CBD and THC are two of the most prevalent and extensively studied cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. While similar in structure they offer different therapeutic benefits and most importantly different effects on the mind and body.

CBD exhibits wide-ranging properties useful for health and wellness including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-arthritic and neuroprotective effects.

CBD is non-intoxicating and unlike THC will not make you ‘high’, dizzy or incapacitated. It is however shown to have mood-altering effects and has proven moderating effects on anxiety, depression, pain and inflammation.

Within the cannabis plant, there are over 120 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These special compounds can produce effects on one of the human body’s complex regulatory systems - the endocannabinoid system. The system helps to regulate the chemical and hormonal functions of the body and keep it in homeostasis (balance).

While we currently estimate that over 120 cannabinoids actually exist, we only know a substantial amount about two (THC and CBD), a little about ten of them and virtually nothing about the others. To understand all the different properties and potential medical benefits of cannabinoids is going to be a long and interesting journey.

Most CBD products use either isolate or distillate within their products, which is extracted and purified from the cannabis plant using a number of steps:

Step 1: Cultivate a high CBD cannabis strain. Hemp strains tend to have higher CBD content and cultivation laws around hemp are less restricted, which is why they have become such a good source of CBD.

Step 2: Dry and process hemp materials. Hemp or cannabis is harvested, hung and dried for a few days in temperature and humidity controlled rooms. The flowers tend to shrink during this period and the aroma changes to a slightly earthier tone.

Step 3: Extract the CBD using natural emulsifiers. Using a binding agent to locate the CBD we isolate and pull the molecules out before running the formulation through an emulsifier to produce a water soluble powder.

There are three types of CBD:

Full Spectrum CBD: This holds all components of the cannabis plant, including THC. To be federally legal in the US, the level of THC must be under 0.3%. For the rest of the world, THC is generally a banned substance.

Broad Spectrum: Has all components of the plant, except THC

CBD Isolate: Pure CBD, and nothing more.

The compound, CBD has been used for pain relief since 2900BC. It engages with the body’s endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating sleep, pain, immune system response, appetite and metabolism.

With anti-inflammatory properties also amongst the list of benefits, CBD can reduce swelling. This is how the compound helps relieve numerous conditions. By reducing swelling CBD promotes healthy blood flow. This is particularly important in the brain, where minor swelling can lead to headaches, anxiety or worse.

A study in 2021 of 2,701 people with fibromyalgia reported slight to significant improvement of pain levels in those treated with CBD.

Drinks taste better and using a water-soluble isolate approach ensures that the process is natural, efficient and repeatable.

We extract a single cannabinoid to ensure we know exactly what goes into the product then add to the liquid formula to ensure good bioavailability while maintaining great flavour and a good experience. Cannabis should be enjoyable after all.

Many CBD oils are produced using ethanol and broad spectrum extraction, which can produce distasteful flavours or products that have unreliable constituents - some cases were found to have lower reported levels of CBD and higher levels of THC than advertised.

Yes. CBD is legal in the UK, the EU, North and Latin America but some regulations may vary from country to country. To be legal CBD must be hemp-derived and there will be a legal limit for THC content – this can vary from 0% THC in Japan to 1% in Switzerland. Our CBD is sourced sustainably, rigorously tested, guaranteed zero THC and fully compliant with all local regulations.

There are several conditions that CBD is now used to treat, they include, but are not limited to:

• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Acne
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of appetite
• Parkinson’s disease

CBD oils, drinks and gummies provide a daily dose of CBD to help support the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Visit our Goodrays journal to learn more about the best way to take CBD.