What is the Endocannabinoid System?

A complex network of neurotransmitters, receptors, enzymes and cannabinoids all throughout the human body. The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate the immune system, pain, mood, appetite, sleep, learning & memory, inflammation, and more. In short, the job of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis within the body.
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids created by the body. There are also plant-based cannabinoids, aptly named phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabinoids bind to extracellular receptors within the body that then change the function/behavior of those cells. Enzymes then come and break down the cannabinoids occupying the receptors when their purpose has been fulfilled.

This is how the endocannabinoid system regulates and maintains homeostasis. This is how cannabis can help you!

What is Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil?

The hemp we grow contains less than .3% of the cannabinoid delta-9 THC but is rich in other phytocannabinoids and compounds like flavonoids and terpenes. These are plant-based compounds that are known to positively effect the human endocannabinoid system.

Through a low-temp, butane extraction process (click here to learn more), we extract all of the phytocannabinoids, flavanoids, & terpenes that naturally exist within the hemp plant. This is what we call a “full-spectrum” extraction. The butane process allows us to extract the whole spectrum of lighter, more volatile terpene compounds from the hemp when compared to CO2. We then blend this full-spectrum extract with organic avocado oil & voila!

Is it CBD or Hemp Oil?

Most CBD products available on the market today are exactly that — isolated CBD. As in the phytocannabinoid CBD has been exclusively extracted from the rest of the plant and the isolated CBD has been combined with the product being sold to you.

However, research indicates that there is a synergistic effect when the compounds found in the hemp plant are taken together. This is known as the entourage effect. Many of the compounds in hemp have properties that are antithetical to others. For example, CBD & THC have contrary properties & thus when taken in concert, maintain a desirable balance of effects.

What is the Entourage Effect?

Scientists Shimon Ben-Shabat and Raphael Mechoulam coined the term “entourage effect” in their 1998 scientific paper. It refers to the concept that all of the phytocannabinoids known to be in the cannabis plant work together when consumed to exert a synergistic therapeutic effect greater than any single compound by itself. The entourage effect is a chemical reaction that occurs when a combination of phytocannabinoids is present in the body at the same time, enhancing all their effects simultaneously.

Studies have revealed that the therapeutic properties of individual cannabinoids weren’t as effective without their sibling compounds! This suggests a synergistic interaction between the phytocannabinoids known as the “entourage effect,” which makes full-spectrum oils a more productive choice.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

~ Aristotle

Hemp Oil Varieties?

Full-spectrum hemp oil: Full-spectrum hemp oils contain all the compounds manufactured by the plant: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The cannabinoids in these oils include less than .3% d8 THC. Sufficient for the entourage effect but not nearly enough to intoxicate you.

Broad-spectrum hemp oil: Broad-spectrum hemp oils have all the terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids the plant has to offer, minus the THC. Broad-spectrum oils are made by either stripping the THC from the oil, or starting with a CBD isolate and reintroducing all compounds except for the THC.

CBD isolate: CBD isolate are most commonly extracted via cold CO2 methods that strip away all but the CBD molecules from the plant. The result is a fine, white, crystalline powder that easily dissolves in liquid.

Hemp seed oil: While the three products above are made from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, hemp seed oil is made from the seeds and contain beneficial elements such as essential fatty and amino acids, high levels of vitamins A, C, and E as well as protein, fiber, and minerals. Although hemp seed oil is derived from hemp, it contains no cannabinoids like the above three versions of hemp oil.

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