Everything you need to know about 'Full Spectrum Oil' - FSO

Cannabis and the different species of cannabis produce a wide variety of chemicals. These chemicals are found in the trichomes which grow in the cannabis flower. These chemicals can be put into 3 categories: Flavonoids, Terpenes and Cannabinoids. Most cannabis oils sold for medicinal benefit in South Africa are made from a select few cannabinoids only. ‘FSO’ extract has all three categories in a balanced laboratory tested ratio ideal for maximised medicinal / therapeutic use. These 3 categories when applied together give cannabis the most beneficial effect, often called the ‘entourage effect’. This is the effect of the full spectrum of chemicals in the plant. This way the effect of FSO extract is amplified without an increase in negative side effects. It contains all the cannabinoids available in the plant with CBD being the main element for its medicinal properties. Our FSO will not make you high, but you will feel the entourage effect as it works its magic.

Flavonoids: They are responsible for the different tastes which are often very bitter and is natures mechanism of preventing the plant being consumed by insects. Certain flavonoids in cannabis, such as cannflavin A and cannflavin B have anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, and neuroprotective effects. There is some evidence that it may also have potential anti-cancer properties as certain flavonoids may inhibit specific pathways involved in cancer development. Flavonoids are still in the early research phase but it is evident that they have therapeutic properties that are still being explored.

Terpenes: Terpenes are what give cannabis its distinct smell. Some people that smoke cannabis and who are experienced cannabis users can pickup around 8 terpene profiles. Although there are more than 100 terpenes that exist in cannabis varieties, they are found in trace amounts and do not have medicinal benefit in such small quantities. There are three terpenes backed by university research that we focus on to give medicinal benefit. They are Mycrene, Caryophyllene and Limonene.

• Myrcene: Research indicates myrcene may effectively reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Moreover, the terpene seemed to play a role in preventing the breakdown of cartilage cells, slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis, and decreasing the production of specific inflammatory cells in the body. Myrcene holds promise for potential future use in alleviating inflammatory diseases and their associated symptoms.
• Caryophyllene: The therapeutic potential of caryophyllene indicates its promise in alleviating symptoms associated with diverse conditions such as colitis, diabetes, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, liver fibrosis, and Alzheimer-like diseases. Ongoing research suggests that harnessing caryophyllene’s activity at the CB2 receptor could be a valuable approach for treating conditions accompanied by inflammatory symptoms. Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that can bind to the CB2 receptor in the endogenous cannabinoid system.
• Limonene: Research indicates that limonene may alter the behaviour of specific immune cells in the body, potentially providing protection against various disorders. Limonene has been observed to enhance the production of antibody-producing cells in the spleen and bone marrow, crucial components used by the immune system to identify and neutralise pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Cannabinoids: These chemical compounds are what give cannabis its major medicinal effects. There are over 70 cannabinoids but the most common three spoken about are THC, CBD and CBN. THC is the main psychoactive chemical which is what makes you high. CBD is the most researched medicinal compound which has a major impact on the immune system, inflammation, pain, sleep and general well being. Some cannabis oils or extracts are called isolates which means they take only one chemical compound and discard the rest. This is usually done because it is the cheapest and simplest way of making cannabis oil. However, when we want the maximum medicinal benefit all cannabinoids have a roll to play, as long as we understand these roles. We therefore study all the cannabinoids to workout what cannabinoids we want, and what percentage of each cannabinoid is ideal for maximum medicinal benefit with minimal side effects. Depending on the strain of the cannabis plant, the chemical ratio of these compounds differ. Some plants are high in CBD with very low amounts of other cannabinoids such as CBN or THC. Some plants are high in THC and low in CBD. Because of this we grow a variety of plants with different cannabinoid ratios so that we can blend our own formula for a maximum medicinal cannabinoid profile. We follow a model from the USA that is precise, hard to replicate and hard to compete with regards to quality. This has helped us to become professionals in our industry and deliver consistent premium cannabis products that are above South African standard regulations.