CBD is everywhere. In drinks; in skincare products; infused into foods. Even in dog treats. CBD, or cannabidiol to give it its full name, is a compound in the cannabis hemp sativa plant, known to give our minds and bodies a boost. But CBD is just one out of hundreds of these plant compounds known as cannabinoids. In this article, we’re taking a deep-dive into plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) to explore what they do, where they’re found and how we can tap into their natural health and wellness potential for our personal well-being.  

The key to unlocking cannabinoids  

It’s not just the cannabis plant that contains cannabinoids. They’re also present in the cacao plant, black pepper, cloves, echinacea and even in vegetables like carrots and Broccoli. When consumed, these natural plant cannabinoids interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system, delivering their natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits via a network of cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. 

 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a signalling system that’s responsible for regulating many different bodily functions, such as metabolism, appetite, memory, immune response and lots more. The ultimate goal is to create homeostasis - A state of balance among all the body systems to function correctly. Homeostasis ensures the body’s internal environment is at its optimum level for the external environment that it’s in, promoting harmony and balance in response to what’s going on around us. The ECS has receptors located throughout the central nervous system, in the gut, the immune system, the reproductive system, the brain, connective tissue, glands and on our body’s biggest organ - the skin. And it’s not just us humans that have an ECS - all mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have one too. ​

Think of our body’s cannabinoid receptors as the lock and plant cannabinoids as the key. Once consumed, phytocannabinoids work with the ECS to maintain health and wellbeing in the mind and body. Scientists estimate that this system evolved in primitive animals over 600 million years ago, and the intricate network of receptors helps to facilitate communication and coordination between different types of cells. The ECS is pivotal in helping the body perform many different functions to regulate itself, as well as aiding neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Getting its name from the plant that led to its discovery (the endogenous cannabinoid system), the ECS was only discovered in the 1988, but since then it’s gone on to make waves in the medical and scientific community where it’s potential for maintaining well-being in the mind and body are being explored rapidly.     

 

A broad spectrum 

There are hundreds of different plant cannabinoids in the cannabis hemp sativa plant, and possibly even more which are yet to be discovered. Our specially-blended CBD roll on (which is now back by popular demand, and is free of any nut oils) uses broad spectrum CBD oil, which contains CBD and trace elements of other non-psychoactive plant cannabinoids such as CBG. It’s beauty and wellness all rolled into one! The benefit of broad spectrum CBD oil is that the different phytocannabinoids work with each other to create what’s known as the ‘entourage effect’. This is where the natural synergy of cannabinoids increases the health and well-being benefits. Our CBD rollers also include natural plant terpenes as well, which are the aroma profiles in lots of different fruits, vegetables and plants, such as mangoes, lavender, rosemary and of course, cannabis. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes increases the therapeutic benefits of the entourage effect even more. 

 

Let’s take a look at some of the main cannabinoids found in the cannabis hemp sativa plant:

CBC

Cannabichromene (or CBC for short) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. It’s been found to help relieve pain, inflammation and anxiety, as well as promoting neurological health. It has also been shown to exhibit anti-tumour properties, along with its sister cannabinoid, CBG.    

 

CBD

As the second most prevalent cannabinoid known to come from the cannabis plant, CBD - or cannabidiol - has grown exponentially in popularity over the last few years. It is non-psychoactive (unlike its sister cannabinoid, THC) and has been shown to have a variety of health and well-being benefits, including soothing pain, relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression, and alleviating nausea and vomiting symptoms related to some medical treatments.   

 

CBG

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Early studies into the uses and benefits of CBG have shown it to have great potential in helping with a variety of conditions, including glaucoma, inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and it is believed to have anti-tumour properties. CBG has been discovered to actively engage with the 2-AG receptors. It works in synergy with other cannabinoids, delivering the health and wellness benefits of the entourage effect. 

 

CBN

Believed to be the first cannabinoid to be identified by scientists, cannabinol (CBN) has a number of health benefits. It’s an excellent sedative and can therefore aid a restful sleep. It’s also known to relieve pain and inflammation, and can even stimulate appetite which could be helpful to counteract the effect of some medical treatments. CBN works in harmony with its other sister cannabinoids, tapping into the benefits of the entourage effect.  

 

THCV

Not to be confused with the psychoactive THC, tetrahydrocannabivarin (or THCV for short) has been found to help with a variety of different conditions, and works especially well with CBD. First discovered in 1973, THCV has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce glaucoma levels, and reduce inflammation. It’s believed to help improve the symptoms of anxiety, PTSD and Parkinson’s disease. 

 

THC

The most famous of all the cannabinoids, THC (or delta-9–tetrahydrocannabinol) is known predominantly for its psychoactive effects, delivering the high commonly associated with cannabis. But like its sister cannabinoids, THC may offer some natural health and well-being benefits for conditions including ADHD, PTSD, fibromyalgia, crohn’s disease and arthritis. THC is not yet legal in the UK, and is not included in broad spectrum CBD oil.
 

Phytocannabinoid bliss

The wellness potential of plant cannabinoids are just starting to be explored, and are grabbing the attention of the medical community. Notably, scientists have found that phytocannabinoids increase the levels of anandamide, otherwise known as the ‘bliss molecule’. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that the body makes all by itself, and is often linked to the high felt after exercise (runner’s high). This blissful molecule is a known mood enhancer, and can be tapped into by running, dancing, yoga, tai chi and even singing!

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Alongside our own endocannabinoids, incorporating plant cannabinoids into your health and wellness routines and skincare rituals can be a helpful and natural addition to give your mind, body and skin a loving boost. Our CBD roll ons are ready to roll with plant cannabinoid goodness, and contain only natural ingredients such as hemp seed oil, argan oil, rosehip oil and lavender oil. Feeling good has never felt - or smelt - better! 

Sarah Green - Cannabliss Content Creator 

The Graces London Team 

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