Welcome to the complete guide to cannabinoids. You have probably read about cannabinoids elsewhere online, and your search brought even more questions leaving you feeling more confused and overwhelmed by all the information.

It is difficult to cut through the marketing hype and get to the truth about CBD oil when you can find someone, somewhere, willing to claim that CBD fixes just about every human condition you can imagine. That’s why we have created this guide.

We are starting from the beginning and will walk along the theoretical path of nature’s own solution to provide absolutely all of the information that you need in order to make an informed decision about CBD and RSO.

The cannabis plant is one that seems uniquely useful to humans because it interacts directly with the human endocannabinoid system. That’s the system by which the human body regulates functions such as reward sensations, appetite and certain cognitive functions. Have you ever felt a sense of total-body euphoria after an intense workout? The famous “runner’s high” is the endocannabinoid system at work.

The endocannabinoid system includes cannabinoid receptors, and the body produces endocannabinoids that transmit messages across those receptors. The cannabinoids in cannabis act on those same receptors.

The full extent to which cannabinoids interacts with the body remains the focus of extensive current research. One of the reasons why we still have so much to learn is because the endocannabinoid system is itself a recent discovery. As scientists continue collecting evidence of the potential benefits.

CBD oil has achieved true mainstream popularity. To remain in the industry in the face of increasing competition, CBD oil producers have had no choice but to upgrade their production methods and use the cleanest, safest extraction system available: CO2 extraction.

Supercritical CO2 extraction is the most common extraction method for CBD oil today. In this method, an extraction machine injects pressurized liquid carbon dioxide into a chamber of ground hemp plant material. The CBD oil drips down to a collection vessel, and the machine reclaims the CO2 for later use. CO2 extraction is the same method that companies use to produce the essential oils used for perfumery. The CBD oil resulting from this extraction method contains absolutely no trace solvents and are therefore .

The machines necessary for CO2 extraction are very costly, but are today’s market standards.

Cannabis oil first rose to prominence when a man named Rick Simpson told the world that he had applied oil extracted from cannabis indica strain topically to rid his arm of cancerous growths. Simpson’s method for extraction involved exposing the cannabis plant material to a solvent and boiling away the solvent after extraction. Before long, companies everywhere were using solvents to produce their own “Rick Simpson Oil” or RSO.

The problem with solvent-based CBD extraction is that it’s virtually impossible to extract from hemp with a solvent without any trace of that solvent remaining in the final product. The safest solvent used is food graded ethanol. New modern machines are being re-introduced as this extraction method has the benefit to create a more complete or full spectrum of cannabinoids in the end-product.

A full-spectrum oil is a full-plant extract containing all the beneficial compounds of the hemp used to create the extract. A full-spectrum extract usually contains CBD as the largest part, combined with traces of other cannabinoids like THC from the cannabis as well as its terpenes, which may also have potential benefits.  Regardless of how much you consume, full-spectrum CBD oil from true industrial hemp will not get you high. However, the trace THC could potentially cause a positive result in a drug test.

To create CBD isolate, a CBD oil producer subjects raw CBD oil to additional filtering and processing until nothing but a white crystalline powder – over 99-percent pure CBD – remains. Since CBD powder is oil soluble, it’s easy to make CBD oil from that powder by simply mixing the powder with a carrier such as MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil. While the final product will have the same CBD as a full-spectrum CBD oil, it will lack the terpenes of a full-spectrum oil. However, CBD oil from CBD isolate should contain absolutely no THC.

CBD was first discovered and isolated from full-spectrum cannabis oil by Roger Adams, Madison Hunt and J. H. Clark. They worked in collaboration with the federal government and Cornell University. The researchers used methanol to extract the oil from the hashish of wild cannabis indica plants found growing in Minnesota. Mixing the oil with ammonia yielded a pure white powder that the researchers named cannabidiol. The researchers quickly noticed that the CBD powder didn’t affect the body in the same way that full-spectrum cannabis oil would. They published their findings in 1940. CBD was the first cannabinoid successfully isolated from cannabis.

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam

Due to legal restrictions on the growth, distribution and possession of cannabis, research into its properties was slow for many years. Many doctors simply didn’t want to deal with the stigma of working with “illegal drugs.” Some doctors, however, persevered. Most notably, Israeli-born Dr. Raphael Mechoulam spearheaded the research that led to a deeper understanding of the differences between THC and CBD in the 1960s. He isolated for the first time THC in 1964

In 1978, Dr. Mechoulam published the results of an experiment generally regarded as the first major discovery in the field of CBD-based medicine. Dr. Mechoulam sought to evaluate the potential of CBD as a treatment for epilepsy. He administered CBD to eight epileptic patients for a period of four weeks. All patients reported fewer seizures. Half of the patients stopped having seizures entirely.

Although his discoveries didn’t receive the publicity they deserved at the time, Dr. Mechoulam lived long enough to enjoy the breakthroughs to which his research ultimately led. He is 88 at the time of writing.

Research into the benefits of cannabis continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It wasn’t until 1996, though, that researchers were really able to kick their efforts into high gear. In that year, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Researchers initially focused on the potential benefits of THC. However, stories such as those of Rick Simpson and Charlotte Figi – a girl whose severe seizure disorder was helped by CBD – brought CBD oil to the forefront of people’s minds.

Today, there is an extensive body of clinical evidence proving that CBD is an effective medication for certain types of seizure disorders. In addition, researchers have found that CBD may hold promise as a treatment for a variety of other conditions ranging from anxiety to inflammation. We’ll discuss that research next.

Cannabis contains over 483 active compounds, +100 of which are cannabinoids. This means that there are far more different variables that affect the body than just THC or CBD. Therefore new scientific research is and will be necessary in order to improve our understanding of very controversial plant.

The +100 compounds only found in cannabis are known as cannabinoids. These interact with the receptors in our body to induce effects within our nervous system and brain. Coincidence or not, humans have a system that can interact with cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids system.
We will briefly outline below the 8 major cannabinoids found within marijuana.

THC
This is the most commonly recognized and abundantly found cannabinoid within cannabis; it stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol. This cannabinoid is responsible to the main psychoactive effect experienced when consuming cannabis, it stimulates parts of the brain causing the release of dopamine – creating a sense of euphoria and well being. THC also has analgesic effects, relieving the symptoms of pain and inflammation. Combined they cause a great sense of relaxation. 

CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, tends to be the second most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana. It has serious implications into the field of medicine, and is the sought after compound by medical users. It is a non-psychoactive component that is believed to reduce and regulate the effects of THC. This means that strains high in THC and CBD will induce much clearer head highs than more hazy, heady strains containing very little CBD. CBD itself has a long list of medicinal properties. The main of which relieve things such as chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, arthritis, spasms and epilepsy and schizophrenia. CBD has also been show to have some anti cancer properties, and new uses are still being discoverd as more research is conducted. 

CBN
Cannabinol, or CBN for short, is an analgesic that is created from the break down of THC through oxidization. It is mildly psychoactive and is only found in small quantities within fresh cannabis plants. It can be kept to a minimum by keeping harvested cannabis stored in a dark, dry place. The effects of THC tend to be preferred to CBN – as CBN is not as strong as THC and can cause grogginess when found in high concentrates. It is also known to reduce anxiety and relieve pressure behind the eyes.

CBG
CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is an active compound in cannabis that is mostly known for its anti-bacterial effects. However, very recent research has found that, whilst not traditionally though to be very prevalent within most cannabis strains, it is likely to be the “template” or “stem cell” for both THC and CBD. This means that both THC and CBD start out as CBG. CBG has also been found to inhibit the uptake of GABA, this causes a feeling of relaxation that is normally associated with CBD. These findings have spurred new ongoing research into the cannabinoid, meaning it may have even larger implications.

THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV for short, is thought to be a cannabinoid that moderates the intensity of the psychoactive effects of THC. Current research being conducted into THCV also suggests that it can be used to treat metabolic disorders and act as an appetite suppressant. 

CBC
Cannabichromene, or CBC for short, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, although not much medical research has been conducted into the cannabinoid. Recent research that has been done suggests that it could have a potential role to play in brain cell regrowth.

THCA
THCA is the acid form of THC. It is a raw state in which THC can be found in fresh cannabis plants. It is when cannabis is heated that THCA converts to THC. When it is in this raw form, THCA is not considered to be an active compound.

CBDA
Much like THCA, CBDA is the acid form of CBD. It is currently thought to have antimetic (anti-nausea) effects as well as helping to fight breast cancer. However, more research into its medical benefits is needed.

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine suggests that oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s disease. The clinicians conducting the study examined the potential effects of CBD on Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline and found that CBD reduces the classic molecular hallmarks of the disease.

CBD appears to be a potent anti-inflammatory compound, and in 2015, researchers examined the effect that CBD may have on patients with arthritis. The European Journal of Pain published the result. In the study, researchers induced arthritis in the knee joints of rats and applied CBD gel as a treatment. The researchers found that topical CBD treatment reduced joint swelling and arthritic pain.

In 2015, the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology published a study examining the potential role that cannabinoids could play in cancer treatment. The study noted that, in animal studies, CBD has demonstrated anti-tumor activity when used to treat cancers of the colon, prostate, breasts and more. The study concluded that CBD could enhance the performance of traditional anti-cancer medications.

Out of all the health conditions that exist, chronic pain is among the most common and most debilitating. About 38 million U.S. adults deal with pain on a daily basis. Most prescription medications do a poor job of treating that pain. They also have undesirable side effects such as addiction.

In 2008, Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management published a review of existing studies of cannabinoids and pain management. The studies examined seemed to indicate that THC is a better pain fighter if CBD is also present. The finding seems to confirm that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound on its own.

As mentioned above, research into the effect of CBD on seizure disorders dates back to the 1970s. Research in that area has continued to the present day. A study published in Seizure in 2012 asserted that CBD reduces the severity and frequency of some types of seizures. The study also found that CBD can reduce seizure-related mortality. In 2018, the FDA approved the CBD-based prescription drug Epidiolex for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The approval of Epidiolex represents a major breakthrough in the acceptance of CBD as a real medicine.

In 2017, JCI Insight published the results of a double-blind study in which nine healthy men were given either a placebo or 600 mg of CBD. The researchers who conducted the study found that CBD lowered both resting and post-exertion blood pressure.

In 2008, the British Journal of Pharmacology published a study in which the effect of CBD on mice with inflammatory diarrhea was examined. The researchers induced bowel inflammation by administering croton oil to the mice. The mice then experienced diarrhea. The researchers found that administering CBD to the mice with inflamed bowels normalized their bowel movements. CBD had no effect on mice with normal bowel movements.

The treatment of sleep disorders is an area in which the isolation of CBD from cannabis may have profound benefits. While there appears to be a link between THC and poor sleep quality, CBD seems to have the opposite effect. Current Psychiatry Reports published a review of multiple sleep-related cannabis studies in 2017. According to the review, CBD may help to regulate REM sleep and combat drowsiness during the day.

Macular Degeneration From Diabetes

Multiple Sclerosis

Panic Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Psychosis

• The concentration of CBD
• The weight of the individual
• The individual’s body chemistry
• The severity of the condition being treated

With that being said, there isn’t a “one size fits all” dosage, and there will be some trial and error while gauging your proper dosage.
Start small and increase gradually. When in doubt, consult your physician or doctor, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
Broadly speaking, there are three types of resin-rich cannabis and cannabis products:

• Type 1 (THC-dominant) – High THC, low CBD (famously intoxicating cannabis varietals)
• Type 2 (THC & CBD) – Mixed THC and CBD cultivars (intoxicating, but not as edgy as THC-dominant varietals)
• Type 3 (CBD-dominant) – High CBD, low THC (non-euphoric marijuana or hemp)

“START LOW, GO SLOW”

The adage “Start small and increase gradually” is apropos for cannabis therapy, in general, and THC titration in particular, as discussed by Caroline MacCallum and Ethan Russo in a January 2018 article in the European Journal of Internal Medicine. The authors, who are both physicians, provide sensible guidelines for health professionals and patients regarding the judicious administration of (Type 1) THC-dominant medicinal preparations.

If a new patient is going to smoke or vape THC-rich cannabis, Russo and MacCallum suggest they start with a single inhalation and wait 15 minutes before inhaling again. The effects of inhaled cannabis usually can be felt within a few minutes, thereby providing quick relief of acute distress. If need be, one can inhale an additional puff every 15 to 30 minutes “until desired symptom control is achieved.”

As for oral administration, one should keep in mind that it can take 60 to 90 minutes before the effects of a single dose are felt.

MacCallum and Russo suggest a carefully titrated regimen for consumption of ingestible THC-rich cannabis products. They recommend that patients with little or no experience using cannabis should start by ingesting the equivalent of 1.25 to 2.5 mg of THC shortly before bedtime for two days. If there are no unwanted side effects, increase the bedtime dose of THC by another 1.25 to 2.5 mg for the next two days. Continue to increase the dose of THC by an additional 1.25 to 2.5 mg every other day until the desired effects are achieved.

If there are adverse side effects, reduce the dose of THC to the prior amount that was well tolerated.

Borneol has the scent of camphor. It has antimicrobial properties. It’s used in some balms and lotions to provide relief from muscle and joint pains.

Caryophyllene smells like a mix of turpentine and cloves. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Being a major component the plant, eucalyptol smells like eucalyptus. It is antimicrobial. It also repels insects. It suppresses coughs and is a bronchodilator. Researchers have studied its potential uses in the treatment of colds and lung disease.

Humulene smells like hops. It’s also reminiscent of beer. Researchers have discovered that it may have anti-tumor properties.

Limonene has the scent of lemon peels. It fights bacteria and fungus. It may also help to reduce inflammation.

Linalool has a floral scent like lavender. It is antimicrobial. When used in aromatherapy, linalool seems to reduce anxiety and depression.

Myrcene smells a bit like allspice. It has sedative properties. It also fights inflammation and pain.

Nerolidol has a bright floral scent. It is a powerful antimicrobial agent, and it may also fight parasitic infections.

Ocimene smells sweet and floral with a touch of woodiness. It is an insect repellant. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Ocimene has also been studied for its potential to improve health in diabetics.

Terpinolene smells like a mix of pine and citrus. In addition to its anti-pest and antimicrobial effects, terpinolene seems to have sedative properties.

As the name implies, pinene smells like pine trees. It fights inflammation and increases alertness.