Currently very popular, cannabidiol (CBD), particularly in the form of oil, has been the subject of a certain craze in France since 2018. You should know that this molecule is not a psychotropic but a substance authorized in certain forms. It is credited with many virtues, although only some have actually been the subject of scientific research.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids present in hemp (or cannabis). Unlike the well-known tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not generate any psychotropic effects. Studied for several centuries and formally identified in 1963, CBD is very popular today. Let's talk about CBD oil, which is neither an essential oil nor an edible oil. However, it can be considered a food supplement . It is actually an organic oil – hemp, coconut or olive – which is associated with hemp extracts (dried flowers) ensuring the supply of CBD.
Oil production is done through a decarboxylation process (CO2 extraction), allowing the inactive components of cannabis to be converted into active components. It involves reducing the flowers to crumbs before heating them – or rather grilling them – in the oven. Then, just place the oil and the flowers in a jar and fill it halfway with water. Everything must then be boiled in a bain-marie several tens of minutes before filtering the oil. In addition, there is another method:solvent extraction.
As said above, CBD oil has medicinal properties. Before discussing the scientific research on this molecule, let us recall the fact that it influences the endocannabinoid system. The latter is a set of receptors that can be found everywhere in our body. It governs the different balance factors of the human body:temperature, acidity, minerals, etc. Generally speaking, CBD is known to have a positive effect on stress, anxiety and pain. Thus, this substance is highlighted for its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties . Nevertheless, cannabidiol would have many other properties.
A 2008 study indicates that CBD influences the body by restoring the body's homeostasis, ie the balance of temperature, acidity and sugar level. Further research from 2019 shows that cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and suppresses both allodynia and anxious behavior in neuropathic pain. Using this substance would also be useful in the management of pain after an injury of the spinal cord and in the prevention of heart disease.
That said, we lend other properties to CBD oil. This would be able to reduce the blockage of the arteries , blood pressure and cholesterol. It would also be effective in preventing cancer, epilepsy, autism, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases and even schizophrenia. In addition, it could be that CBD oil can act on nicotine receptors and therefore help people quit smoking tobacco. Let us mention in passing that CBD is present in several so-called "official" drugs . Let's mention the Cannador, aimed at treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, anorexia and various cancers. There is also Sativex and Epidiolex.
Although there is an absence of psychotropic effect in cannabidiol oil, it is still wise to ensure a good dosage . For people looking for an optimal dosage, be aware that there is no defined recommended daily allowance (RDA). In other words, CBD has no official dosage reference. Although there is no single dosage for everyone, it is often recommended to consume only a few drops a day.
Furthermore, the most common way to consume this oil is also the most convenient. It is a question of placing a few drops under the tongue, then swallowing them after a minute of waiting. However, it can also be consumed in the form of capsules or as an accompaniment to food.
Regarding side effects , CBD brings together a few that need to be taken into account beforehand. However, it is mainly a question of digestive disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea, as well as a loss of appetite. Nevertheless, these side effects are very bearable, which is far from being the case with all the substances available on the market. However, dosage plays an important role in the intensity of these same effects.
In France, CBD is illegal beyond a concentration of more than 0.2% THC according to the Public Health Code. Authorized for sale in the form of e-liquid (electronic cigarette), oil, capsules or creams, CBD is also found in the form of paste or dried flowers, which seem to be prohibited according to the legislation. Yet many shops sell CBD flowers today. In its other forms, the sale, purchase and consumption are obviously not reprehensible.
Furthermore, you should know that European Community law take precedence over the interpretation of the French authorities. While case law has multiplied since 2018, everyone seems to be eyeing the side of the European Court of Justice. The latter indeed plans to render a judgment so that all the judicial actors in Europe know what to expect at the level of the CBD.
In 2019, the National Assembly voted in favor of experimenting with cannabis for medical use in our country. Indeed, therapeutic cannabis will be tested over a period of two years, between 2020 and 2022. If successful, there could be talk of generalizing the practice. In addition, the decree of October 16, 2020 sets the specifications of the cannabis-based drugs that will be used during this experiment. The test also mentions the conditions for financing social security for 2020, the conditions for the availability of medicines as well as the therapeutic indications (or clinical situations) in which their use will take place.
The CBD market in France is very recent. Indeed, this one has been popular for barely two years. As with any consumer product, it is wise to turn to professionals knowing their products very well. Choosing a good dealer provides advice, traceability and details on the manufacture of CBD oil.
For example CBD Corner in Paris, claiming to be the leader in cannabidiol in our country. However, you should know that stores of this kind are also flourishing in the provinces lately. On its platform, CBD Corner claims to seek product quality above all else. In terms of oil, this company markets four of them, the only difference being their CBD concentration rate (5, 10, 20 and 30% CBD oil). Among the other products, we find E-liquids, crystals, waxes, capsules, massage oils as well as Japanese tea (matcha).
In 2019, France 2 devoted an issue of the program Envoyé Spécial to the CBD (see below). Its content is about a 9-year-old girl suffering from very severe epilepsy, which the parents tried to treat with cannabidiol.
