CBD and Copaiba Essential Oil Explained

What is a Cannabinoid?

The term cannabinoid refers to any compound that triggers your endocannabinoid system (ECS) by activating its receptors. Cannabinoids are produced naturally in your body, but they can also come from other sources.

  • Cannabinoids that are naturally produced in your body are called endocannabinoids.
  • Cannabinoids that come from plants are called phytocannabinoids. CBD and Copaiba are both examples of a phytocannabinoid.

CBD oil and Copaiba essential oil are both phytocannabinoids. Both can help our bodies better manage a wide range of important health issues. While they share many similarities, they also have important differences too.

    How do Cannabinoids work?

    Cannabinoids trigger your endocannabinoid system, (ECS) which plays an important role in regulating the inflammatory system, immune function, sleep, appetite, digestion, pain receptors, hormones, reproductive function, and memory. Your body makes endocannabinoids naturally as needed to help with this regulation. These endocannabinoids activate your cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

    CB1 receptors: Found mainly in the brain and throughout the central nervous system. Primarily associated with pleasure and reward pathways.

    CB2 receptors: Found mainly in the immune system. They are found on the surface of white blood cells throughout the body. Also linked to the regulation of the inflammatory system.

    Have you ever felt a "runner's high"? You can thank your endocannabinoid system for that. After a period of strenuous exercise, the body begins to produce an endocannabinoid called anandamide. Anandamide activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. When the anandamide activates the CB1 receptors, it produces an almost euphoric feeling while the activation of the CB2 receptors soothes discomfort in the muscles and joints.

    CBD and THC

    Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of some 113 identified cannabinoids found in cannabis plants.

    THC

    Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound found in cannabis. THC binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain to produce a high or sense of euphoria. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another compound found in cannabis, but does not have the same psychoactive properties as THC. CBD directly interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, but the CB1 interaction is so weak it is inconsequential.

    Legality

    In the U.S., cannabis-related laws are constantly evolving. Currently under federal law, marijuana and THC are prohibited. They are on the list of controlled substances.

    However, many states have passed laws making medical marijuana or recreational use of marijuana (both which can have high levels of THC) legal. In these states, you should be able to buy CBD without an legal concerns.

    Before buying CBD products, which may or may not contain added THC, know your state laws. If you possess cannabis-related products in a state where they’re illegal or don’t have a medical prescription, you could face legal penalties.

    Health Benefits

    CBD and THC can help support several of the same conditions. However, CBD doesn’t cause the euphoric side effects associated with THC. CBD is commonly used to help support

    • Inflammatory system
    • Immune function
    • Sleep
    • Appetite
    • Digestion
    • Pain receptors
    • Hormones
    • Reproductive function
    • Memory.

    CBD is well-tolerated, even in large doses and neither is CBD or THC fatal. However, high THC use may be connected to long-term negative psychiatric effects. This is especially true for adolescents.

    Drug Testing

    THC and CBD are stored in the body’s fat. They can show up on drug tests for several days or weeks after you use them. However, not every drug test will be able to detect CBD. Most standard drug tests will look for chemicals related to THC or marijuana. If the CBD has THC (whether on purpose or by accident/mislabeling), it might show up on a screening.

    Safety and Effectiveness

    There is relatively little medical and scientific research regarding CBD. This is due in large part to legal and research limitations. Some studies indicate promising benefits, but the research is young.

    CBD can be found in many products today, from mascara to doggy treats.

    The FDA acknowledges, “Some companies are marketing products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and that may put the health and safety of consumers at risk.”

    Purity

    Tests have been conducted where THC, and more than just trace results, was found in some brands of cannabis oil.

    Without FDA oversight of CBD, it is difficult to be certain of both the amount and purity of CBD a product may contain. Regardless of what a product may claim, it may contain no CBD at all, while others may vary in purity or consistency.

    The FDA has issued warning letters to firms that market unapproved new drugs that allegedly contain cannabidiol (CBD). The FDA has tested the chemical content of cannabinoid compounds in some of the products, and many were found to not contain the levels of CBD they claimed to contain.

    Why Isn’t doTERRA Producing CBD?

    Due to issues of legality, research, and inability to meet CPTG standards, doTERRA is not making any CBD products or oils at this time.

    Copaiba Essential Oil

    Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and can be found in tropical South America. Since the 16th century, copaiba essential oil has been utilized in traditional health practices by the natives of north and northeastern Brazil.

    What is BCP?

    Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is a cannabinoid found in plants that interacts directly with CB2 receptors around the body, supporting the inflammatory system, immune function, sleep, appetite, digestion, pain receptors, hormones, reproductive function, and memory. BCP does not affect CB1 receptors, therefore no risk of psychoactive effects.

    BCP in Copaiba

    BCP is the main chemical constituent in Copaiba essential oil, which comes from distilling the oleoresin of the copaiba tree. doTERRA Copaiba essential oil has approximately 55% BCP content—the highest BCP content of any known oil.

    Copiaba Research

    There is evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of oral supplementation of BCP. Current studies suggest as little as 1–2 drops of Copaiba oil can produce noticeable results.

    Copaiba Purity

    All doTERRA essential oils, including Copaiba, are CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. This means that the oil is pure: there are no added fillers, synthetic ingredients, or harmful contaminants that would reduce its efficacy. Each batch of oil undergoes rigorous internal and third party testing to confirm that oils are meeting our quality standards.

    Every bottle of oil has a unique Quality ID that you can use to view the GC/MS test results from an independent, verified third party lab on Source to You.

    Copaiba Potency

    Because doTERRA Copaiba essential oil has approximately 55% BCP content, the amount of oil needed to produce noticeable results is small. 

    doTERRA Copaiba oil is actually a blend of oils from four species of the copaifera trees. This contributes to a more potent and effective version of the essential oil.

    Copaiba's potency also helps to make it's affordability attractive as a potential natural solution.

    Primary Benefits

    • Supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive and respiratory systems
    • Powerful antioxidant
    • Helps calm, soothe, and support the nervous system
    • Promotes clear, smooth skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes

    Uses

    • Add 1 to 2 drops to water, juice, or tea to support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory system.
    • Provides antioxidant support when ingested.
    • Take internally to help soothe and calm the nervous system.
    • Apply topically combined with a carrier oil or a facial moisturizer to help keep skin clean and clear, and to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

    Directions for Use 

    Diffusion: Use 3-4 drops in a diffuser.
    Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
    Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with a carrier oil, then apply to desired area.
    Also available in Copaiba Softgels, so as to provide a daily dose in a convenient easy-to-swallow capsule.
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