CannabiDIol Explained

While most people are increasingly familiar with cannabis and its compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its effects and uses, there is still a lot consumers and scientists are discovering about its potential applications. In this article you will find the explanations you have been searching for regarding the cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD). This compound is different than it’s better known counterpart, and worth a solid look when considering its unique health benefits and applications. Continue reading this article for more information.

Where is CannabiDIol (CBD) Grown?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and the second most prevalent compound found in cannabis. While it has a presence in all cannabis strains the the most abundant supplies come from non-psychoactive strains such as Hemp. In layman terms, the less it gets you high, the higher the potency of CBD is typical to be found within the mature plants of a particular strain, such as hemp. It is important to note that the FDA has legalized hemp plants under the Farm Bill, so long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?
Endogenous Cannabinoids, or Endocannabinoids, react in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system, first identified in the early 1990s by THC researchers, is a complex cell-signaling system found within everyone’s body, whether or not you use cannabis. This system changes as we age, allowing different cannabinoids to react differently throughout your lifetime. While scientists, researchers, and experts continue their work to fully understand the ECS and its abilities, limitations, and boundaries, we do have solid evidence reporting several responses typical of the ECS. We are certain that the ECS plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes. These include, sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility, pain, and cell recovery, to name a few. The three core components of your ECS are endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. The endocannabinoids are produced within your body, and two key endocannabinoids have been identified and are called anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerold (2-AG). In general, they assist in internal body functions and are produced at levels depending on how much you need them. Receptors are where the endocannabinoids bind in order to signal your ECS to take action, and are found throughout your body. In the central nervous system they are called CB-1, and in your peripheral nervous system, specifically your immune cells, they are called CB-2 receptors. The effects of endocannabinoids vary dependent upon the location of the receptor and endocannabinoid. For instance, an endocannabinoid targeting a CB-1 receptor in a spinal nerve may relieve pain, while one binding to a CB-2 receptor in your immune cells may help ease inflammation. Lastly are the enzymes. These assist in the breakdown and expulsion of endocannabinoids after they’ve expended their function. The fatty acid amide hydrolase breaks down AEA, while the monoacylglycerol acid lipase breaks down 2-AG.

Potential Benefits of CBD & Cannabinoids
While it is a complex and still somewhat unknown system of the body, research has been well documented in linking ECS to a variety of common internal system functions. These include functions that contribute to many internal system environments such as:

In layman terms when you body is experiencing pain from something like an injury or fever, your ECS will kick into play helping your body correct into an ideal internal operation. It is a common belief among cannabinoid researchers and experts that maintaining this internal homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS.

How is Cannabidiol (CBD) Produced?

CBD is found in the highest concentrations in the flowers produced by the Hemp plant. There are a few methods to extract the CBD and convert it into a usable form of ingestions or topical application. In order to extract the CBD and convert it into a variety of applications, a variety of extraction methods are required. At Natural Blum, we are proud of our unique two-step process and therefore are happy to share the basis of this process with you without divulging our secrets. Our extraction process which helps us in deriving the highest potency and purest CBD extracts with the lowest levels of THC (0.00%) on the market. Step one is an extraction process. We soak the flower in a supercritical CO2, the cleanest way to derive the individual extracts, spinning it to cause the initial separation, then heating it to “burn off” the solvent. This is one of the most common methods used by commercial CBD manufacturers, and where most of them end. Taking it a step further, we continue to purify the CBD oil during the heating during a process called factionalized distillation. It is the unique combination of these two methods that strips the oil from the chlorophyll, waxes, and lipids in the hemp plant, resulting in a truly full-spectrum oil. In short, this unique combination of CO2 extraction with a distillate or factionalized distillation method that allows create a product with virtually non-existent levels of THC, while offering the highest levels of cannabinoids and terpenes available at affordable prices. The result is a pure isolate (100% pure CBD, 100% Pure CBG, 0.00% THC) that can be carried through to all our extremely potent products.

Measuring the Potency of CBD
What makes Natural Blum different from other products is our high standards for ethanol and our unwavering commitment to ensure that our product remains potent and adheres to highest quality standards. Tested in the same way CBGs and THCs are tested for potency, the testing apparatus used by Natural Blum are of the highest standards. Our standard protocol utilizes an Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machine which measures the potency in all our flower, edibles, and extracts. This HPLC remains to be our preferred instrument due to it’s advanced technology and accuracy in reporting potency results. The HPLC accurately and precisely tests CBD without exposing it to heats which may break down the cannabinoid precursors, thus minimizing the skewing of potency information.