Whether you’ve browsed through shelves of CBD-infused beauty products or you’ve heard reporters debate the legalities surrounding THC in the UK, the chances are that you already have some understanding of cannabinoids. 

 

As the primary compound found in cannabis, THC is the cannabinoid which has attracted the most attention across the globe. However, the conversation surrounding different cannabinoids has escalated in recent years as the benefits of CBD have become discussed worldwide. Despite this, it’s fair to say that many people don’t really understand what cannabinoids are and what they do.

 

The same is also true for terpenes. Understanding terpenes is important for anyone who purchases or uses cannabinoid-infused products, but it’s still a phenomenon that lots of consumers are yet to grasp an understanding of. 

 

At Little Rick, we’re fascinated by the science behind cannabinoids and terpenes. In fact, it’s this science that has helped us create what we believe to be the most relaxing drink on the planet! That’s why we’ve put together an easy-to-understand guide to cannabinoids and terpenes, including the definitions, differences and effects of each.

What are cannabinoids?

 

First up - what are cannabinoids? Put simply, these are the compounds found within cannabis plants. To date, 113 cannabinoids have been identified within the cannabis plant, including the well-known tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). 

 

To truly understand what cannabinoids are, we first need to have an understanding of what’s going on in our body. So, what do we know?

Cannabinoids and the body

 

Within the human brain, we have something called an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our endocannabinoid system is known to play a role in the way we sleep, eat and regulate moods and emotions, alongside a whole host of other processes. 

 

There are three elements that allow the endocannabinoid system to function this way:

 

• Endocannabinoids: These are naturally occurring neurotransmitters produced by your body to assist with the functioning of your internal systems.

 

• Endocannabinoid receptors: When endocannabinoids identify that your body needs help regulating a physiological process, such as feeling pain, it produces the volume of endocannabinoids needed to do so. These endocannabinoids then bind to receptors to alert them to the instability within the body.

 

• Enzymes: Once the endocannabinoids have performed what they were produced to do, they are then broken down by the endocannabinoid system’s enzymes. 

 

When cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, they can cause your body to experience different effects. The effects vary depending on the cannabinoid and how it interacts with the receptors, which is why we wouldn’t feel the same after THC was absorbed into our bloodstream as we would with CBD.

 

Why does this happen and what effects can cannabinoids have?

What are the effects of cannabinoids?

 

As we’ve mentioned, cannabinoids have different effects on the body depending on how they interact with the endocannabinoid system. These effects change how different cannabinoids are used and perceived in today’s society; THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid with mind-altering effects while CBD is associated with helping people feel calm and relaxed. 

Why does THC have mind-altering effects?

 

This is due to the fact that THC mimics the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids when it enters the bloodstream. Like endocannabinoids, it attaches to the system’s receptors and causes an imbalance. 

 

The endocannabinoids within the brain are effectively thrown off course, which can have varying effects on the processes the ECS helps to regulate. This is why people report intense feelings of happiness, distorted thinking, higher levels of pain relief, memory loss and an increase in appetite after consuming THC. This is typically known as feeling ‘high’. 

What effects does CBD have?

 

Unlike THC, ingesting CBD will not cause you to feel high or euphoric. This is because CBD does not bind to the ECS’s receptors to cause mind-altering effects, as THC does. Instead, CBD appears to block the enzymes in the ECS from breaking down the endocannabinoids responsible for regulating pain sensitivity, moods and so on.

 

By preventing them from breaking down, the endocannabinoids can continue to regulate these processes; this has been associated with pain relief, anxiety relief and improved sleep quality. For this reason, CBD-infused products have exploded in popularity in recent years, as more and more people look for ways to unwind after particularly stressful days at work and study. 

 

As CBD-infused products have become increasingly popular, conversations surrounding terpenes - especially those found in cannabidiol and other cannabinoids - have also increased. But, what are terpenes and what do they have to do with cannabinoids?

What are terpenes?

While you may not have heard of terpenes before, they actually play a huge role in the production of many foods and beauty products. This is due to the fact that terpenes are organic molecules produced by plants and known for their distinctive scents and fragrances. 

 

Put simply, they are the compounds which give particular plants their great smell, such as the zesty smell of oranges produced by limonene and the beautiful smell of lavender produced by linalool. Terpenes are also responsible for giving different hemp strains their aroma, but that’s not all! 

 

There are over 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant, many of which have been found to have varying effects on the human body. Some of the primary terpenes found in hemp strains include:

 

Linalool: Many hemp strains contain linalool, which is the terpene responsible for giving lavender its relaxing effect. 

 

Myrcene: This terpene is found in thyme, mango and cardamom, and offers many anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

 

Pinene: Responsible for giving pine trees their distinctive aroma, the pinene terpene is also known to be anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

 

Humulene: The humulene terpene is found in coriander and hops and is responsible for their distinctively earthy smell. One of the main qualities of this terpene is that it can suppress appetite. 

 

Limonene: Found in citrus fruits, limonene can help to relieve stress and anxiety. It has also been used to treat bronchitis.

 

Caryophyllene: This terpene is found in rosemary, hops and cloves and can help to relieve feelings of anxiety and sleeplessness. 

 

As terpenes have different fragrances and effects on the human body, the hemp strains in which they appear can be selected and used to offer a different experience to consumers. 

 

In fact, research suggests that the terpenes found in particular strains of the cannabis plant can mitigate and increase the effect of some cannabinoids. This is referred to as the entourage effect.

 

The entourage effect

 

The entourage effect is the idea that certain cannabinoids react with the terpenes in the cannabis plant to mitigate the mind-altering effects caused by THC, which is a psychoactive compound. 

 

This would suggest that using the entire cannabis plant is more beneficial than isolating separate components, as the other cannabinoids and terpenes within the plant can ease some of the negative effects of consuming cannabis, such as feelings of paranoia and anxiety. 

 

In particular, research suggests that CBD is highly effective at mitigating the effects of THC, especially when combined with terpenes that enhance its natural qualities. The applications of this research could be revolutionary, especially within the field of cannabinoids for medicinal purposes. 

 

Over the past few years, the benefits of CBD have become clearer. However, understanding the impact of terpenes on cannabinoids is also imperative in order to benefit from CBD’s therapeutic effects. The future of CBD is set to be a fascinating one, and is one that we at Little Rick are proud to be a part of! 

 

Little Rick: Cannabinoid-infused drinks with a twist

 

There’s no denying that cannabinoid-infused products are on the rise, and we at Little Rick are pretty confident that our sparkling drinks are up there with the best on the market. We know just how beneficial CBD and other cannabinoids can be, which is why we’ve created a way of packing them into a tantalisingly tasty selection of drinks. 

 

Our cocktail-inspired drinks are produced with fresh and fruity ingredients to give them a flavoursome twist and are infused with cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG) to help you wind down after a busy day.

 

If there’s nothing you fancy more than curling up on the sofa after a hectic day at the office, Little Rick drinks are here for you. Available in Mint & Lime, Raspberry Coconut or Piña, these beverages are designed to mimic alcohol without the calories, sugar or hangover. What could be better?

 

Ready for your first taste of Little Rick? Get your hands on our range of cannabinoid-infused drinks today by browsing our online shop. 

As word gets out about the myriad of benefits associated with cannabidiol, often abbreviated to CBD, more and more people have started to wonder: what is CBD and why has it become so popular? 

 

At Little Rick, we believe the benefits of CBD are something to shout about. We’re fascinated by CBD, which is one of the principal cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Despite this, it isn’t responsible for causing any mind-altering effects or the feeling of being ‘high’. 

 

It is, however, accredited with a range of benefits, such as working to relieve stress and pain.  That’s why we’ve created a range of cannabinoid-infused drinks expertly blended to help our customers relax and unwind. 

 

Want to know more about the benefits of CBD? Here are just six reasons why so many people are celebrating the rise of this fascinating compound. 

 

CBD is available in a variety of forms

One of the qualities that has contributed to CBD’s rising popularity is the fact it’s available in a variety of forms. This gives people the opportunity to take CBD in a form they prefer and have a positive experience with.

For some people, this may be consuming CBD oil, which is sold on high streets across the UK. This is one of the most popular ways of ingesting it as CBD oil contains one of the highest concentrates of cannabidiol, however, there are many other ways to reap its benefits.

 

For instance, some people prefer to sit back with a CBD-infused beverage. Depending on the quantities of CBD blended into drinks, consumers can enjoy the relaxing effects of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids as an alternative to drinking alcohol.

 

In addition to this, you can also purchase CBD-infused sweets, cakes, cosmetics and much more, depending on your preferences! 

CBD has been linked to anxiety relief 

 

CBD has been accredited with a long list of benefits, however, it has been associated with anxiety relief in particular. This is one of the main reasons why CBD-infused products have exploded in popularity in recent years, as an increasing number of people struggle with anxiety-related issues and feeling burned out.

 

For many people, anxiety disorders can be debilitating and distressing. Finding ways to relieve the feelings of paranoia and uneasiness characteristic of such disorders can help people to feel more comfortable in certain situations, such as when socialising or going to work. For this reason, therapies and medications which can relieve these symptoms are highly sought after. 

 

While CBD is not yet considered to be a type of therapy, treatment or medicine, research has found that it may have anxiety-reducing qualities. CBD has been linked to reduced stress, better sleep quality and a lower heart rate, and in the future, may be used as a treatment for anxiety disorders, including PTSD and insomnia. 

 

CBD has been linked to pain relief

 

Another great benefit of CBD is that it has been associated with pain relief. The use of CBD to provide relief to people in pain is an interesting one, as many people search for natural alternatives to pain relief medication.

 

The effects of THC on pain relief have been debated for decades, but as it is a psychoactive cannabinoid, some people also experience negative effects after consumption, such as feelings of paranoia and nervousness. These feelings can be especially counterproductive for people who struggle with stress and anxiety, which is why CBD has spiked in popularity as an alternative to THC for pain relief. 

 

This is largely because CBD doesn’t cause any mind-altering effects. It simply encourages the brain to use the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids more efficiently, which in turn, helps the body to regulate and manage pain more effectively. 

 

This has made CBD a point of interest for researchers across the world, many of whom believe that CBD-based medicines could become commonplace in the future. 

 

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation of the joints  

 

Over time, inflammation of the joints caused by a variety of issues can lead to chronic pain in people of all ages. Chronic inflammation can be the symptom of a number of conditions, such as arthritis, tuberculosis and asthma, and as a result, research surrounding pain relief treatments for inflammation has been extensive.

 

In recent years, a lot of this research has centred around CBD in particular. It has been suggested that using CBD could help to reduce inflammation by encouraging the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to block pain pathways and reduce sensitivity to painful stimuli. 

 

This is just one theory. According to a 2017 study, it is yet to be determined whether or not cannabidiol reduces inflammation by interacting with the endocannabinoid system or whether it directly targets immune cells. 

More research is necessary to determine exactly how cannabidiol has an effect on inflammation, however, it’s a promising field of research for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and other affected conditions.

CBD is associated with improved sleep quality

 

Insomnia is something that many people struggle with at some point in their life. For some people, a particularly stressful event or period of time can lead to sleepless nights, whereas for others, bouts of insomnia may develop as a result of anxiety-related disorders.

 

This is another area where research has heralded the benefits of CBD. Similarly to how cannabidiol interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help the body manage pain, it also encourages the ECS to regulate sleep processes. 

 

By encouraging the body to regulate its sleep cycle, CBD appears to improve sleep quality for people who would otherwise struggle to unwind at night. In turn, improved sleep quality has been linked to a reduction in feelings of anxiety and stress levels, making CBD a highly interesting area of research for scientists focusing on natural therapies and remedies.

 

CBD has been used to treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis 

 

Perhaps one of the most impressive benefits of cannabidiol is that it has been used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. In fact, the research surrounding the effects of CBD on people living with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis has been so positive that as of November 2019, the NHS has approved two cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of these two conditions. 

 

In the UK, doctors can now prescribe Epidyolex - a medicine used to treat children with two types of epilepsy, Lennox Gastuat syndrome and Dravet syndrome. According to the BBC, studies have shown that the CBD-based solution could ‘reduce the number of seizures by up to 40% in some children’. 

 

This ruling by the NHS also means that doctors can now prescribe Sativex to patients with multiple sclerosis. This treatment, which also contains CBD, is used to treat muscle spasms. However, as the solution also contains the psychoactive compound THC, it cannot be prescribed as a treatment for pain relief. 

 

This is a truly exciting time for researchers and doctors, as the future of cannabis-based medicines could be revolutionary. In the future, it is predicted that CBD-based medicines will be used to treat a range of disorders and conditions across the globe. 

 

Embrace the benefits of CBD with a cannabinoid-infused drink from Little Rick

 

At Little Rick, we want everyone to experience the relaxing effects of CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. That’s why we’ve come up with three delicious cannabinoid-infused drinks packed with the legal limit of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG), not to mention a tantalising blend of fruity flavourings.

 

Our cocktail-inspired drinks, available in Mint & Lime, Raspberry Coconut and Piña, contain 32mg of CBD per 330ml and are expertly mixed to offer you a refreshing alternative to alcohol. We’ve harnessed the relaxing effects of cannabinoids to create the perfect end to a long day, so whenever you feel the need to unwind, you can simply sit back and relax with a Little Rick in hand. 

 

The best part? You don’t have to worry about waking up with a hangover. Little Rick drinks are completely alcohol-free and contain only naturally occurring cannabinoids. The relaxing effects of one Little Rick drink can last up to eight hours, so you can truly unwind and sink into your evening after a stressful day at work. 

 

Interested in trying your first taste of our fruity cannabinoid-infused mocktails? Browse our online shop for more information today. Our drinks are available in packs of 6, 12 and 24 and all nutritional information is listed on our website. 

After a long day of work or study, there’s nothing like walking through your own front door and collapsing onto the sofa. This is your time to relax and make sure you’re ready to start the next day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated - so you want to use it wisely!

 

Find it difficult to switch off after a busy day? Here are five simple ways to unwind.

 

Cook a delicious meal

 

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a chef, whipping up a delectable meal in the kitchen could be the perfect way to relax after a stressful day. The simple act of chopping vegetables and choosing seasonings can take your mind off anything that’s bothering you, so even if food preparation isn’t your forte, there’s still a lot to be said for cooking as a form of relaxation. 

 

Go for a short walk 

 

Office workers everywhere will know how difficult it can be to get outside during the day. If you’ve been stuck inside from morning until night, consider using your evenings as an opportunity to step outside and get some fresh air. 

 

Even taking a stroll around the block or to your local corner shop can be a great way to stretch your legs and put the day into perspective.

 

Switch off your phone

 

In today’s digital age, we are often expected to be available for contact 24-hours a day. This can leave us feeling on edge during our downtime and cause us to feel busy and burned out, even when we’re supposed to be relaxing. 

 

Nobody wants to spend their evening checking for texts or emails, so why not switch off your phone when you get home from work? Even switching off your phone for just an hour or so can be hugely beneficial. 

 

Treat yourself to a hand or foot massage

 

When we find ways to release tension in our bodies, any stress we are carrying often melts away. One simple way to do this is to treat yourself to a quick hand or foot massage while you watch television or just before you fall asleep at night. This gives you ten minutes to focus entirely on yourself and to work away at any tension you may be experiencing. 

 

Kick back with a Little Rick

 

For a uniquely refreshing approach to relaxation, why not kick back with a Little Rick? Infused with cannabinoids and mixed with a medley of delectable flavours, Little Rick drinks take inspiration from the world’s favourite cocktails, reinventing them with one subtle twist: they’re alcohol-free.

 

Instead of alcohol, each drink is infused with cannabidiol, cannabigerol and cannabichromene to create a truly relaxing effect. Whether you’re winding down with a film or simply listening to music, Little Rick is the accompaniment you need. 

 

For your first taste of pure relaxation, browse our selection of Little Rick drinks on our website or order wholesale from our online shop. Choose between Mint & Lime, Raspberry Coconut or Piña and see how good it feels to unwind today. 

From CBD oil to CBD-infused beauty products, there’s no denying that cannabinoid-infused products have become increasingly popular in recent years. 

 

In particular, cannabinoid-infused drinks are flying off the shelves, with more and more people seeking the benefits of CBD, CBC and CBG without forking out for expensive face creams and diffusers.

 

Unlike many products, cannabinoid drinks certainly aren’t a fad - they’re here to stay! Fancy the idea of kicking back with a cannabinoid-infused beverage? Here are just five benefits to enjoy:

 

Cannabinoid drinks can help you unwind

 

One of the greatest benefits of cannabinoid drinks is that they are blended to help you relax. Ingesting cannabinoids is one of the most effective ways to release them into the bloodstream and to feel their full effects, making infused drinks a top choice for a truly refreshing experience. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, the effects of cannabinoids generally last up to eight hours, allowing you to really sit back and switch off. 

There are a variety of drinks to choose from 

 

As an expanding market, and one which is only set to increase in popularity, it’s no surprise that cannabinoid-infused drinks are available in a variety of different types. Whether you like the sound of sipping on CBD-infused tea or enjoying a cannabinoid-infused mojito, there are plenty of options available. 

They’re delicious!

 

There’s a common conception that cannabinoid-infused drinks will have a funny or displeasing taste, however, this simply isn’t true. Infused drinks can be blended with a variety of delectable flavours to create a truly tantalising taste, making them one of - if not the - most refreshing CBD, CBC or CBG-infused products on the market. 

 

They won’t have a psychoactive effect

 

When drinking a CBD-infused drink, you won’t need to worry about any psychoactive effects. While these beverages are produced to help you unwind, they do not contain THC, which is the main psychoactive cannabinoid identified in cannabis. Instead, they are typically mixed with CBD, CBC and CBG, which are non-psychoactive cannabinoids associated with anxiety relief, pain relief and many other benefits. 

They’re a refreshing alternative to alcohol

Like alcohol, cannabinoid drinks can help people unwind after a long day. They are produced and blended with relaxation in mind, yet unlike alcohol, are not linked to a long list of health concerns. So, whether you avoid alcohol completely or are simply hoping to cut down for health reasons, consider swapping beer for a cannabinoid mocktail, such as those mixed by Little Rick. 

 

For the tastiest selection of cannabinoid-infused beverages, look no further than Little Rick. Combining infusions of CBD, CBC and CBG with a variety of fruity flavours, Little Rick drinks provide a refreshing alternative to alcohol. 

 

Available in three irresistible flavours, including Mint & Lime, Raspberry Coconut and Piña, Little Rick drinks are the perfect accompaniment to help you relax and unwind. For more information, browse our online shop or get in touch with us today.