This is probably the biggest disconnect we see between actual NIH CBD research and what's offered on the market.
We looked at the type of CBD for MCAS but results are night and day between CBD isolate versus CBD full spectrum (broad spectrum included).
Let's look at why people with MCAS can have such bad responses to full spectrum which completely go away with CBD isolate.
This is most true for MCAS as opposed to other reasons people use CBD for (pain, sleep, etc).
We'll learn with these topics:
- Quick explanation of CBD isolate versus full spectrum
- Other cannabinoids and MCAS
- Plant material in full spectrum and MCAS
- Quality of CBD product and MCAS
Let's get started!
Quick explanation of CBD isolate versus full spectrum
Let's skip the marketing hype. What is the actual difference between the two?
CBD isolate is CBD by itself. That's where 95% of the research on MCAS lies. We have a huge review on CBD and MCAS explained or CBD and histamine.
Ultimately, CBD is a Mast Cell stabilizer in the research and without tolerance as we'll learn below, is so so important.
So…what is full spectrum?
Full or broad spectrum generally speaks to the raw hemp plant more intact. CBD is just one component of this makeup and usually, more CBD is added back to the hemp mix.
This means addition of the following:
- Other cannabinoids including a small percentage of THC if legal CBD product
- Terpenes, flavanols, and phytochemicals found naturally in hemp
- Generally a base oil of hemp or others (olive and MCT are also popular)
It's the first two that really drive the difference for MCAS as we'll see below.
One note…the term "entourage effect" is always bandied about as a selling point for full spectrum CBD.
It's implied that the various cannabinoids and other plant materials work synergistically or increase strength of each other.
Actually, that term is from the father of CBD research to show how CBD would counter the negatives of THC. Quite the opposite actually. Big review of this effect here or learn about CBD versus THC.
Let's breakdown the two big differences.
Other cannabinoids and MCAS
Understand that MCAS is really a function of the immune system being hyperactivated.
Mast cells are just a forward guard for our immune response to foreign actors (chemicals, bacteria, viruses, etc).
There's really impressive research on CBD isolate and mast cells. Generally, they help to calm this response when hyperactivated but not when running low (very important).
What about the other cannabinoids? Let's walk through the big ones.
THC and MCAS
THC is basically an immunosuppressant. This may be good news initially for MCAS but it's not a long term tool.
Why?
THC hits too hard and for too long relative to the chemical in our body that it mimics called Anandamide.
That's why cannabis has all the weird effects psychologically.
The problem is that the body doesn't like hammer-effect and will slowly reduce the number and sensitivity of CB1 receptors where both anandamide and THC interact.
You're slowly losing your natural mast cell calming pathway!
It's called tolerance and it's the enemy of most medications (SSRIs, benzos, pain meds, etc).
CBD doesn't build tolerance since it supports this pathway…when running LOW!
We go deep into CBD versus THC or why CBD is a must if you use THC.
So…what about the other cannabinoids?
CBN is basically discount THC. THC at a much lower effect (and usually, level naturally in the plant).
We have a big review on CBN versus CBD.
Delta8 is the new darling of the CBD marketplace and it's a horrible chase of money (in our opinion). We tried it and it was a terrible result (see our Delta8 effect).
It's slightly different chemically from THC (technically, called Delta9) and somehow, the FDA didn't regulate it's use even though it's a trainwreck in terms of bad effects in some people.
CBG? Not as strong as CBN. Not as broadly effective as CBD.
Check out the pathways affected by the various endocannabinoids.
Again, most of these other cannabinoids are super small levels anyway naturally in the hemp plant unless they're injected back into the finish full/broad CBD product.
But why do that when CBD has so much more research, no tolerance, and a stronger safety profile?
Sales. Marketing. Prove us wrong with research. We're waiting.
Learn how CBD actually works and compare CBD versus CBN versus CBG.
For MCAS, it's about claming the immune response but not too much. Goldilocks. CBD is a positive allosteric modulator which means it calms inflammation when too high.
Actually, it will jack up inflammation (oxidative stress) in cancerous or virally infected cells! This is fantastic news as that's how our body kills off wayward cells.
Check out CBD and cancer tools to learn more.
It's a perfect fit for MCAS as we need our mast cells to still respond to foreign bad actors.
What about the other big sales pitch with full or broad spectrum.
Plant material in full spectrum and MCAS
Then there's the various plant material found in the hemp plant.
Look, we're big fans of whole foods and the like but for MCAS, these chemicals can be a nightmare.
In fact, our mast cells are geared to respond to chemicals just like these..especially in the gut where our immune systems setting is set.
Ever wonder why your MCAS sets off in response to various foods?
Hello! It's the terpenes, flavanols, and phytochemicals.
Once you understand what these really are about, it all becomes clear.
Plants can't run away when a predator is trying to eat them.
So they developed a chemical arsenal to ward off insects, birds, animals, and even us!
Some of these terpenes and phytochemicals are essentially naturally pesticides.
We're not poisoned by them (per se) because of our size but our system definitely doesn't like them.
- Phalates
- Oxelates
- Phytates
Take a guess what system actives in response to these common chemicals in seeds, nuts, plants, and even hemp.
Mast Cells! Get the foreign poison or predator OUT!
Look, just look at our reviews to see the difference when people use CBD isolate in a clean base oil (MCT oil from organic coconut) versus full spectrum.
It's the whole reason we got into CBD isolate originally 3-4 of the biggest full spectrum CBD brands sent our gut into a tailspin with the classic allergic histamine effects.
Our story is here but you're probably dealing with the same effects if MCAS is in the mix.
One final piece which is critical to MCAS and the type of CBD.
Quality of CBD product and MCAS
This may be the most important for MCAS.
By default, MCAS is a hyperactivated immune system and that system is designed to respond to foreign entities.
That's why histamine is front and center leading the charge.
Our CBD needs to be…clean!
We test our CBD and provide the 3rd party testing here for:
- No pesticides
- No mold
- No bacteria
- No solvents
- No heavy metals (not always tested with other brands)
The last one is critical since hemp is a powerful soil remediator which means it just pulls substances right out of the soil.
In fact, the military would use hemp to clean old firing ranges!
That's why we MUST test for heavy metals.
The research on CBD and MCAS is pretty outstanding but only if it's clear of other contaminants.
We also need to make sure it's CBD isolate with no THC.
THC naturally suppresses the immune system but it pushes in one direction which means the body will build up tolerance and push the other way!
Longer term, this is not the way to better health and healing from MCAS.
We test our CBD for other cannabinoids as well and purity of the CBD.
Finally, and this part is much more nuanced.
We small batch produce our CBD and cold process it with CO2. This is an expensive process compared to the various heat-based hexane,butane and other "burning" processes.
The net effect is night and day and you'll feel it when you test our CBD versus other big brands.
The big brands can't really process this way because they're operating at scale. It's just too slow when you're churning out 1000's of bottles at a time.
Again, test it side by side.
We have deeper dives on CBD isolate versus full spectrum for histamine as well as the best type of CBD for MCAS.
Reach out with any questions.