Quote of the Month
“Hemp. The only plant that can feed you, house you, clothe you and heal you” ~Bill Murray
With the legalization of Cannabis, I thought this would be a good time to provide a few definitions (and hopefully clear up a few things).
So here’s a quick overview starting with some definitions:
- THC is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (I can’t even pronounce this). It has some therapeutic effects, but also harmful ones.
- Terpenes are parts of the cannabis plant that provide flavour and smell.
- CBD is known as cannabidiol.
There are 2 basic types of CBD – CBD isolate and Full spectrum CBD. (to me, it’s like comparing whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate).
With an isolate, the so called active compound is “isolated” and everything else is removed.
Full spectrum still contains all of the compounds; such as, terpenes, essential oils and THC. However in the case of CBD, only a minimum amount (.3%) of THC is allowed to be retained.
Broad spectrum is a slight variation of the two, where other compounds are retained, but the THC is completely removed.
Here’s a quick summary of the differences between CBD isolates and full spectrum CBD products:
CBD Isolate:
- Pure and more concentrated CBD
- Doesn’t contain any plant compounds. e.g. terpenes
- It’s more processed than full spectrum CBD
- It has no THC
- It has no cannabinoids
Full Spectrum CBD:
- Contains CBD, but other naturally occurring plant compounds as well
- Contains less than 0.3 percent THC (when derived from hemp)
- It’s less processed than the isolate form
- It works synergistically with all the other plant compounds, including THC because it’s ‘whole’
Just because the isolate is more concentrated, it doesn’t mean that the effects are better. Sometimes the full spectrum can work better because all of the compounds are working together. It’s akin to saying eating an orange is better than just having the juice.
You don’t get ‘high’ from CBD or intoxicated either. There are also low dose versions available for your pets who may have pain as well!
Did you know:
- In 2003 Bayer worked with GW Pharma in a joint research project for a cannabis extract
- In 2007 Bayer exchanged technology with Monsanto with respect to cannabis
- In 2009 a new breed of cannabis had been patented by GW Pharma. (read more here https://www.globalresearch.ca/the-war-on-weed-monsanto-bayer-and-the-push-for-corporate-cannabis/5534771)
- In 2018 Bayer purchases Monsanto (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-bayer-wins-us-approval-to-buy-monsanto/)
- Currently there is a rumour on the internet that Monsanto is making GMO seed, apparently it’s false. If Bayer own’s Monsanto, it’s really Bayer that would be making it. They’re on the way to controlling all plant life – it’s a scary thing…
- Other useful links:
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/about.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc_en&utm_content=sitelink_thc&utm_campaign=cannabis-19
- A fellow practitioner of mine recommends the following brand for purity – https://www.halohempco.com