Understanding CBD: state of the art of cannabidiol

CBD and THC are often mistakenly confused because cannabidiol differs in many ways. Sometimes called “cannabis light”, this molecule found in cannabis is experiencing a real craze. But, what is CBD? How does it work in the body? Is it legal in France? Detailed decoding of this non-psychotropic active ingredient with relaxing effects.

What is CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation for the term "cannabidiol". To better understand the subject as a whole, let's start by defining the term cannabinoid. It is a family of molecules found in cannabis. For your information, there are 500 different cannabinoids in cannabis. The most common active ingredient in the cannabis plant is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as TCH.

CBD is therefore another component belonging to the cannabinoid family, like THC. On the other hand, we note that due to the law of supply and demand, THC is today the most acclaimed product. The quantities produced are lower, between 0.6- and 1%.

In recent years, we have noticed more and more that the medical benefits of cannabis are arousing renewed interest, at the same time constituting the study of a new therapeutic path. As a result, there is a marked increase in the production of different varieties, containing an increasingly high level of CBD. In parallel, note that cannabis exists in several forms: marijuana (dried plant), cannabis resin (hashish) and cannabis oil.

How does cannabidiol work in the body?

CBD is used for the benefits it brings to our body. It acts on pain syndromes. Note that it helps minimize the effects of pain or anxiety for example, it does not remove them. This molecule is appreciated because it intervenes in support of our own natural defenses of the nervous system. Indeed, our body manufactures a form of natural THC. These cannabinoid receptors are called CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1: the first cannabinoid receptor, was discovered in 1988, it is located mainly in the central nervous system (areas related to cognitive functions, memory, anxiety, pain, etc.) and in a smaller proportion, in the peripheral nervous system.

CB2: the second receptor was discovered through cloning. It is found in the periphery of the body, especially in cells and organs of the immune system.

You should know that the cannabinoid receptors CB1 or CB2 are present throughout the body including the brain. So this means that every cell that has a CB1 or CB2 receptor is changed when it interacts with CBD. It is this affinity between CBD and receptors that helps strengthen the medicinal effects.

What are the benefits of medical cannabis?

Historically, the powers of the cannabis plant have been known for thousands of years. It was already one of the key components of the Chinese and Indian pharmacopoeia for its analgesic, antispasmodic, but also anti-inflammatory properties. Recommended for centuries for different types of use, Western medicine rejected it at the start of the 20th century. Since then, opinions have evolved, even modern medicine can sometimes use them, in an extremely regulated framework and for very specific pathologies: neuropathic pain, palliative care and supportive care in oncology.

To return to it in a more targeted way to the virtues of CBD, it acts against multiple affections. The use of CBD oil in sublingual mode allows a much faster assimilation in the blood and almost immediate effects.

Nowadays, the therapeutic properties of CBD are quite wide, it is recommended for various pathologies:

Combat anxiety and stress,

Relieve the pains of chronic diseases (fibromyalgia, endometriosis ...),

Reduce chronic inflammation,

Reduce insomnia,

Stop the consumption of tobacco and / or cannabis,

To finish on the benefits chapter, this product is not dangerous for health and does not cause any side effects

Remember, however, that cannabidiol is not a drug, it relieves but does not cure.

How is CBD consumed?

CBD products can be purchased online at CBD shops, they come in different forms: cbd candies, cbd flowers (infusions), cbd crystals, cream, cbd oil or cbd e-liquid, etc. In terms of consumption, the two most common practices are: CBD oil and CBD e-liquid. Oil spotlight!