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CBD and Its Relationship with the Endocannabinoid System

July 30, 2020

CBD and Its Relationship with the Endocannabinoid System


If you’re new to CBD and wondering how it all works, then the following article about CBD and its relationship with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a great place to start.


Despite CBD being one of the most, if not the most, popular natural compounds in the world right now, for many people, it can be an extremely intimidating and daunting challenge to begin using it. There are a lot of new words and terms to learn like cannabinoids, hemp, receptors, broad spectrum, and much more. 

So, what is CBD, and what role does it have in our bodies? In the following article, we’re going to be giving you a comprehensive introduction to the world of cannabinoids, what they are, and how they interact with our bodies. Here at Hemp For Life, we believe in an educational approach to hemp and CBD products, and we love to support people that believe in natural products.  


What are cannabinoids? 


Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most abundant cannabinoids found in both the hemp and marijuana plants. While both compounds are cannabinoids, they each have unique properties, much like the two plants hemp and marijuana. There are over 113 different cannabinoids that scientists have identified so far.

Both plants belong to the cannabis sativa plant family. Still, marijuana is high in THC, the cannabinoid responsible for that ‘euphoric high’ marijuana is well-known for and low in CBD. Hemp is high in CBD and contains almost no THC. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychotropic. What does that mean? It means that it isn’t going to get you ‘high’ in any way at all. Almost all CBD products made using CBD sourced from hemp contain zero THC or less than 0.3% THC. 


What role does the Endocannabinoid System play, and how does it all work? 


Inside everyone, regardless of whether they have ever tried hemp or marijuana, is something known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). It’s believed that the ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance and harmony throughout the central nervous system and immune systems. 

The ECS is made up of a series of receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors, that are linked together and spread throughout the body. Our body naturally produces compounds known as endocannabinoids. It’s their job to monitor what’s happening internally and then signal the cells when something is out of balance triggering the correct cellular response. 

When your body isn’t producing enough endocannabinoids, cannabinoids such as CBD can step in and help to perform the same role. Restoring balance and assisting the ECS to regulate different functions throughout the body, including pain, hunger, stress, and much more.


CBD generally doesn’t bind with either receptor. Instead, it makes it easier for other endocannabinoids and cannabinoids to link with them. THC prefers to link with the CB1 receptor. Still, CBD can reduce the ability of THC to bind with this receptor, reducing the negative side-effects such as nausea, paranoia, and anxiousness, which some people experience when they use durable THC products. 


CBD products are incredibly versatile, and there are a variety of different delivery methods available. Because of the way receptors are spread throughout the body, you can choose a range of different CBD products, including CBD oils, gummies, tinctures, sprays, lotions, creams, and even vape liquids. This versatility makes CBD great for a variety of different conditions. Also, it allows people to choose a delivery method that best suits their lifestyle, personal preferences, and even their condition.


CBD and the Endocannabinoid System conclusion 


Hopefully, you now have a much clearer idea about the role of cannabinoids in our bodies and how they interact with the Endocannabinoid system. It can seem quite daunting in the beginning, but once you take the time to learn a little about CBD, there is nothing to fear. 


There is a lot of anecdotal evidence from people around the world that suggests CBD has a variety of benefits, but what works for one person or their condition may not work for everyone. 



Here at Hemp For Life, we stock a variety of different CBD products, including CBD Oils, CBD Gummies, and much more! If you currently take any medication, then please speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before trying any CBD products. If you would like to learn more about any of our products or have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. 

Can CBD help you lose weight>

By Cindy Purves • January 11, 2021
Ok, it’s the new year, time for new resolutions. Is weight loss on your list? Overall health and well being? Then let's take a look at CBD . CBD is best known for decreasing anxiety and stress, improving overall sleep, and reducing chronic pain but researchers are beginning to study the positive impact CBD oil may have on helping people lose weight. All of these factors listed can contribute to weight gain. Although the research on CBD and weight loss is minimal, some data suggests that it may help. In animal studies it showed that CBD may also boost metabolism and reduce food intake by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body, which play a role in metabolism. Research reviewed the connection between obesity and chronic pain and found that they co-occur frequently, with both having a negative impact on one another. Using a CBD product to minimize symptoms may assist in aiding your weight loss goals. CBD may also promote browning of fat cells, which is the fat responsible for generating heat by burning calories. While CBD may aid in helping you achieve your weight loss goals, as always, diet and exercise are key factors. When you are ready to take the plunge and try CBD for whatever your needs are, you should always make sure the product is: Third-party tested Made from US grown hemp (organic is ideal) Labeled as full or broad spectrum, containing less than .3 percent THC Also check the label for other ingredients. You’ll typically find things like hemp oil, MCT oil or ingredients added for flavor. If there are others you are not sure about research them. Avoid any chemical ingredients. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508090/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5442223/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163475/ healthine.com

You’re ready to buy CBD but you are confused…Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, CBD Isolate…What does it all mean?

August 20, 2020
Ok, you’ve heard all the hype about CBD, now you want to purchase…but as you delve deeper, you’re feeling confused and unsure of all of the terms and the huge amount of CBD products on the market. Purchases are no longer simple. Whole plant extract, hemp extract, full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD Isolate… Ugh…where to start?! To help you with making your purchase, let’s break down what these terms mean. What exactly is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 104(1) non-intoxicating naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds found in the stalks, stems, leaves, and flowers of cannabis/hemp that studies show to have some therapeutic benefits in the following indications: epilepsy, addictions, psychotic disorders, anxiety, and sleep disorders, pain, stress and even cancer. (sources) CBD and the other known cannabinoids, unlike THC, CBD does not make a person feel “high” or intoxicated. That’s because CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors (CB1 CB2) in the brain and body. Also referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS) What is Broad Spectrum CBD? Broad Spectrum CBD is an extract from any and all components of the cannabis/hemp plant that incorporates all compounds found naturally in the plant used to make the extract, which include terpenes, vital oils, and different cannabinoids. this kind of extract/product is minimally refined, leaving most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact and within the oil. Broad spectrum extracts must be THC free. What is Full Spectrum CBD? Full Spectrum CBD is an extract from any and all parts of the cannabis/hemp plant that includes all compounds found naturally occurring inside the plant…such as terpenes, vital oils, and different cannabinoids. This type of extract is minimally refined, leaving most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact and within the oil. It must contain <.3% THC, trace amount in order to be legal. 
 Not all full spectrum oils are created equal . Some may contain fewer cannabinoids, fewer terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. Depending on the originating raw material and extraction method used. Extracts derived from stalks and stems normally have fewer cannabinoids and different compounds than that of a full plant or hemp flower only extraction. CO2 extracted CBD has a better profile of cannabinoids and the process is one of the most preserving extraction techniques thus far. Whereas, less expensive solvent extractions yield less preservation of beneficial compounds. To determine the products spectrum, check out the 3rd Party lab reports and view its content. Just because they say it on the label or on a websites listing doesn’t mean it’s accurate. If they don’t have 3rd party testing…stay away! What is CBD isolate? By definition, an isolate is a substance acquired by separating it from other substances using scientific processes. CBD isolate is a fine white crystalline/powder containing at-least 99% pure CBD. This pure crystalline contains only the CBD chemical compound, no other active ingredients and only deliver therapeutic doses of CBD, isolated from the other cannabinoids and terpenes within the original extract. CBD isolate must contain 0.0% THC and 0% other compounds. The crude oil first extracted from the plant isn’t completely “clean” and will have a fair amount of waxes and lipids emulsified inside the oil. The crude oil extraction then undergoes winterizing and filtering out major waxes and lipids. Final stages of purification is done using chromatography, method of isolating and purifying cannabinoids, often used in the cannabis industry to separate THC and CBD from cannabis extracts What is Isolate tincture/oil, not powder? CBD isolate tinctures, oils, vapes, gummies, etc are created by taking the powdered CBD Isolate and dissolving it in a carrier oil to the preferred potency. Then, flavors can be added, other oils, and other compounds. Regardless of what product type you're looking to purchase, you must always make certain that the product is real , contains CBD , and is the spectrum you are paying for . Many products are mislabeled…again… let me say it again … REQUEST LAB REPORTS . That’s how you know the product is real, make sure they are by an Independent Lab and are published and available. Remember, it’s not all about the amount of CBD per ml serving you see on a bottle. A higher mg CBD Isolate product isn’t necessarily superior to a lower mg Full Spectrum oil. Look at the labels, lab tests, and pick the product that helps you live your best life . Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section1 https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
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