consist of.

Full Spectrum: This type of CBD contains many different cannabinoids and terpenes that are left in CBD oil formulations to provide the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the theory that the more terpene compounds that are consumed the better each indivudal compound works. Full spectrum CBD products, unlike broad spectrum CBD products, contain trace amounts of THC (< 0.2 %). 

Broad Spectrum: Broad spectrum CBD products have a similar molecular make up as full spectrum. However, broad spectrum does not contain the psychoactive compound THC so won't give you a ‘high,' it will just help your body to maintain balance in its processes.

The endocannabinoid system helps keep the body in homeostasis. When ingested, Cannabidiol can help optimise our body’s ability to function more smoothly. CBD interacts with the cannabinoid, dopamine, opioid and serotonin receptors in our bodies.