There’s no denying Cannabis is a healing plant, it has been used for centuries from ancient Chinese medicine to essential oils and aromatherapy. Over the last 30 years scientist have been able to dissect the Cannabis plant down to a molecular level. Uncovering 400+ components of the plant, with each piece having unique healing properties. As a whole plant, Cannabis can be intoxicating, which is not something everybody wants. Some, are only seeking the healing benefits without the “high” or “stoned” feeling - with today’s technology, this is possible.
To understand how, lets first look at the Cannabis plant, and then we will talk about the Cannabinoids that make up the plant and how they make you feel. This week’s drip will cover the following;
- Hemp & Marijuana
- Cannabinoids
- CBD & THC
- How CBD feels
Hemp & Marijuana
When thinking of Cannabis, most people think of Marijuana – not Hemp. Hemp however, is just as powerful of a plant, without being intoxicating. Both Hemp and Marijuana come from the Cannabis family, but Hemp is not Marijuana. The Cannabis plant has two classifications; Indica and Sativa. Hemp is strictly derived from the Sativa family.
Cannabinoids can be found in both Sativa and Indica (Hemp and Marijuana), the most dominant cannabinoids being Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC is one of the biggest differentiators of the two plants, as Hemp contains minimal THC, less than 0.3%, and Marijuana upwards of 15-30%. Trace amounts of THC is what makes Hemp the perfect plant to derive CBD from, providing the user with the healing benefits – minus the high. With less than 1% of THC, users will not experience any psychoactive, mind altering effects – they will be able to access the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Additionally, with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Hemp is federally legal, unlike Marijuana which is not.
Cannabinoids
There are over 100+ cannabinoids. Of course not all are as healing, scientist still struggle to uncover the benefits of some as they are only found in certain strains and in minimal amounts. Also not all are psychoactive; THC and CBN are two known as intoxicating or mind altering, but CBD is not. Below are some of the most studied cannabinoids, remembering within the plant they are still in their acid form meaning CBDA, THCA – once they are extracted and/or decarboxylated (heated) they change into their most desired form. But this is only the surface – there is still so much left to uncover.
CBD & THC
For this week’s drip, let’s talk about THC and CBD specifically, cheekily referred to as the power couple of Cannabis. These two cannabinoids are the most powerful and most dominate – each having undeniable healing properties.
THC is known to be nature’s strongest analgesic, or painkiller. THC has also been studied intensely because of its ability to kill cancer cells among other things. In high doses THC is psychoactive – user experience will vary based upon how much you take, how you take it, and whether or not you’ve used it before. Some will feel relaxed euphoria, while others may feel paranoid and stressed. It is always calming to know regardless of how much marijuana you consume – you will not overdose, nor will you have permanent lasting effects if you are having a negative experience.
For those looking for healing properties without the high, CBD is best. CBD is a close second as nature’s painkiller, and has shown profound benefits in reducing inflammation, optimizing brain health, regulating your mood, sleep cycle, and overall nourishing your body so that it can function at its best.
Both THC & CBD are great on their own, together they are even more powerful. THC is a catalyst for CBD, amplifying its therapeutic benefits. This synergy is what makes a Full Spectrum CBD oil much more beneficial then a Broad Spectrum or Isolate product – the latter being without any THC whatsoever. Organix Supply Co. oils are infamous for containing high concentrations of CBD with less than 1% of THC, allowing the user to tap into the Entourage Effect without any mind altering effects.
The Entourage Effect better defines the synergy one experiences when all components of the plant are brought together; CBD + trace amounts of other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.
What will I feel?
If CBD doesn’t make you feel high or stoned, what do you feel? It’s a great question – and it’s a little tough to define because everybody is different. Personally, I feel relaxed, my body is at ease, my mind feels calm, and I am able to get a good nights rest. Most people will feel the same but underneath the bliss, most importantly your body’s endocannabinoid system is being nourished – meaning our bodies began to work properly and self-regulate our mood, digestion, sleep, immune response – everything that keeps us balanced and feeling our best.
This self-regulation is why so many people have reported success using CBD oil, despite each defining success differently. So although you may smile more from feeling your best – No you will not feel high using Full Spectrum CBD oil.
If you are new to CBD and want to learn more, I highly recommend checking out our Beginners Guide to CBD.