Full Spectrum CBD and the Entourage Effect

All CBD oil is not created equal. This isn’t just true from brand to brand, but more importantly, it is true regarding certain factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the product. Over the last few years, full spectrum CBD has proven to be the best option when it comes to delivering the desired positive results. 

“Full spectrum” is the concept of utilizing whole plant cannabinoid compounds as opposed to extracting out one specific molecule, cannabinoid, or compound. The benefit is that these various compounds work together to achieve a greater degree of wellness. This interaction between cannabinoid compounds is called the “entourage effect.”

The Entourage Effect

There are over 100 identified cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant. Most of these have therapeutic benefits on their own. When combined synergistically, the beneficial properties of these compounds are heightened and provide better results. 

Compounds in Full Spectrum CBD That Contribute to the Entourage Effect

Cannabinoids

CBD is not the only cannabinoid present in full spectrum hemp oil. Receptra CBD's Interactive Certificate of Analysis shows specific amounts of CBG, THC, CBN, CBC, CBDa, and others in every batch.

Terpenes

The fragrant aroma that cannabis is known for, is the result of terpenes. These chemicals not only give cannabis its unique scent but contain beneficial properties even in small amounts. The quality of hemp and method of processing is what determines the terpene profile of CBD oil. Here are just a few terpenes that are present in Receptra CBD according to recent lab tests.

• Beta-caryophyllene
  
• Beta-Myrcene
  
• D-Limonene
  
• Alpha-Humulene
  
• Beta-Ocimene
  
• Linalool
  
• Eucalyptol
  
• Alpha-Bisabolol
  

Vitamins and Minerals

A true full spectrum hemp oil will also contain many vitamins and minerals that are naturally occurring in the hemp plant. Vitamins A, C, and E are found in hemp. All of these have positive effects on various systems in the body. Complex B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and beta-carotene are also found in whole plant hemp extract as are zinc, potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorous. If these sound like many of things you are taking daily in pill form, you are probably right. 

Fatty Acids

“Essential” fatty acids are named such because they cannot be made within the body and must be obtained through diet. Full spectrum CBD extract contains such fats including Omega 3 and Omega 6. These fats have been respected for decades due to their positive effects on the brain, heart, muscles, joints and more. On top of that, Omegas are found in the optimal 3:1 ratio that meets standard recommendations for ideal human consumption. An increasing number of diets lack balance in this area with ratios closer to 25:1 due to the high amount of fried foods in the modern diet.

Protein

Full spectrum CBD oil contains all 20 amino acids. This includes the nine “essential” amino acids that the body cannot create on its own. Amino acids are the building blocks for protein synthesis and a good reason to consider adding CBD to your post-workout recovery. Aminos contribute to healthy skin, muscles, tissues, organs, and hair.

Flavonoids

Boasting 8,000 or so family members, flavonoids are a large nutrient group. Twenty of these varieties have been identified in the cannabis plant. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also the main contributing factor to the vibrant colors in foods like berries, carrots, and spinach. Scientists have even discovered a sub-class of flavonoids specific to cannabis. They are a called "cannaflavins".  

Full Spectrum CBD Compound Interactions

There are countless beneficial interactions between the numerous compounds in whole plant CBD. Terpenes linalool and limonene combined with the cannabinoid CBG have specific antibiotic properties. Cannabinoids THC and CBN promote restfulness. Pinene is a terpene that serves to counteract compromised cognition that may be induced by THC.  The terpene Beta-caryophyllene is known to interact directly with CBD receptors to reduce inflammation. These are just a few examples of combinations that promote greater levels of wellness than single compounds could do alone. 

Hemp Flowers are Top Quality

The flower of the hemp plant contains the most effective and highest quality cannabinoids. All of Receptra’s full spectrum CBD oil is extracted from premium organically farmed Colorado hemp flower. None of the less potent, or effective parts such as seeds, stems or stalks are used to make CBD oil. The hemp plant is very versatile and these other pieces of the plant can be used in a plethora of applications.

Full Spectrum vs Isolate

Now that you understand the entourage effects and have a basic concept of how many different compounds are in full spectrum CBD oil, we can talk about the difference between full spectrum and isolate. CBD isolate is a popular CBD product that contains only the CBD molecule without any other compounds. The CBD molecule is either extracted completely from the rest of the naturally occurring compounds or synthetically produced.

Isolate can be a good option for people who cannot have even trace amounts of the other cannabinoid compounds in their system, but 100mg of an isolate is not the same as 100mg of full spectrum CBD. It was once believed that the CBD cannabinoid alone was highly effective and should be filtered out from the other compounds for best use. This myth has been debunked numerous times by scientists since first realizing the error in a 2015 study. Interactions that help create the potency of CBD oil are largely lost without the entourage effect.

Get the Most from Your CBD Oil

The benefits of full spectrum CBD oil are countless and unique to the response of each person's body. To find out more about how to incorporate whole plant CBD into daily routine please visit the Receptra Naturals Blog or contact us.