With countries worldwide slowly legalizing cannabis, research is finally growing and we’re constantly finding out more about the 120+ cannabinoids in the marijuana plant, namely CBDV, otherwise known as Cannabidivarin. 

People are looking beyond conventional THC or CBD and seeking out new cannabinoids like this one, and in this article, we will explain why CBDV is worth looking into. The laws have limited public access and therapeutic research on non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Fortunately, we’re discovering more and more cannabinoids that are non-psychoactive and still have the healing properties of cannabis.

So, what is CBDV?

Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a Varin cannabinoid first reported in a benzene extract from a Thai cannabis variety referred to as “Meao” in 1977, and identified for the first time in 1969 Vollner et al. CBDV is a homolog of CBD and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. As you can see below, The slight difference here is the propyl chain that CBDV carries. 

Like CBD, cannabidivarin has 7 double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers. There is a side-chain shortened by two methylene bridges. The biggest difference between CBD and CBDV is their concentrations in the cannabis plant. You can find trace amounts of CBDV in high-quality full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts that help to produce the entourage effect.

Varin cannabinoids (technically called varinolic cannabinoids) are a subfamily of cannabinoids that feature three carbons on their alkyl side chains. The most well-known examples are THCV, CBDV, CBGV, and CBCV. There are also acid forms of THCVA, CBDVA, CBGVA, and CBCVA.

CBDV exists in very small quantities. Recently, several African landrace strains (which are genetically pure and unimpacted by experimentation) of Cannabis indica were found to have CBDV and the related THCV in concentrations closer to 4%. There are also plant breeders creating high CBDV and THCV strains of hemp and marijuana — but the current record still sits below 7% CBDV. 

What are the medicinal effects?

Epilepsy

Due to the rise in popularity of CBDV, researchers are trying to discover its medical benefits. In 2014, GW Pharmaceuticals finished a Phase 1 clinical trial of its CBDV test product (known as GWP42006). The clinical trial explored the use of CBDV as an anti-epileptic drug. The company continues to research CBDV heavily. You won’t feel a psychoactive ‘high’ from CBDV. Instead, you can expect it similar effects to CBD. The lack of a ‘high’ means we can use CBDV similarly, which is still being researched.

GW were set to enter Phase III trials in late 2019 but had to terminate the study because of the pandemic. They’re currently recruiting for a new trial, and the CEO Justin Gover made the following statement;

“CBDV represents an additional product pipeline opportunity as a next-generation epilepsy therapy.”

This study follows the completion of a Phase 1 trial in 66 healthy subjects in 2014. In this trial, CBDV was well tolerated even at the highest tested dose and no significant side effects were observed. Most importantly, following this trial, There were no serious or severe adverse events, nor any withdrawals due to adverse events.

Rett Syndrome

As you may know, Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by severe behavioral and physiological symptoms with no cure available to date. A study was done on mice with CBDV being administered for 14 days. The study restored compromised general health status of the mice, the sociability, and the brain weight in RTT. While more studies are required, this shows great promise for the medical use of CBDV.

Autism

Some of the most interesting recent research into CBDV has been around the subject of autism. This condition, which affects more children and adults every year, is still being researched to find effective medications. The use of CBDV for autism has rapidly gained popularity over the last two years.

The study suggests that CBDV targets subcortical excitatory glutamate systems both in autistic and neurotypical adults. This study compared the effects of CBDV in neurodiverse patients and neurotypical patients. They noted a higher degree of difference in ASD patients with elevated glutamate. Very little benefit was reported on those with normal glutamate levels.

Some studies have even shown that people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have below-average anandamide levels in the brain, one of the body’s endocannabinoids. 

Pain

In this study, patients underwent two successive treatment phases (4 weeks each) and were treated with CBDV. While the study wasn’t necessarily conclusive, it did explore the potential utility of CBDV for neuropathic pain. 

While CBDV research is increasing, so far there are no guarantees that cures or applications have been or will be found. The existing CBDV studies and research papers indicate grounds for medical optimism that previously may not have existed. With the growing interest in the industry, there’s endless potential. Fortunately, there should not be severe restrictions on CBDV, considering its lack of psycho-activity. 

CBDV and the endocannabinoid system:

CBDV interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) the same way as CBD. However, it’s thought to have about 25% of CBD potency. CBDV does not stimulate the ECS as CBD and THC do; it has a modulating action instead. According to the British Pharmacological Society;

“CBDV and all the acids inhibited DAGLα.”

DAGLα is an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-AG.

Is CBDV Legal? 

CBDV is legal in the United States, as long as it is produced from Hemp rather than marijuana. This is because CBDV derived from marijuana is illegal on a federal level and is considered a schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. The states that have legalized marijuana have also legalized its derivatives, including CBDV. 

CBDV derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3 percent THC is considered legal on a federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill. This Bill gave states the power to further regulate hemp products, which some states have by restricting any traces of THC. Although hemp-derived CBDV is difficult to find, it’s legal in all states as long as it abides by the state THC regulations. 

What is the difference between CBDV and CBD?

As previously mentioned, the molecular structures between CBD and CBDV are different, which impacts their chemical responses. Furthermore, CBDV can be used to develop THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) when it’s exposed to an acidic environment. CBD doesn’t have this same ability to transform into THC. When dealing with CBDV vs CBD, both cannabinoids share huge similarities that could be a massive hit in the medical industry because of the therapeutic effects offered. Above all, CBD and CBDV both interact with the endocannabinoid system, but CBDV binds with the cannabinoid receptors and CBD simply interacts or blocks the receptors.

Based on all the information provided, it’s clear why Cannabidivarin might be the next significant cannabinoid the world will witness, and we can only hope that research increases to increase the use of CBDV globally.

With countries worldwide slowly legalizing cannabis, research is finally growing and we’re constantly finding out more about the 120+ cannabinoids in the marijuana plant, namely CBDV, otherwise known as Cannabidivarin. 

People are looking beyond conventional THC or CBD and seeking out new cannabinoids like this one, and in this article, we will explain why CBDV is worth looking into. The laws have limited public access and therapeutic research on non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Fortunately, we’re discovering more and more cannabinoids that are non-psychoactive and still have the healing properties of cannabis.

So, what is CBDV?

Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a Varin cannabinoid first reported in a benzene extract from a Thai cannabis variety referred to as “Meao” in 1977, and identified for the first time in 1969 Vollner et al. CBDV is a homolog of CBD and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. As you can see below, The slight difference here is the propyl chain that CBDV carries. 

Like CBD, cannabidivarin has 7 double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers. There is a side-chain shortened by two methylene bridges. The biggest difference between CBD and CBDV is their concentrations in the cannabis plant. You can find trace amounts of CBDV in high-quality full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts that help to produce the entourage effect.

Varin cannabinoids (technically called varinolic cannabinoids) are a subfamily of cannabinoids that feature three carbons on their alkyl side chains. The most well-known examples are THCV, CBDV, CBGV, and CBCV. There are also acid forms of THCVA, CBDVA, CBGVA, and CBCVA.

CBDV exists in very small quantities. Recently, several African landrace strains (which are genetically pure and unimpacted by experimentation) of Cannabis indica were found to have CBDV and the related THCV in concentrations closer to 4%. There are also plant breeders creating high CBDV and THCV strains of hemp and marijuana — but the current record still sits below 7% CBDV. 

What are the medicinal effects?

Epilepsy

Due to the rise in popularity of CBDV, researchers are trying to discover its medical benefits. In 2014, GW Pharmaceuticals finished a Phase 1 clinical trial of its CBDV test product (known as GWP42006). The clinical trial explored the use of CBDV as an anti-epileptic drug. The company continues to research CBDV heavily. You won’t feel a psychoactive ‘high’ from CBDV. Instead, you can expect it similar effects to CBD. The lack of a ‘high’ means we can use CBDV similarly, which is still being researched.

GW were set to enter Phase III trials in late 2019 but had to terminate the study because of the pandemic. They’re currently recruiting for a new trial, and the CEO Justin Gover made the following statement;

“CBDV represents an additional product pipeline opportunity as a next-generation epilepsy therapy.”

This study follows the completion of a Phase 1 trial in 66 healthy subjects in 2014. In this trial, CBDV was well tolerated even at the highest tested dose and no significant side effects were observed. Most importantly, following this trial, There were no serious or severe adverse events, nor any withdrawals due to adverse events.

Rett Syndrome

As you may know, Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by severe behavioral and physiological symptoms with no cure available to date. A study was done on mice with CBDV being administered for 14 days. The study restored compromised general health status of the mice, the sociability, and the brain weight in RTT. While more studies are required, this shows great promise for the medical use of CBDV.

Autism

Some of the most interesting recent research into CBDV has been around the subject of autism. This condition, which affects more children and adults every year, is still being researched to find effective medications. The use of CBDV for autism has rapidly gained popularity over the last two years.

The study suggests that CBDV targets subcortical excitatory glutamate systems both in autistic and neurotypical adults. This study compared the effects of CBDV in neurodiverse patients and neurotypical patients. They noted a higher degree of difference in ASD patients with elevated glutamate. Very little benefit was reported on those with normal glutamate levels.

Some studies have even shown that people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have below-average anandamide levels in the brain, one of the body’s endocannabinoids. 

Pain

In this study, patients underwent two successive treatment phases (4 weeks each) and were treated with CBDV. While the study wasn’t necessarily conclusive, it did explore the potential utility of CBDV for neuropathic pain. 

While CBDV research is increasing, so far there are no guarantees that cures or applications have been or will be found. The existing CBDV studies and research papers indicate grounds for medical optimism that previously may not have existed. With the growing interest in the industry, there’s endless potential. Fortunately, there should not be severe restrictions on CBDV, considering its lack of psycho-activity. 

CBDV and the endocannabinoid system:

CBDV interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) the same way as CBD. However, it’s thought to have about 25% of CBD potency. CBDV does not stimulate the ECS as CBD and THC do; it has a modulating action instead. According to the British Pharmacological Society;

“CBDV and all the acids inhibited DAGLα.”

DAGLα is an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-AG.

Is CBDV Legal? 

CBDV is legal in the United States, as long as it is produced from Hemp rather than marijuana. This is because CBDV derived from marijuana is illegal on a federal level and is considered a schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. The states that have legalized marijuana have also legalized its derivatives, including CBDV. 

CBDV derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3 percent THC is considered legal on a federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill. This Bill gave states the power to further regulate hemp products, which some states have by restricting any traces of THC. Although hemp-derived CBDV is difficult to find, it’s legal in all states as long as it abides by the state THC regulations. 

What is the difference between CBDV and CBD?

As previously mentioned, the molecular structures between CBD and CBDV are different, which impacts their chemical responses. Furthermore, CBDV can be used to develop THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) when it’s exposed to an acidic environment. CBD doesn’t have this same ability to transform into THC. When dealing with CBDV vs CBD, both cannabinoids share huge similarities that could be a massive hit in the medical industry because of the therapeutic effects offered. Above all, CBD and CBDV both interact with the endocannabinoid system, but CBDV binds with the cannabinoid receptors and CBD simply interacts or blocks the receptors.

Based on all the information provided, it’s clear why Cannabidivarin might be the next significant cannabinoid the world will witness, and we can only hope that research increases to increase the use of CBDV globally.

With countries worldwide slowly legalizing cannabis, research is finally growing and we’re constantly finding out more about the 120+ cannabinoids in the marijuana plant, namely CBDV, otherwise known as Cannabidivarin. 

People are looking beyond conventional THC or CBD and seeking out new cannabinoids like this one, and in this article, we will explain why CBDV is worth looking into. The laws have limited public access and therapeutic research on non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Fortunately, we’re discovering more and more cannabinoids that are non-psychoactive and still have the healing properties of cannabis.

So, what is CBDV?

Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a Varin cannabinoid first reported in a benzene extract from a Thai cannabis variety referred to as “Meao” in 1977, and identified for the first time in 1969 Vollner et al. CBDV is a homolog of CBD and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. As you can see below, The slight difference here is the propyl chain that CBDV carries. 

Like CBD, cannabidivarin has 7 double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers. There is a side-chain shortened by two methylene bridges. The biggest difference between CBD and CBDV is their concentrations in the cannabis plant. You can find trace amounts of CBDV in high-quality full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts that help to produce the entourage effect.

Varin cannabinoids (technically called varinolic cannabinoids) are a subfamily of cannabinoids that feature three carbons on their alkyl side chains. The most well-known examples are THCV, CBDV, CBGV, and CBCV. There are also acid forms of THCVA, CBDVA, CBGVA, and CBCVA.

CBDV exists in very small quantities. Recently, several African landrace strains (which are genetically pure and unimpacted by experimentation) of Cannabis indica were found to have CBDV and the related THCV in concentrations closer to 4%. There are also plant breeders creating high CBDV and THCV strains of hemp and marijuana — but the current record still sits below 7% CBDV. 

What are the medicinal effects?

Epilepsy

Due to the rise in popularity of CBDV, researchers are trying to discover its medical benefits. In 2014, GW Pharmaceuticals finished a Phase 1 clinical trial of its CBDV test product (known as GWP42006). The clinical trial explored the use of CBDV as an anti-epileptic drug. The company continues to research CBDV heavily. You won’t feel a psychoactive ‘high’ from CBDV. Instead, you can expect it similar effects to CBD. The lack of a ‘high’ means we can use CBDV similarly, which is still being researched.

GW were set to enter Phase III trials in late 2019 but had to terminate the study because of the pandemic. They’re currently recruiting for a new trial, and the CEO Justin Gover made the following statement;

“CBDV represents an additional product pipeline opportunity as a next-generation epilepsy therapy.”

This study follows the completion of a Phase 1 trial in 66 healthy subjects in 2014. In this trial, CBDV was well tolerated even at the highest tested dose and no significant side effects were observed. Most importantly, following this trial, There were no serious or severe adverse events, nor any withdrawals due to adverse events.

Rett Syndrome

As you may know, Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by severe behavioral and physiological symptoms with no cure available to date. A study was done on mice with CBDV being administered for 14 days. The study restored compromised general health status of the mice, the sociability, and the brain weight in RTT. While more studies are required, this shows great promise for the medical use of CBDV.

Autism

Some of the most interesting recent research into CBDV has been around the subject of autism. This condition, which affects more children and adults every year, is still being researched to find effective medications. The use of CBDV for autism has rapidly gained popularity over the last two years.

The study suggests that CBDV targets subcortical excitatory glutamate systems both in autistic and neurotypical adults. This study compared the effects of CBDV in neurodiverse patients and neurotypical patients. They noted a higher degree of difference in ASD patients with elevated glutamate. Very little benefit was reported on those with normal glutamate levels.

Some studies have even shown that people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have below-average anandamide levels in the brain, one of the body’s endocannabinoids. 

Pain

In this study, patients underwent two successive treatment phases (4 weeks each) and were treated with CBDV. While the study wasn’t necessarily conclusive, it did explore the potential utility of CBDV for neuropathic pain. 

While CBDV research is increasing, so far there are no guarantees that cures or applications have been or will be found. The existing CBDV studies and research papers indicate grounds for medical optimism that previously may not have existed. With the growing interest in the industry, there’s endless potential. Fortunately, there should not be severe restrictions on CBDV, considering its lack of psycho-activity. 

CBDV and the endocannabinoid system:

CBDV interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) the same way as CBD. However, it’s thought to have about 25% of CBD potency. CBDV does not stimulate the ECS as CBD and THC do; it has a modulating action instead. According to the British Pharmacological Society;

“CBDV and all the acids inhibited DAGLα.”

DAGLα is an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-AG.

Is CBDV Legal? 

CBDV is legal in the United States, as long as it is produced from Hemp rather than marijuana. This is because CBDV derived from marijuana is illegal on a federal level and is considered a schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. The states that have legalized marijuana have also legalized its derivatives, including CBDV. 

CBDV derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3 percent THC is considered legal on a federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill. This Bill gave states the power to further regulate hemp products, which some states have by restricting any traces of THC. Although hemp-derived CBDV is difficult to find, it’s legal in all states as long as it abides by the state THC regulations. 

What is the difference between CBDV and CBD?

As previously mentioned, the molecular structures between CBD and CBDV are different, which impacts their chemical responses. Furthermore, CBDV can be used to develop THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) when it’s exposed to an acidic environment. CBD doesn’t have this same ability to transform into THC. When dealing with CBDV vs CBD, both cannabinoids share huge similarities that could be a massive hit in the medical industry because of the therapeutic effects offered. Above all, CBD and CBDV both interact with the endocannabinoid system, but CBDV binds with the cannabinoid receptors and CBD simply interacts or blocks the receptors.

Based on all the information provided, it’s clear why Cannabidivarin might be the next significant cannabinoid the world will witness, and we can only hope that research increases to increase the use of CBDV globally.

As you may have learned from our last blog, terpenes are the most overlooked yet arguably the most important aspect of cannabis. They’re a little bit like cannabinoids—THC, CBD, and others—in that they have specific and medically useful interactions with our bodies.

If you aren’t familiar with terpenes; unlike cannabinoids, terpenes are found in many plants; they’re the chemicals that give a plant its aroma and flavor. Different levels of terpenes in different strains of cannabis give it a more earthy, fruity, or skunky smell and taste. In addition to stimulating our senses, many of these terpenes have medicinal effects.

In the last several years, scientists started to speculate about the synergic and/or entourage effects of the other cannabis compounds. Today, in the first row are terpenes/terpenoids, but we’re also focused on talking about flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and polyphenols. There are 120 terpenes found in cannabis, but for the sake of time, this article will focus on the 5 most dominant terpenes found in cannabis.

So, what are the top 5 terpenes?

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One of the most common terpenes found in cannabis is myrcene (also known as alpha-myrcene or beta-myrcene). β-Myrcene is the most common and a particularly potent terpene and is a component of the hydrocarbon fraction of many essential oils. It occurs naturally in over 200 plants and is present in the emissions of many trees in different parts of the world. Exposure to β-myrcene from natural food sources is estimated to be 16,500 times more than from its synthetic use as a flavor substance.

On average, myrcene represents over 20% of the terpene profile in modern commercial strains, although individual samples vary widely in their terpene content.

Scents and Aromas

Myrcene has a spicy, earthy, musky scent that gives cannabis strains a mildly sweet flavor profile. β-Myrcene is a pleasant-smelling, olefinic, acyclic unsubstituted monoterpene that occurs naturally in many plant species, especially in the essential oils of plants such as hops, cannabis, lemongrass, verbena, and bay, as well as in citrus fruits and citrus juices.

Effects of Myrcene

Antioxidant Activity:

In recent decades, there has been growing interest in the use of naturally occurring antioxidants in food preservation. Antioxidant agents are accountable for preventing aging and degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and neurological illnesses. They also have an important role in inhibiting lipid oxidation within food products.

Anti-inflammatory Activity:

Myrcene has shown anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects on human chondrocytes. Cartilage degradation and osteoarthritis progression was slowed down. The anti-inflammatory activity of β-myrcene may not only be credited to its antioxidant potential, but also with its interaction with signal pathway cascades involving cytokines and transcription factors.

Central Nervous System Effects and Neurobehavioral Activity:

In a study, Myrcene in cannabis demonstrated measurable effects on the autonomic nervous system in healthy human subjects. Inhalation of cannabis essential oil for 5 min improved nerve activity and was shown to relieve stress and anxiety, and the subjects generally felt more relaxed, energetic, calm, and elevated mood, five min post inhalation.

Black Tie Hemp Strains high in Myrcene:

• Blue Dream
• BubbleGum Special Reserve
• Sour Space Candy
• Suver Haze

Strain names commonly classified as indica, sativa, or hybrid can be found with high levels of myrcene, including popular sativa-dominant hybrids like Sour Space Candy and Blue Dream.

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Farnesene, also known as Trans-β-farnesene, is a sesquiterpene considered soothing for the mood with calming and sedative effects.  Farnesene is an umbrella term for six different sesquiterpenes which are all chemically similar. There are two types of farnesene: alpha (a) and beta (b), both of which are naturally-occurring in a variety of different plants.

Farnesene is an analog of farnesol and is found in various natural sources, including hops, ginger, turmeric, ylang-ylang, and German chamomile. Another intriguing effect of farnesene is that it acts in many plants as a natural insect repellent, functioning as a pheromone that interacts with various insects. Some studies have demonstrated that aphids release farnesene before the danger of death or when dying to warn their companions of the near threat.

Scents and Aromas

The terpene offers a number of notes, including sweet, woody, berry, fruity, and reminiscent of apples. In fact, that is what the smell reminds of - green apple. Whenever you feel these tones when smoking your fine cannabis, that would be Farnesene.

Effects of Farnesene

Antimicrobial Properties

In some studies, farnesene, in conjunction with other terpenes, has shown antimicrobial activity against some serious types of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus subtilis. Even though the research is limited in this area, using the terpene for this advantage in the human body is no doubt fascinating.

Anti-Cariogenic Properties

Certain types of bacteria in the mouth are directly responsible for causing the tooth enamel to break down and deteriorate. Because of the antimicrobial farnesene effects, terpene may help fight tooth decay. The terpene may be active against Lactobacillus acidophilus, one of the common culprits behind tooth decay.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Farnesene has been shown to have prominent anti-inflammatory properties. So much so, that the terpene has been used in the past in place of things like ibuprofen to ease everyday discomforts. The anti-inflammatory actions of the terpene may also be important for future studies in its ability to act against allergic responses.

Black Tie Hemp Strains high in Farnesene:

• Grandaddy Purple
• Apple Strudel

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If you’re a grower who appreciates cannabis with a great terpene profile, you may well have heard of beta-Caryophyllene. It is also known as ‘b caryophyllene’, β-caryophyllene or simply caryophyllene. Ever wondered what the difference is between beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene? There is no difference, they are just different names for the same terpene. It was one of the first cannabis-derived compounds other than THC, CBD, and CBN shown to bind directly to endocannabinoid receptors.

It was one of the first cannabis-derived compounds with a fundamentally different structure from the classical cannabinoids that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in humans. In many ways, beta-caryophyllene is an important reminder that terpenes and cannabinoids are not separate and that the two work in conjunction with one another.

Scents and Aromas

β-Caryophyllene is the primary sesquiterpene contributing to the spiciness of black pepper; it is also a major constituent of cloves, hops, rosemary, copaiba, and cannabis. It’s responsible for the slight bite of pungency associated with smelling cracked pepper.

Effects of Caryophyllene

Sleep

In combination with other terpenes, caryophyllene has shown promise as a sedative. A 2012 study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology found that mice treated with essential oil containing caryophyllene experienced increased sleep time as well as decreased locomotion and body temperature.

Beta-Caryophyllene Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Beta-caryophyllene can reduce inflammation in the brain and chemicals that cause oxidative stress associated with inflammation. These properties can aid the brain from swelling during a stroke and improve its outcomes. Besides, it has been shown to reduce gut inflammation.

Beta-Caryophyllene Antibacterial & Antimicrobial Properties

Studies suggest that beta-caryophyllene helps fight bacterial dental plaque build-up and is a potential alternative to prescribed medications like chlorhexidine. Also, it reduces microorganisms like Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, and E. coli.

Black Tie Hemp Strains high in B-Caryophyllene

• Chem Dawg
• Diamond Kush
• Pink Runtz
• Tahoe OG

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This sesquiterpenoid differs from other terpenes because of its unique structure. Guaiol, sometimes referred to as “champacol,” is most abundantly found in oily timber and resin of the tropical guaiacum plant. Moreover, the cypress tree is also known to be rich in this sesquiterpenoid and other conifers. Guaiol differs from many other terpenes—which are oil-based—because of its unique structure as a liquid.

It is a terpene that conveys an aroma of pine that features fragrant undertones of wood and rose. Like other terpenes, this medicinal molecule is produced by many plants other than cannabis, including cypress pine and guaiacum (an evergreen tree of the Caribbean and tropical America).

Scents and Aromas

Guaiol is responsible for the scents of many plants like nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs. It presents a refreshing piney and woody aroma with some undertones of rose in it. For this reason, guaiol is added to a large variety of foods and household items as an aromatic agent.

Effects of Guaiol

Antibacterial Activity:

A 2017 study entitled “The Essential Oil from the Fruits of the Brazilian Spice Xylopia Sericea A. St.-Hil. Presents Expressive In-vitro Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity” and published in The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology found guaiol to be effective in treating bacterial infections. The research revealed that this terpene may be useful as an antimicrobial ingredient in food preservation.

Cancer Potential:

A 2016 study entitled “Guaiol Regulates RAD51 Stability via Autophagy to Induce Cell Apoptosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer” that was published in the journal Oncotarget found that guaiol is an effective agent against cancer cells, resulting in their apoptosis, which is a form of genetically pre-programmed cellular death in which cancer cells basically kill themselves off.

Black Tie Hemp Strains high in Guaiol:

• Orange Cookies
• Grandaddy Purple
• BubbleGum S.R

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Terpinolene is one of the many terpenes in the terpinene and pinene family. While they all share the same molecular formula, weight, and construction,  the placement of the double carbon bond differentiates them. This defines their unique synergistic qualities for therapeutic benefits when combined with CBD products.

Besides showing up in many cannabis varieties, terpinolene is also found in turnips and turpentine. For a long while, research scientists believed terpinolene to act as a sedative. This was due to experiments that determined mice inoculated with terpinolene showed a great reduction in muscle motility contributing to sedation.

Terpinolene by any other name is still terpinolene. Because of its wide use, terpinolene is called by many names depending on the industry and application. Below are a few other names used for terpinolene which you may have encountered in many household products:

• δ-Terpinene (delta-Terpinene)
• 586-62-9 [RN]
• (±)-α-Terpinyl acetate

Scents and Aromas

Terpinolene, though, carries an array of smells you might find in cannabis: It’s piney, floral, herbaceous, and even a little citrusy. Like most other terpenes, terpinolene is produced by various other plant species, including apple, conifer, cumin, lilac, mint, nutmeg, parsnip, and tea tree.

Their extractions from plants are the most important components of the essential oils used in herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics. Terpinolene is used as an aroma agent in soaps and perfumes and as a component of some insect repellents.

Effects of Terpinolene

Sedative

A 2013 study showed sedative effects after nasal absorption into the body(Shimoadachi-cho, 2013). Additionally, In a previous study, the Journal of Natural Medicines tested the sedative effects of terpinolene-dense essential oils on mice. After they isolated terpinolene as one of its active ingredients, they then attempted to determine the structural reason why this terpene has sedative effects. Their research found “Comparison of terpinolene analog activities showed that a double bond in the side-chain or pi bonds in the six-membered ring play important roles in the sedative effect.”

Antimicrobial Activity

One study of a terpinolene-dense plant native to Iran states; “The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was tested against three different bacteria by disc diffusion method and showed maximum inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria, especially Bacillus subtilis.”

Antioxidant Activity

The International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology published a study where the preparation of LDL from human blood plasma enriched in terpinolene was isolated. The lipids of LDL were protected, and the proteins also didn’t experience oxidation, “This inhibition is due to a retarded oxidation of intrinsic carotenoids of LDL, and not, as in the case of some flavonoids, attributable to a protection of intrinsic alpha-tocopherol.”

Black Tie Hemp Strains High In Terpinolene

• Lemon Tree
• PineApple OG
• Chem Dawg
• Sour Space Candy

From the list of terpenes described, you should see the importance of terpenes in cannabis. They are not merely there for the scents and aromas, but they also have individual medicinal benefits worth considering. Cannabis is so much more than just a strain. Read more about how terpenes are gaining importance here.

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With Covid-19 impacting us for the last two years, the world is rapidly searching for ways that we can effectively manage the virus, despite the variants that constantly pop up. Finally, it seems that research is progressing and it’s the cannabis industry at the forefront of the latest research advancements by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University. These researchers conducted a study that suggests that cannabis compounds prevent Infection by the Covid-19 Virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic includes at least 272 million cases worldwide, 5.3 million deaths, and over 600 000 new cases daily. While the rollout of vaccines is underway, the rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments.

Background Information:

In January 2021, this study looked into the possibility that cannabis may offer some help for patients with COVID-19. The study looks at one of the primary biological events that occur in patients with severe acute respiratory distress cases from COVID-19, something called a “cytokine storm.”

C.Sativa, a type of cannabis, was found in a cytokine storm study to reduce multiple cytokines and pathways related to inflammation and fibrosis. Two of the cytokines that C.Sativa reduced were TNFa and IL-6, which are thought to be the main targets when trying to block a COVID-19 cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In another study done in September of 2020 on mice, they found the following;

“Several reports demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant, can block IL-6 in several models of inflammatory diseases.”

What do the studies say in 2022?

A report on the research, “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants,” was published online on January 10th, 2022 by the Journal of Natural Products.

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Researchers have found that the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to the human cell surface receptor angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a critical step during the infection of human cells. The researchers looked into the following possibility:

“Therefore, cell entry inhibitors could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as to shorten the course of COVID-19 infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells.”

Researchers discovered that cannabinoids increase the cell’s response to several key proteins produced by the coronavirus genome, which is an effect that had not been discovered prior to the study. Researchers also looked at how the proteins from the genome operated in human kidney cells and healthy control cells, both with and without cannabinoids.

Cannabis and its effectiveness against new variants:

The spike protein is the same part of the virus targeted by Covid-19 vaccines and antibody therapies. In addition to the spike protein, SARS-CoV-2 has three more structural proteins as well as 16 nonstructural proteins and several compounds van Breemen characterized as “accessory” proteins, all of which are potential targets for drugs developed to prevent Covid-19.

The two compounds commonly found in hemp - called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA - were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus. In the study led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, they found that cannabinoids bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people, stating that;

“Cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells”

This means that cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells. They bind to the spike proteins so those proteins can’t bind to the ACE2 enzyme, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs.

The study then goes on to state that the most important piece of evidence found was that CBGA and CBDA were equally as effective against the alpha and beta variants. The abstract ends off on a highly positive note, expressing that cannabinoids do in fact have the potential to prevent and likely treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.

What other benefits could cannabis pose for Covid-19?

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1. Anxiety
   The number of people reporting high levels of anxiety has sharply elevated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The factors most strongly associated with high anxiety during the pandemic include loneliness, marital status, sex, disability, whether someone feels safe at home or not and work being affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
   
   There is understandable concern about the impact of the pandemic on people’s well-being. Fortunately, though, compounds within cannabis have shown impressive anxiety-reducing qualities, particularly CBD, which has been shown in studies to increase serotonin activity and lower cortisol levels.

Is Cannabis safe to consume for Covid-19 patients?

While most people consume cannabis by smoking it, it is not the only way to consume it. Companies like ourselves offer multiple variations of consumption like edibles, tinctures and more that have very low THC, yet still offer the same benefits.

After the last two years of uncertainty, illness and chaos due to the pandemic, it’s relieving to see that cannabis has shown a lot of potential in fighting against COVID-19 and could potentially offer new solutions to tackle the pandemic.

Where can you get CBDA and CBGA products from?

The team here at Black Tie CBD is relieved and grateful that we’re a part of an industry that is helping to better global health in such an impactful way. As a company, we've seen the value in CBDA products and we've just released our brand new CBDA isolate so you can keep safe too.

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As many of you know, curing and drying are processes that can significantly impact the taste and general quality of your cannabis crop. Properly drying and curing your fresh cannabis stash is paramount to prevent harsh smoke and prevent mold contamination from taking place.

Harvesting your cannabis is only half the work. Post harvest operations are arguably just as important as pre-harvest. Many believe that curing and drying are the same things, which they aren’t. Black Tie CBD has been asked why we haven’t released our 2021 strains, and the answer is simple; we believe in a low and slow curing process that ensures quality to the end product that we offer you.

Below, we’ll share our answers to some frequently asked questions on the drying and curing processes, so you can maximize the flavor and potency of your stash - as well as better understand how post-harvest processes are done correctly.

The importance of drying cannabis

Freshly harvested cannabis buds contain significant moisture, which needs to be dealt with before smoking. Essentially, drying also converts THC from its non-psychoactive, crude, acidic form to its psychoactive neutral form.

Cannabis flowers are full of active components; The resin glands contain THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. The issue is that when your plants are recently harvested, they’re still quite green and most of the THC is inactive. Drying marijuana means reducing the water content of the buds to 10-15%, depending on the desired crispiness of the final product.

A dry shouldn’t be too quick or the outside of buds will appear dry but the insides won’t be, leaving chlorophyll within; too long, and buds could develop mold.

How do you dry cannabis?

The drying procedure usually depends on the trimming process that you use;

• Dry trimming
• If you’re trimming plants after they’ve been dried, then you’ll be able to hang them from a line or hanger. Hanging is preferable as it prevents buds from becoming misshapen. To test if the plants are ready for trimming, you can try bending a branch. If it bends, it needs more drying. If it snaps, it is ready for trimming and curing.

• Wet trimming
• If you trim the plants before drying, you’ll have smaller plant parts to dry and need to use a rack. You can check when buds are ready for curing by squeezing them. If they still feel wet or moist, they likely need more time before moving on to curing.

Dying cannabis involves focusing on:

• The drying method used.
• Temperature.
• Moisture levels.

What are the drying methods?

Hang Drying Cannabis

Hang drying is a cost-effective solution for cannabis cultivators with a limited budget and involves exposing your cannabis to the open air. To hang-dry your cannabis, your branches are hung upside down from an elevated position and dried. You must regularly monitor the temperature and airflow of the room for the best results.

Choosing a cool, dark place to dry your buds is essential. Ensure that your flowers are spaced adequately for airflow to carry moisture particles away without attracting mold. Hang-drying is great, but requires a lot of environmentally controlled space.

This process usually takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks.

Using a drying rack

When preparing cannabis for commercial purposes, trimming machines are usually used, so this method is ideal. A drying rack is great for keeping the yield organized, and there is far lower risk of contamination or mold. While this option is more pricey, it is the ideal piece of equipment when it comes to drying weed correctly. Using a drying rack with a large surface area for the buds allows for more airflow, meaning that the moisture is taken away in far less time.

Again, this is a process that takes upwards of 10 days. If the snapping sound of your bud is crispy and sharp, then you know that your weed has been dried properly.

While you may be looking for a faster drying process, If buds are dried too quickly, chlorophyll and other pigments, starch, and nitrates are trapped within plant tissue, making it taste “green,” burn unevenly and taste bad. However, slowly dried buds taste sweet and smoke smooth. Taste and aroma improve when pigments break down. Slow even drying–where moisture content is the same throughout stems, foliage and buds– allows enough time for the pigments to degrade.

How to perfect the drying process:

As stated above, we focus on a slow drying process. We hang entire plants to dry; allowing the process to take place over time. We remove large leaves and stems (fan leaves) in the field as fresh leaves are easier to work with. The plants are then hung until they reach an ideal moisture content. At that point they buds are hand-trimmed and placed into curing.

Temperature:

We place importance on circulation and ventilation as this helps us control the heat and humidity of the room. The ideal air temperature is between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C), and humidity from 45-55%. Any temperatures lower may slow drying and increase the threat of harsh smoke, and any temperatures higher may cause the buds to mold.

Similarly, any lower than suggested humidity causes a speedy dry period, causing the retention of chlorophyll and giving the weed a terrible taste and odor.  The most important thing to note is that different climates are required for growing cannabis and drying it.

Hanging:

Due to the quantity of cannabis that we dry, we use a large space for drying. It is ideal to cut the plants at the base and remove the large leaves - then hang them on the drying lines in the drying facility. Branches should be cut from 12-40 inches, with each branch manicured and hung.

Manicured branches should be hung to dry for a few days before being bucked from the stem and placed on drying screens to allow the bulk of the moisture to dissipate. Once it is all on screens, the buds should be turned daily to ensure even drying. It is also adequate for manicured buds to be placed in boxes to dry, but the drying pace is slower due to the limited airflow.

Drying time:

Drying can take between five to seven days depending on temperature, humidity and bud density. The larger, denser buds can take around four days longer, so it’s important to check your buds to determine the proper moisture content. If you want to check the readiness, bend the stem and ensure that it snaps rather than folds; this generally indicates that it is ready to cure.

The importance of curing cannabis:

The curing process is possibly the most overlooked aspect of producing cannabis. During curing, moisture continues to draw from the center of the bud toward the outside.

Curing your bud is similar to the aging process of products like wine and cheese. Instead of a fermentation process, the main focus is on humidity with curing weed. Because even-though most moisture has evaporated and left the cannabis during the drying of the plants, there’s still some moisture left in the weed. Any friction and rough handling of the buds will knock off valuable resin glands and diminish the cannabinoid content.

The first week of curing affects potency as it evenly removes moisture within the bud so virtually all the THC is psychoactive, which is what most people are after. Curing also allows buds to dry enough that mold does not grow when buds are stored. Well-cured buds have an even glow when burned and smoke smooth. It is essentially not enough to simply keep your weed in a jar and say that it’s been correctly cured.

The process of curing cannabis:

The first step to curing your cannabis is to cut the stems into lengths less than 30-45 cm and then place them into an airtight container, ideally with a rubber seal. Any Ziploc or plastic bags are not ideal - some growers say that plastic imparts an undesirable flavor on the buds and is not impervious to oxygen.

Once the buds are enclosed, a microclimate is created, and the buds get an even spread of moisture. Once the buds are enclosed, they should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Check on your buds at least once per day for two weeks. Use a hygrometer to check relative moisture in the container during the curing process. If you don’t have a hygrometer handy, you can gently squeeze to feel if they are moister than before.

During this check-up, keep your jars open to allow for air exchange, and inspect each bud individually for signs of mold. If you find an infected bud, make sure to remove it from its jar immediately to avoid the fungus spreading. If buds are sticking together in clumps when you try to shake the container, it means they still have too much moisture and need to be dried further.

Ideal conditions for drying cannabis:

Humidity

You want to stabilize the relative humidity at around 45-55% when the buds are placed in an enclosed container. This is the correct environment to cure your cannabis buds to perfection.

Temperature

65-75

Light

None

If buds are too dry:

leave them in the container and let excess moisture escape out the top by opening the container for a few minutes every few hours before closing the lid again.

If buds are too moist:

If you live in a normal to dry climate, you may be able to get away with just leaving the top off the jars for 1-4 hours. If you live in a humid climate, you may have to take the buds out of the jars and lay them out until the outsides begin to feel dry again.

The curing process is most important during the first two weeks and can take over six months for the highest quality outcome. It’s clear that this process is incredibly long when done correctly, which is why we release our new strains later than most other companies. We place the utmost importance on a long process that ensures the highest quality outcome.

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