The cannabis plant is being extensively researched for the potential benefits of specific minor cannabinoids. Out of all the discovered cannabinoids, cannabitriol or CBT may be the most perplexing.
CBT does not usually occur in cannabis, and when it does, it appears at extremely low concentrations. Currently, there is relatively little research into the advantages and purposes of minor processing cannabinoids like CBT.
You might think that since we don’t know what CBT accomplishes or whether it’s helpful, why is it necessary? Here are all the things you should know about the CBT cannabinoid, including its history, uses, etc.
What Is CBT Cannabinoid?
Cannabitriol (CBT) has been around for about as long as CBD and THC have been around. But unlike the two former cannabinoids, CBT and other minor cannabinoids are not that popular due to a lack of study and investigative curiosity on the part of the pharmaceutical industry.
Thankfully, CBT is now increasingly more common online as more cannabinoids are being discovered. CBD and THC’s monopoly is on the verge of being broken as supply consumers discover that there are hundreds of cannabinoids to pick from and that the two are only the tip of the iceberg.
According to scientists, the cannabis compounds found in CBT are structurally similar to THC. Even though CBT is chemically similar to THC, it is uncertain whether or not it produces psychoactive effects that are comparable to THC.
Furthermore, CBT molecules were only discovered in a small number of cannabis samples. Depending on the strain of cannabis, other cannabinoids may be present, while cannabis compounds may not.
History of CBT
Before we get into why CBT is crucial, let us review some background information. CBT is a cannabinoid molecule found in the sticky resins of mature hemp flowers and is generated by the plant’s body. Even though CBT was initially found in 1966 by Obata and Ishikawa, it was not until 1976 that experts established its molecular structure.
In cannabis, CBT is not always present, but the concentration is always extremely low when it is. Thus, scientists have a tough time extracting and studying its molecular structures.
CBT studies
CBT was found in significantly higher concentrations in hemp products than in marijuana. As per the article in Cannabis Tech, CBT is thought to be isolated from CBDa. Scientists have found nine slightly different kinds of CBT, each with a molecular structure that is somewhat distinct from the others.
Unfortunately, there has only been a small amount of CBT hemp studies conducted. For starters, it is extremely rare, and as a result, even expert cannabis enthusiasts are unaware of this underappreciated cannabinoid.
Second, cannabis science will continue to lag behind commercial use until federal legalization is achieved in the United States. The gray area results in governmental impediments to cannabis research and a fear of legal repercussions among those who research the plant.
CBT’s Legal Status
Is CBT legal? CBT is not listed as a psychoactive substance under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In addition, it is also not listed as a Scheduled Substances under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States.
However, CBT is not deemed criminal under the same rules that apply to marijuana use as long as it does not contain a THC concentration of more than 0.3%. On the other hand, it’s not entirely clear if CBT and other minor cannabinoids are lawful in all states or under all circumstances.
Keep in mind that marijuana rules are notoriously unclear. The lack of understanding might result in unclear interactions with law enforcement officers. Thus, before purchasing any cannabis products, it is always good to double-check the regulations in your state or area.
What Is CBT Used For?
Although only little is known about the physiological effects of CBT, it is an extremely useful element in CBD products. It is a cannabinoid commonly found in tinctures and oils, but CBT products are also available in extract and concentrated forms. It is also possible that you will be able to find products that can be consumed through oil rigs or vape forms.
A study conducted by Mahmoud El Sohly, a long-time cannabis researcher, showed that CBT could reduce pressure within the eyes of rabbits, indicating that CBT may be a possible treatment for glaucoma and other associated disorders.
Like many minor cannabinoids, the study has been hampered due to the widespread criminalization of cannabis that exists across the world. Because CBD and THC are so abundant in cannabis, much of the current attention is focused on these two compounds.
Uses and Benefits of CBT
There is little evidence to support the possible impacts and advantages of CBT. Despite the fact CBT has a similar chemical structure to THC, the way their cannabis compounds interact is not the same. CBT is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not have any psychoactive effects.
One research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society in 2007 investigated catalytic antibodies. It was shown that catalytic antibodies could decompose THC into CBT in the presence of vitamin B2 and singlet oxygen.
According to the researchers, cannabidiol was the primary breakdown product of THC degradation. Thus, revealing the capacity of an antibody to accelerate a complicated chemical transition with therapeutic implications for treating marijuana abuse.
A Need For More Research
Unfortunately, the limited pre-clinical trials that have been conducted on CBT have yielded little information on its complex chemical transformation. Despite being structurally similar to THC, CBT may act as an antagonist to THC’s effects.
At this point, experts are unsure of any more possible advantages that CBT may provide. Still, cannabis enthusiasts are eager to learn whether the substance may be intended to diagnose, treat or alleviate symptoms of more serious medical conditions.
Because cannabis-derived medicines have been in high demand over the past several years, corporations and experts are likely to look for ways to treat, cure or prevent anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
CBT and the Entourage Effect
CBT, as well as other cannabinoids, contribute to the Entourage Effect. For those who are not familiar with what the Entourage Effect is, let us go over it again. There are two CBD products to consider to understand the concept: the Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBD Isolate.
A Full Spectrum CBD Oil comes from the hemp plant through a whole-plant extraction process. With this, the cannabis compounds contained in the plant will be completely obtained. These compounds include a range of cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, and other chemicals, such as CBN and CBG.
Such compounds are present in abundance in the cannabis plant in its natural state. The presence of other substances can also be seen in Full Spectrum CBD Oil. Check out some of these substances below:
- Amino Acid: Made out of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. When combined, amino acid molecules become the building blocks of proteins.
- Terpene: Responsible for the smell of the cannabis plant. It contains anticancer, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other medical properties.
- Phenol: Produces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the aversion of damaged cells due to free-radical oxidation.
- Fatty acid: Serves crucial cellular functions by acting as energy storage. If glucose is not enough, the body will convert fatty acids to energy to fuel the cells.
- Flavonoid: Regulates cellular activity to fight free radicals in the body. It protects the body against toxins and stressors.
- Sterol: Helps regulate the formation of the cells by passing on messages received from outside the cell, affecting changes inside the cell’s environment.
- Ester: Blocks hydroxyl groups to prevent them from attacking nucleophile acceptors. It can be found in naturally occurring fats and oils and is mostly used for perfumes, essential oils, cosmetics, flavorings and as an organic solvent.
- Protein: Helps build and repair the tissues inside the body to maintain proper pH and fluid balance. It also helps transport molecules from one location to another.
The Entourage Effect claims that after consuming Full Spectrum CBD Oil or CBD Isolate, all cannabis components included collaborating to provide a positive outcome. Together, these chemicals are thought to improve your CBD’s effectiveness and overall potency by increasing the amount of CBD that is absorbed into the body.
Like CBD and THC, CBT is also naturally occurring in cannabis plants. This means it contributes to the Entourage Effect in the same way that other minor cannabinoids do.
Take note that the Entourage Effect is regarded as a natural occurrence. The scientific community has not yet determined whether or not this is true. While solid evidence continues to mount in favor of Full Spectrum CBD products over other CBD products such as CBD Isolate, there is still more to be discovered.
CBT FAQs
The key concepts and processes concerning CBT were discussed above. To expand your knowledge about this cannabinoid, here are the answers to some of the most asked questions about CBT:
How is CBT extracted?
Female hemp plants produce CBT in trichomes that develop on their flowers’ blooms, or calyxes. Various procedures, including ethanol extraction and supercritical CO2 extraction, separate or extract the cannabinoid-rich trichomes from the plant.
Chromatography equipment specifically separates and isolates the different chemical components derived from hemp, including CBT. Because of the modest concentrations of the chemical contained in plants, solvents are generally required for CBT extraction.
While other components such as CBD and THC may be extracted using various methods such as rosin presses and cold press extraction methods, other components such as THC and CBD cannot.
Is CBT considered a psychoactive substance?
Although CBT has a structural similarity to THC, this does not imply that CBT is a psychoactive substance. Many who use THC report feeling “high” after consuming the drug. It is uncertain if CBT adds to this high.
It is important to remember that the meaning of “psychoactive chemical” is still open for discussion. CBD, for example, is classified as a psychoactive substance since it provides physiological advantages while also acting on nervous system receptors in the body.
On the other hand, CBD does not make you high like THC. A cannabinoid can be termed a psychoactive chemical because it produces psychoactive effects without causing intoxicating side effects.
Furthermore, all cannabis compounds have structural similarities, which is part of what it means for a chemical to be classified as a “cannabinoid” in the first place. Just keep in mind that CBT has a structural similarity to THC.
Is CBT considered a synthetic substance?
No. Due to the low concentrations of CBT, cannabis is usually converted from another cannabinoid such as CBG or CBD. This conversion process does not remove or add substances, resulting in CBT as an all-natural substance found in cannabis and other plants.
What strains are high in CBT?
Since CBT is difficult to extract and identify, there are no official details on which strains could be high in content of this cannabis compound.
Does hemp have CBT?
CBT is a rare compound that appears in small amounts and only in some cannabis strains. It mostly appears in marijuana plants with high THC levels, but some hemp varieties have this cannabinoid as well. Although CBT appears mostly in marijuana, some hemp strains could also contain it.
Is CBT completely safe?
It is too early to claim that CBT is completely safe since there is still a lack of research and clinical trials on this specific cannabinoid. We can highlight that there are currently no studies proving that CBT has adverse effects on the body.
What is the concentration of CBT in cannabis?
The percentage of CBT in cannabis is difficult to say since it is only found in extremely low concentrations. In addition, CBT is only contained in some strains of cannabis, not all of them. Cannabis plants are the most prevalent source of CBT, and it is uncertain if CBT may be found in hemp plants.
One of the primary reasons that CBT studies are difficult to conduct is the rarity of the plants to be examined. First and foremost, scientists must identify the most appropriate cannabis plant for study. Following that, they must determine a microscopic concentration of CBT, a structurally similar molecule to THC but has different properties.
Products derived from the cannabis plant that is worth trying
CBT compounds are “minor cannabinoids” since they are not yet observed for any substantial physiological effects. Scientists are still years away from identifying the potential advantages of this cannabinoid. This means that it will take time to see if CBT fits into therapeutic procedures.
Until that time comes, you can continue using CBD products instead. Here is a list of cannabis-derived affordable products that you should consider trying:
- CBD Isolate: Often used to reduce symptoms in patients who suffer from spasm and seizure disorders such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy. It does not produce euphoria or “high.” CBD isolate also helps relieve pain and inflammation, leading to a calming effect.
- CBD Pet Tincture: Highly Concentr8ed CBD Pet Tincture is made with Wild Alaskan Salmon oil with 1000 mg Full Spectrum CBD. It will help maintain your furry friend’s good digestive and immune health. This product can also reduce anxiety and alleviate pain in pets.
- Pure CBD Tincture: An organic pure BD oil that is tasteless and only contains two ingredients, Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil and Pure Cannabidiol (CBD). Each bottle contains 5,000mg, perfect for those seeking calm and comfort without the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Full Spec CBD Tincture: Available in 5,000mg and 10,000mg, this full spectrum tincture will help reduce inflammation and stress. It is packed with active CBD that will work with other hemp compounds to give you the entourage effect, letting you have the greatest relief.
- Daily Driver Blend Raw Distillate: Experience the entourage effect through the help of the Daily Driver Blend Raw Distillate that contains 80% Delta-8, 5% CBN, 5% CBD, 5% CBC and 5% CBG.
- Daily Driver Blend Cart: Contains approximately 950mg of active cannabinoids and 50mg of refined cannabis-derived terpenes. The refined cannabis-derived terpenes undergo strict harvesting procedures and critical refinement processes to capture the plant’s essence and preserve the real smell of the strain.
Conclusion
CBT compounds are referred to as “minor cannabinoids” since there are no observed substantial physiological effects upon intake. These cannabis chemicals are only present in trace concentrations in some strains of cannabis, particularly marijuana, and have recently been discovered in some strains of cannabis.
Molecular components of CBT contribute to the Entourage Effect, a phenomenon that has been shown to boost the efficacy of CBD treatments. It is not obvious how much they play in the situation.
However, companies and governments worldwide are becoming increasingly interested in learning more about the usefulness of this component, and information on its effectiveness is progressively becoming available.
Check out our shop here at Highly Concentr8ed and use our CBD Isolate so you can prove the benefits of cannabis compounds yourself!
