What is CBD?

What is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found only in the Cannabis plant family. Of which both Marijuana and hemp belong. Unique to this family, CBDa and CBD are just the beginning. Each hemp plant contains over 700 known chemical compounds, including over 100 different phytocannabinoids. Still, in its early stages of research, CBD was a controlled substance until 2018. This means human trials are rare and their clinical effects are still relatively unproven. The majority of the information is either anecdotal, based on animal tests, or from studies that have used Marijuana. 

What is CBDa?

CBDa, or CBD in the Raw. Also called CBD-acid, CBDa is the precursor to the CBD molecule. It’s found in the raw or unheated form of hemp and cannabis. Through decarboxylation, a chemical reaction created by applying high heat to raw hemp plant material, CBDa is converted into CBD. Among the cannabis community, practitioners consider raw CBDa to be an essential component to a true full spectrum hemp product. While it is an incredibly exciting research topic. It’s still in its infancy, we’re learning there’s still so much to discover about CBDa. 

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes enhance the benefits of CBD. Introducing the “Entourage effect”. A proposed mechanism by which both cannabinoids and terpenes, along with other molecules present, act in a synergistic way to potentially enhance or modify some of the plant’s effects. Beyond cannabinoids, one of the most prominent chemicals in the Cannabis plant family are terpenes. One of the most exciting terpenes, called Beta-Caryophyllene, has gained attention as one of the first non-cannabinoids to proven to interact with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors and possibly the CB2 receptors. One more thing to note: it is actually the terpenes- not the cannabinoids- that give this plant family its distinctive smell and taste. Without Terpenes present, the products we produce would not have the clean or pure aroma you associate with CBD.