Project Description
Key Ingredients in CBD Formulations
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) are complex chemical compounds that act on receptors in cells. Although both CBD and THC are produced by the hemp and marijuana plant, you will feel neither intoxicated nor “stoned” when consuming a CBD product, assuming the THC is at the legal limit (0.3% or less). The hemp and marijuana plant are both genus of cannabis sativa, but with varying differences.
- Marijuana typically grows with higher percentages of THC (psychoactive; causes “high”), and lower percentages of CBD (non-intoxicating; no “high”).
- Hemp grows with higher percentages of CBD, and lower percentages of THC.
| Medicinal Properties of CBD | Effects |
|---|---|
| Antiemetic | Reduces nausea and vomiting |
| Anticonvulsant | Suppresses seizure activity |
| Antipsychotic | Combats psychosis disorders |
| Anti-inflammatory | Combats inflammatory disorders |
| Antioxidant | Combats neurodegenerative disorders |
| Anxiolytic/Antidepressant | Combats anxiety and depression disorders |
Terpenes
The minuscule glands (trichomes) of the hemp plant that excrete cannabinoids also produce terpenes, which are what gives both hemp and marijuana their distinct aromas. Terpenes are not exclusive to the cannabis sativa plant, and can be found throughout nature. In addition to providing these pungent aromas, terpenes are used to attract pollinators, to repel pests and herbivores, and they’ve been used by humans for beauty and pharmaceutical products for centuries.
Although terpenes are naturally occurring in full-spectrum oil, which we use in the majority of our products, we further enhance the benefits of our products by including higher concentrations with our proprietary terpene blends. We aren’t just relying on the medicinal benefits of CBD with our products. We include cannabinoids (prodominantly CBD) and terpenes at very specific concentrations because CBD and terpenes work synergistically. Additionally, we include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety therapeutic plant compounds for advanced medicinal effect. Listed below are examples of the various plant extracts and terpenes included in our proprietary blends, as well as their associated therapeutic benefits.
All ingredients are added by our staff toxicologist and pharmacologist with precision and intention.
| Terpene | Benefit | Aroma |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-Caryophyllene | Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anxiolityc, Neuroprotectant | Spicy, Pepper |
| Beta-Myrcene | Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Insomnia, Antipsychotic, Antispasmodic | Sweet, Hoppy |
| Linalool | Analgesic, Antidepressant, Anti-Epileptic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antipsychotic, Anxiolytic, Sedative | Floral, Lavender |
| L and D-Limonene | Antidepressant, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Anxiolytic, Immunostimulant | Citrus |
| Alpha and Beta-Pinene | Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant | Pine, Earthy |
| Borneol | Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant | Spicy, Cinnamon |
| Terpinolene | Antibacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Insomnia, Antioxidant | Smokey, Woody |
| Eucalyptol | Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant | Minty, Sweet |
Beta Caryophyllene (BCP)
BCP is a dietary cannabinoid that binds with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), yet it presents itself as a terpene. We use BCP in all of our products, as it works synergistically with CBD to enhance its effects within the human body. CBD barely binds with the CB2 receptors, and not at all with CB1, however it does facilitate the binding of other molecules, such as THC (CB1) or Beta Caryophyllene (CB2). This means that we experience longer, and more effective periods of anti-inflammation when BCP is paired with CBD. Found naturally in black pepper and cloves, BCP has also shown promise in treating anxiety, stress, as well as other behavioral and mood disorders, and it has even shown to negate paranoia from over consumption of THC.
alpha-Pinene
One of the two isomers of pinene, alpha-pinene can be found in a myriad of plants, such as rosemary, basil, but most notably pine trees. Studies have found alpha-pinene to be an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic. It has also been shown to increase alertness, and has historically worked well as a bronchodilator. This highly beneficial, and pivotal terpene is included in nearly all of our proprietary terpene blends to enhance CBD effectiveness.
d-Limonene
This citrus-smelling terpene is relatively stable, and the most common of the limonene isomers. It’s therapeutic properties range from anti-inflammation, anti-anxiety, and antifungal. Limonene also assists in the absorption of other terpenes, which is why it is included in all of our topical terpene blends, as well as many of our other CBD products.
beta-Myrcene
This monoterpene is commonly found in mangos and hops, and is an analgesic with sedative properties. A powerful anti-inflammatory, and highly effective in decreasing the sensation of pain, yet myrcene has no known neurobehavioral effects.
beta-Linalool
This optical isomer is most commonly found in lavender and jasmine, and offers a mild, inoffensive floral scent. Linalool has been used as a calmative for thousands of years, due to its anxiolytic and sedative properties, but it is also imperative to the production of vitamin-E within the body. This isomer enhances the effects of our CBD products and blends.
MCT Oil
MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil is a form of saturated fatty acid that has been associated with various health benefits, such as long-lasting, improved cognition, increased energy metabolism, weight management , and increased satiety. It is used in several of our products to include our sublingual drops, oral drops for both cats and dogs, and our roll-on remedies.
Tea Tree Oil
A volatile essential oil with a camphorous scent, tea tree oil is well-known for its powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. As such, we include tea tree oil in all of our topicals to assist with various skin conditions related to bacteria and inflammation.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E sourced from non-GMO soy is used in our sublingual drops and topicals. It is anti-inflammatory, a powerful, fat-soluble antioxidant, and essential for normal neurological function.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is a perennial flowering plant, and has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient Greece and Rome. Studies have shown it increases he amount of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps regulate nerve cells, resulting in a calming effect. As such, we use valerian root in our Calming products to reduce stress levels and anxiety, and to assist with insomnia.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is an antioxidant, which has also been shown to reduce damage from free radicals. Additionally, amino acids within green tea have been shown to improve learning and memory capabilities.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It is often used in cosmetics due to its emollient properties, but is also a known anti-inflammatory. Shea butter is one of the primary ingredients in the base of all our topicals.
Menthol
Menthol is a crystalline substance made from corn mint, peppermint, or other mint oils. It is used often in topical analgesics for pain, but also as a penetration enhancer. Menthol is used in nearly all of our topicals.