For thousands of years, hemp has been a part of people’s daily lives. Exploited in an infinite number of ways, notably for recreational and industrial purposes, this plant has nevertheless made a name for itself in the medicinal field. In fact, it was mentioned in China as early as 2700 BC in the pharmacopoeia of the emperor Shen Nong, in Egypt in the tomb of Ramses II, around 1213 BC, and in India, in the famous bhang drink made as long ago as 1000 BC. More recently, medical legends such as the Scottish military doctor W.B. O’Shaughnessyn, Sir Russell Reynolds – Queen Victoria’s doctor, who prescribed cannabis for therapeutic purposes – and Jacques-Joseph Moreau de Tours – founder of modern psychotherapy – made the plant’s therapeutic virtues widely known. Since then, medicinal hemp has continued to make its way to the four corners of the world to treat “more than 100 diseases”, as stated in the collection of medicinal uses (Pen Ts’ao Ching) published in AD 1!
Focus on the therapeutic properties of hemp, commonly known as Cannabis.
What is cannabidiol (CBD) and the endocannabinoid system?
On the one hand, the endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors in the nervous system, responsible for perception, concentration, memory and movement. As a neurotransmission system, it ensures communication between cells in different areas of the body. It is mainly made up of a network of receptors known as CB1 and CB2.
CBD or Cannabidiol is an active component of the hemp plant. It has bioactive properties that influence the nervous system via the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB1 or CB2 receptors.
The interaction between CBD and the receptors of the endocannabinoid system actively stimulates the body’s metabolism and physiological processes. As well as regulating the metabolic process, CBD acts to regulate the immune system and inflammation. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD is responsible for a real sense of well-being. Unlike THC, however, another active compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce psychotropic effects. What’s more, it has no side effects and does not generate an addiction to cannabinoids.
What are the effects of cannabidiol?
CBD oil is available in dropper bottles, capsules or paste. Concentrations can also vary from product to product, depending on the desired effects. That said, cannabidiol has a wide range of effects and is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, sex or build. The only difference is in the concentration of the active ingredients, depending on your needs and the disorders you wish to treat.
CBD is known for its antispasmodic, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties, among others. This is due to CBD’s positive interaction with the endocannabinoid system. By being deposited directly on the surface of nerve cells, the active components of Cannabidiol act on cannabinoid receptors and bring about significant physiological changes, relieving stress and anxiety, among other things. As well as making the nervous system more resilient, they create a feeling of euphoria and well-being, without generating a high.
CBD also provides a feeling of soothing, relaxation and muscle relaxation. By reducing pain and promoting sleep, CBD is appreciated for its anti-inflammatory effects. Thanks to its analgesic properties, it helps relieve the pain associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases.
CBD stimulates endocannabinoid receptors. This modulates concentration and improves memory and the cognitive system in general. By inhibiting the breakdown of the endocannabinoid system following age, stress or chronic fatigue, it has real revitalising effects.
CBD is also involved in more serious conditions, including certain types of cancer. Cannabidiol has anti-angiogenesis properties and helps to inhibit the development of cancer cells and the proliferation of tumours. This property has been demonstrated and proven in cell cultures and on animals. For the moment, however, objective studies on the effects on humans are still lacking. However, it would appear that CBD can make chemotherapy treatments more effective on breast cancer cells, for example.
Thanks to its relaxing and anti-emetic effects, it also reduces the side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and pain.
CBD is also known to combat addiction. This is particularly the case for people addicted to THC and synthetic cannabinoids with their high. By providing a soothing sensation, CBD offers a similar sense of well-being to THC, without having the same psychoactive properties. It also has its place in smoking cessation and in the treatment of opiate addiction.
It should also be noted that the cannabis plant is the only known natural source of cannabinoids, in addition to the natural equivalents produced by the body. Consumption of CBD is therefore an alternative that should not be overlooked when it comes to optimising nervous system activity.
However, synthetic cannabinoids are available which have the same effects but which have serious consequences for health and the brain. So synthetic and natural cannabinoids do not offer the same health benefits.
Who can benefit from the effects of cannabidiol and for what disorders?
The medicinal hemp sector has developed very rapidly in recent years.
CBD is particularly recommended for relieving pain and inflammation. By optimising the natural response of the nervous system, it acts as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It is suitable for victims of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis.
As well as alleviating physical suffering, CBD has an effective effect on the mind and spirit. By acting as a natural antidepressant, CBD is recommended in cases of depression and helps to alleviate psychological problems. An effective anxiolytic, it helps regulate anxiety, mood swings and panic attacks.
As an effective natural alternative to powerful synthetic drugs, CBD helps in the treatment of epilepsy and convulsive disorders. Clinical studies have shown that CBD oil can control epileptic seizures.
CBD also improves heart health on a daily basis. In addition to its potentially beneficial anti-inflammatory properties in the event of heart problems, it helps to relax arterial walls and relieve blood vessel tension.
Thanks to its active ingredients, CBD reduces feelings of nausea and vomiting in the case of conditions such as chronic inflammation of the intestines and colon, diabetes and epilepsy.
CBD is also used in the treatment of conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Thanks to its sebostatic properties, it can also be used to reduce the effects of certain milder conditions such as acne or hair problems. It can be massaged into tired, aching muscles. Used as a mouthwash, it is recommended for treating mouth ulcers and blisters, and for caring for the gums and tooth enamel.
In summary, here is a non-exhaustive list of disorders for which CBD has interesting and notable effects via the regulation of the endocannabinoid system to achieve homeostasis:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Movement disorders – Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases
- Neuropathic pain
- Epilepsy / Dravet syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Cancer
- Atherosclerosis
- Myocardial infarction
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Glaucoma
- Obesity / metabolic syndrome
- Osteoporosis
How should cannabidiol be taken? In what form and at what dosage?
CBD is available in different doses, ranging from very low concentrations (around 4%), through moderate doses (around 10%), to higher concentrations (around 20%). Ideally, you should start with low concentrations, then move on to products with stronger effects to take advantage of better absorption of the product. By gradually increasing the doses according to the desired effects, it will be easier to determine the most suitable CBD concentration.
CBD can be administered sublingually in the form of an oil drop, using hemp, olive or coconut oil as a base. As absorption is more effective in this form, the effect is more rapid.
Although it has a bitter, unpleasant taste, CBD can be ingested by mixing the oil with yoghurt, a drink or a piece of bread. However, for best results, it should preferably be left for 30 seconds under the tongue before swallowing. It generally takes effect a few hours after ingestion. To make it easier to take CBD, there are now capsules with controlled doses that can be ingested more easily.
CBD is also beginning to be found in food products such as chewing gum, sweets, herbal teas and honey. It can also be found in massage oils, cosmetic creams and bath salts. The forms are endless.
Whatever form you choose to take advantage of the effects of CBD, the standard dosage most often recommended is 0.5mg of CBD per kg of body weight in three doses at the start of treatment. However, this dosage can vary between 0.2mg and 5mg/kg/day. This will depend on needs.
But as the endocannabinoid system is unique to each individual, the only way to really know the right dosage is to do the test as described above, starting with the lowest recommended dose. The dosage can then be gradually increased after a minimum of one week, to reach a maximum concentration of 50 mg per day, for example. Beyond 150 mg per day, or if side effects such as drowsiness or eye pressure appear, treatment should be discontinued if the expected effects do not occur. Regardless of the dose ingested, each dose should not be excessive, as this alters the active properties of CBD. Excessive doses have also been reported to cause side effects such as nausea. In all cases, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about any CBD supplementation you are considering specifically for your health concerns.
How do I choose CBD oil?
CBD is now accessible to all budgets. To make the right choice, however, you need to consider the origin, brand, cultivation and production, as well as the price.
Certified organic CBD is the most recommended. And for good reason: these products are extracted from organic hemp, grown without pesticides or any other harmful substances. The purity and effectiveness of CBD oil depend on the quality of the hemp used. It has been filtered to ensure that no vegetable matter, extraction residues or other harmful additives are added to the pure CBD molecules.
Most European organic producers also comply with current regulations on the quality of CBD oil harvesting, production and extraction. Unlike low-quality products grown under dubious conditions, good CBD oil is protected from contamination by chemicals, heavy metals and lead, and benefits from European certification and analysis reports.
When choosing CBD oil, it is also advisable to opt for products whose production traceability and extraction process are transparent. This is reflected in the product’s labelling and packaging, with the most reliable producers emphasising the transparency of their products.
Buy high-quality, organic hemp CBD: www.cbd.eus
What is the current status of French legislation and the position of the French authorities on the issue of therapeutic cannabis?
Faced with the explosive growth of medicinal hemp, cannabis laws are becoming less and less strict in many countries, authorising its sale and use under certain conditions. While scientific research is steadily demonstrating the therapeutic potential of cannabis, legislators are struggling to reach a position on the legality of its use.
In France, the debate continues. As far as CBD-based products are concerned, the authorities confirm that the raw product must contain no more than 0.2% THC to be usable, with a finished product containing 0% THC. This means that CBD oil, which is legal at European level, with a THC content of less than 0.2% is not prohibited by law, as long as it complies with the regulations in force, but it is not explicitly authorised for the time being.
On the following site, you’ll find CBD oils specifically made for the French market, i.e. THC-free, and therefore complying with French regulations in force to date, selected for their organic, French or European hemp origin, and high-quality brands: www.cbd.eus
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This content is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers are advised to consult their physician or a qualified healthcare professional for specific health issues. The author and publisher of this content are not responsible for any use that may be made of this information.
All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician before beginning any supplementation program.
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