What is CBD, THC, ECS and Hemp ?
What is CBD ?
What Does THC Stand For?
What Is The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
What Is Hemp?
What Is The Entourage Effect?
For those new to the CBD world there are a seemingly endless number of terms used when discussing thesubject. This in turn may concern people or put them off from exploring further. However, to help ensure everyone can continue to learn and benefit we’ve put together a short description for the main terms and abbreviations.
What is CBD ?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, which can be found in the Cannabis Sativa plant (aka cannabis or hemp). Whilst studies into it’s benefits are ongoing, there have been reports of benefits including improved sleep quality, significant pain reduction and reduced anxiety.
Cannabis sativa, a plant boasting over 80 distinct chemical compounds called cannabinoids, is most known for its renowned ingredient Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Contrarily, Hemp - another form of the same species - only holds minimal amounts of THC and it's from this crop that CBD stems. Though CBD has been shown to influence some brain chemicals, its impacts veer away from those caused by THC.
What Does THC Stand For?
THC is the abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. The consumption of THC by smoking or through oils and capsules etc leads to dopamine being released in the brain, which creates the ‘high’ effect, and some research suggest inhalation causes the greater high.
The legal position on THC is constantly evolving, so it is important to check the law where you live. Also check the THC levels on any products you may wish to purchase. Studies have looked at the potential of THC to treat chronic pain, anxiety and sleep apnoea, although side effects may include dry mouth, memory loss and tiredness.
What Is The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a significant mechanism that manages crucial bodily functions, including digestion, stress regulation, and appetite control. This complicated cell-signaling network operates using endocannabinoids, enzymes and cannabinoid receptors to execute its assigned duties. Despite residing primarily in the brain and nervous system, it's deserving of more academic attention than it currently receives.
The ECS came to light only in the 1990s but has been regarded as one of the most critical physiological systems present within humans since then. According to ongoing analysis this fascinating biochemical pathway may possess therapeutic value for different issues such as pain relief or nausea mitigation, importantly supports immune function as well as memory protection mechanisms aiding learning facility alongside its likely contributions towards treating Parkinson’s disease amongst other ailments like Alzheimer's' disorder or multiple sclerosis.|
What Is Hemp?
Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, belongs to the category of Cannabis sativa types that are typically grown for medicinal or industrial purposes. This plant species can be transformed into various useful items and is considered one of the swiftest-growing plants worldwide. Hemp has been spun into usable fibre for over 50,000 years, and it’s versatility ensures it can be used to create a wide range of products including paper, rope, bio plastics and fuels and food.
Hemp contains only small amounts of THC, hence its wide use in products needing to comply with THC legislation.
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The Entourage Effect is a theory that suggests CBD and THC are more effective when taken together than individually. The theory believes that other cannabis compounds such as Terpenes and Flavonoids work together to enhance or alter the psychoactive and medicinal properties of THC. Whilst research in this area appears conflicting the Entourage Effect is widely discussed in relation to CBD and THC.