Written By: Founder, Bridget Hoppe
Entering the world of CBD and plant-based wellness can be an intimidating experience, especially when these remedies have been labeled as taboo by society and conventional medical experts for decades. While regulations on the use of cannabis have loosened over the past several years, there is still a negative stigma associated with using these plant-based remedies despite their proven effectiveness in relieving all different kinds of physical pain, as well as subduing mental ailments such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and OCD.
If you are wondering where to start on your CBD wellness journey look no further. I am so grateful that Root To Vitality has given us the platform to help guide others into this blossoming industry of natural remedies to help your body achieve vitality and maintain homeostasis in the purest way possible, for both you and your furry friends 🐾🐾 Let's start with the basics!
Hemp vs. Cannabis – What is the difference?
Plants in the cannabis family can be divided into two categories: hemp, sometimes referred to as industrial hemp, and marijuana, often referred to as cannabis.
The single greatest difference between hemp and marijuana is a legal one.
The main difference between the two boils down to the amount of the psychoactive phytocannabinoid known as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in each plant. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, whereas cannabis contains more than 0.3% THC. The amount of THC in hemp is so minute that there is no psychoactive effect. Cannabis on the other hand contains greater amounts of THC, which contributes to the “high” users can experience. We are all unique and hence can respond differently to the same remedy. While THC can be beneficial for many individuals, THC can also cause paranoia and trigger panic attacks in people who struggle with anxiety. All Root To Vitality products are formulated with organic hemp, which means you can receive all the wonderful benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effect.
Therapeutic Potential Of CBD
While there are literally hundreds of different chemical compounds found in cannabis, CBD and THC are the most researched and understood. Unlike THC, CBD is non-impairing to the user. Instead, CBD interacts with certain target receptors in the body to help promote calmness, relaxation, and ease discomfort. CBD can be used in many different forms including sublingual drops / tinctures (which are concentrated extracts from the hemp plant), topical salves, capsules, as well as infused gummies (all available on Root To Vitality’s online store). Full Spectrum CBD remedies can help with both physical and mental ailments, including “inhibiting the uptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and anandamide.” - Dr. Sulak
Let's take a quick look at the therapeutic potential of each one of these hormones and neurotransmitters, and why inhibiting their uptake can be very valuable.
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Norepinephrine - Low levels of this hormone have been shown to play a role in ADHD, depression, and low blood pressure.
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Dopamine - This is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure, motivation, and learning.
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Serotonin - This is a chemical messenger that is believed to act as a mood stabilizer. Serotonin is said to help produce healthy sleeping patterns as well as boost your mood.
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GABA - This is a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain. Low levels of GABA may be linked to anxiety or mood disorders, epilepsy, and chronic pain.
- Anandamide - The first endocannabinoid to be discovered. Anandamide participates in the body's Endocannabinoid System by binding to cannabinoid receptors, the same receptors that the psychoactive compound THC in cannabis acts on. Anandamide works as a messenger molecule and plays a vital role in pain, depression, appetite, and memory to name a few.
Do keep in mind not all CBD products are created equal. There are three different categories that CBD products can fall into Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate.
Full Spectrum CBD not only contains CBD, but also all the other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils found in the hemp plant (including THC up to 0.3% to avoid psychoactive effects). The inclusion of all these chemical compounds enables the entourage effect, meaning the plant constituents work together to produce more beneficial results than when they are individually isolated. The synergistic nature of the entourage effect also supports the function of one's essential Endocannabinoid System (ECS). “Research suggests that a balanced ECS promotes appetite, sleep, mood regulation and stability, gait, pain perception, memory, body temperature, immunity, reproduction and fertility in both humans and pets.” - Dr. Saradhadevi Varadharaj
Broad Spectrum CBD contains all the same phytocannabinoids as Full Spectrum CBD, except for THC. Even though most of the phytocannabinoids and terpenes are kept intact, the exclusion of THC detracts from maximizing the health benefits that are offered by Full Spectrum CBD. This is why all Root To Vitality products are Full Spectrum! With that said, the lack of THC in Broad Spectrum products eliminates the risk of a false positive on a drug test (even though Full Spectrum only contains trace amounts of THC). We recommend reviewing your local state and company laws to familiarize yourself with the legality of hemp and cannabis products in your area before use.
CBD Isolate, unlike the two previously mentioned CBD types, contains no other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids except for CBD (hence the name CBD Isolate). Due to the lack of these other compounds, CBD Isolate fails to promote the entourage effect. Thus, health benefits are not maximized.
In conclusion, Full Spectrum CBD is the best form of CBD to use! This form harnesses all of hemp's therapeutic potential so that your body can effectively achieve and maintain homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Stay tuned to Root To Vitality’s blog for more helpful tips and information on hemp, botanicals, and more!
References
Carter, William. “The Difference Between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD.” CbdMD, 13 Jan. 2020, www.cbdmd.com/blog/post/difference-between-full-spectrum-and-broad-spectrum-cbd.
Dustin, Dr. Sulak. “CBD and CBDA”. Medical Cannabis Core Curriculum, 28 April, 2022.
Patel, Dr. Rachna. “What Is CBD Oil?” The CBD Oil Solution: Treat Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia, and More-without the High, Illustrated, Alpha, 2019, pp. 11–22.
Raypole, Crystal. “A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System.” Healthline, 17 May 2019, www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system.
Varadharaj, Dr. Saradhadevi. “Understanding The Endocannabinoid System In Cats And Dogs.” IVC Journal, 26 Oct. 2020, https://ivcjournal.com/endocannabinoid-system-cats-dogs/