All cannabis oil is not created equal. This is true from brand to brand, as well as the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the product. Over the last few years, full spectrum cannabis oil has been shown to be a top option when it comes to delivering desired results.
Compounds of the Cannabis Plant
There are over 400 identified chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. Many of these have therapeutic benefits on their own. When combined, the beneficial properties of these compounds are heightened.
Unlike broad-spectrum or isolate, full spectrum cannabis oil retains the majority of these compounds throughout the extraction process. The most prominent plant compounds are cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins but there are also a number of others present in the plant to different degrees.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors) throughout the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). These compounds are what give cannabis plants distinctive health benefits.
The ECS stabilizes the internal balance of the body according to the signals received by the brain. Once an imbalance is detected, the body begins to synthesize endocannabinoids to interact with necessary receptors to address the issue. This communication stimulates a chemical response to help restore homeostasis.
Different cannabinoids interact with these receptors in different ways to assist with various imbalances.
5 Common Cannabinoids in Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil
There is still a lot to be learned about cannabinoids and what each of them does. There are a number of major cannabinoids with notable beneficial properties. Here are some of the most common cannabinoids in full spectrum cannabis and their uses.
1. THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC, the most well known cannabis compound, is responsible for the psychoactive “high” associated with marijuana and marijuana products. This cannabinoid has been used to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce nausea, increase appetite, and promote sleep.
2. CBD – Cannabidiol
CBD doesn’t have notable psychoactive effects and is favored by consumers who enjoy the wellness benefits of cannabis without the high. CBD is commonly used to help reduce anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and pain. This cannabinoid is also used to reduce nausea, and the FDA has approved one synthetic version to assist in reducing seizures for a specific type of epilepsy.
3. CBN – Cannabinol
Some cannabinoids, like CBN, are created during the oxidation process. CBN is one of these compounds and exists when THC-A oxidizes. CBN is most commonly used as an addition to other cannabis products for the purpose of promoting sleep and pain relief.
4. CBG – Cannabigerol
Like CBD and a number of other cannabinoids that don’t produce a high, CBG is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. CBG is produced during the earlier growth phases of the plant and can be difficult to harvest in large quantities. Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties have also been noted.
5. THCA – Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid
THC and THCA are similar chemicals. THC-A is derived from cannabis flower that hasn’t been decarboxylated. “Decarbing” is the process that turns THCA into THC. Unheated cannabis can have nutritional benefits without the high. Juicing or adding raw cannabis to other foods is a way to achieve some of the many benefits of cannabis.
Terpenes
The strong, distinctive aroma that cannabis is known for is the result of terpenes. These chemicals not only give cannabis its unique scent but contain beneficial properties, even in small amounts. The quality of cannabis and method of processing determines the terpene profile of full spectrum cannabis oil.
Here are just a few terpenes that are commonly present:
- Alpha-Bisabolol
- Alpha-Humulene
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Beta-Myrcene
- Beta-Ocimene
- D-Limonene
- Eucalyptol
- Linalool
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a large nutrient group with 8,000 or more family members. 20 of these varieties of flavonoids have been identified in the cannabis plant.
Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also a contributing factor to the vibrant colors in foods like berries, carrots, and spinach. Scientists have even discovered a sub-class of flavonoids specific to cannabis called “cannaflavins.” There is still more to be learned about these nutrients.
Fatty Acids
“Essential” fatty acids can’t be made within the body and must be obtained through diet. Full spectrum cannabis oil contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. These fats are consumed for their positive effects on the brain, heart, muscles, joints, and more. These are found in the cannabis plant. Fatty acids are also found in foods like fish and are often taken as a supplement.
Protein
Amino acids are the building blocks for protein synthesis and are frequently used to support post-workout recovery. Amino acids contribute to healthy skin, muscles, tissues, organs, and hair. Full spectrum cannabis oil contains all 20 amino acids, including nine “essential” amino acids that the body can’t create on its own.
The Entourage Effect
“Full spectrum” is the concept of using whole plant cannabinoid compounds as opposed to extracting one specific molecule, cannabinoid, or compound. The benefit is that these various compounds work together to achieve a greater degree of wellness for the consumer. This interaction between all naturally-occurring chemical compounds in the plant is the “entourage effect.”
Cannabidoil (CBD) is one of the most notable cannabinoids in the plant. A study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology showed that full-spectrum CBD cannabis oil was more effective than isolated CBD. It’s worth noting that this university was the first to identify CBD in 1960, and since then has been an epicenter of CBD research.
Thinking of Trying Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil?
The highly trained staff at Mayflower can help you determine the best cannabis oils to fit your needs. Get in touch with us or ask your budtender about cannabis products for coping with a specific ailment or improving overall wellness.
Disclaimer
MARIJUANA PRODUCTS ARE FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF THIS PRODUCT. Neither the contents of this document nor the product referenced therein have been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.
PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY.