Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are medicinal compounds that were discovered thanks to the cannabis plant!
There are three types: phytocannabinoids, endogenous cannabinoids AKA endocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Most of the time, people are referring to phytocannabinoids which are found in cannabis plants. There are also endocannabinoids which are naturally occuring in your body, and synthetic cannabinoids which are formulated in a lab. It’s important to note that synthetic cannabinoids have risks that do not exist with natural cannabis.
There are over 120 different cannabinoids that have been identified - THC and CBD are the most well known and well studied. The power and versatility of cannabis and its compounds allow it to be an extremely successful treatment for a wide range of conditions.
The diagram to the right shows some of the more commonly studied cannabinoids and their medicinal properties.
Terpenes
The importance of terpenes is often overlooked - but they play a very essential role and are powerful medicinal compounds. So what exactly are they?
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Terpenes are organic compounds produced by many different plants (and even some animals). There are thousands of different terpenes, and around 150 have been identified in cannabis. They largely determine the aroma, taste, and effects of different strains. Some terpenes such as pinene and terpinolene create an uplifting effect, while others, such as Myrcene, will provide sedation and relaxation. Terpenes also have a wide range of medicinal properties. They can be anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and more. For example, in clinical studies, Limonene has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, most notably in breast cancer, while Pinene has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, and is now being looked into as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s. Terpenes also interact synergistically with cannabinoids, which provide additional benefits!
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Below is a diagram of some of the many terpenes that are found in cannabis. The aromatic and medicinal properties are listed.
Full Spectrum
Island’s products are 100% natural and full spectrum. It is essential your cannabis products are full spectrum so your body can receive the highest level of benefit possible. When shopping for cannabis products you may come across some different terms. Here is a brief summary of their definitions and differences. It is important to keep in mind that these terms are not strict standards, but commonly used terms. Even though a business may claim their products are “full spectrum”, that may not always be true. This is why it’s so important to know your farmer!
Full spectrum products contain the naturally occurring compounds in a cannabis plant. Nothing is artificially added or removed. Cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids and more may be present. This allows the entourage effect to take place.
Broad spectrum products have a more limited spectrum of compounds. When referring to broad spectrum CBD products, there is NO THC present. When there are fewer compounds, the entourage effect is limited and the product’s benefits are lower than a full spectrum product.
Isolate products have a single cannabinoid present. They have no other components of cannabis, only the isolated cannabinoid. The entourage effect disappears completely, and the medicinal benefits are lowered.
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Full spectrum products not only provide more balanced effects, but you can actually get more medicinal benefit from less product. Research published by the National Institutes of Health found that patients taking full spectrum CBD were able to take nearly four times less compared to people taking isolated CBD! For more information, send us an email or schedule a consultation.
This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. This information does not take the place of medical advice or treatment from a physician. Readers should consult their doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. You assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.