(What are cannabinoids?)

The most common cannabinoids are delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  Delta-9-THC is the primary cannabinoid in Marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) typically the most common cannabinoid in Hemp.  Delta-9-THC is psychoactive while CBD is not.  Delta-8-THC is another psychoactive naturally occurring cannabinoid that is reportedly less potent than Delta-9-THC.  

There are over 225 cannabinoids produced naturally and more are being discovered all the time.  Cannabinoids produced naturally by plants are known as phytocannabinoids, while cannabinoids produced in the body (such as anandamide) are called endocannabinoids.  Below is a list of some of the more common cannabinoids found in consumer products today.

‘The Big 6 in current stages of research’

CBD– has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures and in some cases, stop them altogether. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions.  Animal studies and self reports or research in humans suggest CBD may also help with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction.

CBG- is one of the major cannabinoids found in most Cannabis varieties. It has shown relevant antibiotic effects, and could decrease intraocular pressure for glaucoma patients.  Like CBD, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating that there is scope for developing cannabinoid drugs that do not have the psychoactive properties of THC. In one study, CBG was evaluated for antitumor efficacy against mouse skin melanoma cells and showed a significant in vivo activity. 

CBN- is a minor cannabinoid that is a degradation product of THC, however it is non-psychoactive. It is known colloquially as the sleepy cannabinoid in old weed, or the ‘couch lock cannabinoid’ for its evident ability to induce relaxation. Most of the supposed health benefits attributed to this compound are based on limited research that does not definitively prove the medical benefits of taking CBN. However, according to research that has been conducted so far, CBN is a natural compound offering the following properties: a 2008 study suggested that CBN could kill MRSA bacteria which cause antibiotic-resistant staph infections.  Anti-inflammatory properties suggest efficacy against arthritis. CBN may increase appetite.  When used with CBD, CBN may promote relaxation.  Data supports CBN having distinct advantages as potential treatments for epidermolysis bullosa and glaucoma as well.

CBC- Cannabichromene (CBC) is converted from CBGa in the hemp plant.  CBC is non-intoxicating, so it doesn’t produce a euphoric high like THC. The reason it is non-intoxicating is because it binds poorly to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. But CBC does bind receptors in the body, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), both of which are linked to pain perception. When CBC activates these receptors, increased levels of the body’s natural endocannabinoids like anandamide are released.  CBC also appears to inhibit the uptake of anandamide, allowing it to remain longer in the bloodstream. Since anandamide has been shown to fight breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, this shows promise that CBC and other cannabinoids might one day be a chemo-preventive agent.  So far, research has found CBC to be the second-most-potent cannabinoid at inhibiting the growth of new cancer cells (CBG was the most potent). While CBC has singular benefits, researchers also think that it seems to synergistically work with other cannabinoids, a term known as the entourage effect. CBC has been shown to block pain and inflammation associated with collagen-induced osteoarthritis. Cannabinoids like CBC act on inflammation differently than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do, and don’t have the side effects  CBC can also be used as a safe additive to prevent crystallization in cannabinoid products like vapes.

THCV- THCV is similar to THC in molecular structure, but it provides a variety of pronounced and altogether different effects.  It’s psychoactive effects are very mild and are known to produce a more ‘sativa’ like effects of energy, motivation, or alertness.  In a study by the National Institute of Health, THCV showed promise in its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.  THCV may also be a good appetite suppressant.  It has been shown in some smaller preliminary studies to curb anxiety attacks in PTSD patients without suppressing emotion.  Research is currently in progress to assess THCV’s ability to improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases including tremors, motor control, and brain lesions.  Because it promotes the growth of new bone cells, THCV is being looked at for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.

THC-Studies show that this psychoactive and most well-known cannabinoid is effective as an anti-emetic for combatting nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. THC has also been shown to induce sleep and, unlike many pharmaceuticals used as sleep aids, THC typically does not leave a person feeling groggy in the morning.  THC has been shown to decrease muscle spasms and ease spasticity.  It has been shown in some studies to calm anxiety, decrease OCD behaviors, and reduce the frequency of seizures.  Animal research is showing that THC can kill cancer cells and induce programmed cell death in cancer cell lines.  We invite you to put the internet to good use and search out these studies, read them, and become more informed. We can answer any questions you may have regarding the best use of a cannabinoid matrix in any physiological situation.   

*While these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and any products we manufacture are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, the therapeutic promise of these 6 cannabinoids is important and requires more research to determine their singular efficacy as well as their ability to work with other cannabinoids together for an entourage effect. Cannabis patients today are limited in the products available to them, but hopefully as new studies emerge and cannabis laws loosen, new medicines with a diversity of cannabinoids will soon become an option.

 a.k.a. Cannabinoids 101 

     In the 1990’s Scientists discovered endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that are native to, and produced by our bodies).  Scientists began to realize cannabis exerted it effects, in part, by mimicking our own endocannabinoids.  It appears the main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis in our bodies (biological harmony in response to changes in the environment).  Taxonomic investigation revealed that the endocannabinoid system evolved over 500 million years ago and is present in all vertebrates—mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc., and that all these groups produce endocannabinoids!

     Research initially suggested endocannabinoid receptors were only present in the brain and nerves, but scientists later found that the receptors are present throughout the body, including our skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract.  This wide ranging efficacy over many different biological systems in our body and the potent anti-inflammatory nature of cannabinoids is what spurred Carolina Natural Solution’s birth.  We recognized that most disease and pain conditions start with inflammation.  Having potent anti-inflammatory cannabinoid molecules that act upon so many receptors throughout our body was an invaluable tool to resolving inflammation in many organs. Many of the illnesses attributed to inflammation (both chronic and acute) can be traced to a failure to resolve them. 

     The endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide array of processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. Cannabinoids are now recognized as one of the most widespread signaling molecules known to man. And we have a lot of catching up to do!

1   De Laurentiis A, Araujo HA, Rettori V. Role of the endocannabinoid system in the neuroendocrine responses to inflammation.  Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(29):4697-4706.

2   McPartland  JM, Matias I, Di Marzo V, Glass M. Evolutionary origins of the endocannabinoid system. Gene. 2006;370:64-74. Doi:https://doi.org/10. 1016/j. gene.2005. 11. 004. 

3   Mackie K. Cannabinoid receptors: where they are and what they do. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 2008;20 Suppl 1:10. 1111/j. 1365-2826. 2008. 01671. X.

4   Alger BE.  Getting High on Endocannabinoid System.  Cerebrum Dana Forum Brain Sci. 2013;2013.

5   Maccarrone M, Bab I, Biro T, et al. Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years after THC.  Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2015;36(5):277-296. Doi: 10.1016/j.tips. 2015.02.008.

Short answer: Yes, many cannabinoids will cause a drug test positive, but there are many conditions that must be met.

Deep Dive: The drug testing industry typically uses two different analytical methods to certify a positive drug test. Usually an immuno-assay test (sometimes called an ‘instant’ or ‘paper’ test), followed by a confirmatory test utilizing GC/Mass Spectrometry or LC/LC/ Mass Spectrometry. Federal D.O.T. tests all follow the dual test protocol, while the private sector can have exceptions. It is good practice for employers to utilize two different analytical tests to definitively rule out ‘false positives’. The commercial immuno-assay reagents typically have many cross reactions with other cannabinoids and sometimes even other classes of medications! Cannabinoids, specifically, can be prone to false positives on an immuno-assay screen test from various commercial immuno-assays. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Efavirenz are 3 examples of drugs that have been associated with false positive results on the commercial THC immuno-assay drug screen tests. THCV will cause a positive immuno-assay test for THC despite this cannabinoid having zero psychoactive properties. This is why it is
important to ensure that your drug test has been analyzed using the GC/Mass Spectrometry or LC/LC/ Mass Spectrometry
confirmation test. In short, an immuno-assay test alone is neither forensically acceptable or legally defensible and should not be used as the sole arbiter in a hire, fire, or legal decision.

More Info: Some new cannabinoids that are new to the scene such as THCp, HHC, THCV, et al are prone to positive or ‘no test’ outcomes at labs due to a lack of internal standards and testing methodologies not yet instituted by labs. This is hit or miss and we will keep this FAQ updated as we learn more.

Driving under the influence (DUI) laws are not just for alcohol. Driving under the influence of substance that are psychoactive, including marijuana, is also dangerous and illegal. Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention to stay safe and alert. Marijuana affects areas of the brain that control your body’s movements, balance, coordination, memory, and judgment. Marijuana use can impair important skills required for safe driving by:

• slowing your reaction time and ability to make decisions,
• impairing coordination, and
• distorting perception.

Studies have shown an association between acute marijuana use and car crashes, work-related accidents, etc., but more research is needed. It is difficult to connect the presence of marijuana or concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive properties (the “high”), to impairment in driving performance for an individual person. Studies conducted by SAMSHA with pilots in simulators show an increased impairment at roughly 86 nanograms/ml of urine. (a nanogram is a very small number at 1 billionth of a gram). Studies have shown that the use of multiple substances (such as marijuana and alcohol) at the same time can exacerbate impairment.

It is a good idea to prepare to have a designated driver while using the psychoactive cannabinoids and to avoid cannabinoid use altogether when expected to operate machinery or perform complex tasks. Since not all cannabinoids can cause
impairment we have designated with a warning sticker on those products that can be psychoactive. Look for it and use safely for all.

Transparency and safety are very important in everything we make. Our client base has access to all Certificates of Analysis on our products through the QR codes found right on the label.

If you are a wholesale or white label customer these QR codes are provided at the time of sale for your use. Most product categories are tested a minimum of 3 times before leaving our facility. Every product is labeled with useful warning labels and if they are psychoactive will be marked appropriately.

Buying CBD online can be safe, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure a positive and secure experience. Here are some tips to consider when purchasing CBD products online:

Check for Third-Party Lab Testing: Carolina Natural Solutions provides third-party lab testing results for their products. These tests verify the product’s contents and ensure it meets safety and potency standards.

Read Product Labels: Carefully read product labels and descriptions to understand the content, ingredients, and any potential additives. Ensure that the product matches your intended use and dosage requirements.

Check for THC Content: Depending on your location and personal preferences, you may want to ensure that the CBD product contains little to no THC, as

Verify Legal Status: CBD’s legal status can vary by location. Make sure you understand the laws and regulations regarding CBD products in your area before making a purchase, so Carolina Natural Solutions takes great care to avoid advertising where legal regulations do not permit it.

Secure Payment Methods: Carolina Natural Solutions uses secure and reputable payment methods when making online purchases to protect your financial information.

Start with a Lower Dosage: If you’re new to CBD, consider starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing it as needed. This can help you gauge its effects on your body.

Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before using CBD, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe for you.

Be Cautious of Unrealistic Claims: Avoid products that make extravagant health claims or promise miraculous results. CBD can have various benefits, but it is not a cure-all.

By following these tips and being an informed consumer, you can enhance the safety of buying CBD online. Additionally, stay updated on the latest research and regulations regarding CBD can also help you make informed decisions by reading our Blog.

USPS, UPS, and FedEx

That depends on your location and the specific laws and regulations in place. To ensure a smooth delivery process and compliance with local regulations, it’s advisable to have a valid government-issued ID ready when receiving your CBD order.

No. We currently do not ship internationally.