A few weeks ago, I wrote an article for SummaForte titled “Will CBD Get Me High?” (Spoiler alert: it won’t.) As you can imagine, it detailed all of the stigmas and nuances associated with CBD and posed some theories as to why these stigmas existed and how they came about.
And based on what I know and have learned about CBD, I can totally see how and why these stigmas formed.
When CBD grabbed and held the spotlight for the first time back around 2017, there was an immediate stigma attached to it, which goes something along the lines of “well, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and that sounds like cannabis, which is marijuana, and that’s an illegal drug that gets you high, so CBD must do the same thing. It even looks like they have marijuana leaves on the CBD product labels!”
It’s a reasonable thought process, right? (No, that’s not sarcasm, but in all seriousness, it makes perfect sense.)
But to combat the stigmas, I’d like to get into the weeds (no pun intended) of some of the minor cannabinoids. These minor cannabinoids work in conjunction with the body’s endocannabinoid system and promote balance in the body, and one of them can be found in SummaForte’s SummaRest capsules. Let’s dive in.
Some Minor (But Mighty) Cannabinoids You Should Know
When we talk about Cannabis plants, most people think about marijuana and hemp and their major botanical compounds (cannabinoids), THC and CBD respectively. But did you know that there are over 100 different cannabinoids in the plant? Some of them work together with THC and CBD to enhance their effects, while others have their own special powers. And although not all cannabinoids have a big impact on humans, they're still an important part of the plant's makeup. Let’s focus on a couple of the more well-known cannabinoids surrounding CBD specifically.
CBGa
CBGa stands for cannabigerolic acid. It is produced in the cannabis sativa plant’s trichomes (the little hairs that grow on the plant’s buds and flowers), and it triggers targeted plant cell necrosis for natural leaf pruning. This allows the plant to maximize energy directed toward the flower. It’s a foundational compound of the cannabis flower and is often called the “granddaddy” of cannabinoids. This is because CBGa is the basis for the chain reactions that form THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid, which we’ll cover shortly), and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid). All these compounds naturally become THC, CBD, or CBC, respectively as the plant matures through its own processes of maturity. In short, the CBGa gets converted over time into other cannabinoids that are present in hemp as it grows. While there is still a lot of research to be done on CBGa, many studies have indicated that it can be used to combat cardiovascular disease, kill colon cancer cells, and regulate the body’s metabolism. Talk about an impressive resume for one little compound!
CBDa
CBDa stands for cannabidiolic acid, and it is basically the precursor to, or raw form of, CBD, as it converts to CBD both over time and when exposed to heat. CBDa interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 enzymes are closely associated with the inflammation that occurs after an injury or an infection, so by blocking those COX-2 enzymes, CBDa can help relieve inflammation and the pain resulting from it. Some studies have also shown CBDa to help regulate serotonin levels, thereby helping to reduce nausea and fight depression. More studies on CBDa and all the minor cannabinoids are needed, but other initial findings have suggested that CBDa could one day be used as an anti-convulsive agent and cancer treatment.
CBG
If you're into Cannabis, you might have heard about Cannabigerol, also known as CBG - the "Mother of All Cannabinoids". It's called that because the plant first makes CBG before converting it into other well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Unlike THC, CBG won't make you feel high, because it doesn't activate CB1 receptors in the brain. This means it's non-intoxicating, like CBD, which makes it a great choice for those who don't want to feel the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBN
When it comes to the minor cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, CBN is one that has been gaining attention lately. Cannabinol, or CBN for short, is a non-intoxicating compound that is believed to have a range of potential health benefits. It is thought to have mild sedative properties, which may make it useful for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. CBN may also have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and potential antibacterial properties. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBN, it is certainly an intriguing compound to keep an eye on in the world of hemp and CBD products.
CBN & SummaRest™
If you're having trouble sleeping, SummaRest™ could be just what you need! It's an all-natural sleep aid - with no melatonin - that works fast to help you fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly through the night. SummaRest™ is made with CBN, a special compound that's known for its restorative sleep benefits. It also has CBD and other natural ingredients like valerian root that help you relax and recover while you sleep. Best of all, it starts working within minutes to calm your mind and body, so you can drift off to sleep naturally and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!
Final Thoughts
As more and more people explore the world of hemp and cannabis, the focus is shifting beyond just THC and CBD. While these two major cannabinoids are still incredibly important, there are also a host of minor cannabinoids found in the plant that are worth exploring. From Cannabigerol (CBG) to Cannabinol (CBN), these minor cannabinoids are believed to have a range of potential health benefits, and they offer a new level of complexity to the plant that we're only beginning to understand. As researchers continue to study them and we learn more about their potential benefits, it's exciting to think about how they could shape the way we think about the plant's role in our lives.
