- What are Trichomes?
- What is CBD (cannabidiol)?
- What are cannabinoids?
- What is CBDA?
- What are Terpenes?
- What are Flavonoids?
- The Entourage effect
- How does CBD work in the brain and body?
- Can CBD make you feel high?
- What are some conditions CBD can potentially treat?
- Is CBD safe for pets?
- What’s the difference between hemp CBD and cannabis-derived CBD?
- What’s the right dose of CBD?
- Does CBD show up on drug tests?
The complete guide to CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD (cannabidiol) is a therapeutic compound produced by cannabis. It is commonly extracted and processed into oils, gummies, topicals, and other products that have no doubt sparked your curiosity. And with curiosity comes a load of questions.
This guide is here to lend a hand and provide answers to the most common questions about CBD, starting with the most basic so you never feel lost. You can start from the beginning or jump straight to whichever CBD question is currently burning hottest for you.
Table of contents
What are Trichomes?
Trichomes grow on several plant species as a multifaceted defence mechanism, whether it be as a protective layer against harsh weather, assisting carnivorous plants in catching prey or deterring bugs and animals from eating roots.
In cannabis, trichomes can produce hundreds of different compounds to protect themselves from pests, including the blend of terpenes and cannabinoids our endocannabinoid systems interact with and various valuable flavonoids.
What is CBD (cannabidiol)?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp. CBD oils, gummies, and other products are continuing to grow in popularity as ways to manage anxiety, insomnia, stress, pain, and other symptoms.
We typically associate cannabis with getting stoned, but CBD can be extracted from the plant to make products that come without the high or the smoke. The molecule in cannabis that gets us high is called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and nowadays, you can turn to cannabis-derived CBD products with little to no THC for clear-headed symptom relief.
It’s not just THC and CBD, either—cannabis produces dozens of potentially therapeutic compounds called cannabinoids. We’re slowly getting to know them as legalization spreads, and so far, they seem pretty friendly to us humans and our many ailments.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a class of compounds produced in the resin glands of the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most well-known cannabinoids, but cannabis produces dozens of others such as THCV, CBN, and CBC. Cannabinoids aren’t only found in cannabis; they are also produced naturally in the body.
However, the cannabinoids produced in our bodies—called “endocannabinoids”—behave differently than those found in cannabis, which is why we don’t feel high off of our own endocannabinoid supply.
What is CBDA?
CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is the raw form or precursor of the well-known cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol), and is a compound widely found in CBD-rich cannabis cultivars. When CBDA is exposed to heat or UV light, decarboxylation takes place, and the compound is converted into CBD. In other words, CBDA is the raw form or predecessor to CBD. Although CBD is well-known for its therapeutic properties, CBDA boasts health benefits of its own.
While most cannabinoids bind directly with either the CB1 or CB2 receptors, CBDA doesn’t work in this way. Instead, CBDA interacts with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 enzymes are associated with inflammation after an injury or infection, so by blocking COX-2 enzymes, CBDA can relieve inflammation and associated pain.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that determine the aroma of many flowers and herbs, give cannabis its characteristic odor and contribute to its flavor.
Cannabis contains more than 150 types of terpenes. Although most terpenes are present only in trace amounts, the most prominent unite to give several varieties of cannabis their unique olfactory profiles.
In addition to providing cannabis with its unique bouquet of aromas, terpenes also perform various functions in the plant and can produce a number of therapeutic and mood-altering effects.
Terpenes play a key role in the growth and survival of a cannabis plant. In addition to producing distinct aromas, these organic compounds also enrich the color and pigmentation of leaves and flowers and contribute to the taste of cannabis.
Terpenes help increase plant attractiveness for some creatures, while preventing others from causing damage.
Humans have long taken advantage of the vibrant aromas associated with terpenes to formulate essential oils for practices such as aromatherapy.
For example, anyone who applies lavender oil – which contains linalool – at home knows that this can help you relax.
The effects of terpenes seem to extend beyond the benefits of well-being and stress relief.
Terpenes have also been identified as a new frontier in cannabis medicine.
All terpenes have unique combinations of therapeutic properties. Unsurprisingly, some of the effects terpenes have on humans are evocative of their function in cannabis and other plants – how to help fight unwanted microbes and pathogens.
Preclinical animal studies and in vitro studies – in test tubes – have identified a number of therapeutic benefits associated with terpenes.
- Antiviral
- Anticancer
- Antimicrobial
- Pain relief
What are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids is the designation given to a large group of secondary metabolites of the polyphenol class, low molecular weight components found in several plant species.
Flavonoids help regulate cell activity and fight free radicals that cause oxidative stress in our body.
They help the body function more efficiently, protecting it from toxins and stressors from day to day.
Flavonoids are also powerful antioxidant agents.
Anthocyanidins - prevent heart disease and cancer and are used in phytotherapy for a number of applications including high blood pressure and urinary tract infections.
Flavonols are found in cannabis, peaches, cabbage, tomatoes and broccoli - antioxidant properties.
Flavones protect plants from pests, while providing white and blue pigment in flowers. These flavonoids also appear in cannabis, as well as in parsley, red pepper and chamomile.
Flavanones are flavonoids known for their anti-inflammatory properties, besides presenting potential for cholesterol reduction and weight control.
Flavan-3-ols are packed with nutrients and health benefits. They are found in white, green and black tea, as well as in cocoa and chocolate.
Isoflavones appear in soybeans and some beans and are studied for their connection with the prevention of bone, hormonal and cardiovascular problems.
The Entourage effect
Cannabinoids work synergistically with each other and are more effective when they are found together versus when they are isolated. All compounds in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and more, work together synergistically to provide greater effects and health benefits than by themselves when consumed—the sum is greater than the whole of the parts.
This is known as the entourage effect, and it is the reason our oils are so potent and effective.
To create the best full spectrum cannabinoid extract we start with the highest-grade organic hemp. Alpha Leaf has collaborated with world-class growers to create genetics that produce a plant profile that contains significant levels of cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, CBG, and CBN along with valuable terpenes and flavonoids.
How does CBD work in the brain and body?
Each of our bodies has a set of receptors that interacts with cannabis compounds called cannabinoids, like CBD. These receptors, found throughout the body, comprise the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex signalling system that ensures our bodies maintain homeostasis.
Put another way, the endocannabinoid system keeps us in balance by directing the communication traffic in our bodies. Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with this system, mimicking natural compounds (called endocannabinoids) produced by the body.
In the human body, CBD influences cannabinoid receptor activity and encourages production of the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Interestingly, CBD also affects activity beyond the endocannabinoid system and can also interact with opioid, dopamine, and serotonin receptors. The ability of CBD to interact with so many different systems throughout the body suggests it has the potential to open new frontiers in psychiatry and medicine.
Can CBD make you feel high?
Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. Why? Both THC and CBD are cannabinoids, but they behave very differently in our bodies.
THC stimulates what are called CB1 receptors. When CB1 receptors are activated, humans generally experience feelings of euphoria—or, for some, anxiety and paranoia. CBD doesn’t activate CB1 receptors, so we don’t feel euphoric, anxious, or stoned when taking it.
In fact, CBD can actually reduce THC’s ability to stimulate CB1 receptors, helping to block some of THC’s not-so-fun side effects. For those prone to anxiety and forgetfulness when consuming cannabis, CBD is a good tool to keep on-hand.
What are some conditions CBD can potentially treat?
CBD is a compound with diverse medical potential, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a trendy “cure-all” in the wellness space of late. Considering there’s currently no supervision over ingredients in CBD oil and other products, or the medical claims tied to them, it’s OK to be sceptical. We encourage that.
These claims often begin with anecdotal evidence, early research, and animal studies, but human studies are finally starting to fill in the gaps around CBD’s touted benefits. With that caveat in mind, here’s what we understand about CBD’s potential therapeutic applications.
CBD and Anxiety
Ask around and we don’t doubt you’ll find a friend, relative, or acquaintance who swears by CBD for anxiety and stress relief.
And there’s no reason yet to doubt it; so far, a majority of CBD research suggests it may be beneficial for anxiety symptoms, possibly by influencing activity in the serotonin system.
CBD and Pain
According to research so far, CBD seems to help with two types of pain: neuropathic and inflammatory.
For other types of pain, CBD appears to be less effective. The euphoria-causing cannabinoid THC appears to also lend pain-relieving benefits.
CBD and Insomnia
The relationship between CBD and sleep isn’t well understood yet. So far, it appears that dosage plays a role, with higher doses appearing to be more effective than lower doses. For context, one study indicated that a 160mg dose of CBD correlated with longer sleep duration, while 25mg of CBD seemed to have no effect on insomnia symptoms.
Another consideration: What’s keeping you up at night?
CBD may help with symptoms that cause sleeplessness. If pain, anxiety, or stress is keeping you from settling into sleep, CBD just might be your ticket to a peaceful mind and body—and restful sleep.
CBD and Epileptic seizures
For children with epilepsy, many treatment options drag along a host of side effects that impact one’s quality of life. So when CBD began to show promise as an effective treatment for seizures with little in the way adverse effects, researchers started paying attention.
In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD-based medicine called Epidiolex for treating two forms of epilepsy—Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Although anecdotal evidence and early studies show promising results, researchers haven’t yet reached a scientific explanation for why CBD might help reduce seizures.
Is CBD safe for pets?
Just as humans can benefit from CBD’s benefits, so might your furry best friend. Between anecdotal evidence and early research, we’re starting to understand CBD’s potential in treating symptoms and conditions like seizures, arthritis, and anxiety in animals, but more peer-reviewed clinical research is needed to fully understand the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosages and delivery methods associated with CBD for pets. We also need more data to understand how these medicines work in cats compared to dogs, given their biological differences.
Veterinarians can’t currently prescribe or recommend CBD for pets, so it’s important that you thoroughly research a CBD product before giving it to an animal in your care.
What’s the difference between hemp CBD and cannabis-derived CBD?
When talking about hemp, we’re referring to the low-resin industrial crop commonly used to make clothing, textiles, food, and other materials.
And in this context, we’re using the word marijuana to describe the high-resin plants that are grown specifically for medical consumption or enjoyment.
What’s the right dose of CBD?
There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all dose with CBD. Your perfect CBD dose depends on a few different factors, including your individual biology, the delivery method, and the specific nature of your symptoms. For example, high doses of CBD (upward of 600mg daily) seem to be more effective for conditions like epilepsy, whereas low doses are effective for anxiety.
If you’re using our CBD oils to treat symptoms like anxiety, stress, pain, or insomnia—consider starting with a low dose of CBD (around 5mg) and slowly increasing until you’ve found the optimal dose for you.
Both our 5% and 10% Alpha Leaf CBD oils come in 10ml bottles. Each bottle contains 200 drops.
A single drop of our 5% CBD oil contains 2,5mg CBD.
A single drop of our 10% CBD oil contains 5mg CBD.
Does CBD show up on drug tests?
When taking a drug test, you are not being screened for CBD. But you can still fail a drug test by only using CBD products. That’s because drug tests screen for THC. Our organic CBD oils contain trace levels of THC that can test up to 0.2% THC. That’s not enough to get you high, and you’d likely have to ingest a lot of CBD oil to fail a drug test for THC. But it’s worth knowing that the risk is technically there.
