Cannabidiol (CBD) is an increasingly popular molecule in France, not only among regular cannabis users, but also among a new audience: the suffering.
Consumers of CBD say it is a safe natural anti-inflammatory that can relieve pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, the urge to smoke, diabetes, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, etc. But what does science say? Are the benefits of CBD well founded? Is this molecule as safe as it seems? All your questions are answered.
Cannabis Sativa plants rich in CBD. Plants are green and you can see the blue sky between the leaves
SYNOPSIS
What is CBD? Is it really legal?
CBD: molecular structurecannabidiol (CBD) is one of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa, the marijuana plant also called hemp. CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two main active compounds present in the cannabis plant. They are also the best studied and recognized to date [1, 2].
CBD is an authorized product in France, under certain conditions. Any product known as CBD that may contain THC in a concentration greater than 0.2% is prohibited because it becomes a psychotropic product at that level. CBD without THC is therefore authorised and legal in France.
Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It cannot cause the negative mental effects of THC, such as paranoia, anxiety, memory problems and insomnia. Instead, several studies suggest that it can actually combat various disorders and has shown promising benefits for people with conditions that are difficult to treat [3].
Benefits, Virtues and Effects of CBD
Benefits Overview
Has analgesic activity
Reduces the pain of chronic diseases.
Acts on the inflammation.
There are no side effects.
No long-term tolerance.
Reduces epileptic seizures
Greatly reduces or completely reduces the frequency of seizures.
Safe product even at high dosages.
Approved in the United States by the government.
Reduces anxiety
Anti-anxiety action.
Combat seasonal depression.
Facilitates public speaking.
Reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes
Reduces the urge to smoke by 40%.
Relieves rheumatoid arthritis
Relieves the pain.
Slows the progression of the disease.
Reduces inflammation.
Fights diabetes
Reduces cardiovascular markers of diabetes.
Promotes weight loss.
Combat the destruction of insulin-producing cells.
Reduces inflammatory cytokines.
Protects against neurodegenerative diseases
Reduces uncontrollable muscle contractions.
Protects brain cells from damage.
Improves cognitive function.
Relieves multiple sclerosis
Reduces muscle pain and tension.
Reduces the frequency of spasms.
Improves sleep.
Improves mobility.
Fights insomnia
Improves sleep.
Reduces the nightmares.
Has relaxing effects.
Fights schizophrenia
Antipsychotic action.
As effective as the drugs.
No or few side effects.
Has an anti-inflammatory effect
Regulates the inflammation.
Balances the immune system.
Protects from oxidative stress.
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Details of the benefits of CBD
Has analgesic activity
According to many promising studies, cannabinoids could potentially become a new class of natural analgesics and could help millions of people suffering from chronic pain [4, 5].
In an extensive review of 18 clinical trials [5], the authors concluded that cannabinoids strongly and safely reduce various types of chronic pain such as neuropathic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, HIV and multiple sclerosis. Another meta-analysis of 16 studies [6] also demonstrated the benefits of CBD for people with chronic pain. In addition, the researchers noted very little difference in tolerance between CBD and placebo, meaning that CBD was not associated with side effects in most studies.
How does it work? Our …
Reduces epileptic seizures
CBD can help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy who do not respond to conventional medications or who are looking for a natural alternative. In fact, in 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an oral CBD solution for the treatment of two rare forms of severe epilepsy [9].
Scientifically speaking, many studies have been carried out on children and adults to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBD against epileptic seizures and all go in the same direction: CBD is effective. It would thus greatly reduce the frequency of crises and in some cases, even totally [10-13].
A trial of 214 children and adults with epilepsy also concluded that CBD was safe even at high doses [14].
Reduces anxiety
CBD for anxiety: A stressed woman stands with her forehead, her eyes in the void. CBD is a promising anti-anxiety molecule with positive results in several studies. A single 400 mg dose of CBD was associated with reduced anxiety in a brain imaging study of 10 people with SAD [15, 16].
On the other hand, in various studies of anxious people, public speaking was associated with decreased anxiety and discomfort and improved cognition [17, 18].
Further clinical trials involving patients with various anxiety disorders are ongoing, in particular panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-stress disorders.traumatic to know the mechanism of CBD involved in its anti-anxiety action [19].
Reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes
CBD would strongly stop the urge to smoke. In a pilot study of 24 smokers, those who received cannabidiol smoked about 40% fewer cigarettes and did not report an increase in nicotine cravings [20].
Relieves rheumatoid arthritis
As natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, cannabinoids have the potential to relieve joint pain and swelling. In studies of animals with arthritis, those who received CBD experienced less joint destruction and slower progression of inflammatory disease [21, 22].
In addition, in a 58-person trial, people taking CBD-based treatment reported a reduction in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Over 5 weeks, the treatment allowed a decrease in pain during movement and rest, an improvement in sleep quality and a reduction in inflammation. The study also reported no serious adverse reactions [23].
Fights diabetes
CBD for diabetes: a person pricks their finger with a device to measure their glycemia Although cannabis use is generally associated with cravings or increased appetite, they have also been associated with a lower BMI, less obesity (weight loss) and a reduced likelihood of developing diabetes.
In a study of nearly 5,000 cannabis users, fasting glucose and insulin levels were low and individuals had a lower than normal waist circumference and BMI, as well as low insulin resistance and HDL levels. (good cholesterol) higher. All these factors, when bad, are linked to the onset of diabetes [24].
Other studies have also shown that CBD reduces the chances of developing diabetes, associated with lower rates of destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and a reduction in inflammatory cytokines [25, 26].
Protects against neurodegenerative diseases
CBD would protect against neurodegenerative diseases, which various studies have concluded. In particular, this molecule would help people suffering from movement disorders (dystonia) by having fewer uncontrollable muscle contractions at doses below 600 mg/day [27]. Attention, for people with Parkinson’s, beyond 300 mg/ day, CBD could worsen muscle movements and tremors.
Other research suggests that CBD may protect brain cells from damage. In a cell study, neurons exposed to CBD suffered less damage from toxic substances and oxidative stress, which are responsible for most of the destruction caused by strokes and other forms of brain injury [28, 29]. In addition, consumption of CBD is associated with reduced brain damage, reduced beta-amyloid toxicity and improved cognitive function. These data are encouraging and suggest their potential in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [30-32].
Finally, CBD is currently being studied for its potential to treat people with other neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [33, 34].
Relieves multiple sclerosis
According to some studies, cannabinoids could relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Indeed, in a variety of clinical trials involving hundreds of people with MS, patients who received a combination of CBD and THC all reported a reduction in pain, muscle tension, sleep disorders and improved bladder control [35-37].
On the other hand, a clinical trial of 50 patients with MS also demonstrated that cannabinoids reduce the frequency of spasms and increase mobility [38].
Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of CBD associated with multiple sclerosis as all studies to date have combined a mixture of CBD and THC (not pure CBD). Furthermore, in a 2-year study of 66 MS patients, despite very good feedback on the absence of pain, 92% of people experienced side effects (considered mild to moderate) such as dizziness or nausea [8]. These side effects are probably due to the presence of THC, hence the importance of continuing research on pure CBD.
Fights insomnia
CBD has relaxing and anti-anxiety effects that reduce sleep disorders [19]. In fact, of a panel of 163 adults who use cannabis, 81 reported using it to sleep better and 14 to reduce their nightmares. For this, they choose strains with high CBD and low THC concentrations. The latter is associated with a lower quality of long-term sleep [39, 40].
Fights schizophrenia
CBD has antipsychotic benefits that are beneficial in treating disorders such as schizophrenia. It is this molecule that counterbalances the hallucinogenic effects of THC [41-43].
In 42 patients with acute schizophrenia, those taking CBD daily reported an improvement in all symptoms after 4 weeks. The results were as good for CBD as for a known antipsychotic without the drug-related side effects [44, 45]. CBD may be an effective natural alternative to antipsychotic drugs, with fewer side effects [46].
Has an anti-inflammatory effect
A sitting man has osteoarthritis on his knee, which he holds in both hands. He wears black shorts and a grey T-shirt.According to some studies, CBD is effective in relieving various inflammatory conditions and reducing pain. This molecule acts on the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which in turn regulate inflammation, balance the immune system and protect against oxidative stress [21].
How does it work? Our immune system has sensors for cannabinoids produced by our own body, as well as for those we consume. Some researchers believe that this internal cannabinoid system can be unbalanced during autoimmune diseases and inflammation [47, 48]. CBD can thus act directly on immune cells to trigger a multitude of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant reactions.
Further research is underway in humans to determine whether the benefits of CBD are proven against inflammation. Experiments are continuing on this natural anti-inflammatory, so much appreciated by consumers.
CBD forms on the market (oil, spray, grass, etc.)
It is possible to find CBD in various forms nowadays, the best known of which are the flowers and resins, known to marijuana users. These can be consumed by vaporization or inhalation. It is also possible to use them in infusion or in cooking recipes. The benefits of CBD can be obtained in different ways.
In addition, products derived from CBD are available in various forms: CBD oil (CBD oil), CBD e-liquid, CBD crystals, CBD capsules, hemp infusions, nasal spray, patches, lozenges, candy, etc. The growing demand has made it possible to develop new forms of galenics that are increasingly practical to consume.
Dosage: what dose of CBD to take and when?
💊 There is no recommended dosage for CBD because it varies according to many factors, including the weight of the person, the pathology to be treated, the condition of the person and the packaging of the product. Researchers who specialize in the medical use of cannabis have categorized dosages into 3 categories: « micro doses », « standard doses » or « macro doses »[49]:
The micro dose of CBD is 0.5 mg up to 20 mg daily (weight-adjustable per day) and is suitable for sleep and mood disorders, stress, nausea, headaches and rebalancing of metabolism.
The standard dose of CBD is 10 to 100 mg daily, depending on weight, and would be recommended for inflammations, anxiety, depression, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, arthritis, autism, Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
The macro-dose of CBD is very broad since it corresponds to a dose ranging from 20 to 800 mg per day depending on weight. This is a therapeutic dose recommended by specialists for the most serious pathologies (epilepsy, cancer, etc.). Studies confirm these dosages:
Epilepsy: chronic administration of 3 mg/kg/day [11-13].
Social phobia: a single dose of 300 to 600 mg before public speaking [17, 18].
Neurodegenerative diseases including dystonia: from 100 to 600 mg/ day: do not exceed 300 mg in case of Parkinson’s disease [27].
Schizophrenia: 600 mg per day [45].
Caution: these dosages do not take into account the intensity of symptoms, medical history, metabolism or tolerance to cannabidiol. Therefore, in all cases, we recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor before self-medicating with CBD, especially in the case of concomitant treatment.
CBD oil (dosage)
As you have understood, the dosage changes according to the person, the pathology to be treated and the virtues sought. Now that you know this, it is important to know that oils change their CBD content according to their titration. You’ve probably seen CBD oils at 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or even 45%. Those percentages represent the CBD content in the oil.
So for a 5% CBD titrated oil, in a 10 ml bottle, you will have about 500 mg of CBD. Knowing that a 10 ml bottle contains about 200 drops, you get 2.5 mg of CBD per drop for a 5% titrated oil.
SUMMARY TABLE OF CBD OILS
CBD content in 10 ml (mg) CBD in 1 drop (mg)
2% 200 1
2.5% 250 1.25
3% 300 1.5
5% 500 2.5
10% 1000 5
15% 1500 7.5
20% 2000 10
25% 2500 12.5
30% 3000 15
35% 3500 17.5
40% 4000 20
This table is based on a 10 ml bottle offering about 200 drops.
You always wonder how many drops you have to take?
Here are some general recommendations from CBD vendors:
💧 Start by consuming 2 or 3 drops in the evening to leave sublingual (under the tongue) as long as possible: ideally 60 seconds after absorption. Depending on the effects, adjust gradually until 6 drops morning and evening.
For information: the evolution of the dosage is recommended over 8 to 10 days to allow time for the metabolism to become familiar with the molecule of CBD. Be careful, dosing according to the CBD titration: 5%, 10% and 15% (and more). The higher the CBD content, the lower the amount to consume.
E-liquids (dosage)
Unfortunately, it is not possible to propose an equivalent table for the consumption of CBD in e-liquid form because, by vaping, it is impossible to accurately assess the CBD intake. The general recommendations of sellers are:
💨 For a mild effect, choose a liquid between 50 and 100 mg CBD. For therapeutic use, choose a dosage between 100 and 500 mg (to be dosed according to the pathology and the person).
CBD capsules and creams (dosage)
Again, the dosage is difficult to calculate for capsules, creams and other products because it evolves according to the product and the extraction used. In general, each producer indicates the capacity of a capsule or cream so do not hesitate to follow the recommendations of the seller and talk to a health professional.
Where to buy CBD? What form to choose?
The benefits of CBD are numerous, but given the multitude of products on the market, it is not easy to make a choice. Here are our tips to choose a quality product adapted to your needs.
Buy CBD oils and capsules
To take advantage of the long-term effects of CBD, it is best to use CBD oils or capsules. These forms let you know how much you ingest each day and thus control the dosage.
> Choose these forms to treat long-term diseases (controlled dosage).
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Buy CBD E-liquid
Inhalation by vaping of CBD allows to obtain very rapid effects on the body, passing through the alveoli of the lungs and thus arriving faster in the body via the blood. Negative point: the effect, although rapid, is brief.
> Inhale during sudden seizures to act quickly.
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Buy flowers or CBD resin
It is also possible to consume flowers or CBD resins, in infusion, recipes or inhalation. But these formats are less effective because in recipe, cooking can reduce the properties and dosing is not controlled. In addition, it is interesting to know that CBD is not a very assimilable molecule by the body and is not a water soluble molecule. It does not mix well with water, which is why it is often formulated as an oil. As a result, when you consume it in infusion, a large part of the CBD fails to pass the mucous membranes and the body does not assimilate it properly.
CBD: when to take it? Morning or evening?
CBD can cause drowsiness in some people, so it is best to use it at night before bedtime and not to drive after consuming it.
However, some people prefer to use it at different times of the day to benefit from its anti-anxiety effects throughout the day. In this case, divide the daily dose into 2 or 3 doses (morning, noon and evening).
Side effects of CBD
CBD is generally well tolerated and rarely produces side effects, even at high doses and when used for a long period [50].
However, in rare cases, some people taking CBD have reported side effects such as a slight decrease in blood pressure, dry mouth, dizziness or drowsiness.
Contraindications, interactions and danger
CBD is not recommended, or even contraindicated, for certain categories of people, including those with weakened immune systems.
In addition, people taking medication should discuss this with their doctor before self-medication because CBD can decrease the activity of liver enzymes, which are responsible for the metabolism of more than 60% of the drugs prescribed. If you are taking prescription drugs, consult your doctor to rule out interaction [51].
Opinion on the CBD
We went through the web looking for reviews and testimonials from CBD consumers and were rather surprised. Indeed, in addition to the prejudices of some people regarding cannabis and its side effects (which only concern THC products), the opinions are very good. It is important to remember that a CBD-based product is a safe and legal product when it does not contain THC.
Regarding its effectiveness on pain, or as a natural anti-inflammatory, it appears that this plant is popular with consumers.
If you also want to find reviews of people who have consumed CBD, you can go to forums or CBD seller shops where people leave reviews.