Full-spectrum cannabinoid products; whether they are flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, or topicals, contain all of their natural Phyto cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBN, and others. They will also contain all of their natural terpenes, proteins, flavonoids, phenols, esters, and sterols. In short, full-spectrum cannabis includes all of the essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Many people believe that full-spectrum cannabis contributes to the entourage effect.
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The Entourage Effect
The Entourage Effect theory is the belief that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than when isolated. High levels of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids isolated would not be as effective as combined together with other cannabinoids and plant compounds.
The Many Compounds Found in Cannabis
Aside from cannabinoids, there are many vital compounds found within the cannabis and hemp plants. Here are a few.
- Terpenes are found in cannabis and virtually anything else that has a smell. Not only do they help influence the aroma, but they are also said to play an essential role in the rate of absorption of cannabinoids like THC by cannabinoid receptors. Terpenes are reported to help with various things, such as improving memory and respiratory function.
- Proteins are macromolecules and biomolecules made up of long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins are a source of energy for the body that provides support and structure to cells.
- Flavonoids are polyphenolic secondary metabolites present in plants like cannabis and others. Beyond helping with taste, flavonoids are reported to have antioxidant properties as well as cell signaling abilities. They are also said to offer anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, and antiviral properties.
- Phenols are organic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that attach to carbon atoms as part of an aromatic ring. Research suggests that phenol could have possibly been used as the first surgical antiseptic.
- Esters are a compound located in cell membranes of plants like cannabis and others. When consumed, they compete with cholesterol in the digestive system for absorption by the body.
- Sterols are a compound found in cannabis and other plants that is reported to help lower cholesterol, therefore potentially improving heart health.
The Mammalian Endocannabinoid System
Some insects and every mammal on the planet has an endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. The ECS works with endocannabinoids to ultimately help the body achieve and maintain homeostasis. An example of an endocannabinoid or a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the human body is, anandamide aka the “Bliss Molecule.” Phytocannabinoids such as THC, CBN, CBG, and others present in cannabis play an influential role in helping regulate our body’s ECS and work directly with receptors known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the ECS and our bodies to provide various effects.
Different Types of Full Spectrum Cannabis Products
Cannabis flower is full spectrum. Many times when you get into purchasing tinctures, capsules, topicals, edibles, and concentrates is when you will run into cannabis products that are not full spectrum. This is because essential terpenes, flavonoids, and other important parts of the plant have been damaged or destroyed during the extraction process. There are many different products available on the legal medical cannabis market that take extra measures to preserve the full spectrum of cannabis. Be sure to look at cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Generally, products that are not full spectrum are labeled as isolates or made with isolate. If you want to experience the entourage effect, don’t just look for high THC cannabis and cannabis products. Instead, opt for full-spectrum cannabis and cannabis products that contain a wide array of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Great Resources
A great resource for full-spectrum cannabinoid products is Blue Sage Cannabis Company. You can find them at:
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