5 Fun Facts About CBD - FOCL

Fun Facts About CBD: The Most Interesting Facts About CBD you Might Not Know!

CBD won’t get you high

Cannabidiol does not give you the “intoxicating feeling” you might get from THC. This is because delta 9 THC binds directly to our nerve receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CBD does not do that and instead works around them.

This is why CBD can be used by many people and is far more accessible for its potential therapeutic benefits. For example, edibles like our Premium CBD Gummies are an easy and tasty way to achieve your wellness goals, including the potential to help you relax and renew.

These are available in both broad and full spectrum formulas and have three delicious flavors (Sour Watermelon, Tropical Punch, and Mandarin Orange) to choose from, with 25mg of CBD per gummy.

 

There are over 100 ingredients in cannabis plants

Delta 9 THC and CBD are one of the big eight (also called major) cannabinoids in cannabis sativa. The other eight substances are CBGA, THCA, CBDA, CBCA, CBGVA, HCVA, CBDVA, and CBCVA. However, cannabis has over 100 ingredients that are part of this plant.

From terpenes to minor cannabinoids, this plant has plenty of compounds that are needed for the plant’s functions. Here’s a 2012 paper that reviewed some of the most important compounds that have lots of uses and some with opposing effects if you are interested.

 

The human body produces cannabinoids too

Yes! Even if it sounds strange, cannabinoids can be found all around us. While phytocannabinoids are derived from plants, endocannabinoids are naturally produced in the human body.

These compounds work naturally in a part of our nervous network called the endocannabinoid system. These molecules activate the CB1 receptor, which can do much for our day-to-day functions. These chemicals are responsible for signaling your body for stress, hunger, appetite, blood pressure, and even inflammation.

 

Hemp use dates back to 2700 B.C.

Some Latino households might know the backstory of using cannabis leaves and alcohol for muscle aches. Well, don’t be surprised to know that the use of hemp oils and seeds dates way back. 

Historians have found that this plant has been used for more than 10,000 years as one of the first plants to be domesticated by agriculture. The first recorded use dates from a Traditional Chinese Medicine manual, which used it for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and even inflammation.

If you have aches and pains, however, nowadays, you can use topical CBD products like the FOCL Relief Cream. With the power of 500mg of CBD and powerful menthol and soothing botanicals, it has the potential to soothe aches, reduce inflammation, and get a rapid cooling relief thanks to menthol, eucalyptus, and Wintergreen Oil.

 

CBD can help your animals too

If your pets have felt extra anxious during a storm or you need something to ease your dog’s nervousness, CBD could be of help. Products like our Premium CBD Pet Drops can help ease down your furry friends' anxious symptoms while supporting calm and relief.

These are specially formulated for pets, without any colorants or additives so you can rest assured your pets are safe. They come in Peanut Butter, Wild Salmon, and Savory Chicken flavors to add to their dry food or directly into their mouth. And the drops come in two different strengths.

We recommend 300mg for small breeds and 600mg for all the larger furballs.

 

Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal in all 50 States

After the 2018 Farm Bill Act, all hemp-derived CBD is legal in all of the fifty states in the US. As long as the products contain less than 0.3% of their total weight of THC (delta 9 THC), you can consume and produce edibles, extracts, and much more. 

That also means that they fall into the category of CBD and hemp-based products instead of Cannabis. However, be mindful as some states have local regulations that might have different rulings.

Just make sure to check CBD’s status before buying, as some states, like Hawaii, are really strict on all hemp and cannabis products, while states like Nevada or California allow for over-the-counter CBD products.

 

CBD oil affects several neurotransmitter receptors

Whether you take your CBD oil at night for sleep or in the morning for an extra boost, CBD affects several neurotransmitter receptors. As we mentioned before, CBD doesn’t bind to our receptors but actually affects how they send signals to the rest of the part of our body.

The CB1 receptor, which is mainly located in the brain and central nervous system, and the CB2 receptors, located in the immune system of our cells), are both affected. These are activated and can cause several things, including the generation of serotonin which is linked to mood influencing and relaxation.

If you want a blend of adaptogens and premium hemp CBD, FOCL Day might be a great way to start your day off. With 60 capsules per bottle, each containing 10mg of our premium broad spectrum CBD, with other five organic herbs and vitamins that can help you kickstart your day.

 

CBD is but one part of the entourage effect

The so-called entourage effect basically describes how the over 400 compounds in cannabis work in synergy in the plant. They all work together for different goals and effects. This also happens with CBD derived from hemp.

While on its own, cannabidiol might be helpful, together with terpenes and other cannabinoids, it can potentiate its wellness effects. Products like our Premium CBD Drops use the power of other cannabinoids in both broad and full spectrum formulas for maximum strength.

With three different doses to choose from, organic ingredients, and five different flavors, these drops are perfect for everyday use. They turn the everyday CBD experience into something manageable and even microdose, potentially helping small aches to even chronic pain.

 

CBD and THC have different benefits for pain

This is not very surprising, as both work differently without endocannabinoid receptors. THC binds completely to them, while CBD affects how their work without binding to them. 

Research has shown that CBD might be better for inflammation in general, while THC is believed to work better for chronic cramps. However, THC in high doses may take off greater pains, while micro-dosing has worked for users trying a new pain management strategy.

However, cannabidiol has fewer side effects and doesn’t produce intoxicating effects (known as getting high), which can be better for general users.

 

CBD was first discovered in 1940, and first synthesized in 1963

Even though cannabidiol has hung around for several years in our different cultures, science got to meet the compound in 1940. This happened as the chemist Roger Adams isolated for the first time this compound. 

However, the chemical structure of cannabidiol was not clearly defined until 1963.

 

Hemp-derived CBD is the exact same compound as marijuana-derived CBD

This might be confusing, but let’s round back to the 2018 Farm Bill. While both are the same exact chemical, the only difference is how hemp is ruled thanks to its THC content. If a plant has over a certain percentage of delta 9, it is considered marijuana.

So, in reality, it is more of a legal term and the origin of its compound. But once extracted, both kinds of CBD are one and the same.

So if you have access to medicinal marijuana in your state, just know that the CBD content you might find in those products is the same as the federally legal hemp-based ones.

 

When ingested together, CBD can reduce some of the undesired effects of THC

Cannabidiol can actually help to reduce some of THC’s worst side effects. Since CBD affects the CB1 receptor, it can reduce THC’s affinity to bind to it and thus diminish its effects.

According to research, users have felt less anxious by taking the two cannabinoids together and even feel better as pain relief when used together as opposed to THC alone.

 

CBD oil turns pink

While delicious CBD gummies come in various shades of pink, it may be a little bit jarring if your CBD oil turns pink. But don’t be alarmed!

To start, it is important to understand that CBD oil can come in many colors. Based on the extraction method used, the CBD oil may be either golden, clear,  or a slight green color. Basically, the various extraction processes can  impact the color your CBD ends up being, as well as its overall quality. 

Similarly, how much filtration the oil goes through will impact the color in your bottle. It is commonly understood that the less filtering, the more green the oil will be. 

In addition to filtration and extraction, you must also account for any additional oils put into your tincture. CBD is normally mixed with a carrier oil such as olive, avocado, hemp seed, or MCT oil. Essentially these oils dilute the pure CBD in the tincture and can therefore become the color of the carrier oil instead. 

Knowing all of this, why would your CBD oil turn pink? Well, this has to do with a plant nutrient called polyphenol oxidase. 

These polyphenol compounds are found in a wide variety of plants, including hemp and MCT. When the plant nutrients are exposed to oxygen and light, they turn pink. Think of it like this: when you cut into an apple and leave it out, it will turn brown. This same natural effect is happening to your CBD oil. 

It’s worth noting that the nutritional and dietary value of the oil is still perfectly fine. Regardless of if your CBD is the golden, clear, or green color it came as, or has turned a slight shade of pink, the product will retain its delicious and nutritious qualities.

 

CBD oil can be added to your skincare routine

There are lots of CBD products available these days. And while CBD has been added to many products, adding basic CBD oil to your skincare routine may be an effective use. 

The first question is: can CBD oil be absorbed through the skin? The quick answer is, like any other topical CBD product, yes. 

When CBD is absorbed topically it does not enter the bloodstream, but rather, connects with cannabinoid receptors through the pores. 

In healthy individuals, CBD can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for achy joints and muscles. With this said, using CBD as part of your skincare routine can have all of the great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits we commonly see, too. 

When you apply a bit of CBD oil to your face, the oil is absorbed into the pores, giving you those anti-inflammatory benefits by ultimately reducing common redness and inflammation on the face.

We recommend using a 1000mg (or higher) oil as part of your regular skincare routine. Just fill up the dropper and apply on your face as you would a serum. If you have sensitive skin or any specific skin condition, always check with your doctor before using oil on your face.

 

Queen Victoria was prescribed CBD-rich cannabis for menstrual cramps 

It is commonly misunderstood that CBD is a new trend. However, the recreational, religious, and medicinal use of cannabis has been around for more than 5000 years. While synthesized CBD has not been around for that long, its origin still dates back to the 1940’s when Roger Adams successfully isolated CBD. Since then, it has been on the rise. 

But many people were using CBD before it became the sensation it is today. Legend has it that Queen Victoria was prescribed cannabis with high CBD concentration for menstrual cramps. That’s right, even Queen Victoria used CBD!

 

Dosage is different for everyone 

One aspect of Cannabidiol that tends to confuse first-time users is that the dosage is different for everyone. 

However, this is not uncommon with many plant-derived supplements, as each person metabolizes differently. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer about how much CBD to take, or a simplified CBD dosage chart for first timers. It really is all about trial and error. 

With this said, a “normal dose” of CBD tends to be around 10-20mg per sitting. If after a week you notice no difference, we recommend increasing the dose by 5-10mg until you achieve desired results. 

But, once again, CBD dosage depends on several individual factors, and it is best practice to use trial and error until you achieve the best results for your body. 

 

CBD’s effects are enhanced by other cannabinoids

Cannabidiol is only one of more than a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While it works great on its own, it works best in conjunction with the many other cannabinoids present in cannabis.

Ever heard of the entourage effect? The entourage effect is the idea that CBD works better in combination with other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant (including a little THC) compared to when isolated. For this reason, Full and Broad spectrum CBD oils are more popular, as they do not filter out the many other cannabinoids found naturally in the plant. 

As a consumer, if you want to experience that entourage effect, full and broad spectrum CBD products offer rich cannabinoid profiles for maximum benefits.