CBD Science Explained
The Endocannabinoid System consists of three primary components:
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Endocannabinoids
Naturally produced signaling molecules created by the body.
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Cannabinoid Receptors
Specialized receptors located throughout the body that respond to cannabinoids.
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Metabolic Enzymes
Enzymes responsible for synthesizing and breaking down endocannabinoids.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. More than one hundred cannabinoids have been identified, Including Major Cannabinoids CBD & THC and Minor major cannabinoids include:
• CBD (Cannabidiol)
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
• CBG (Cannabigerol)
• CBC (Cannabichromene)
• CBN (Cannabinol)
Each cannabinoid has unique chemical properties and may interact with the body in different ways which is currently being researched. A concern affecting research in Cannabis cannabinoids (hemp and or marijuana) remains the research itself can be flawed from the start.
Botanical/Plants from the same strain and even the same plant are going to have varying levels of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Terpenoids and other of the plant's natural components. So, when a study involved smoking a strain, without knowing and replicating the exact same % of each compound, you simply will not be able to conduct meaningful scientific work.
Likewise, if tinctures, capsules, topicals and similar are not created exactly the same, compounding and formulating the cannabinoid profile designed for the particular product and standardized processes will vary.
Bottom line, plants are not synthesized chemical compounds made in a pharmacy, even if a plant derived isolate compound has little to no scientific difference in our minds. This is the typical measure for research especially in clinical trials while other medical peer reviewed reports indicate the research was conducting smoking a certain strain of cannabis usually connected to a particular medical illness. Please review our Plant MG’s Difference for more info.
The issue remains: Research and mass majority of products flooding the market have been an issue since CBD started becoming popular.
CBD vs THC
CBD and THC are two of the most widely known cannabinoids. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana, while CBD does not produce intoxicating effects.
In the United States, CBD products derived from Cannabis hemp contain an amount of >0.3% THC, dry weight. This ensures no matter how concentrated the CBD content is, the THC content can never cause a high. Recent 2025/2026 Hemp THC products from unscrupulous company’s, brands and drop-shipping have caused major confusing and negative acts to be caused on the industry and public trust.
Cannabinoid formulations may vary depending on how extracts are processed.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate
Full Spectrum Extracts
Contain a range of cannabinoids and naturally occurring compounds from the plant.
Broad Spectrum Extracts
Contain multiple cannabinoids but with THC removed.
CBD Isolate
Contains purified CBD without other cannabinoids.
Different formulations may utilize different extract types depending on the intended formulation design,we believe all of the plant has its place when used responsibly and properly.
Botanical Synergy
Plants contain numerous natural compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Our Chief Scientist Dr. Matthew Scott, Phd, DHSc was among the first researchers who theorized that the key to understanding this or any plant's true potential would be found in its thousands of combinations of compounds and to learn how they may interact in ways that influence how cannabinoids behave in biological endocannabinoid systems.
This concept is often referred to as botanical synergy. Research in this area is ongoing.
Ongoing Research
Scientific understanding of cannabinoids continues to evolve as researchers study potential applications and mechanisms.
Because research is ongoing, responsible companies avoid making unsupported medical claims and instead focus on transparency and education.
CBD Wellness supports responsible communication about cannabinoid science and encourages consumers to review available research when evaluating cannabinoid products.