Since the start of legal cannabis here in the United States, we have seen a serious increase in popularity in cannabis concentrates. Concentrates and extracts have created an entirely new market, as well as an entirely new way for medical cannabis and recreational cannabis users to consume cannabis. Concentrates deliver a highly potent dose of cannabinoids to the user and often contain a full spectrum of the cannabinoids and terpenes that naturally occur in the plant. There are varying degrees of extraction as well as varying methods used to extract the oils from the cannabis plant. Some of the most popular methods, mixed hydrocarbons, CO2 and Ethanol all work exceptionally well for creating full-spectrum extracts, but what does that mean exactly, and more importantly, what does that mean for you as someone who wants to heal with cannabis?
You may have heard of something called the “entourage effect” referenced when discussing cannabis. The Entourage Effect refers to the way that all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds within the cannabis plant interact with your endocannabinoid system when they enter your body. The idea is that cannabis works best in your body when all of the desired compounds enter together, as they would in nature. They work synergistically within your endocannabinoid system to create the specific effects many medical patients seek for healing. Recent research shows that there are over 150 different cannabinoids and 200 different terpenes within the cannabis plant. Many of these cannabinoids and terpenes exist in tiny ratios within the living cannabis plant, but when extracted become a more significant part of the final solution. We are seeing more full-spectrum extracts with minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, and CBN on the market every day. These cannabinoids all have their own medical benefits and can be extremely important when focusing on full-body wellness and healing.
Along with the rise of full-spectrum extracts, isolates have recently taken center stage due to their incredibly high purity. Isolates, specifically CBD isolate have seen a huge rise in popularity as many of the CBD products on the market today are formulated with CBD isolate. Isolates are great for product formulation as well as accurate dosing. Due to their purity, it is easy to measure out exact quantities for dosing which is very attractive to those looking to bring CBD into their daily regimen. While they are very easy to use, isolates lack the full spectrum experience and many leading cannabis researchers have voiced their concerns about the efficacy of products formulated specifically with isolates. They feel that without the other compounds, (other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) that isolates lack what they need to truly perform to their utmost potential when they interact with your endocannabinoid system. Despite these doubts, many people are bringing CBD into their daily regimen and finding relief from chronic pain as well as a multitude of other ailments.
Healing with cannabis currently lives somewhere between art and science and we are in a place where it seems the more we learn, the less we know. The depth of the information about this plant is vast, but there are things we do know that can help guide us on our journey with cannabis. First, we know that cannabis is body specific. What works for you, might not work for someone else. Some might respond better to an isolated cannabinoid formulation while others require a full spectrum formulation. Some might require both formulations to combat their ailments. We also know that CBD will work in your body better if it is taken routinely. CBD like many popular medications seems to build up in your system and help heal ailments like pain and inflammation as well as anxiety over time. The constant presence of CBD in your system creates an environment of continual healing through stimulation of your endocannabinoid system. Since this is where we are currently with cannabis, it is important to experiment with your dose and your products to find what really works for you. Dosing can be difficult, so we always recommend that you start small, see how you feel and work your way up from there. You cannot overdose on cannabis, so experimenting with your dosing isn’t dangerous, but make sure to be aware of how much you have taken so you know what to take next time.
The jury is still out on the efficacy between full-spectrum and isolated products, but at City Sessions Denver we believe that the cannabis plant is true medicine and we have seen its effects first hand in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. If you are suffering from an ailment that you think cannabis can help you with, try it out. Start with one full-spectrum product and one isolated product and see which one works best for you and go from there. We believe that you will find that bringing cannabis into your wellness regimen will help alleviate your ailments and help you live a more elevated life.
Continue your education on cannabis in our next blog, Why Cannabis Education is Important
For a deeper dive into the cannabis plant, its various compounds and the industry that surrounds it, call and book your private educational experience with City Sessions today. 720-250-8828