What is CBD?

What is CBD?

The origins of CBD

Cannabidiol is one of the natural cannabinoids present in cannabis. You may also have heard of CBN, CBG, CBC, and of course, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

Why are CBD and THC the most well-known? Because they are the two cannabinoids present in the majority in the plant and the only two currently subject to research, particularly in the medical field.

The first uses of cannabis date back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Chinese and Egyptians, used cannabis for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Ancient Chinese texts already mention cannabis for relieving dental pain and preventing cavities. However, it is only recently that scientists have begun to isolate and study the different compounds of cannabis, including CBD.

Today, CBD is primarily extracted from a variety of cannabis containing low levels of THC. Only the seeds of these varieties are authorized for cultivation in Europe. Thus, products derived from these crops are marketed with THC levels below 0.3%.

The chemical composition of CBD

CBD is a complex molecule, composed of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms (C21H30O2). You may not have the opportunity to share this information at a family dinner, but it's good to know.

THC and CBD have the same molecules; the difference lies in their arrangement. This distinction partially explains why their actions differ.

Thus, unlike THC, CBD does not directly interact with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Instead, it influences the human body's endocannabinoid system.

Recently discovered, the endocannabinoid system is a complex receptor system present in every person's body. Yes, you read that right: everyone has an endocannabinoid system, even you!

By stimulating certain receptors and hormones in our endocannabinoid system, CBD plays a crucial role in regulating pain, mood, and sleep.

CBD also interacts with other receptors and neurotransmitters (say hello to Miss Serotonin, we'll be talking about her very soon), which explains its wide range of effects and the interest it generates.

You're starting to understand, we're far from just a passing fad. It's as if the potential power of this plant is finally being recognized.

The potential benefits of CBD

CBD, its effects on the mind

CBD is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits for mental health. In fact, if you are reading this article, it is certainly because you have been looking for information on the subject. You have heard that CBD helps you relax, but what else?

In what cases can CBD be consumed? What are its true potentials? That's what we're going to find out.

Let's start with the clinical evidence. Several studies suggest that CBD could help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. But that's not all...

While the main topics discussed are the anxiolytic effects on anxiety or depression, studies also go further. The effects of CBD on sleep disorders, neurodegenerative concerns, and various types of withdrawal (cannabis, alcohol, nicotine, etc.) are also being studied. You can see that CBD seems to have a wide range of actions.

If you want to know more about clinical studies, you can take a look at the ANSM website.

How does cannabidiol affect the mind and what are its benefits?

Anxiety reduction:

CBD could reduce anxiety by influencing serotonin receptors (I told you we'd talk about this hormone again!). The happiness hormone, as you might know serotonin, is a neurotransmitter; it acts as an activator or inhibitor of mood depending on the receptor it binds to (hence its name). And CBD in all this? Well, it stimulates this hormone. The result: less stress and more happiness.

Improved sleep:

Many people report that CBD helps them sleep better. Again, the role is not direct. It is very likely that the combination of muscle relaxation (see next paragraph) and anxiety reduction plays a large part!

CBD promotes a state of intense relaxation that allows you to gently drift off to sleep.

Moreover, in addition to promoting sleep, it would also lead to more peaceful nights, with an effect lasting several hours. Reading consumer reviews of CBD, there is little doubt about the effectiveness of CBD on sleep disorders.

In addition to having positive effects on the mind, cannabidiol also affects the body.

The role of CBD on the body

You must have noticed that the endocannabinoid system is located throughout the body! We have just talked about the benefits for the mind by discussing the role of neurotransmitters, know that the receptors stimulated by CBD will also act on other parts of the body such as the stomach, muscles, joints, etc.

In this context, it is known (and used) for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Benefits for the body that are exploited in several areas.

Pain relief:

This is CBD's biggest benefit. By reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters responsible for pain, it can reduce chronic pain. This is the case for stomach aches, especially for women with painful periods or endometriosis. We will see later that it can relieve other pains.

Reduction of inflammation:

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD make it a potential supplement for people suffering from inflammatory diseases. We will come back to this. It can thus be used in cases of arthritis.

A small reminder here, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD. This allows validation of cannabidiol use, a discussion of possible dosages, and especially potential interactions with other treatments.

Muscle recovery:

More and more athletes are using CBD to aid muscle recovery after workouts. You see, when we tell you it's a healthy and natural product! CBD oil is used to promote concentration (and avoid stress) before a competition. It has also proven effective for many high-level athletes in post-training massage, to promote recovery and prevent cramps.

These benefits are not just anecdotal; numerous studies support these claims, although, again, further research is needed to confirm these effects. In any case, know that cannabidiol has found its audience among athletes, both amateur and professional!

The use of CBD in the medical field

Applications of CBD in general medicine

And yes, when we talk about real therapeutic interests and benefits, it's not just for well-being! CBD is also used in several ways in general medicine. Its growing popularity is due, in part, to its versatility.

The other advantage of this substance is the absence of undesirable side effects. Be careful, they do exist! But unlike traditional treatments, the side effects of CBD are mild (nausea, vomiting, drowsiness).

In what cases is cannabidiol used?

Management of chronic pain:

As we mentioned in the previous chapter, it is an asset in pain relief. Given that it works quite well and that the side effects are minimal and completely harmless, CBD is often used as an alternative to opioids. The side effects are limited and there is no risk of dependence.

A natural solution therefore offering many benefits in the medical field.

As proof, today, healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, recommend CBD to relieve pain inherent in diseases such as MS (multiple sclerosis) or Parkinson's disease. We will come back to this.

Treatment of epilepsy:

This is a very often cited treatment. CBD is a recognized treatment for certain forms of epilepsy, particularly Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

There is a medication, Epidiolex, based on CBD. It is, to date, the only medication approved by the FDA for these conditions. It is prescribed to treat these forms of epilepsy, for adults and children.

Here, I want to make a small aside to tell you the story of Charlotte Figi, an American girl suffering from Dravet syndrome. Due to the intensity and frequency of her seizures (up to 300/week), Charlotte had severe psychomotor problems and significant language delay. Charlotte no longer spoke and remained in her wheelchair, bombarded with increasingly strong chemical treatments, which were not very useful in calming her seizures. Her parents could never resign themselves to seeing their daughter slip into a certain vegetative state. They decided to move to Colorado to try everything!

Thus, from the age of 5, Charlotte was able to follow a cannabidiol-based treatment. Thanks to this, her seizures became less severe and less frequent, allowing her to regain, among other things, the use of speech. Charlotte was able to live an almost normal life thanks to CBD. A story that made a splash in the medical and cannabis world, so compelling and moving that a variety was created in her honor, Charlotte's Web.

Know that Cesarus, an exclusive creation of Canebiera, contains it. Cesarus is one of our flowers that contains a naturally high CBD content, ideal for deep relaxation.

Actions on cancer:

Clinical research is being conducted on this topic. Two main areas emerge. On one hand, the use of CBD as a cancer treatment, and on the other, cannabidiol to relieve symptoms related to cancer and its treatments.

In the first case, cannabidiol is among the cannabinoid substances being tested for its possible role in limiting the growth and spread of cancer cells (brain tumor and breast cancer). However, nothing conclusive has been announced to date, and research is ongoing.

In the second case, it is used to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea and pain.

Here again, cannabis and cannabidiol are of great interest to the medical world. Their actions on the relief of certain symptoms are evident.It is quite logical, and following the stated effects, that CBD will be used in the treatment of specific diseases.

The therapeutic potential of CBD in specific diseases

Now you know, cannabidiol is a natural substance with many assets that can improve daily well-being.

We have discussed the various benefits of the plant on the body and mind: anxiolytic, anti-stress, pain-relieving... With these potentials, CBD could also significantly improve the quality of life for people suffering from specific diseases.

For multiple sclerosis (MS), for example, as we discussed earlier, it helps to better manage inflammatory pain. This offers undeniable comfort to all people suffering from this disease. Did you know that CBD is also consumed to relieve the symptoms of other diseases...

Neurodegenerative disorders:

Preliminary studies suggest that CBD may have protective effects against diseases such as Parkinson's. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, cannabidiol is believed to have neuroprotective and neuromodulatory actions. To support these claims, let's talk about a Swedish clinical study conducted on people suffering from Parkinson's disease.

The study involved 530 patients. A little over 11% consumed cannabis. All reported a significant improvement in motor skills, better sleep, and better pain management. These are very encouraging results. Other clinical studies on patients with Parkinson's disease report the same benefits.

The consumed dosages are rather high (20 to 25mg/kg). After 2 weeks of treatment, the same conclusion: motor disorders are significantly reduced and sleep quality is better.

Again, there are few studies, but they do exist. One of the first studies dates back to 2014! It has been 10 years already that we know that cannabis with a high CBD content improves the quality of life and well-being of people suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Autism spectrum disorders:

CBD is being explored as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorders. No significant results have been published yet. The goal is to reduce seizures, and the relaxing aspect is what is being sought and studied!

The therapeutic potentials of cannabidiol in certain diseases therefore seem obvious. Many patients today (and some for several years already) consume cannabidiol. For these diseases (especially MS and Parkinson's), the benefits are undeniable. Long before the authorization to produce and sell cannabidiol, several patients consumed cannabis to relieve their symptoms.

In fact, today, it is rather a question of demystifying cannabis and democratizing its use. Often assimilated with THC and marijuana joints, some people are still wary of CBD.

However, you can clearly see that we are far from the recreational smoking that gets you high. This is somewhat the image people have of CBD when they don't know it well. But it's not just that! There are not only flowers or resin that exist in CBD form.

Moreover, in many cases, the most commonly used form is CBD oil. Easy to ingest, with a rapid effect. It also has the advantage of being available in several concentrations (from 5 to 20%). This allows for adjusting the dosage according to one's needs, expected effects, etc.

I remind you that before consuming CBD, especially if you are taking medication, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional.

The reasons? CBD can interact with other medications. To put it simply, either the effects of other medications are canceled, or they are amplified. In both cases, the result would be totally unproductive! This is the most important reason. The others: to get advice on dosage, concentration, and finally, to have appropriate follow-up.

CBD and legality in France in 2024

The origins of CBD

CBD legislation has been slow to establish itself. Until the end of 2020, the sale of CBD products was completely prohibited. On November 19, 2020, the European Court of Justice considered that "the CBD molecule contained in the hemp plant could not be classified as a narcotic, regardless of the part of the plant from which it was extracted." Consequently, within the framework of the free movement of goods in Europe, preventing the marketing of CBD became contrary to European law. A first step that caused a stir!

I'll try to keep it brief; if you want more information on the subject, you can consult the drogues.gouv website or our articles on the subject via our blog.

A year later (in December 2021), a new decree was published in order to bring France into compliance with European law.

We, growers, followed the developments during this year with great interest. There was a moment when it was proposed to ban the sale of flowers. Big stress.

2021 was an emotionally charged year, ending with an order that may be the first in a list to come... It was necessary to frame production, marketing, molecules and authorized rates... a bit tough.

Among the many frameworks provided, the one directly concerning consumers relates to the THC level. It was agreed that the sale of CBD products is authorized if the THC level contained in the product is less than 0.3%. Nothing about the CBD level.

Since then, other questions have followed. What about the legislation on CBD use and driving? What maximum CBD level should be authorized in products? Can the THC level be increased? What about medical cannabis?...

In any case, regulations are evolving. For example, this year (2024) a court revisited a legal decision concerning the use of CBD while driving. Today, tests conducted during roadside checks can only prove the presence of THC in the blood, without being precise about the dosage.

It's like consuming cough syrup (with alcohol in it) and the authorities suspending your license for drunk driving. Well, I'm exaggerating, but it's not far off.

Anyway, with the dropping of charges against the person controlled under CBD use, it's a great opening that could advance legislation. At least on the CBD/driving issue. Not everything is rosy in the world of CBD either.

The arrival of synthetic cannabinoids on the market, for example, is causing problems. Cheaper, easier to produce, often of dubious quality, these cannabinoids could harm CBD's reputation. The effects of these synthetic cannabinoids are not controlled at all. I told you that studies on CBD are few, those on these cannabinoids are downright nonexistent!

To try and frame all of this, there is a classification of substances that may be contained (even in low concentrations) in products derived from industrial, textile, or agricultural hemp. This classification is established by the ANSM (French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products).

They weigh the dangerousness of such and such cannabinoids, or the lack of hindsight on their use. These are still synthetic molecules, most of the time created chemically.

You should know that recently (decision of June 3, 2024), CBNA, THCVA, and THCA have been excluded from this classification.

In France, the legality of CBD can still evolve. Experts are fighting against synthetic molecules that continue to overshadow this fabulous plant. This is why, among the precious recommendations when you start using CBD, you might see: consume ORGANIC ! Even if you're not a beginner, by the way.

At Canebiera, we cultivate hemp plants without chemical additives, neither before, during, nor after! The plant is 100% natural, and our plantations are certified Organic (Ecocert). Just putting that out there...

You will of course find other organic producers; focus on the label and pay close attention to the place of origin. Products from plants grown and manufactured in France (organic standards can vary from one country to another) are undoubtedly of better quality.

It's time to conclude. As you have seen throughout this article, there is still a long way to go in understanding cannabinoids, their benefits, therapeutic uses, and legislation.

For now, we can easily admit that CBD is a fascinating molecule with a wide range of potential benefits for mental and physical health.

Current scientific evidence suggests that CBD could be a promising therapeutic option. Epilepsy, MS, Parkinson's...

We ourselves have seen incredible results on our loved ones thanks to cannabidiol. One of our greatest motivations is seeing loved ones more serene and living better every day.

You can, of course, consume CBD for other ailments or temporary disorders. Sleep, endometriosis, joint pain, stress, and even in cosmetics (topical face and body cream, shampoo...). The dosage will, most of the time, be lower. The results will be just as effective, if not more so, than with traditional treatments. Find our advice on the subject if you are new to CBD (see our CBD Guide articles).

I hope you have learned something about cannabidiol. We remind you that interactions with other medications are possible. If you want to fully enjoy all the benefits of this natural solution, consult a healthcare professional to discuss your specific needs and the best options for you.