Whether you are a CBD admirer like me or someone just bowled over by the tremendous growth CBD has achieved, we all want to know its secret.A decade ago, CBD was a forbidden drug, nowhere seen, nobody knew it.But today, it’s a different story altogether. The CBD market is exploding like anything driving the end-users and business interest crazily. Credit goes to - its all-round potential and the latest research and discoveries.CBD IdentityCBD (cannabidiol) is an incredibly versatile plant compound generally extracted from the hemp variety of Cannabis sativa. Hey, wait for a second.Does the term ‘cannabis’ raise an alarm in your head? It should, as cannabis is a banned drug in most parts of the world. Does that mean we are advocating an illegal drug? No, absolutely not. Read the facts,Cannabis plant is rich in naturally occurring medicinal compounds called cannabinoids (around 144 in number) of which Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetra hydro cannabinol (THC) are the dominant ones. Based on THC concentration, this cannabis plant comes in 2 varieties:Marijuana: THC content is >0.3%, a psychoactive cannabinoid. Hemp variety: THC content is <0.3 %, thus non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive. This trace amount of THC content in hemp is responsible for the safe and legal profile of Hemp-derived CBD. So, no worries. The CBD which you get in the market is hemp-derived, legal, safe, and holds the medicinal properties of cannabis without any psycho-activity.The science behind the health benefits of CBD:CBD, in order to promote health, targets the most widespread biological system: THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS): consisting of endocannabinoids and receptors distributed throughout the mammalian body. The sole function of ECS is to maintain the homeostasis of the body and prevent imbalances. Any deficiency or dysfunction in ECS leads to derangements of the central and peripheral nervous system, digestion, mood, immunity, sleep, etc. manifesting as headaches, body aches, anxiety, depression, inflammation, gastric upset, visceral pains, sleep disorders, and many more. Here’s where exogenous plant compounds like hemp-derived CBD oil jump in. They replace the deficiency or enhance ECS functioning (by preventing the breaking down of endocannabinoids) and restore in and out homeostasis/ balance of your body.Beyond the ECS, CBD can also act via serotonin hormone which is a ‘Happiness Hormone.’Though research is successfully linking CBD with health, CBD products are not approved for any treatment purposes except epilepsy. Cannabis is a blessed plant:Along with THC and CBD, cannabis is blessed with a wide range of minor cannabinoids, a good number of aromatic agents called ‘terpenes’ and also a group of flavonoids. And believe me, though THC and CBD are the main determinants of cannabis action profile, these minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids too have their own therapeutic roles that can’t be neglected. What is CBD spectrum?The term ‘CBD spectrum’ involves the different types of CBD’s available in the market.Full Spectrum CBDContains Cannabidiol (CBD)Trace amounts of THCAll the minor cannabinoids including CBN, CBG, CBGV, CBC, etc.Terpenes FlavonoidsPros: Full-blown entourage effect is seen. Positive effects of each and every component are assimilated.Cons: Less potent than CBD isolate.THC can interact with alcohol (if consumed together or within 8 hours) and precipitate sedation or intoxicationCan be detected in a drug test (due to the trace amounts of THC present.)Can have a strong flavour and aroma to deter its use.Broad-spectrum CBD: Contains CBDAll other minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, etcTerpenesFlavonoids0% of THCPros: Can be used by individuals who are sensitive to THC or strict No No for THC.Individual benefits of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are retained.Cons: Lack the benefits of THC.Shows limited entourage effect and thus, the end result is not at par with the full -spectrum CBD due to lack of THC. CBD isolate:99% pure cannabidiolNo THCNo other cannabinoidsNo terpenesNo flavonoids Pros: Lesser the components better for beginners,Best for first-time users as there are lesser components and no discernible taste or odourDo not show up in any drug tests.Cons: In CBD isolate products the entourage effect is lostIndividual benefits of THC, minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids are also lacking.Which one is better?Unless contraindicated, a full-spectrum CBD should be preferred over broad-spectrum or CBD isolate as it is enriched with the benefits of all the components and has the benefit of the entourage effect.By the way, what is this ‘ENTOURAGE EFFECT’?It depicts the strength of WORKING TOGETHER.Though each component in CBD has its own benefit when combined together, they potentiate the final therapeutic effects by complementing, stimulating, and enhancing each other’s action and can subdue the negative effects of the product by masking them.This effect is seen in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products. What is the difference between full spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD? Full-spectrum CBDBroad-spectrumContent-wiseTHC presentTHC absentProcessingLess processing-more naturalMore processing-less naturalEffect wiseMore potentComparatively less potent Strong analgesicWeaker analgesicPsycho-activity RiskPresent (higher doses)NilDrug testCan be detected (THC)Not detected What is broad spectrum CBD good for?Broad spectrum CBD is good for those who are sensitive to THC or strictly against THC.It is a good antianxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, analgesic agent which can improve memory, cognition, sleep with no risk of psycho-activity or intoxication.What cannabinoids are in full-spectrum?Full-spectrum CBD is a treasure of cannabinoids such as:Delta 9 THCManages pain and reduces inflammationAlso known to reducing nausea, stimulate appetite, and aid in sleepAs only tracing amounts are present in hemp varieties, psycho-activity is not seenDelta 8 THCAntiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective propertiesTetrahydrocannabivarin, THCVCurbs anxiety attacks and causes an overall relaxation in PTSD patientsReduces seizures and convulsionsRegulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistanceCannabidiol, CBDThe main component of hemp - CBDPossess antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, sleep-promoting and many more therapeutic properties. Purely medicinal with no psychoactivity or intoxicationInhibits growth of cancer cellsPromotes bone growthSlows bacterial growthCounteract many of the psychoactive effects of THCCannabigerol, CBGMother cannabinoid-precursor for CBD and THCAnti-inflammatory, analgesic, bacteriostatic, inhibits the growth of cancer cells.Cannabigerivarin, CBGV Boost the ability of the cellular receptors in the ECS to more readily bind with THC moleculesBoosts CBD metabolism within the body, making CBD more potentAnti-inflammatory propertiesCannabichromene, CBCAnti-inflammatory, analgesicPromotes bone growthFight off superbugs such as MRSAAnti-cancer, anti-tumor CBCAReduces inflammationTreats fungal infectionCannabinol, CBNA metabolite of THCPotential immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activityCBN is also said to trigger apoptosis in individual cells, as well as, inhibit the production of cytokinesCan increase sleep durationDecrease seizure activityThere are many more cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD to add to the listHow are Terpenes and Flavonoids important?Terpenes can produce aromatic essential oils which may affect a person’s mood and stress levels.Research also suggests that terpenes and flavonoids may help with pain, inflammation, and anxiety by enhancing CBD effect.Highlights to conclude:Full-spectrum CBDBroad-spectrum CBDCBD isolateCBD+ THC+ minor cannabinoids+ Terpenes +FlavonoidsCBD + minor cannabinoids+ Terpenes +FlavonoidsPure CBDEntourage effect seenEntourage effect seenNo entourage effectMost potentComparatively lessLeast potent but effective.Risk of photoactivity present at a higher dose.NoNo FAQs:Q. How is CBD extracted from the cannabis plant?With the help of one of the following extraction process:steam distillationsolvent extractioncarbon dioxide extractionlipid extractionQ. How does the dosage of CBD differ in full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate forms?Dose actually depends on personal response to a particular form and the condition treated. Mostly for a same person and condition, full spectrum being most potent needs the least dose and CBD isolate being least potent needs the highest dose with the broad spectrum somewhere in between.Q. Is CBD Oil Addictive?No, Hemp-derived CBD oil is non-addictive.Q. Is CBD from Hemp as good as CBD from marijuana?Almost the same, except for the THC content which is greater in marijuana CBD.Q. Is CBD safe for pets?Yes, CBD is proven safe in various animal studies and many veterinarians have started recommending it now. References:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CannabinoidPamplona FA, da Silva LR, Coan AC. Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis. Front Neurol. 2018 Sep 12;9:759. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00759. Erratum in: Front Neurol. 2019 Jan 10;9:1050. PMID: 30258398; PMCID: PMC6143706.https://www.intechopen.com/books/recent-advances-in-cannabinoid-research/the-united-chemicals-of-cannabis-beneficial-effects-of-cannabis-phytochemicals-on-the-brain-and-cognRusso EB,et al. Taming THC: Potential Cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid- terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology; 2011 Aug; 163(7): 1344-1364https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.xBorchardt D. Hemp cannabis product sales projected to hit $1 billion in three years. Forbes. 2017. https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/08/23/hemp-cannabis-product-sales-projected-to-hit-a-billion-dollars-in-3-years/#6e354fe4474cAndre CM, et al. Cannabis sativa: The plant of the thousand and one molecules. Front Plant Sci. 2016; 7:19.Niesink RJM, et al. Does cannabidiol protect against adverse psychological effects of THC? Front Psychiatry. 2013; 4:130.Resstel LBM, et al. 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the cannabidiol-induced attenuation of behavioural and cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats. Br J Pharmacol. 2009; 156(1): 181-188.Bisogno T, et al. Molecular targets for cannabidiol and its synthetic analogs: effect on vanilloid VR1 receptors and on the cellular uptake and enzymatic hydrolysis of anandamide. Br J Pharmacol. 2001; 134(4): 845-852.Straiker A, et al. Cannabidiol inhibits endocannabinoid signaling in autaptic hippocampal neurons. Mol Pharmacol. 2018; 94(1): 743-748.Martin-Moreno AM, et al. Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids reduce microglial activation In vitro and in vivo: Relevance to Alzheimer’s disease. Mol Pharmacol. 2011; 79(6): 964-973.Schurman LD, Lichtman LH. Endocannabinoids: A promising impact for traumatic brain injury. Front Pharmacol. 2017; 8: 69.Blessing EM, et al. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015; 12(4): 825-836.Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. Perm J. 2019; 23: 18-041.Linares IMP, et al. No acute effects of cannabidiol on the sleep-wake cycle of healthy subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Front Pharmacol. 2018; 9:315.Mucke M, et al. Cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018; 3:CD012182.Philpott HT, et al. Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain. 2017; 158(12): 2442-2451.Zgair A, et al. Dietary fats and pharmaceutical lipid excipients increase systemic exposure to orally administered cannabis and cannabis-based medicines. Am J Transl Med. 2016; 8(8): 3448-3459Shop Now