Education
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol, is one of over at least 100 organic compounds found in hemp and sativa cannabis plants.
Through its ability to signal cell receptors throughout your body’s endocannabinoid system, a self-regulating network of cannabinoid receptors located in nerve cells throughout the body involved in maintaining our bodies natural balance, CBD has been known to provide extensive therapeutic potential without the psychoactive side effects of another cannabinoid, THC.
Although extracted from hemp, which is bred to contain minimal THC, Hemp-derived CBD products offer the properties of the entire hemp plant (CBD, additional cannabinoids, terpenes) without the presence of THC.
How does it work?
CBD works optimally when absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is what keeps our body in homeostasis— helping us maintain balance and stability in our moods, sleep cycles, metabolism, hormones, and more.
Our ECS requires a steady supply of compounds called cannabinoids, a group of fatty compounds found both in hemp and the human body which are key players in normal immune and central nervous system functioning.
Cannabinoids from plants are referred to as phytocannabinoids and those produced by the human body are called endocannabinoids. One of the most well-known phytocannabinoids is CBD, which interacts with your endocannabinoid system to keep your body in balance helping manage everyday anxiety, promote a sense of calm focus, help recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, promote healthy sleep cycles and more.
There are two types of cannabinoid receptors – CB1, which help regulate many functions related to our nervous system and CB2, which manage the abilities of our peripheral nervous system. When CBD interacts with these connectors, they transmit signals to the cells that surround tissue, the tissues inside an organ, and the many organs of the body resulting in a stronger natural response to a variety of ailments when introduced in your daily wellness routine.
The CBD Spectrum:
Although all Golden State Wellness products are Broad Spectrum, understanding what that means and what the alternatives are is a major part in choosing what's right for you.
Broad Spectrum | 0% THC*
Broad Spectrum CBD products are created by taking Full Spectrum extract and further processing it to remove trace amounts of THC. Broad Spectrum products contain an array of naturally occurring cannabinoids, plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins of the original hemp source. Similar to Full Spectrum products, these compounds work together in what is known as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
Includes Most active hemp-derived cannabinoids EXCEPT for THC
Third party tested to ensure non-detectable levels of THC (less than .05%)
Full Spectrum | <0.3% THC
Full Spectrum CBD products are created from hemp through a full plant extraction. They contain naturally occurring cannabinoids (includes <0.3% THC), plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins of the original hemp source. These compounds work together, typically referred to as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
Includes All active hemp-derived cannabinoids
CBD Isolate | 0% THC
CBD Isolate is created by removing all other molecules, except CBD, from the Full Spectrum extract, leaving the CBD in an anhydrous state. All that remains is a white powder that is high purity CBD with 0% THC. This powder is applied into various CBD Isolate products such as oils, edibles, and topicals.
The big Debate: Hemp vs Marijuana, CBD vs THC
Most people's response to why they haven't explored CBD for their ailments is because they think it has all the same effects of Marijuana, mainly the ability to get you high leaving you intoxicated, dizzy, paranoid, or anxious.
On the surface it's easy to see why people group the 2 together as both hemp and marijuana belong to a group of plants called Cannabis sativa. The difference is that hemp plants, which are legal, are federally mandated to have no more than 0.3% THC, a level which does not produce an intoxicating effect, while Marijuana which is still not federally legal is grown to maximize THC content.
So where does CBD come from? In fact both Hemp and Marijuana both contain CBD but Hemp-derived CBD products offer the properties of the entire hemp plant (CBD, additional cannabinoids, terpenes) without the presence of THC as hemp is grown to maximize CBD levels.
There is also a difference in structure between CBD and THC. This structure is why THC has a great affinity for the CB1 receptor in the brain, producing the mind altering effects, while CBD influences the CB1, but does not directly bind to it in the same manner as THC maintaining physiological balance without psychoactive effects.
Golden State Wellness’s products take this difference to the next level only offering Broad Spectrum products which contain no THC at all.
So although they look alike and come from the same family of plants, each compound is very different in its uses and effects.
Don't let Stigma keep you away from better days, start your CBD Wellness journey with us and remain in a Golden State daily.