Plant Medicine

hemp oil

What Are CBD Terpenes? What to Know About These Healthy Plant Compounds

By Anne Harding – November 18, 2020

What are terpenes?

If you’ve never heard of terpenes, you’d be surprised to know they’re everywhere in your daily life. Think of the enticing aroma of flowers from your garden, the smell of fresh fruits in your kitchen, or your body fragrance of choice. (Here’s how to sharpen your sense of smell and taste.)

Terpenes, “terps” for short, are pungent compounds that plants produce to repel pests and attract pollinators. They’re responsible for the uplifting scent of citrus from fruits and the soothing aroma of lavender. Terpenes are also antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

One of the richest sources of terpenes in the plant kingdom: Cannabis sativa, the plant that includes both marijuana and its related cousin, hemp. (They are different varieties of the same plant.)

Every chemovar—the botanically correct term for a cannabis “strain”—has a different terpene profile, which influences its effects, says Bonni Goldstein, MD, medical director and owner of Cannacenters, a medical practice in Los Angeles, and author of Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain.

The response to terpenes varies from person to person.

Knowing the terpene profile of a CBD oil or a CBD edible lets you know what effects to expect, and can also help you narrow down what works for you, Dr. Goldstein says.

Here’s what you need to know about CBD terpenes, whether they can get you high, and their overall effect on health.

Terpenes in CBD oil

There’s a difference between terpenes and terpenoids. Terpenes are the natural compounds in the flower or bud of the cannabis plant. Terpenoids, meanwhile, are terpenes that have been chemically altered. The process of drying and curing a cannabis flower leads to the formation of terpenoids.

CBD oil that is full- or broad-spectrum—meaning it contains other components of the cannabis plant besides CBD—will contain terpenoids. CBD isolate doesn’t, but some product makers will add terpenes back in to allegedly enhance the effects of CBD. (More on this later.)

“It’s better to get oils that are less processed because that means it’s closer to the original that’s in the plant,” says Martin A. Lee, the founder and director of Project CBD and author of Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana–Medical, Recreational, and Scientific.

© Caitlin Riley/Getty Images

The effects of terpenes

Terpenes don’t produce the “high” associated with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although some have sedative, anxiety-reducing properties. Here are the main terpenes found in CBD oil. (Also, find out whether CBD gets you high.)

Myrcene: This type of terpene is named after a Brazilian shrub, Myrcia sphaerocarpa, that’s used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Myrcene has a sedative effect. It’s found in most cannabis chemovars, as well as hops, mangoes, lemongrass, and basil.

Beta-caryophyllene: The unique scent of black pepper comes from this terpene, which is also present in most cannabis plant varieties. It was recently shown to interact in the body with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), suggesting it can reduce pain and inflammation. A study, published in an October 2020 issue of  Neuropsychopharmacology, found that beta-caryophyllene reduced addictive behavior in mice.

Alpha-humulene: Most cannabis chemovars contain this earthy, fruity-smelling terpene, which is also found in hops, sage, and ginseng. Alpha-humulene has anti-inflammatory effects. There’s some evidence it may help suppress appetite.

Limonene: Found in citrus rinds, limonene is used to add a lemony aroma to many products including foods, perfumes, and household cleaning products. It’s also an effective pesticide and solvent. A study, published in April 2020 in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, suggests that limonene also has anti-anxiety effects.

Linalool: This terpene is responsible for the scent of lavender, and is also found in spices like cinnamon and coriander. It has sedative and relaxing properties and is an anticonvulsant, meaning it may help to prevent seizures.

Pinene: This type of terpene is found in pine needles and a number of citrus fruits. Pinene is popular in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-cancer agent that suppresses cancer cells, according to a study published in 2019 in Biomolecules. It’s also believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Understanding terpenes and the “entourage effect”

CBD products with these types of terpenes are believed to help create what’s known as the “entourage effect.”

This theory holds that substances in cannabis, like CBD and THC, have synergistic effects that make the overall CBD product more effective.

For example, cannabinoids and terpenoids may work together to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and alleviate mental health issues like anxiety, and even bacterial infections, according to Project CBD.

However, more research needs to be done to understand how exactly the entourage effect works.

What to look for before you buy

To find out about terpenes in CBD oil, make sure the product has been tested by a third-party lab and has a valid certificate of analysis, or COA. That will give you a better chance of knowing whether it contains terpenes, and if so which ones.

The COA will include a phytocannabinoid profile listing levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes.

Read the full article via: The Healthy

how-to-make-cannabis-oil-feature-2

How to Make CBD Oil at Home

By DeannaCat

Are you interested in making your own cannabis-infused oil? I don’t blame you! Making homemade cannabis oil is a great way to create a highly healing, concentrated, and versatile cannabis product. It is ready to use in edible recipes, topical salves, or even enjoy straight on its own. Especially if you use organic homegrown cannabis like we do, this is an excellent way to use up any extra or “fluffy” stuff too. It also happens to be very easy to make cannabis oil at home!

Follow along with these step-by-step instructions to learn how to make homemade cannabis oil. We’ll also briefly discuss the science behind cannabis oil, and what types of cannabis to use to make oil. Finally, we’ll go over various ways to use homemade cannabis oil, including some notes about caution and dosing with edibles. 

What is Cannabis-Infused Oil 

Cannabis oil is made by lightly heating (and thus infusing) cannabis in a “carrier oil”. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC, the most active components in cannabis, are both hydrophobic. That means they don’t like water, and are actually repelled by water molecules. On the flip side, CBD and THC are both fat-soluble. They like to bind with fatty acid molecules – such as those found in oil. When cannabis is steeped in oil, the THC and CBD molecules leave the buds or plant material and become one with the oil instead.

A wide variety of oils can be used to make cannabis oil. However, coconut oil and olive oil are the most popular and common. Coconut oil and olive oil are both pleasant-tasting and very nourishing for skin, making them versatile options for either medicated edibles or topical applications. Plus, they both have strong natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This helps prevent mold and extends the shelf life of your cannabis oil. Coconut oil is higher in saturated fat, which may bind fat-loving cannabinoids even more readily than olive oil. 

 

Cannabinoids + fat (coconut oil) = BFFs 

Hemp Oil, CBD Oil, THC, or…Your choice! You can make cannabis-infused oil with hemp or marijuana, depending on what is legal and available in your area. Or, what you’re desired end-results are. Hemp oil will only contain CBD (or a very minuscule amount of THC), while marijuana-infused oil will likely contain both THC and CBD. The ratio and concentration of THC and/or CBD depends on the strain of marijuana and particular plant it came from.

Generally speaking, THC is psychoactive and CBD is not. But THC does a lot more than change your state of mind! Studies show that THC has even stronger pain and stress-relieving properties than CBD, which is known to help with insomnia, seizures and inflammation. While they each have notable and distinct stand-alone benefits, an oil or salve containing both CBD and THC has the highest potential for a wide array of health benefits (albeit illegal in some places). Known as the “entourage effect”, the synergistic combination of both THC and CBD through whole-plant cannabis consumption and extracts is more powerful than either one on its own.

I personally like to use strains that are high in both THC and CBD to make oil and salves. To learn more about the differences between strains, CBD and THC, see this article: “Sativa, Indica & Autoflowers, the Differences Explained”.

CBD versus THS benefits, via CBD Farmhouse

Why Make Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is the foundation ingredient for ultra-healing homemade topical lotions, ointments, and salves – my favorite way to use it! Both THC and CBD have excellent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that cannabinoids have the ability to reduce acne, fine lines and wrinkles, soothe redness and irritation, and balance natural skin oils. Also, cannabinoids (THC especially) are analgesic – meaning they reduce pain. I regularly use our homemade cannabis salve on my knees, ankles, and other aching or inflamed joints and muscles. 

Furthermore, making cannabis oil is one of the most reliable ways to create medicated edible cannabis products. Even so, it is extremely difficult to determine the exact potency of homemade edibles or cannabis oil. Because of this, it is suggested to consume with caution in very small doses at first. Cannabis oil can be consumed on its own, or added to other edible cannabis recipes. 

On the other hand, simply chopping up weed to add to your brownie mix is not a good idea, for many reasons. As we already explored, cannabinoids are fat-soluble. That means that they not only bind with oils during the infusion process, but also that cannabinoids are more readily absorbed and digested in our bodies when they’re consumed with fat – such as oil. If you add raw cannabis to baked goods, it is less likely that the cannabinoids will bind to fats for a consistent and effective edible experience. Using decarboxylated cannabis to make cannabis oil further increases precision and consistency. 

Using Decarboxylated Cannabis for Oil

The cannabinoid compounds found in raw cannabis (THCA and CBDA) are not the same as those found in cannabis that has been heated – such as those inhaled (THC and CBD) when you ignite or vaporize cannabis, or when cooking with cannabis. The process of heating and “activating” cannabis is called decarboxylation. It is what makes cannabis psychoactive, and also more potent for medicinal applications.  

Yet when it comes to heating cannabis, it is best to do so low, slow, and methodically. There are time and temperature “sweet spots” where raw THCA and CBDA are converted into active THC and CBD. But without a precise process, over-heating or under-heating cannabis can lead to uneven activation of THC and CBD. Even worse, it may even destroy the THC or CBD altogether!

The content (activation or decomposition) of THC with time and temperature. Graph courtesy of 420 Magazine

Most cannabis oil recipes call for cannabis that has already been properly decarboxylated first.  The most common and fuss-free way is to decarb cannabis in the oven, and then add it to oil over a very low heat afterwards – avoiding further decarboxylation. Some folks choose to decarb their raw cannabis on the stovetop simultaneously with the oil infusion process. However, that requires significantly more careful monitoring to hit that time-temperature sweet spot (and not ruin it). 

Therefore, our cannabis oil recipe calls for decarboxylated cannabis as well. I provide very brief instructions on how to decarb raw cannabis below, but you can read further information about exactly how and why to decarb cannabis in the oven in this article. 

SUPPLIES NEEDED

  • 1 cup of loosely ground decarboxylated cannabis or CBD-rich hemp. To be more precise, I suggest to use a kitchen scale to weigh out approximately 7 to 10 grams (a quarter ounce or just over), depending on your tolerance.

     

  • 1 cup coconut oil or other oil of choice, such as olive oil. We like to use organic coconut oil because it is solid at room temperature (and tastes good), which makes it perfect to eat a tiny spoonful of, spread on bread like butter, or use in a salve. (Note that our salve recipe calls for 1.5 cups coconut oil, so scale up if you intend to make that)

     

  • Optional: A few grams of raw cannabis. In addition to decarboxylated cannabis, we like to add a little handful of raw homegrown bud to our oil as well. While the most significant and well-documented health benefits from cannabis are attributed to active THC and CBD (found in decarbed cannabis), there are also emerging studies showing some promising health benefits from their raw forms – THCA and CBDA. Therefore, we like to use a little of each to create a full-spectrum and well-rounded finished product.

     

  • A double-boiler, or make-shift double boiler (such as a glass pyrex bowl or stainless steel bowl perched on top of a saucepan with water below) OR a crock pot/slow cooker

     

  • Cheesecloth, like this organic unbleached cheesecloth

     

  • Fine mesh strainer

     

  • Glass bowl

     

  • Storage container, such as a mason jar with lid

     

  • Recommended: a probe thermometer

     

Note: This process will create a fairly strong cannabis odor in your home

Read the full article via: Homestead and Chill

cbd oil

CBD: A Versatile Natural Remedy

By Avery Reekstin

CBD oil is everywhere now. There are stores that exclusively sell CBD products. There are people who swear by it and its medicinal properties and even some use it on their pets. But what is it?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is derived from the flowers of marijuana and hemp plants and used as a natural remedy for many different ailments. It can be taken in many forms, most commonly ingested as a tincture or an oil mix, but it is also put into gel caps, gummies, edibles or lotions and salves.

Most CBD oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychoactive compound that causes the high one would get from smoking or ingesting marijuana. CBD oil usually has less than 0.5 percent THC. CBD is federally legal in all states, but each state law is a little different. Most vary on how much THC is allowed and some have laws about how CBD is used. If you are unsure of the laws in your state, it is advised to do some research before purchasing.

As a natural remedy, cannabidiol has many different uses and may be used to alleviate or treat the following conditions or health issues:

Reduces anxiety or depression. CBD has been found to interact with and alter the serotonin levels in the body. Low levels of serotonin are known to have a role in depression and anxiety. Many antidepressants help raise serotonin levels but can have unpleasant side effects. CBD can be an alternative, more holistic option for some people.

Stimulates appetite: CBD has been known to help stimulate appetite, which is used often with cancer treatments.

Pain relief: CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain.

Reduces acne. Sebum, an oil the skin makes naturally, can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores if the body produces too much. CBD oil can help the body reduce the amount of sebum it creates. And along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce acne in some people.

Treats neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Scientists have studied the use of CBD with epilepsy in children probably the most out of all the other uses and have found evidence that CBD oil can help reduce the amount of seizures or even stop seizures altogether.

Heart health benefits. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties CBD oil has can help reduce one’s risk for heart disease and reduce risk of stroke.

Helps treat diabetes. Not only can CBD play a role in maintaining healthy insulin and blood sugar levels, its anti-inflammatory qualities can also reduce one’s risk for diabetes.

When taking CBD oil, most people place the oil under the tongue to allow the body to absorb it. Some choose to just swallow it as is. It can also be mixed in tea, coffee, juice or smoothies. Salves or lotions can be rubbed on the body, which works well if there is pain from an injury or overuse that you’d like to directly apply it to. It can also be ingested by pill, gummies or other edibles.

Make sure to start at a low dose and slowly take more until you’ve reached a desired effect. CBD has been found to be non-addictive and it usually stays in the system for about three to five days.

Pets may also find some benefits from using CBD oil. Similar to humans, it can help treat pain and seizures, as well as anxiety. It is often used for dogs who may have anxiety while owners are gone, or it is given to them before events such as fireworks, to ease the anxiety of the loud noises. There are pet treats with CBD in them, and some people mix the oil in their pets’ favorite food.

Because CBD is unregulated, it is important to do your research on the products you are buying, and make sure to talk with your doctor (or vet) about using CBD oil.

cbd arthritis

Is Using CBD for Arthritis a Good Idea?

By Nasir Rajpoot

CBD oil contains extracts from cannabis plants. Recent studies suggest that it could play a role in relieving pain linked to chronic conditions like arthritis. However, there are many questions on whether CBD for arthritis is effective.  what the correct dose is, and whether there are side effects or not; all of these need some answers.

What is CBD & How Can It be a Helpful Remedy for Arthritis?

Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is one of the many cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. This chemical compound works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to help with conditions like pain, sleep disorder, anxiety, and more.

Unlike medical marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that it doesn’t get you high. This is because it doesn’t contain a large portion of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is a chemical compound found in marijuana that makes people high.

CBD has been linked to several health benefits, one of them being arthritic pain management. Arthritis has been associated with many cases of disability in the United States, and it has two types:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is a common type of arthritis that is related to injury, overweight, and aging. This degenerative disease often affects the bones and joint cartilage including the knee, hip, and thumb joints.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – This type of arthritis is autoimmune which occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, particularly the thin tissue lining. RA usually affects the joints of the hands and feet, causing them to be warm, swollen, and red.

In both cases, CBD can be used to alleviate joint pain without any evident side effect. As for OA, research has shown that CBD can relieve the pain, damage, and inflammation that comes with it. On the other hand, patients of RA benefit from pain alleviation and reduced immune damage. This is because CBD also acts as an immunosuppressive agent.

Taking a Deep Dive: How CBD Interacts with the Human Body?

Although research for CBD continues, it has been determined that it reduces pain both directly and indirectly. After interacting with the human endocannabinoid system, CBD attaches to the cannabinoid receptors found in the body. 

It specially attaches to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptor particularly plays a role in the immune system in terms of managing inflammation and pain.

Researchers also believe that CBD can produce natural cannabinoids that may attach to the CB2 receptors. They believe that when it enters the body, CBD can affect how the receptors respond to the signals they get. This may help in the reduction of pain and inflammation. 

Moreover, CBD can work by altering the shape of the receptor juts a little bit. This change prevents the transmission of pain to the brain. 

What Do the Researchers Say?

There are several animal studies that suggest CBD can be used for arthritis pain. According to a 2017 study that was published in the Journal of Pain, CBD was found to reduce joint inflammation and pain in rats. The study found that it helped with symptoms of pain and neuropathy in the rats.

A 2006 study found that a CBD mouth spray known as Sativex helped alleviate arthritis pain. Additionally, a 2018 compilation of studies showed that there is a large body of evidence suggesting that CBD can be used for different clinical conditions like pain, sleep disorder, inflammation, and others. 

According to a 2019 review by Harvard Health Publishing, studies on CBD have reportedly revealed how CBD hinders neuropathic pain and chronic pain. The Harvard Health Report also suggests that CBD applied on the skin could help lower inflammation and pain that is associated with arthritis. 

However, the report says that there’s a need for more human studies to establish the effects of CBD for arthritis. More studies are also required to establish a safe and correct CBD dose for arthritis patients.

Best CBD Products for Arthritis to Look Out for

CBD comes in various forms including CBD oils, creams, gummies, and tinctures. You can search online review for each item to understand their benefits, side effects and more. Also, you will be aware of the best cbd brands out there in the market as most of the reviews are unbiased specially if they are from reputed website or blog.

How to Use CBD for Arthritis Relief

Because of the wide variety of CBD products, it may not be very clear how to properly apply CBD for arthritis patients.

Arthritis patients can get great relief by taking CBD oils which offer long-lasting relief. It is highly recommended to take CBD oil products sublingually under the tongue as it has a higher rate of absorption than taking CBD products orally. 

While CBD gummies come in precise doses, they may have long-term effects and bioavailability problems. This makes it difficult for the body to use and absorb all the CBD content found in them.

People with arthritis can also apply CBD creams or take CBD as oral spray or in its capsule form. In addition, it has been found that combining different CBD products can provide greater relief for arthritis patients. For instance, you can combine a CBD oil with CBD cream for enhanced effectiveness.

In terms of the dosage, experts suggest starting with a low dose and see if you experience results. If not, slowly increase the dose weekly. 

Are There Any Side Effects Involved with CBD for Arthritis?

Some studies have shown that most people tolerate CBD well. However, some users report mild side effects like:

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Change in weight
  • Change in appetite

Before taking CBD, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you are taking it alongside certain medications. This is because it may interfere with prescribed medications and over-the-counter dietary supplements.

Final Thoughts

Although CBD oil is still a topic for research, it is still considered an effective and safe treatment for arthritis. High quality CBD oil affects the brain receptors to reduce pain and inflammation that are linked to arthritis. For best results, it is advised to take a tincture sublingually and slowly increase your dosage until you attain your desired effect. 

Read the full article via: Big Easy Magazine