How to enjoy the relaxing effect of cannabis legally and without the harm linked to THC? By consuming CBD of course! If this cannabinoid, also extracted from hemp, is finding more and more success, it is because it has many beneficial properties for the body without having significant or harmful side effects. Discover the many virtues of cannabidiol, also known as CBD, which can be consumed in multiple ways, for your greater well-being and deep relaxation.

What is CBD?

Hemp, also called Cannabis Sativa L., contains more than a hundred distinct cannabinoids. Among them, the two most active cannabinoids in the body are THC and CBD. THC is the most famous active organic molecule found in cannabis. It is known for its psychotropic effects and is the origin of the classification of hemp as a narcotic. The other best-known molecule and which is attracting more and more interest is cannabidiol, also called CBD. Discovered in 1940, then synthesized in 1963, cannabidiol is a molecule which has been and continues to be the subject of numerous studies and research. CBD indeed has multiple virtues, known and recognized, such as its anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antiepileptic and even neuroprotective effects. The success of CBD is essentially due to its relaxing effects and its lack of toxicity and harmfulness. Unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD) does not have psychoactive effects and therefore does not modify the perception of reality. Cannabidiol, devoid of psychoactive action, therefore provides the consumer with a feeling of relaxation and well-being without getting high. There is therefore no risk of anxiety attacks, paranoia or “bad trips” with the CBD molecule. Cannabidiol is not addictive and therefore does not present a risk of addiction. CBD is also devoid of any toxicity and has few contraindications. Last characteristic, and not the least, of this cannabinoid which is extracted from the resin or the head of the cannabis plant, it exists in very varied forms: in CBD resin, CBD flowers, CBD oils, etc. -liquid, etc.

This wide choice allows it to be consumed in multiple ways: by making CBD herbal teas and infusions, mixed in dishes, in the form of CBD candies or even directly in capsules dosed with CBD. So many opportunities to benefit from the many benefits of CBD!

Interactions between CBD and THC

Hemp contains many cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the two most active molecules. Although these two substances come from the same botanical genus, their effects on the body are very different. THC is known for its psychoactive effects and is responsible for the feeling of euphoria that cannabis provides, while CBD acts more as a sedative on certain pain receptors present in the nervous system, without being a psychotropic drug.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind to CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors found in the immune system. In fact, CBD acts in antagonism with the CB1 receptor, which allows it to counteract certain effects of THC. The activation of CB1 receptors by THC is at the origin of the sensation of euphoria felt by the cannabis user. However, when CBD is consumed with THC, it lessens the impact of the latter by reducing its effect on cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, CBD can minimize the risks of “bad trips” that can be associated with cannabis consumption, such as paranoia, panic or anxiety attacks, due to the anxiogenic and psychotic effects of THC.

CBD is not addictive and is considered safe for therapeutic use. Moreover, research suggests that CBD could be beneficial for treating certain drug addictions.

How does CBD work?

The effects of CBD are not limited to its antagonism with THC. Although the mechanisms of action of CBD remain largely unknown, the molecule has a proven and targeted action on certain receptors, such as the serotonin, anandamide and adenosine receptors. By attaching to serotonin receptors, nicknamed the “happiness hormone”, to activate them, CBD causes a feeling of well-being and calm. Researchers have, for example, shown that a high concentration of CBD activates serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, involved in the mechanisms of pain perception but also appetite, anxiety and sleep.

One of CBD's mechanisms of action is its ability to affect cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is a regulatory system found in the body. Anandamide is one of the main endocannabinoids produced by the body and works by binding to cannabinoid receptors. CBD affects the endocannabinoid system by interacting with anandamide receptors. Unlike THC, CBD does not interact directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors, but rather with other receptors involved in the regulation of the endocannabinoid system. For example, CBD slows down the action of FAAH, an enzyme that breaks down anandamide in the body. By slowing down the breakdown of anandamide, CBD therefore increases its concentration in the endocannabinoid system. Anandamide is known to regulate mood, sleep, appetite and pain. An increase in its concentration can therefore potentially improve these functions.

Contraindications of CBD

Even if the benefits of CBD are undeniable and increasingly recognized, we must nevertheless remain vigilant and avoid consuming excessive quantities. Cannabidiol has the particularity of being lipophilic and therefore easily binds to fatty tissues. As it is eliminated slowly, it is likely to accumulate in fatty tissues, particularly in the nervous system and the brain, which are rich in cannabinoid receptors. CBD may interact with certain medications, including slowing their elimination, which can lead to side effects such as overdoses or problems with alertness and drowsiness. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to drive after consuming CBD. There are also a number of contraindications to the use of CBD. The consumption of cannabidiol is particularly not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it would hinder brain development in young children. People with heart or arterial problems are also not recommended to consume CBD. As with any active substance, it is in all cases recommended, when you consume CBD, to be attentive to your body's reactions in order to adapt the quantities that are necessary for you. The effects of CBD vary greatly from person to person. In some consumers, overconsumption of CBD can cause stomach upset, nausea, or even vomiting.

CBD and the treatment of anxiety

CBD helps combat stress and anxiety by providing a feeling of well-being and relaxation. The use of CBD as a food supplement to help relieve anxiety and depressive states is twofold, because it acts on the psychological and physical levels. Its anxiolytic and relaxing effect relieves feelings of unease linked to stress or depression. It also regulates mood, making it an effective tool for combating anxiety and anxiety attacks. Additionally, the relaxing and calming action of CBD helps relieve physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as increased heart rate and feelings of tightness.

Consumption of CBD can have a positive impact on overall quality of life if you have significant anxiety or stress issues. Cannabidiol has a relaxing action that can help indirectly combat sleep disorders such as insomnia, often associated with stress and depression. Indeed, increased relaxation can help improve the quality of sleep and thus promote a more serene state of mind.

CBD is currently being studied for its potential benefits in the treatment of various mental disorders, including OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which are often associated with anxiety. Promising studies suggest that cannabidiol may have beneficial effects on these disorders. Additionally, CBD is also being studied for its antipsychotic potential, which could be beneficial for people suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

CBD and pain treatment

By having an action on the CB1 and CB2 receptors involved in the perception of pain, CBD is also a food supplement used for its analgesic action as part of the support of patients suffering from certain pathologies, in particular chronic inflammatory pathologies . CBD is known for its analgesic effect, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties which are reinforced by its action on adenosine receptors. This dual action allows cannabidiol to effectively relieve inflammatory symptoms associated with chronic pain, such as those caused by rheumatoid osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. Additionally, CBD is increasingly used as a complementary treatment to relieve muscular and neuropathic pain.

Likewise, the calming and analgesic effects of CBD can help combat the side effects of certain medical treatments, such as pain and nausea linked to chemotherapy.

CBD in dermatology

Creams, balms, shampoo, shower gel with CBD... You have undoubtedly noticed that many cosmetic treatments contain hemp or CBD. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are indeed effective in relieving irritated skin. You will therefore find CBD in a multitude of skin care products to calm itching and insect bites, to soothe burns, to treat small wounds and scrapes, etc. CBD oil can also be included in treatments for very dry skin.

Cannabidiol also helps fight against certain infections and skin inflammations. Its anti-inflammatory and sebostatic action make it an effective anti-acne treatment. CBD slows the excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands and helps to cleanse the skin, which results in the reduction of acne spots and the resulting skin inflammations. CBD is also used in treatment creams to combat other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Finally, thanks to its analgesic action, CBD can be one of the ingredients used in creams or lotions for local treatment of pain, such as aches or muscle pain following sporting activity.

Other uses of CBD…

CBD helps fight anxiety, pain, nausea, skin problems, etc. The benefits of CBD are numerous and we are regularly discovering new fields of application for this molecule derived from hemp.

Studies and research on the effects of CBD are in fact only in their infancy. CBD is increasingly used in multiple areas, including the medical field, to improve the lives of many patients. For example, CBD has shown its usefulness for alleviating pain, particularly when it is of neurological origin, where traditional treatments have shown their limits. The most promising areas of research also include the use of CBD in the treatment of certain cancers. Cannabinoids in particular have the ability to contribute to the reduction of certain tumors and the inhibition of the proliferation of cancer cells. Studies are also underway for the use of CBD in the fight against addiction to certain drugs or the treatment of certain pathologies such as epilepsy, diabetes and asthma. All of these studies regarding the use of CBD for medical purposes, however, require consumption of cannabinoids well beyond what you will find over the counter. CBD integrated into medications and over-the-counter CBD obey very different legislative frameworks. Consuming CBD that you have purchased over the counter should be done with the aim of recreational use or to help relieve minor ailments. Over-the-counter CBD should under no circumstances be used as a self-medication therapeutic treatment for serious pathologies.

CBD is not a medicine!

The CBD that you find over the counter cannot be considered a medicine. Communication around CBD is in fact legally regulated in France. It is therefore prohibited to highlight the therapeutic properties of an over-the-counter product containing CBD, under penalty of being convicted of the illegal practice of medicine or pharmacy. Only products authorized by the ANSM (National Medicines Safety Agency) or the European Commission can make therapeutic claims. In France, CBD is therefore classified as a food supplement. You will never see, on the packaging of CBD, the notions of medications, drug treatments or mentions concerning conditions that can be treated, even if numerous scientific studies exist on this subject.

Finally, it is prohibited to carry out advertising campaigns on products containing CBD which would cause confusion with cannabis and could therefore constitute a criminal offense of inciting the use of narcotics.

What European legislation around CBD?

There is currently no specific law governing the production, sale and consumption of CBD as such. However, the legislative framework for cannabidiol is established indirectly by the regulations in force regarding hemp and THC. These regulations establish the maximum level of material authorized in hemp as well as the uses authorized for this raw material.

European legislation thus authorizes the sale of hemp, and therefore of derived products such as CBD, having a maximum level of 0.2 to 0.3% THC. The sale and purchase of CBD is therefore authorized in a large majority of countries in Europe. However, it is preferable to inquire beforehand, in order to determine whether or not your country of residence authorizes the possession and use of CBD.

Switzerland, for example, was a pioneer country in the sale of CBD by authorizing products containing less than 1% THC in 2011. Belgium, for its part, authorizes a THC level of 0.2% and has classified CBD cannabis in the category of “other smoking tobacco” since April 2019. CBD is therefore completely legal in Belgium and will be taxed like all products containing tobacco.

What legal framework for CBD in France?

As far as France is concerned, the marketing and consumption of THC are strictly regulated by law. In accordance with article R.5132-86 of the Public Health Code, which governs substances classified as narcotics - such as THC - the production, manufacture, transport and distribution of cannabis, its plant, its resin or any product containing THC, as well as those obtained from cannabis, its plant or its resin, are strictly prohibited. CBD, which is not classified as a narcotic substance, therefore escapes this regulation and is authorized for sale and consumption in France. However, it is important to note that products containing CBD must meet regulatory standards for THC levels and quality, and authorities may carry out checks to ensure compliance.

Hemp, used as a raw material in fields such as medicine, food and industry (for example for the production of fabrics), benefits from an exceptional legal regime in France. Indeed, the production, sale and consumption of CBD are regulated by the legislation relating to the plant from which it comes, namely hemp. Current regulations notably set a maximum level of THC authorized in hemp-derived products, including CBD, in order to guarantee their quality and safety for consumers. However, it is important to note that legislation may vary between countries and national regulations may be more restrictive than European regulations regarding the production, sale and consumption of CBD.

The use of hemp, and therefore by extension CBD, is authorized in France only when the plant does not present narcotic properties. In addition, only certain varieties of cannabis included on an official list established by health authorities can be produced, sold and consumed. Each variety of hemp has varying levels of active ingredients, measured on the raw plant. The THC level of the plant must be less than 0.3% THC before any processing. This regulation aims to ensure the quality and safety of hemp-derived products, including CBD, for consumers.

Check the quality of your CBD

Whether you consume CBD recreationally or as a dietary supplement to accompany medical treatment, it is particularly important to check the origin and quality of the cannabinoids you purchase. It is in fact preferable to choose a CBD with certified provenance and a known composition to benefit from good traceability and guaranteed quality. CBD is a growing market, so you will find on sale both high quality products (Premium) and products of uncertain origin or cut with more than doubtful raw materials. For example, it is important to know the exact composition of the CBD product you are purchasing. A product containing CBD must therefore indicate the level of cannabidiol present. You must also check that the THC level complies with the regulations in force in your country of residence, in order to avoid any legal or penal problems.

Choosing a product containing CBD whose origin and composition you know perfectly is the best way to get the most out of your cannabinoid consumption to adapt it to your needs. Although the Internet is full of advice on different ways to use CBD, don't forget to take into account your own sensitivity and consumption habits to get the most out of it! You will therefore have no difficulty in adapting the quantities consumed as well as the mode of ingestion or inhalation of the CBD, to your desires or your needs. Especially since the very large choice of CBD-based products available on the market will allow you to enjoy the ever-increasing benefits of this food supplement in complete peace of mind and legally.