You’ve already heard that CBD is the “wonder extract” that’s helping millions work through stress, anxiety, pain, sleeplessness, and so much more. But, why? And how can one molecule interact with the body in such a way to have this widespread of an effect? To fully answer this question, we need to discuss the Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System is found primarily in mammals, and is a network of neurons throughout the body. The ECS plays a large role in the regulation of homeostasis, the body’s “normal state”, and includes everything from pain, inflammation, sleep, appetite, emotions (such as stress and anxiety), to less understood processes such as our immune system. Let’s take a look at what the ECS has to do with CBD.
As you can imagine, if the endocannabinoid system is a network of neurons in the body, then our body must make neurotransmitters and enzymes that interact with this system. They are called, you guessed it, endocannabinoids! Endocannabinoids bind receptors in the ECS and regulate the system. So, what does this have to do with CBD?
As the name suggests, cannabidiol (CBD) is similar to being the plant-based version of our body’s endocannabinoids (think taking melatonin capsules for sleep; the plant-based version of what our body already makes). It’s a little more complicated than this, however. THC is the molecule that can actually bind the ECS receptors directly (this is why medical marijuana is a thing). CBD, on the other hand, binds the receptors that release the enzymes that clear the neurotransmitters from the ECS. Therefore, CBD helps our body’s own endocannabinoids remain in the synapse longer. Still with me? Let’s now dive into the differences between THC and CBD in the body.
The big reason CBD alone is so appealing is that you can have similar health benefits as medical marijuana (which has high percentages of THC), but without the euphoric “high” that is associated with it. In order for CBD to be sold legally outside of a dispensary, it must contain 0.3% THC or less. A product without any THC at all (0.000%) is often called broad-spectrum, whereas a product with these trace amounts (0.3% THC) is often called full-spectrum.
Broad-spectrum products are especially appealing for people who have drug-screens at work, for example. You can find out for sure if a product has trace amounts of THC or not (as well as the full list of cannabinoids) in the Certificate of Analysis (or COA). Any company that sells CBD should have a COA that can be readily provided (if not, be leary). Now, if broad-spectrum products are more appealing to people’s professional lives, why are full-spectrum products even a thing?
You may have heard of the “entourage effect”, which refers to a product that contains CBD, trace amounts of THC, and terpenes (terpenes are basically the essential oil of the hemp plant, giving it it’s distinct smell and taste, and have a very little effect within the body). Some claim that CBD does not work within the body unless THC is present. However, after reading this you might be already connecting the dots, that CBD helps our body’s own endocannabinoids persist within the system, regardless of THC content. So, which do we use?
BEE-OCH CBD products are formulated broad-spectrum, meaning they are 100% THC-free. We choose THC-free so that our customers from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of CBD, without the fear of losing their jobs because of drug-screening. Nurses, CDL-holders, government employees, and professional athletes are among some of our customers, and we are proud to be able to offer effective products, without the risk. By the way, we have a wide variety of products available and are excited to announce the release of our brand new CBD Topical Oil, boasting a generous strength of 6,000mg of CBD!
Try out the entire set of BEE-OCH CBD products for 15% Off including our top selling Organic Menthol CBD Rub here: CBD Whole Body Wellness Set – 15% Off Retail (bee-och.com)
View our current COA Here
