What is in cannabis?

Despite the stereotype that has formed over the decades around cannabis, this plant has so much more to offer us. In fact, did you know that there are over 150 cannabinoids, (CBD is just one of them) and over 100 terpenes and flavonoids. Every compound occurs naturally and has its own role supporting the growth of the cannabis plant.  But what's behind these compounds, and can they really be effective in supporting our mood, wellbeing, and providing relief for our symptoms?

Before looking at some of the individual compounds, it is worth explaining something called the Entourage Effect.  This is the term coined by expert neuroscientists to explain how each component of the cannabis plant works together to amplify health benefits when consumed.

The best way to explain this is with an example. If you take a pure CBD isolate oil in isolation, you may not see the same effects as you would when combining them in a tailored combination of CBD, CBG and various functional terpenes.  We like to use the Spice Girls example, each one individually is pretty special, but together they make something iconic!

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a safe and natural compound found in hemp plants. It is the most commonly found compound in the plant, which explains it’s fame and the comparative level of research into it against other cannabinoids.  CBD is an amazing all-rounder, it interacts with receptors in your body, including the endocannabinoid (homeostasis or balancing), serotonin (mood stabilising), dopamine (happiness) and opioid (pain-relieving) receptors.

Once the plant has reached maturity, along with THC, it is the most prevalent cannabinoid, but unlike THC, it is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t interact with your brain in a way to make you feel ‘high.’

One of the main reasons CBD is everywhere you look in the wellness world is because of its diverse therapeutic potential and limited side effects. Along with THC it has received the most research of the compounds due to its prevalence in the plant. While it’s believed to interact with the body in various ways, one of the most talked-about is its impact on the human endocannabinoid system.

Put simply, your endocannabinoid system self-regulates to changes inside and outside of the body to achieve and maintain natural tranquillity. Its main function is to support homeostasis and balance the body’s internal chemistry.

What is CBG?

CBG (cannabigerol) is also a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is often called the mother of all cannabinoids or the stem cell cannabinoid because all other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerol acid. CBG is found in young cannabis plants because they contain higher amounts before the CBG turns into CBD, THC and so on.

CBG has a host of promising potential benefits, and more research is being done into easing the production and availability of the cannabinoid.  Luckily for us, science and experience now mean we can cultivate strains of plants and we are able to extract sufficient CBG to really benefit from its natural goodness.

What is the difference between CBD and CBG?

These two wonder compounds share a lot of similarities when it comes to how they make us feel, but they are also truly unique and each has a place in our supplement draw.   While CBD is a major cannabinoid, CBG is a minor cannabinoid and they have different functions within the plant.  When we choose them as supplements, the receptors they engage with in the body differ slightly and will therefore achieve difference results. One of the biggest roles for CBG is linked to gut health.  CBG has shown to have a greater effect on gut related inflammation, explaining it’s success for reducing menstrual symptoms like bloating and discomfort, and even has evidence to support conditions like Inflammatory bowel disease.

If you are new to cannabinoid wellness and want an all rounder then CBD is a great place to start.  If you are looking to maximise your results or target specific tummy troubles then CBG would likely be a better choice for you.  Don’t forget that taking both is also a great option because of that entourage effect we mentioned, and you could then make your oils work harder , reducing your required dose and making your tinctures last longer.

Interested in trying out a CBG blend? We can't recommend Tincture Tailor's 1000mg CBG Isolate Oil Drops highly enough as a first-time-CBG product. 

What are terpenes?

So now that we all understand cannabinoids, let’s talk terpenes.  Terpenes are naturally occurring oils found in not just cannabis, but all plants and they play an integral role in a plant’s growth and survival. When consumed, terpenes have been shown to have an array of mental and physical benefits.  If you are familiar with the use of cannabis (or have watched any movies from this genre) you will know that different strains of cannabis can have different results – this is largely due to the role of terpenes in shaping your experience and the way your body responds.

In the natural world, terpenes are responsible for a plant’s smell, these compounds protect the plant by attracting or repelling insects, communicating information about the surrounding world to the organism, protecting it against microbes and pathogens.  What is super exciting is that these functions used to help a plant to survive and thrive can also protect humans!

Whilst the word may be new to you, you will be familiar with their use and probably have an abundance of them in your home.   Due to their powerful properties, terpenes are used extensively in everyday life including in foods, cosmetics, aromatherapies, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Many also have bio-active properties and are used in medical applications for the treatment of human diseases. There are over 150 terpenes in the cannabis plant alone, all with key roles. What is extra exciting is that when these terpenes are consumed, those naturally occurring properties developed to support the plant, can then support human mental and physical wellbeing.  Isn’t nature amazing?

When taken together, terpenes and cannabinoids work in synergy, meaning the consumer benefits from enhanced effects (the entourage effect).

Here are a few examples;

LIMONENE

Limonene is found in cannabis as well as many other plants like lemons, juniper and mint. It has been shown to have positive therapeutic effects including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation and anxiety. Limonene produces uplifting and energizing effects, thought to be caused by its agonist effects at the serotonin receptor.

It's ideal in helping those struggling with:

• Stress
• Anxiety
•  Depression

PINENE

One of the most prevalent terpenes found in cannabis, this aromatic compound can also be found in orange peels, pine needles, rosemary and basil. The effects of pinene’s properties are vast including memory retention, enhanced alertness, reduced anxiety, reduced pain and it has shown to improve respiratory issues.

In Japan, doctors prescribe Shinrin Yoku “Forest Bathing’ to support mental health issues. This practice involves spending time in the forest, breathing in the pinene to improve both mental and physical health.

Some highlights of pinene? It's famed for being:

•  Anti-inflammatory
•  Anxiety-soothing
•  Anti-microbial
•  Anti-bacterial

MYRCENE

Myrcene is found in hops, thyme, lemongrass and mango (as well as cannabis). Studies have found myrcene to have sedative properties and can act as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever.

This terpene has traditionally been used around the world as a sleep aid due to it’s ability to aid relaxation and sedate the user. It is thought to support absorption by helping cannabinoids pass the blood-brain-barrier.

Myrcene blends are great at supporting:

•  Sleep
•  Relaxation

LINALOOL

Linalool is found in over 200 plants including lavender and cannabis. Any sleep product you come across will likely include lavender and that is largely due to the relaxing qualities of the linalool and we all know that sleep plays a key role in our overall health.

In cannabis and aromatherapy, Linalool is used to improve sleep quality, aid relaxation and enable pain relief. Not only has this terpene shown sedative effects but also anti anxiety properties.

If you struggle with:

•  Pain
•  Muscle aches
•  Depression
• Anxiety

Linalool is a great fit for you. 

In Summary

So here you have had a whistle stop tour of this amazing plant.  Showing why CBD is worthy of it’s place in the spotlight for wellness supplements, but also sharing a glimpse into what more this plant can offer us.  Bringing so many tailored benefits to us, naturally!  CBD is your best friend when it comes to low mood, stress, poor sleep, but CBG could enhance those effects and even target specific gut related issues.  Terpenes can amplify and help direct the results we are looking to achieve with CBD and CBG, making our oils work harder and last longer.  Our advice, experiment to see what works for you and your unique body, mind and needs.  Finding the dose that works for you is as personal as the rest of your wellness journey.