CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the active cannabinoid compounds found in a low THC Cannabis Sativa plant. As well as CBD, there are over 100 other phyto-cannabinoids (phyto meaning plant) in the low THC Cannabis Sativa plant, including tetrahydrocannabinoil (THC). Often marijuana and low THC Cannabis Stavia can be confused, and although they are from the same parent plant there are differences.
So how can you tell them apart? Marijuana contains a large amount THC, which is the compound mentioned above called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid compound in the cannabis plant, the ratio to cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol differs from that in marijuana strains.
In low THC Cannabis Sativa plants, there is only a very small about of THC, less then 0.03% and is non-psychotropic meaning it won’t give you that euphoric feeling or 'high', but still has the incredible therapeutic effects we’ve heard about. Some of the health benefits you may have heard low THC Cannabis Sativa has been shown to assist in, are:
Immune support
Reduce inflammation in the body
Supports gut health
Helps to reduce anxiety levels
Helps with neuron function
Assists in hormone regulation.
Is low THC Cannabis Sativa oil is different from Hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil, is used to describe the oil and is extracted from the seed of the hemp plant and is then cold pressed. Hemp seed oil doesn’t contain Cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and other cannabinoids that make up the low THC Cannabis Sativa profile. All our products are a Low THC Cannabis Sativa, which involves the fermentation of the leaves, buds and flowers of plant and doesn’t contain more than 0.03% THC.
There are a number of varieties on the market, and when it comes to purchasing it may be of benefit to understand the difference between each.
1. Full spectrum
This is as the name suggests, full spectrum, and this type of CBD contains all compounds in the cannabis plant in it's rawest form and the ratio will vary on the strain type. Along with the cannabidiol, and other cannabinoids and compounds are extracted from the plant such as terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils which all work together to create the therapeutic benefits that have been shown. Full spectrum tends to create what's known as the "entourage effect", where the body's receptors can maximise the absorption of the cannabinoids as well as the all other natural compounds contained within making this a dynamic and highly effective.
Full spectrum CBD does have a small amount of THC present, which is the compound known for its psychoactive effects, but as full spectrum CBD is still under 0.03% this will not be the case.
2. Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum is a mix of full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. It is seen to offer the best of both types when it comes to its special composition. Like full spectrum, broad spectrum has retained all the naturally occurring compounds to achieve the enhanced 'entourage effect' of cannabinoids when taken with other compounds. As with CBD isolate, broad spectrum has THC completely removed to get rid of the unwanted psychoactive side effects. In short broad spectrum is basically full spectrum without THC. Broad spectrum is relatively new and therefore has lesser scientific studies done to demonstrate the therapeutic effects as with the other two types.
3. CBD isolate
CBD isolate only contains Cannabidiol itself, with all other compounds removed during the extraction process. CBD isolate only has the one cannabinoid, Cannabidiol, and may not have the full effects as the other two types. It is thought that for prolonged use or for more specific conditions, CBD isolate may not be able to produce highly effective therapeutic results as the full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD could deliver on a case to case basis