Frequently Asked Questions

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 140 naturally occurring active compounds, called cannabinoids, found in hemp (cannabis). It is the most researched and generally abundant cannabinoid produced by the hemp plant.

CBD has risen out of relative obscurity because of its verified, scientifically backed therapeutic benefits, an FDA-approved epilepsy medication, and the diverse range of potential future applications.

It is a non-psychotropic compound, meaning it does not produce any “high” or intoxication. In its 100% pure form, CBD is a white, crystalline powder with no taste or smell. In less pure forms, it exists in an oil solution with other cannabinoids and plant compounds. CBD is extracted primarily from the resin-rich flowers of the female hemp or cannabis plant. 

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychotropic constituent of cannabis. While several variations exist, Δ9-THC is the most naturally abundant and well-researched.

Both CBD and THC are psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning they enter the bloodstream and make it to the brain. THC, however, is psychotropic and intoxicating. It has long been associated, primarily, with the recreational drug cannabis. The DEA has long maintained that it is federally illegal. It’s classified as a Schedule I narcotic, and they claim that it has no medicinal benefit. However, the FDA, another federal agency, has two THC-based drugs (nabilone and dronabinol) approved for use in the United States. THC is effective for pain control, nausea, and is a potent appetite booster.

The medicinal benefit is markedly improved when used in combination with CBD, particularly in a 10:1 CBD/THC ratio. In a historic recommendation, the Department of Health and Human Services recently recommended a rescheduling of cannabis and THC to Schedule III.

CBN is a natural cannabinoid usually associated with cannabis stored for a long period of time. It was the first cannabinoid isolated from cannabis back in 1899. CBN is known primarily for its sedative effects and we use it exclusively in our Drift sleep products.

Hemp and marijuana are both plants of the species, Cannabis sativa. The distinction is more a legal one than it is biological. The 2018 Federal Farm Bill created a somewhat arbitrary threshold of 0.3% Δ9-THC on a dry weight basis that differentiates the two. Under this system, when Cannabis is grown by a Hemp permit holder that tests below 0.3% Δ9, it is fully Federally legal and called hemp. Hemp-based products can contain up to 0.3% Δ9-THC legally. While this appears negligible, a finished product with any significant weight can contain a significant dose of THC. The term Marijuana is a common American word for illicit cannabis with troubling origins. It gained popularity in the early 20th century during a period of anti-cannabis sentiment and propaganda campaigns. It was used to associate the plant with Mexican immigrants to add negative racial and cultural connotations to its use.

Minor cannabinoids are produced in smaller amounts in the cannabis plant compared to the more common major cannabinoids, CBD and Δ9-THC. While they are generally less researched, many believe they contribute to the Entourage Effect. They represent an exciting area for further research and discovery of their interactions with the endocannabinoid system. The most common minor cannabinoids include cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidioloic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV).

Full-spectrum CBD extract contains a wide range of cannabinoids, including THC (within legal limits). It attempts to represent the full spectrum of compounds found in the original plant material. CBD isolate contains only pure CBD. It is used to create products where THC-free is necessary. 

Hemp Seed Oil is a natural product made from cold-pressed hemp seeds. Hemp Seed Oil contains a high concentration of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It also contains a favorable ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Finally, Hemp Seed Oil is an excellent carrier for CBD and other cannabinoids and the only one that is 100% hemp-derived. For all of these reasons, we at Sycamore BioPharma use only pure Hemp Seed Oil in our Tinctures.

Terpenes are a large class of natural, organic compounds produced by many plants and make up the majority of many essential oils. They are typically quite fragrant and are responsible for the incredibly diverse range of aromatic properties found in cannabis. Most cannabis strains contain myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, humulene and caryophyllene. Like cannabinoids, some terpenes are thought to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The synergistic interaction with cannabinoids is popularly known as the Entourage Effect. At Sycamore, we are particularly interested in the terpene β-Caryophyllene for it’s researched action as a CB2-receptor-selective agonist and its potential uses for pain. We have chosen it as a primary ingredient alongside CBD in all of our Embraced Compression Delivery products.

CBD can be safe for pets when used appropriately and in consultation with a veterinarian. Make sure to use pet-specific CBD products with appropriate dosing. This will ensure a limited amount of THC and that the additional ingredients in the product are pet-safe and well-tolerated.