Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of the 113 identified cannabinoids (cannabis compounds) naturally found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. In contrast to the more commonly known cannabinoid, THC, it is non-psychotropic and has a number of unique properties.
Whenever we see the word ‘cannabis’, our minds jump to its recreational uses and psychoactive effects. Put more simply, we think of its capacity to get us ‘high’. While plants in the Cannabaceae family can make you ‘high’, it depends heavily on their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
At Dragonfly CBD, we carefully select Cannabis Sativa strains that are low in THC and high in CBD. We then use specialist extraction techniques, which render all our oils with non-detectable levels of THC. So, the Dragonfly CBD range is completely legal, non-psychotropic and specially designed to help you go further.
Just as its prefix ‘ends’ – taken from the Greek word for ‘within’ – suggests, the Endocannabinoid System is internal to the body. It is made up of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes, and plays a role in homeostasis.
Logistically speaking, our body manufactures endocannabinoids – microscopic fatty substances or oils – in order to pass messages concerning various functions.
These endocannabinoids then interact with or bind to cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors. The most common analogy used to understand this interaction is the lock and key, with the receptors posing as the lock – securing access – and the endocannabinoids as the keys.
Evidence suggests that Cannabidiol may bind at a different site on CB1 receptors to THC. Current studies are further investigating this relationship.
As an entirely natural compound, Cannabidiol is actually ‘extracted’ – not made – from our carefully cultivated Cannabis. Shortly after harvesting, we take our organic leaves down to the lab and process them using state of the art alcohol extraction.
We soak the plant material in ethanol, in order to remove all cannabinoids. This ethanol-cannabinoid mix is then distilled and evaporated into natural extract using advanced chromatography techniques. Not only does the alcohol help to produce premium CBD oil, but it also protects our extract from bacteria and fermentation. Finally, there is no alcohol present in the finished product.
While there are a number of different ways you can take CBD, each method has its own unique absorption profile. Options include ingestion, topical application and sublingual administration (under the tongue). These methods vary in terms of bioavailability and longevity. We recommend the sublingual method for maximum absorption.
Sublingually: CBD is absorbed through tissues under the tongue and enters the bloodstream in around 15 minutes. This is the best way to maximise absorption.
Ingestion: CBD is swallowed or infused into food. Ingestion offers lower absorption rates (than the sublingual route), but can be a convenient way to build it into your routine.
Topically: CBD is applied directly to the skin and absorbed locally. Therefore, topical application can be a useful way to target selected areas.
To learn more about how to take CBD, such as recommended serving sizes, check out our blog!
