What is CBD?

CBD is a (phyto)cannabinoid

Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is a cannabinoid. It would have been possible to make a clearer distinction in the naming, but we don't have to. We are, after all, vigilant students. THC, probably the best known cannabinoid, is mainly known for its psychoactive character, which CBD does not share, on the contrary, even rather inhibits. It is strongly believed that each phytocannabinoid has different properties and interacts differently with the human body.

Why actually the addition of "phyto"? "Phyto" means plant-based, so it implies that there are other cannabinoids as well. In the human organism, they are called endocannabinoids. It was not until the 1990s that the body's endocannabinoid system was discovered. As previous research has shown, phytocannabinoids seem to not only support our endogenous endocannabinoids, but also replace them if necessary.

Cannabinoids have been shown to have a variety of properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, nerve-protective, etc. Since research in this area is still in its infancy, not all cannabinoids can yet be assigned to their respective characteristics. Furthermore, it is becoming more and more apparent that the interaction of the various active ingredients is a decisive factor.

CBD Effect: A Team Sport

Now we have found the key players and they are waiting for their turn. Teamwork makes the dream work. CBD is an exceedingly promising substance in the treatment of many ailments. But the cannabis plant offers so much more. Flavonoids are not only responsible for the lush green color, but also have proven antioxidant effects. Terpenes bring not only spice, but also a big backpack of beneficial properties. We find all these components in the cannabis plant and so it is not surprising that the healing power of the plant has been known for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, in the last century, due to criminalization, a gap in knowledge was caused, which it is necessary to catch up soon. Previous studies have shown that the unique interaction of our key players is a decisive factor in the management of various health complaints. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, cannabis contains a variety of active ingredients and can thus have a positive impact on the body in multiple ways. We will take a closer look at this so-called "entourage effect" in a future blog.

A look into the future: create your own CBD oil

Let's take a little fantasy walk. Imagine a world where all the terpenes, flavanoids, and cannabinoids are researched and localized. You go to our website and create your specific combination from our menu. A bottle of CBD oil from the Bernese Alps has a relaxing effect, a drop of lime terpene tastes fruity and has an antioxidant effect, refined with a dash of flavanoid quercetin, known thanks to green tea and voilà: Your personal green power blend. Sounds futuristic, but it is anything but utopian and in its basic features already a reality.

The multitude of cannabis varieties allows for various combinations of the individual active ingredients and experienced botanists can already prepare very specific mixtures. It is now up to research, the CBD industry, politics and many others to take the next step. Grünkraft is committed to driving these developments to create the best possible products for you. Help by making CBD a topic of discussion, sharing your experiences and keeping the social interest in this natural remedy alive. It's teamwork.