Cannabis sativa L. is an annual plant believed to have originated in Central Asia. With a history spanning thousands of years, it has been used for various purposes, including the production of fibres, seeds and oils, as well as in traditional medicine.
Cannabis varieties differ in their natural composition and cannabinoid profile. Cannabis with a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), commonly known as marijuana, produces psychoactive or intoxicating effects. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, contains a very low concentration of THC and may be naturally rich in cannabidiol (CBD), which does not produce an intoxicating effect.
Today, cannabis and its natural components are attracting increasing scientific interest. Certain cannabinoid-based medicines are already approved for specific medical conditions, while many other potential applications continue to be investigated.
The Extract Used in KANOIL®
The extract used in KANOIL® products is obtained from carefully cultivated medicinal cannabis that is naturally rich in CBD. The plant material undergoes strict quality control, including testing for pesticide and herbicide residues.
The extract is produced using low-temperature CO₂ extraction, without the use of organic solvents. This gentle process helps preserve the plant’s natural profile while ensuring consistent purity and quality.
As a full-spectrum extract, it contains CBD together with other naturally occurring components of medicinal cannabis, including minor cannabinoids and terpenes.
Terpenes
The terpenes found in KANOIL® oils are natural aromatic compounds responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavour of cannabis. They are also naturally present in many other plants, herbs, fruits and flowers.
However, terpenes are more than just aromatic compounds. Depending on the type, some are known for their calming and relaxing properties, while others are associated with a sense of freshness, improved mood and enhanced concentration.
Other Natural Components
KANOIL® oils also contain omega fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9), flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, glycosides, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E and F), pigments, alkanes and nitrogen-containing compounds. These natural components play an important role in cell formation and renewal, metabolic processes, the normal functioning of different systems in the body and the support of overall health.
Unlike pharmaceutical formulations containing individual, isolated or synthetic cannabinoids, natural cannabis-based products are distinguished by the synergistic action of their different plant components. Each component has its own characteristic properties, but their greatest value comes from the plant’s complex natural composition and the way in which they complement one another. These components also help preserve the plant’s complete natural profile, the stability of the extract and its distinctive properties.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. The best known are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC).
KANOIL® oils have a carefully controlled cannabinoid profile. CBD is the predominant cannabinoid, while Δ⁹-THC is present only in trace amounts, at a concentration below 0.2%. In addition to CBD, the oils contain other naturally occurring cannabinoids, including CBDA, CBG and CBN.
In a full-spectrum extract such as the one used in KANOIL®, cannabinoids, terpenes and other natural components work together and complement one another. This synergistic action is known as the “entourage effect.” Simply put, the plant’s natural components work as a team: CBD is the predominant component, while the other cannabinoids and terpenes complement its action.
Thanks to this natural combination, a full-spectrum extract may contribute to greater relaxation, an improved ability to cope with everyday stress, better-quality sleep, enhanced physical comfort and support for the body’s natural balance.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main and most extensively studied phytocannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It is produced in the plant’s resinous glands, which are most abundant in the flowers and upper flowering parts. Its concentration is not the same in all plants but depends on the variety, growing conditions and processing method.
Scientific interest in CBD is increasing significantly because of its complex influence on multiple biological processes in the body. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the characteristic psychoactive or intoxicating effect. However, this does not mean that it is completely free from adverse effects. In some individuals, it may cause drowsiness, fatigue or digestive discomfort.
The strongest clinical evidence for CBD relates to its use as adjunctive therapy in certain rare forms of epilepsy. In addition, encouraging but still limited clinical results have been observed regarding anxiety in specific stressful situations, certain sleep disorders, psychotic symptoms and the reduction of chronic pain. Small clinical studies are also investigating its potential in Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and other movement disorders. Laboratory and preclinical research additionally indicates potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective and dermatological properties, although these effects are not yet established therapeutic indications.
The Endocannabinoid System and the Action of CBD
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a natural regulatory system present throughout the human body. Its primary role is to help maintain internal balance, known as homeostasis.
This system consists of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body and the enzymes responsible for their production and breakdown. Through this extensive network, the endocannabinoid system participates in regulating sleep, mood, the stress response, appetite, pain perception, the immune response and other important physiological processes.
Unlike THC, CBD does not directly activate CB1 receptors and therefore does not produce an intoxicating effect. It influences the endocannabinoid system in a more indirect and complex manner while also interacting with other receptors and biological pathways.
Research conducted to date demonstrates numerous positive health effects in the human body:
- Easier relaxation and coping with everyday stress
- Improved sleep and quality of rest
- Relief of inflammation and chronic pain
- Protection and normal functioning of nerve cells
- Reduced frequency of certain epileptic seizures
- Muscle relaxation and reduction of spasms
- Regulation of the immune response
- Regulation of blood glucose and lipid levels and blood pressure through the prevention of cardiovascular disease
- Soothing of sensitive, dry or irritated skin when applied topically
- Reduction of nausea and vomiting, although the clinical evidence mainly relates to medicines that also contain THC