The Science of CBD

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, belongs to a family of fat-soluble organic compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the human body in fascinating ways. Cannabinoids were originally discovered in the oily resin produced by the Cannabis plant, in tiny nodules called “trichomes” that cover Cannabis inflorescences.

Over 100 cannabinoids have been discovered in Cannabis¹. Since their discovery, cannabinoids have also been found in many other plants, animals, and even fungi² throughout the natural world. We are just beginning to learn what hidden potential these many cannabinoids may offer.

It has taken scientists many years and countless hours of diligent research, but we are finally beginning to understand the complex ways in which cannabinoids contribute to our wellbeing. Our bodies naturally produce their own cannabinoids, termed “endocannabinoids.” Endocannabinoids are responsible for signaling our cells to perform various metabolic functions.

In school we learned about the basic systems of the human body — the nervous system, the circulatory system, the immune system, etc. We learned that each system is composed of distinct body parts that perform specific functions that keep our bodies alive. For instance, the circulatory system includes the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, and its job is to deliver nutrients and oxygen to our cells, and then to remove waste materials.

Scientists have recently discovered a new body system, termed the “Endocannabinoid System,” or ECS. Understanding how the ECS functions is crucial to developing a full appreciation of the potential benefits of CBD. The ECS is composed of three primary elements. The first piece includes microscopic proteins called “receptors” that are embedded in the membranes of our cells. These receptors protrude from our cell membranes like tiny antennae. Their job is to bind to passing cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are the second piece of the ECS. They act as messenger molecules that stimulate or suppress cellular activities. The ECS also includes many enzymes responsible for building and breaking down cannabinoids.

To add to the complexity, we have two primary types of endocannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located primarily in brain cells, but also in some peripheral tissues. CB1 receptors affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, and stress response. CB1 receptors are responsible for the intoxicating effects of THC, as well as short-term memory loss, allowing to ‘forget’ the experience of pain or trauma. CB1 receptors can regulate nervous system function and pain response by modulating the relationship between two specific neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are primarily found throughout the immune system. They also exist in the gastrointestinal system, brain and peripheral nervous system, as well as the skin and other organs and tissues. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain response⁵.

A CBD extract derived from Cannabis contains many more active botanical compounds than CBD isolates do. We use the term “full spectrum” to describe the presence of other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the hemp extracts used in our products. Full-spectrum extracts such as ours have much greater long-term efficacy rates than those made from CBD isolate.¹⁶

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature that impart flavors and aromas to plants. For instance, a terpene called limonene lends a lemony scent to many citrus plants and culinary herbs. A terpene called pinene gives many evergreens their refreshing pine forest fragrance.