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The Entourage Effect
If you’re new to cannabis, you may not know about THC, CBD, and terpenes, but they’re an integral part to the cannabis plant that all novice and expert consumers should know about. Even if you’re just entering the cannabis world, it’s likely you’ve heard about various ratios. But the real question is: why do so many cannabis enthusiasts care about ratios? Answer: different cannabinoids (THC, CBD, THCa, etc.) work in tandem when consumed—a process known as the entourage effect. The cannabis Entourage Effect is the idea that various compounds found in the cannabis plant act in synergy together to create enhanced therapeutic effects, and that they work better in tandem than they do on their own. What is the Entourage Effect? The Entourage Effect is the idea that molecules that occur together in nature will interact in useful ways. With cannabis, this means that the benefit of capturing the whole plant has higher therapeutic value than just consuming isolated cannabinoids. Cannabis has a lot of amazing compounds such as terpenes, cannabinoids, cannabinoid acids, as well as phytonutrients. These molecular compounds are also naturally found in other plants and insects. Terpenes are just one aspect of the cannabis plant: the natural oils which are accompanied by a distinct aroma and viscosity. Terpenes and cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) work together to maximize benefits in the body. Lab and patient-based studies reveal that while CBD or THC can work well independently, they can often create better outcomes in when taken in combination. Entourage Effect with CBD & THC When you choose a specific ratio, especially with naturally occurring terpenes, they have the potential to cause even better results. The Entourage Effect is one of the leading theories influencing cannabis research worldwide. It has been shown that terpenes, for example, not only allow cannabinoids to pass through the bloodstream and into the body’s cannabinoid receptors more easily, but they can also work against the memory loss caused by THC and help you relax and relieve stress. This is what the Entourage Effect is all about! The way CBD and THC works together is why our products help you feel better. Just like a great teammate, these two cannabinoids help each other be their best selves! It should be noted that everyone’s body is different, so a 1:3 CBD:THC ratio might help your friend sleep well, but it might give you a little more than you bargained for. In that case, a 3:1 CBD:THC ratio or a 30:1 CBD:THC ratio might be a better option for you because the CBD counterbalances the intoxicating effect of the THC, providing you with the restful sleep you’re looking for. The Endocannabinoid System & Entourage Effect The endogenous cannabinoid system, also known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), can be thought of as the air traffic control center for the body. It controls physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors (most concentrated in the central nervous system and brain) and CB2 receptors (abundant in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and peripheral nervous systems). The natural cannabinoids and phytonutrients found in cannabis communicate with these signal receptors of the ECS to help reduce minor aches, acute discomfort, and normal inflammation Cannabinoids and naturally-occurring endocannabinoids affect us by binding with the CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout our bodies, much like a system of locks and keys. If you think of cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, or CBN as the keys, then the CB1 & CB2 receptors are the corresponding locks that they fit into. These interactions are what drive modern research into cannabinoids and will lead to future medical discoveries as research on the cannabis plant continues to grow. The physiological effects of cannabinoids vary depending on the location of the cannabinoid receptors that they stimulate. These receptors are common in our limbic system (the part of the brain that affects memory, cognition, and psychomotor performance) our mesolimbic pathway (associated with feelings of reward), and are also widely distributed in areas governing discomfort perception. Products that capture the whole essence of the plant and provide a full spectrum of the plant’s cannabinoids and natural terpene profile interact on a larger scale with our endocannabinoid system. Whole Plant Full Spectrum™ Products Papa & Barkley is committed to creating wellness products that adhere to the highest quality standards. It is our firm belief that cannabis is an individualized medicine. Different bodies with varying health concerns require different ratios of cannabinoids. We believe that optimal therapeutic efficacy requires the use of both CBD, the non-intoxicating compound, and THC. Each person’s body and endocannabinoid system is unique, with different needs and receptors. We believe that cannabis is not one-size-fits-all. We also believe—thanks to research—that optimal therapeutic efficacy requires the use of both CBD, the non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, and THC, its intoxicating component. Papa & Barkley offers a suite of products in different ratios, allowing you to select the best ratio for your therapeutic needs. At Papa & Barkley, we’re known for our award-winning Releaf Balm, but we’re so much more than that. The creation of our balm allowed us to branch out and create Whole Plant Full Spectrum™ cannabis wellness products that help you feel better every day. Sore muscles and joints? Try our Releaf Balm or Body Oil – the whole plant and soothing essential oils are great for post-workout recovery. Need to relax and get a better night’s rest? We have myriad ratio options of tinctures and capsules to help you sleep tight. Want to make your hike even better? Grab a gummy and hit the trail! No matter what kind of relief you’re looking for, we’re here to help you feel better every day.
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Debunking Myths: Top 6 CBD Misconceptions & What You Need To Know
Some of the information you may see online about CBD is more myth than fact. Here are the top 6 myths about CBD and the truth about them!
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Everything You Need to Know about THCa vs THC
THCa is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis and live cannabis plants. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a euphoric effect, but still has plenty of benefits.
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What Are the Benefits of THC?
From pain relief to deeper sleep to better sex, here are the benefits of THC, a natural compound found in the cannabis plant
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CBD vs. THC: Which Is Right for Me?
Like all cannabinoids, THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. We know that our body creates endocannabinoids that plant-derived cannabinoids supplement in order to regulate appetite, pain, mood and energy. So which one is right for you?
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What Is a CBD Tincture: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
What Is A CBD tincture? CBD tinctures are liquid extracts that make dosing easy and convenient. Learn about CBD tincture uses, CBD tincture benefits, and dosage.
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CBD For Pain: How CBD May Help
Pain is one of the most common reasons why people turn to CBD. Chronic or acute discomfort isn’t just physical, it can also cause psychological stress. Luckily, many people have found relief through the use of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. CBD and the ECS The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a physiological network that may help the body stay in balance by regulating key functions such as sleep, appetite, stress, and yes—even physical discomfort. The ECS accomplishes this task with the help of endogenous cannabinoids (neurotransmitters) such as anandamide and 2AG, and phytocannabinoids (external cannabinoids) such as THC and CBD. CBD For Pain: How Might it Work? Unlike THC, which simply binds to CB1 and CB2 cell receptors across the ECS, CBD has little binding affinity for these receptors. Instead, it works by stimulating various other receptors. For example, CBD is believed to activate and then desensitize TRPV1 receptors that are known to mediate inflammation and modulate feelings of discomfort. CBD’s interaction with these receptors may prevent them from being triggered by stimuli, resulting in fewer negative sensations relaid to you by the body. CBD is also thought to prolong the life of the endocannabinoids that keep the body in balance. When these compounds finish their work, they are broken down by enzymes and recycled. But research shows that CBD may act as a breakdown inhibitor for at least one of these endocannabinoids (anandamide), potentially slowing down this process. Additionally, CBD is also believed to have the potential to manage normal inflammation. If inflammation is what is causing your aches, CBD’s effect may be able to minimize it and provide relief. Finding the Right Type of CBD Product for You Choosing the right CBD product for your needs is key to using CBD for pain as effectively as possible. CBD products can be formulated in various ways to work effectively, and the way it’s delivered to your ECS can alter how you experience its effects. Here are some product options to consider when selecting CBD for pain relief. CBD Oil CBD oils and tinctures are great because they’re easy to use and because they kick in pretty quickly. When taken sublingually, oils can take as little as 30 minutes to produce effects and tend to work for roughly 3–4 hours. If you’re looking for something with a fairly rapid onset of effects for quicker relief, CBD oil may be the way to go. CBD Topicals CBD topicals are CBD-infused balms, lotions, creams, and salves that can be applied directly to the skin in order to provide localized relief in trouble spots. Topicals sink deep into the skin’s layers to work locally through your pores, without ever reaching the bloodstream—and thereby producing no systemic effects. Many people use CBD topicals to alleviate sore muscles and joint problems. Just tuck a tub away in your gym bag or work bag and have an easy-to-use CBD topical on hand whenever aches or soreness may strike. CBD Edibles and Capsules CBD edibles and capsules take quite a bit longer to work when compared to oils. Because they need to go through the digestive process before they take effect, edible CBD products can take as long as 2 hours to kick in, with relieving effects sometimes reaching their peak around 3–4 hours after ingestion. The advantage to edibles is that, due to this slower digestive process, their effects can also last quite a bit longer. It’s not uncommon for people to report feeling the effects of an edible for as long as 6–8 hours. If you’re looking for longer lasting relief, CBD edibles and capsules may be a great choice. It’s estimated that 20% of Americans struggle with chronic discomfort. CBD may be able to help alleviate your symptoms. If you’re looking for a selection of high-quality and trustworthy CBD products for pain, we're here to help!
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Curious About CBD for Sleep & Mood?
If you found your way to our blog, it’s a safe bet you’re interested in CBD, the “second cannabinoid” in the cannabis plant and one that’s associated with powerful psychoactive effects for pain management, relaxation, and recovery. But in today’s post, we’re going to talk about something a little different: The potential of CBD oil for sleep support. Sleep is something we all do, and yet it tends to get overlooked. That’s a shame, because as both clinical studies and a mountain of anecdotal evidence suggest, good sleep is absolutely critical to our health and wellbeing. In fact, many therapists report that sleep quality—both their own and their patients’—is a primary concern in their practices. Here at Papa & Barkley, we think we can help. In particular, our CBD drops and CBD capsules for sleep may make a radical difference in your health and wellbeing. Here’s why. CBD Oil for Sleep: How CBD Works with Your Body Even in normal times, insomnia is a big deal, affecting an estimated 70 million Americans at any given moment. And now, going on two years into COVID, pandemic fatigue is pushing those numbers to an all-time high. Cannabis—and in particular CBD, a powerful but non-intoxicating cannabinoid, may offer relief. Do your own research (great start, you’re already reading this post), but also bring your therapist into the conversation. Many therapists are up-to-date on the promising CBD research and may be an excellent resource as you determine how best to integrate CBD into your routine. Like other cannabinoids—of which there are over 100!—CBD interfaces with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Though it was only identified in the 1990s, it’s now believed that the ECS is one of the body’s principal regulatory networks, governing, among other processes: Appetite and metabolism Immune response Memory Communication between cells Proper sleep function The ECS sends and receives signals via natural chemicals called endocannabinoids. While these compounds are produced by the body, they’re strikingly similar to those produced by the cannabis plant. What this means for our bodies is that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are distinctly effective because they’re “speaking the same language” as the chemical signals in the ECS. Some researchers believe that this is why cannabis—in particular CBD—can help us find deeper, more restorative sleep. In part, it was the large body of anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD helps us sleep that spurred the current research. To that end, a large-scale study completed in 2019 found that CBD helped the majority of test subjects get better rest (and, incidentally, help shed stress and calm overworked nerves). How? The study focused in part on cortisol, a hormone typically associated with stress. While it’s fairly normal for cortisol levels to peak in the morning, high cortisol levels at night are associated with poor sleep. The study concluded that CBD helped reduce cortisol levels, thereby acting as a gentle and all-natural sedative. What’s the Best CBD for Sleep? Try our CBD products in both drop and capsule format. And rest assured: Whichever format and strength you choose will be made from clean, all-natural CBD sourced from whole hemp flowers grown organically and sustainably, right here in the USA. Extracted using nothing more than gentle heat, pressure, and time, our full-spectrum CBD infusion is blended with pure MCT oil derived from coconut. That’s all! Because everyone’s a little different, sometimes it takes a little experimentation to find the optimal dosage. Your therapist may be a good sounding board for your dosing plans. That’s one reason we offer our CBD products in three strengths: Mild, regular, and double strength. Whichever one you choose, we believe they can help you get back on track for better sleep. And remember: Better sleep is a very important factor in improving overall wellness. Do you have any other questions about the best CBD for sleep? Just ask! We’re always happy to help.
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Here’s What Happened When I Used CBD Before & After a Workout
written by Seth Lorinczi As a moderately dedicated fitness buff, I tend to stick to the basics when it comes to working out: I warm up and cool down, stay hydrated and pay attention to the signals my body sends me. But while I’d read a little bit about CBD benefits before—how it might help me tame stress, mostly—I hadn’t really thought about adding it to my self-care and exercise regimen. Believe me: I’m glad I did. In today’s post, I’ll share a little about my experience using CBD before and after working out. The effects were subtle in some ways—and very profound in others. But after experiencing the gentle way it soothed my muscles before and after exercise, I’m convinced that CBD for workout recovery is an essential part of the equation. Here’s what I learned. CBD Before Workout: Loosening and Limbering from the Inside Out I already knew that CBD is a cannabinoid, or a plant-based compound derived from either cannabis or its cousin, hemp. Because CBD isn’t intoxicating (that cannabinoid is THC), I knew that it wouldn’t make me feel “high.” But I wondered if I would feel anything at all using it to prepare my muscles for exercise. I tried both a CBD topical and a CBD oil ingestible. My sense was that they both worked in subtle ways to instill a very gentle sense of calm and preparedness. It wasn’t a huge revelation or a shift in perspective, but I found it quietly grounding. Because I can suffer from performance anxiety around workouts or other challenges, this sense of inner relaxation really helped set me up for deeper and more demanding workouts without worrying that I’d overdo it. By the same token, I was actually grateful that the effects of the CBD were so subtle. I find that some products—like so-called “heat rubs”—are overly distracting, blocking normal pain signals and leading me to overexert myself. By comparison, I found that CBD didn’t completely numb the normal discomfort I associate with a good workout. It just turned down the volume of hair. CBD After Workout: Loosening and Limbering from the Inside Out CBD helped set me up for better workouts and it really came into its own after I was finished exercising. I’m familiar with what some personal trainers call "Delayed onset muscle soreness," or “DOMs.” It’s the usual stiffness and soreness that appears after hard physical exertion, and while I know it’s not anything to really worry about, it can be uncomfortable. Well, guess what? Using CBD after a workout—again, in topical or edible CBD oil formats—made a huge difference in my experience of muscle strain. It didn’t disappear completely, and again, to be clear: it was never excruciating to begin with. But CBD really helped loosen up my tired muscles, offering a subtle and long-lasting sense they were healing and well supported. Later, I wondered if part of this effect was due to something besides what the CBD was doing for my muscles. And it turns out that over and above the potential for CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, it’s been shown to tame stress and improve sleep quality. I can’t be 100% sure, but my guess is that it’s these qualities that helped give me that feeling of relaxation and confidence in my own body. I can tell you this much: It made a huge difference in the way I approached each post-implementation workout. My body felt ready to tackle a new day of fitness. Now that I know there’s a gentle and plant-based medication I can lean on, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be my go-to workout buddy for the foreseeable future. Do you have other questions about using CBD for workout recovery? Just ask! We’re here to help.
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