7 Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is a type of CBD oil that is derived from the hemp plant and contains all of the naturally occurring compounds found in the plant, including cannabidiol (CBD), other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Unlike CBD isolate, which only contains pure CBD, full-spectrum CBD contains a range of beneficial plant compounds that work together to produce what is known as the “entourage effect.”
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have numerous potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and relieving pain. However, it is just one of many compounds found in the hemp plant. Other cannabinoids that are commonly found in full spectrum CBD include THC, CBG, and CBC.
THC is the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, but in hemp-derived full spectrum CBD, the levels of THC are typically very low (less than 0.3%), which is not enough to cause a “high.” Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants that are responsible for their distinct smells and flavors. They are also believed to have their own potential health benefits. Flavonoids are another type of plant compound that are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The combination of these different compounds in full spectrum CBD is believed to produce a more effective and well-rounded product than CBD isolate. This is because the various compounds work together to enhance each other’s effects, producing a stronger and more comprehensive impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a wide range of physiological processes.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological system found in the human body and in other animals. It plays a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and sleep.
The ECS is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are molecules that are similar in structure to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD. Endocannabinoids are produced naturally in the body and act as signaling molecules to help regulate various physiological processes.
- Reducing Pain and Inflammation
How Does CBD Work for Pain and Inflammation Relief?
When CBD is ingested or applied topically, it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells and tissues. By interacting with these receptors, CBD can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
CBD has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that promote inflammation. In addition, it can inhibit the activity of enzymes that contribute to inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). By reducing inflammation, CBD may help to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, and neuropathic pain.
CBD may also help to reduce pain by increasing the body’s production of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids help to regulate pain and other physiological processes, and by increasing their production, CBD can help to modulate pain signals in the body.
- Managing Stress and Anxiety
CBD has been shown to activate the 5-HT1A receptor, which is responsible for regulating serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, and low levels of serotonin have been linked to anxiety and depression. In addition to its effects on serotonin, CBD has been shown to increase levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that has been linked to feelings of happiness and well-being, and by increasing anandamide levels, CBD can help to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. THC may also have potential benefits for reducing stress and anxiety, and has been shown to activate the CB1 receptor, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Improving the Quality of Sleep
CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for improving sleep by reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and increasing overall sleep quality. When ingested, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes mentioned above, and also includes sleep.
One study published in the Permanent Journal found that CBD can improve sleep in people with insomnia. The study involved giving 25 mg of CBD to 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep, and the researchers found that CBD significantly improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety in the participants.
Terpenes are also believed to have potential health benefits of their own, including improving sleep. Myrcene is a terpene that is commonly found in plants such as hops, thyme, and lemongrass, as well as in high concentrations in some strains of cannabis. Myrcene is believed to act as a natural sedative by increasing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for reducing neuronal activity in the brain, and is known for its calming and relaxing effects.
- Improving Focus and Concentration
CBD may also have a positive impact on cognitive function and focus. A study showed that acute CBD enhanced fronto-striatal resting state connectivity in healthy volunteers, which suggests that it may improve cognitive control and decision-making. Additionally, CBD modulated brain activity during various cognitive tasks such as emotional processing, verbal memory, response inhibition, and auditory/visual processing. Furthermore, CBD showed intermediate brain activity compared to placebo and healthy controls during cognitive task performance in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis and patients with established psychosis. This suggests that CBD may improve cognitive function in these individuals as well. CBD also modulated resting limbic activity in subjects with anxiety, which may improve their ability to focus and process information
Another cannabinoid, CBG, has also been shown to have potential benefits for improving cognitive function and reducing inflammation, and THCV has been shown to have potential benefits for promoting focus and concentration.
What is CBG?
CBG is a precursor to other cannabinoids, meaning that it is converted into other cannabinoids as the plant grows and matures. For example, CBG is a precursor to both THC and CBD. As the plant matures, enzymes break down CBG and convert it into either THC or CBD.
CBG has been shown to have potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, promoting neuroprotection, and potentially even inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
What is THCV?
THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in some strains of cannabis. It is similar in structure to THC, but has a different effect on the body and is present in much lower concentrations. THCV is believed to have potential health benefits, including promoting focus and concentration.
One of the ways that THCV may promote focus and concentration is by acting as an antagonist to the CB1 receptor in the brain. The CB1 receptor is responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC, but THCV is believed to have the opposite effect and reduce CB1 receptor activation. THCV has also been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood, motivation, and attention, among other things.
- Improving The Bodies Immune Functions
CB2 receptors are particularly important for immune function, as they are found on immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages. When CBD binds to CB2 receptors, it can help to modulate immune function by reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced immune response. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can also be beneficial for improving immune function. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can have negative effects on the body and contribute to a range of health issues.
One study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD can reduce inflammation in mice with autoimmune disease. The study involved giving CBD to mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis, and the researchers found that CBD reduced inflammation and improved their motor function
CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for promoting the production of interferons, Interferons are a type of protein that are produced by cells in the body in response to viral infections and other pathogens. They play a key role in the immune response by helping to activate immune cells and inhibit viral replication. Increased production of Interferons in turn help to boost the body’s immune response and fight off viral infections. One study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology found that CBD can increase the production of interferon-beta (IFN-β) in immune cells.
- Increasing Absorption, and therefore increasing the Benefits
When we consume CBD, our body needs to break it down and absorb it before it can be used by the body. However, CBD is a fat-soluble compound, which means that it does not dissolve easily in water. This can make it difficult for the body to absorb and use CBD effectively.
Full spectrum CBD products, on the other hand, contain a range of other plant compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, that work together to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of each cannabinoid. This is known as the “entourage effect,” and it means that the different compounds in full spectrum CBD work in synergy to produce a more potent and effective product.
For example, some terpenes found in full spectrum CBD, such as limonene and pinene, have been shown to have potential benefits for enhancing the absorption of other compounds, including CBD. These terpenes may work by increasing blood flow and permeability in the digestive tract, allowing for greater absorption of CBD and other cannabinoids.
In addition, those other cannabinoids found in full spectrum CBD, such as CBG and CBN, have also been shown to have potential benefits for enhancing absorption and improving the effectiveness of CBD. CBG has been shown to have potential benefits for reducing inflammation and promoting neuroprotection, which may help to improve the absorption and effectiveness of other cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD.
- Research is finding that THC and CBD may improve PTSD therapy
CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, and hyperarousal. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep in a sample of 11 patients with PTSD. The researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety scores by an average of 57% and improved sleep scores by an average of 66%.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep in a sample of 24 patients with social anxiety disorder. While this study was not specifically focused on PTSD, social anxiety disorder is a common comorbidity with PTSD.
THC has also been shown to have potential benefits for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, hyperarousal, and sleep disturbances. One study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that medical cannabis use was associated with a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms in a sample of 80 patients with PTSD. The researchers found that patients who used medical cannabis had significant reductions in anxiety, hyperarousal, and sleep disturbances.
A study was conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Colorado, and involved a sample of 80 patients with PTSD who were enrolled in a medical cannabis program. The patients were evaluated using standardized measures of PTSD symptoms before and after cannabis use.
The researchers found that medical cannabis use was associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, hyperarousal, and sleep disturbances. The reductions in symptoms were observed across all categories of PTSD symptoms, including intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. The study also found that patients who used higher doses of cannabis tended to have greater reductions in PTSD symptoms, suggesting a dose-response relationship. However, the researchers noted that the optimal dose of cannabis for PTSD treatment is not yet clear, and further research is needed to determine the most effective dosing regimen.
The study did have some limitations, including its small sample size and the fact that it relied on self-reported measures of PTSD symptoms. In addition, the study did not distinguish between different strains or types of cannabis, which may have different effects on PTSD symptoms.
Despite these limitations, the study provides some evidence for the potential benefits of medical cannabis use in PTSD therapy. The study’s findings are consistent with other research that has found that cannabis use can have potential benefits for reducing anxiety and promoting sleep, which are all common symptoms.
It’s important to note that because full spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, it may still show up on a drug test. If you need to avoid THC for any reason, you may want to consider a broad spectrum CBD product instead. Additionally, full spectrum CBD may not be legal in all states or countries, so it’s important to check local laws before purchasing or using this type of product.
Naked Warrior Recovery is a company that offers a range of CBD products, including Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil and Full-Spectrum CBD Oil . Their products are made with high-quality, third-party tested hemp extract and are free from harmful chemicals and additives. Whether you are looking for pain relief, improved sleep, or enhanced focus and concentration, Naked Warrior Recovery offers a range of products to meet your needs.