What exactly is it? How is cannabidiol oil made? What are its supposed benefits – and where is the research? Are these products perfectly legal? At a time when CBD retailers are multiplying like mushrooms in France, offering products of varying quality and not always 100% compliant with the regulations, it is essential to take stock of CBD oil and lift the veil on the many mysteries surrounding it.
The marketing of cannabidiol-based products, such as CBD oil proposed by CBD Corner, has been approved in recent years and raises many questions.
What is CBD oil?
“CBD” is short for “cannabidiol”. Behind this somewhat barbaric term is one of the two active substances found in large quantities in the hemp plant (cannabis sativa), the other being “THC”, or “tetrahydrocannabinol”. Although these are the most abundant molecules in the cultivated plant, they are far from being the only ones: we have identified, to date, a good hundred cannabinoids, and research on this point has not said its last word.
THC is undoubtedly the cannabinoid best known to the general public. It is the one that is used for recreational purposes, because its psychoactive effects cause changes in the state of consciousness. In other words, the one that makes “stone”. He is the one we think of when we talk about “cannabis”, not knowing that this term is only a generic term applied to the hemp plant. CBD is the «sober» counterpart of THC: devoid of psychotropic effects, it would even tend to mitigate the neurological repercussions of its cousin, and would not cause any dependence while having at least similar therapeutic properties. Which is why the scientific world is so interested in him.
Cannabidiol, once extracted from the hemp plant, can be consumed in various forms, CBD oil being one of the most effective. Ingested after being mixed with a food or drink, or absorbed sublingually, the oil skips the digestive system and produces faster effects within 10 minutes.
What exactly is it? How is cannabidiol oil made? What are its supposed benefits – and where is the research? Are these products perfectly legal? At a time when CBD retailers are multiplying like mushrooms in France, offering products of varying quality and not always 100% compliant with the regulations, it is essential to take stock of CBD oil and lift the veil on the many mysteries surrounding it.
The marketing of cannabidiol-based products, such as CBD oil proposed by CBD Corner, has been approved in recent years and raises many questions.
Cannabidiol, once extracted from the hemp plant, can be consumed in various forms, CBD oil being one of the most effective. Ingested after being mixed with a food or drink, or absorbed sublingually, the oil skips the digestive system and produces faster effects within 10 minutes.
However, the marketing of CBD-based products remains legal in our country. Provided that two basic requirements are met:
Hemp plants used to manufacture these products must have a THC content of less than 0.2%;
Only stems and seeds can be used (so no leaves or flowers).
Suffice it to say that it is essential, when choosing its CBD oil, to trust retailers who offer quality products, made from organic plants grown in the European Union, and whose origin can be traced. This is the sine qua non to consume cannabidiol in the best conditions… and legally.
Hemp products are attracting more and more people. Infusions, creams, CBD oil… there are many methods to benefit from the effects of this exceptional plant. But what are the true benefits of CBD? Painkillers, natural, relaxing, anti-inflammatory… The virtues of CBD have been in the spotlight for a few years. In laboratories, scientists are taking a serious look at the high potential of medical cannabis. The cannabidiol molecule does indeed seem to meet needs affecting a wide audience.
Multiple studies are underway to prove the positive impact of CBD on chronic diseases, neurological pathologies, pain, sleep disorders, etc. Some CBD-based drugs are already available on the pharmaceutical market, especially for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy. Unlike THC, its famous cousin, CBD does not present a risk of addiction or psychoactive effect. Some people did not wait for the official verdict of the medical profession to discover its benefits.
What is CBD?
Hemp, a miracle plant
Hemp has been used since the dawn of time for various purposes. Fibers are an ideal material for the design of fabrics, ropes, curtains and any other building element. Hemp seeds feed both animals and humans and are also used in cosmetics. Cannabis flowers, on the other hand, have been used for centuries to create multiple “remedies” for potential medicinal properties. This equatorial plant would indeed have properties that never cease to surprise and arouse the interest of the medical world.
THC vs CBD
When we talk about cannabis, we tend to think of THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, one of the many molecules found in hemp plants. THC is widely known for its psychoactive and addictive properties. CBD stands for another molecule in hemp, cannabidiol. Unlike THC, CBD does not stone, does not alter our state of consciousness and does not pose a risk of addiction. THC and CBD are therefore two cannabinoids from the same plant, but with completely different effects.
A democratization of CBD consumption
When inhaled, vaporized, orally or locally, the use of CBD for medicinal purposes is increasingly popular. For this reason, a multitude of researchers and scientists are studying the possible therapeutic effects of CBD on our health. Although studies are still ongoing, many use the term “medical cannabis” and refer to it as a “therapeutic remedy with immense potential”. In many countries, the use of CBD to treat or relieve pathologies is already used in the medicinal field.
Manufacture of CBD oil
The most effective process for obtaining high-quality CBD oil is to extract cannabidiol crystals through the use of supercritical CO2. However, this technique requires sophisticated and professional equipment. As a result, the majority of CBD manufacturers use a simpler extraction method: the use of solvents (often harmful to our health). We therefore advise you to prefer organic and quality products, even if it means paying a little more for your CBD oil. The crystals are then mixed with a vegetable fat such as olive, flax, hemp or coconut oil.
What are the benefits of CBD?
CBD oil as a solution to sleep disorders
Are you exhausted and still unable to fall asleep? Too stressed, do you suffer from insomnia? Sleep plays a vital role in our health. Unfortunately, falling into Morpheus’ arms is not easy for everyone. Many factors can contribute to sleep disorders, including stress and anxiety. Relaxing par excellence, the CBD conquers more and more people in search of sweet and restorative nights.
Cannabidiol is a natural substance with calming properties. In particular, it protects nerves and neurons by increasing the production of anandamide. This endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter promotes emotion management, relieves pain and has cognitive properties. CBD would also contribute to muscle relaxation. Relaxed both physically and psychologically, you are then in better conditions to have a good night’s sleep.
CBD as an anti-inflammatory and natural painkiller
Among the alleged benefits of CBD, this natural substance also has exceptional analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This is one of the main reasons for its attractiveness. Many people did not wait for medical professionals to take an interest in cannabidiol to test and approve its properties. But “medical cannabis”, as it is often called, has also proven itself to health experts, even though multiple studies are still under way. It is already used in certain drug compositions, such as Sativex®, a spray for people with multiple sclerosis.
Under sublingual administration, a few drops of CBD oil help relieve some pain and inflammation. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to feel the effects. In particular, CBD can be very useful for painful periods and chronic diseases such as:
arthritis;
osteoporosis;
multiple sclerosis;
endometriosis;
Parkinson’s disease;
Crohn’s disease;
fibromyalgia;
etc.
An anxiolytic and antipsychotic effect assumed
CBD Anti-inflammatory
As mentioned above, CBD acts on the nervous and neurological system. It encourages the production of anandamide which has a direct effect on the management of our emotions, pain, memory, motor activity, cognition and addiction.
Several studies also show that a large dose of CBD can stimulate the serotonin receptor. This could explain the antidepressant and relaxing properties of cannabidiol. The benefits of CBD on psychotic diseases, Alzheimer’s, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe forms of depression are also being studied.
Of course, a doctor’s opinion is always recommended, especially for taking an appropriate and adequate dosage.
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Antiepileptic properties
The use of CBD in the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy is also under study. In France, a drug containing cannabidiol has been on sale since 2018, Epidiolex®. The experiments focus on the effects of CBD in children with severe epilepsy, such as Dravet’s syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut’s syndrome.
The first clinical trials proved to be successful. In particular, they show that taking CBD in addition to antiepileptic treatment contributes to the reduction of the frequency of seizures. In the long term, hemp oil could therefore be a complementary solution for people with epilepsy (adults and children).
The benefits of CBD for the skin
Do you have problems with psoriasis, eczema or acne? Do you like taking care of yourself and looking for natural beauty routines? Hemp is in your bathroom! As you heard earlier, CBD has real anti-inflammatory properties, but that’s not all. It also has ideal antioxidant properties to combat oxidative stress and pollution. Icing on the cake: cannabidiol helps your skin regulate sebum secretion!
How to use CBD in cosmetics? There are several options for you to enjoy the benefits of CBD in local application. It is indeed becoming easier to find hemp-based beauty products in the form of cream, balm or oil. Regardless of the format, CBD appears as a natural solution to moisturize, soothe, detoxify and regenerate your skin.
What are the precautions, side effects and contraindications of cannabidiol?
Contraindications and side effects
Although it comes from the same plant as THC, CBD has almost no side effects apart from a possible slight sleepiness effect due to its relaxing properties. However, cannabidiol is not classified as a conduct-incompatible substance. It is therefore your responsibility to respect the dose indicated according to your needs.
If you use hemp to relieve chronic pain, another interesting benefit is that it does not have side effects like opioids, pain killers of the opiate family (opium). These can lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness.
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Interactions of CBD with other drugs
Wondering if it’s wise to use CBD when taking medication? Can cannabidiol interfere with your treatment? The answer is yes. Like grapefruit, cannabidiol inhibits the cytochrome P450 enzyme. What is the risk? This effect can reduce or increase the effects of your treatment. If your doctor tells you not to eat grapefruit before and after taking a certain medication, you should not use CBD either.
It is therefore contraindicated to associate CBD absorption with liver-modified drugs, including:
sedatives;
antidepressants;
hormonal treatments;
antidepressants;
thyroid treatments;
painkillers;
of anticoagulants.
This list is not exhaustive. In all cases, it is recommended (as always) that you seek the advice of your doctor before ingesting any substance or food you are not used to consuming.
The concentration and different dosages of CBD
Even if hemp oil has almost no side effects, it is still important to know the degree of concentration and the dose adapted to your needs. In France, regulations allow the sale of CBD-based products containing between 5% and 30% cannabidiol. It limits the THC content to a maximum of 0.2%.
A light 5% dosage is intended to relax and relax. Products with 10% to 20% cannabidiol already have a stronger effect. Above 20%, consumption of CBD is generally for a specific need.
How to choose your CBD? The various cannabidiol products
One thing is for sure, when it comes to CBD, you are spoilt for choice! Hemp products come in various forms. As for the choice of dosage, its mode of consumption must correspond to your needs.
Looking for a natural solution to relax or get back to sleep? A small herbal tea with CBD before sleeping is the ideal option! Looking for a product that works quickly? Hemp oil is your ally! As explained above, unlike most other cannabidiol products, the oil can be consumed by pouring a few drops under the tongue. Thus, the virtues of CBD are not metabolized by the liver and you can enjoy these more quickly and effectively.
But there are many other options such as:
Where to buy CBD products?
The sale of CBD-based products has become extremely popular in recent years and the number of store openings dedicated to this activity has exploded. Of course, some products are more qualitative than others. The process of making hemp oil can make all the difference as we saw at the beginning of this article. But the way hemp plants are grown is also important. This affects both the quality of hemp and its effects.
To get the best results, we advise you to choose quality and organic CBD products. You can find them in pharmacies, specialty stores or online shopping sites. If you choose to purchase your CBD online, be careful. Like any «trendy» product, many retailers see it as an opportunity without worrying about the quality of the products. For this reason, it is important to check the origin of these, their labels and their production method (if possible). At La Fourche, we offer CBD-based products that meet strict and organic quality criteria such as those of the Heméka brand, one of the first to market CBD in France produced from organic hemp grown in Brittany and meeting precise quality criteria. Would you like to discover the benefits of hemp oil? Browse our selection of organic CBD oils!
Now you know all about the benefits of CBD, its different modes of use and the information you need to know before buying cannabidiol products. You’ve heard this over and over again throughout this article, but we’re going to repeat it one last time: even though CBD has a very promising future in the health sector, not all its medicinal properties are officially approved yet. However, the marketing of certain cannabidiol-based medicines remains a good indicator of its therapeutic potential. Looking for an herbal solution to relax? Do you prefer natural cosmetics? You have been hearing about the virtues of CBD for a while and would like to test it? Discover all the hemp products offered by La Fourche! We have selected quality oils with various dosages to best meet everyone’s needs!