All about CBD

Similar to cannabis, CBD arouses as much fear as interest. Legalized in France a few years ago, this molecule is attracting more and more consumers for its many benefits. But what is the reality? Where does CBD come from, and how can it best be used? Our answers to your questions!

 

What exactly is CBD?

CBD is a molecule naturally present in one plant: cultivated hemp (cannabis sativa) or, more commonly, cannabis. This flowering plant of the Cannabinaceae family contains several compounds with very different effects. Among the best known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Each substance derived from hemp does not affect the body in the same way. Unlike THC, CBD has been legally authorized in France since 2020 and is not considered a psychotropic or narcotic drug. The reason? Before being marketed, it is " extracted from cannabis and then purified, i.e. cleaned of any other active compounds that may be present "(Assurance Maladie).

To be authorized for sale, CBD products and extracts must not contain more than 0.3% THC. 

What are the health benefits of CBD?

Numerous studies have been carried out to understand the properties of CBD. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it does not present any health hazards or addiction risks.[1]. It goes even further, recognizing its therapeutic effects on :

•   Pain and inflammation

CBD may help relieve pain[2] and exerts an anti-inflammatory action. Our endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating biological processes such as pain perception, the nervous system and hunger. By targeting the activity of the receptors making up this system (CB1 and CB2), CBD is thought to help reduce inflammatory pain.

•   Stress and anxiety

According to scientific literature, CBD acts on the nervous system and has sedative, relaxing and soothing properties.[3]. It is therefore a valuable aid in the fight against stress, nervousness and anxiety.[4]
and help people with anxiety to feel more relaxed.  

•   Sleep disorders

CBD is said to help induce sleep, thanks in part to its positive effect on anxiety.
 
It should be noted, however, that the effects of CBD vary from person to person, and depend on several factors such as dosage, the type of product used and frequency of use.

 

Side effects of CBD

Taken in normal doses, CBD has very few side effects. It may occasionally cause:
- loss of appetite ;
- dry mouth;
- hypotension;
- diarrhea;
- mood swings;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness.

Using CBD: precautions to take

As with many herbal products, precautions should be taken regarding :

•   Pregnant and breast-feeding women

At present, very little research has been carried out into the effects of CBD on the foetus and infant. To avoid any risk, its consumption is strongly discouraged.
 

•   Drug interactions

Some studies have shown that CBD can interact with certain drugs, speeding up - or slowing down - their breakdown by the body. This is notably the case with several antidepressants, antiepileptics, sedatives, anticoagulants or anticonvulsants[5].

Find out more list of drugs concerned in our guide to using CBD oil.
 
If you have any health problems or are undergoing treatment, be sure to seek the advice of your healthcare professional before considering CBD products.

Will I get "high" when I use CBD?

Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This means it doesn't have any "high" or euphoric properties. The reason? THC, with its psychoactive effects, is links directly to CB1 and CB2 nerve receptors in the brain to create a feeling of intoxication.
This is not the case with CBD: it possesses indirect interactions with these receptors and acts as an antipsychotic[6] by preventing the THC molecule from binding to the CB1 receptor.
 

What are the different CBD products?

CBD comes in different forms. Some products, such as ointments, are used to target specific areas of the body. Others, such as oil, are used internally to relieve anxiety. The choice of product thus depends on your consumption preferences, desired effects and desired dosage.
  

Types of CBD products	Consumption mode
Oils	A few drops under the tongue or diluted in a drink.
CBDresins and flowers	They can be inhaled via a vaporizer, added to a dish or prepared as an infusion.
Crystals	This form allows a multitude of uses: in recipes added to a fatty substance (oil, butter), directly under the tongue, cutaneously with a cream or in an e-liquid.
Infusions and herbal teas	These are plants (verbena, chamomile, lemon balm, etc.) infused with CBD. They are consumed in a cup of hot water with - if you wish - honey or milk.
Capsules and capsules	To be swallowed directly.
Confectionery	In gummies (the most common form), chocolates or lozenges, they can be eaten just like traditional sweets.
Cosmetics	In creams, lotions and balms to be applied to the skin.
E-liquids	Inhale with a vaporizer or electronic cigarette
Patches	Apply to the skin to enjoy its benefits all day long.

Buying CBD: what to look out for?

For your safety, CBD products should come from reliable sellers. When shopping, here are three things to pay attention to:
 

•   The spectrum

Some CBD products, especially oils, come in two forms: broad spectrum and full spectrum. The difference? The THC content. Full-spectrum oil retains all cannabinoids during extraction, including THC (within the legal limit of 0.3%). Broad-spectrum oil, on the other hand, has been treated to remove all traces of THC.
 

•   Concentration

CBD products generally contain between 5% and 40% CBD. The choice depends on your needs and the intensity of the ailments you wish to relieve (pain, stress, etc.). If you're new to CBD, it's advisable to start with a low dose and gradually adjust according to how you feel. When in doubt, rely on the manufacturer's recommended dosages on the label.
 

•   Third-party laboratory testing

To be sure that the product is of good quality, turn to a trusted seller who uses an independent laboratory to check its products.
 
 
 
Sources :

[1] World Health Organization, Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. "World Health Organization Committee critical review of CBD".

[2] Darkovska-Serafimovska M, Serafimovska T, Arsova-Sarafinovska Z, Stefanoski S, Keskovski Z, Balkanov T. Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases. J Pain Res. 2018 Apr 23;11:837-842. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S160556. PMID: 29719417; PMCID: PMC5922297.

[3] Study file "CBD and its effects" LFEL, French e-liquid laboratory

[4] Pinto JV, Saraf G, Frysch C, Vigo D, Keramatian K, Chakrabarty T, Lam RW, Kauer-Sant'Anna M, Yatham LN. Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review. Can J Psychiatry. 2020 Apr;65(4):213-227. doi: 10.1177/0706743719895195. Epub 2019 Dec 13. PMID: 31830820; PMCID: PMC7385425.

[5] Shane-McWhorter, L. (2022, January 12). Cannabidiol (CBD). MSD Manuals for the General Public. https://www.msdmanuals.com/fr/accueil/sujets-particuliers/compl%C3%A9ments-alimentaires-et-vitamines/cannabidiol-cbd#Quels-sont-les-effets-secondaires-possibles-du-CBD-?_v61150985_fr

[6] 11 Schubart CD1, Sommer IE2, Fusar-Poli P3, de Witte L2, Kahn RS1, Boks MP, "Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis," Eur Neuropsy- chopharmacol, 24(1):51-64, November 15, 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24309088