Full Spectrum and the different cannabinoids
Why is full spectrum hemp oil important?
The health benefits go beyond just being a source of CBD. The array of cannabinoids and other natural constituents found in full-spectrum hemp oil have been shown in studies to work harmoniously to enhance its therapeutic properties.
The complex blend of cannabinoids, essential nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats work synergistically to promote homeostasis and balance in our health. Full-spectrum hemp oil also contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. It is a source of vitamins that are not typically sufficiently present in many diets, including beta-carotene.
Minerals are essential for a variety of bodily functions, nerve function, and metabolic processes. They are also important for building strong bones and the health of our blood, skin, and hair. Full-spectrum hemp oil contains minerals such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Hemp oil is a healthy source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissue. Health authorities recommend avoiding regular red meat because it is higher in saturated fat, but hemp oil is a heart-healthy source of all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids that must be supplied through the diet.
Essential fatty acids are necessary for maintaining heart and cardiovascular health. The two primary essential fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6 – are ideally consumed in a ratio of about 3:1. Unfortunately, in the typical diet, this ratio is closer to 25:1. Full-spectrum hemp oil provides both essential fatty acids in the optimal 3:1 ratio.
The benefits
CBDA
Cannabidiolic acid, commonly abbreviated as CBDA, is a cannabinoid produced by the stems, leaves, and flowers of some cannabis plants. CBD and CBDA share similar molecular structures, and their therapeutic effects are also similar.
Although CBDA has not been the subject of extensive scientific studies, scientists have found that CBDA primarily works as an inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme within the endocannabinoid system, leading to its effectiveness as a treatment for inflammation. Recent studies have also tested CBDA’s effectiveness in certain types of cancer and as an antiemetic.
CBG
Like the other compounds in this overview, CBG (short for cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with a variety of promising medical applications. CBG is actually the precursor to its more famous cousins, CBD and THC. Most plants contain relatively little CBG, often less than 1%. However, that doesn’t mean this cannabinoid is any less promising when it comes to medicinal applications.
CBG interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, and during these interactions, it is thought to naturally increase dopamine levels, which help regulate sleep, mood, and appetite. CBG is also believed to block GABA uptake in the brain and block serotonin receptors — both of which have positive implications for treating anxiety and depression.
Studies have found CBG to be especially effective for certain physiological systems and symptoms, including: Glaucoma (reducing intraocular pressure), Cancer (blocks receptors that cause cancer cell growth), MRSA (antibiotic properties that fight bacteria), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (potential treatment for IBD).
CBC
Discovered more than five decades ago, cannabichromene (abbreviated as CBC) is considered one of the most promising cannabinoids in recent medical research. CBC is less well-researched than some hemp derivatives.
However, scientists have discovered a variety of potential applications for this cannabinoid. Within the endocannabinoid system, CBC binds most effectively to the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), both of which are linked to the body’s perception of pain.
This means that CBC can work as an alternative to traditional painkillers like NSAIDs, but without their potentially harmful side effects. CBC may be particularly effective in treating inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, especially when used in combination with THC.
Additional studies have shown that CBC may be a potential cancer fighter, second only to CBG in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Although research in this field is limited so far, CBC’s anti-inflammatory properties may also make it an effective acne treatment. Studies suggest that CBC could prevent the inflammation of the oil glands at the root of many types of acne.
While these therapeutic benefits overlap with many other cannabinoids, CBC is set apart by working synergistically when used with other cannabinoids to provide even more effective treatments for many of the conditions described above.
CBDV
Not mentioned in our image, but no less important in our cannabinoid compound set, is cannabidivarin, better known as CBDV. CBDV is extremely similar to CBD at a molecular level, but recent research has shown that its medical applications are exceptionally unique and valuable for patients with neurological disorders.
Preliminary studies in mice show that CBDV has enormous untapped potential in treating epilepsy and similar neurological conditions. As an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, CBDV may be able to help patients suffering from epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions where seizures can occur. Along with reducing the duration and intensity of seizures, CBDV may work to prevent seizures in the event that a seizure does occur.
Early research into these applications for CBDV is so promising that GW Pharmaceuticals, a European cannabis-focused pharmaceutical company, is working to patent the use of CBDV for the treatment of seizures.
Along with treating seizures, CBDV can be used by patients who experience vomiting and nausea, especially when these conditions are caused by chemotherapy. It has also been studied as an appetite suppressant and as a treatment that alleviates symptoms of Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Like all of the cannabinoids discussed above, CBDV is non-psychoactive.