CBD? It's what ?

1. Warning

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment provided by a personal physician. All readers are advised to consult their physician or qualified healthcare professional with specific health questions. 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 supplement or lifestyle program.

2. What is CBD?

The hemp plant, domesticated 6,000 years ago in China, contains more than 400 organic compounds. The two main groups of molecules with bioactive properties found in hemp are terpenes and cannabinoids. CBD is a molecule of the cannabinoid group.

Cannabinoids are compounds that can influence the functioning of the human nervous system. The hemp plant biosynthesizes more than 60. The major cannabinoids are THC, CBD and CBG. They differ in chemical structure and action.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in hemp. CBD appears to have many therapeutic applications and helps with relaxation. While beneficial for well-being, CBD lacks the psychoactive properties of its more famous cousin THC. It should not be confused with THC.

Reference: https://sciencepost.fr/quest-ce-que-le-cbd-et-quels-sont-ses-effects-therapeutiques/

3. What are the differences between CBD and THC?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol and THC is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol. These are two key ingredients in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are a class of unique compounds and both CBD and THC are among them. THC-rich strains are common when it comes to cannabis strains, but CBD-rich strains are rare.

CBD:

• Non-psychoactive: does not give a recreational effect.
• No known side effects.
• Helps avoid the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Legal in most countries.

THC:

• Psychoactive: gives a recreational effect.
• Has side effects such as paranoia or anxiety.
• Effects consistent with psychosis.
• Illegal in most countries.

4. How does CBD work?

The human nervous system contains a large number of receptors. Receivers are like mobile phone terminals, which transmit signals. But while telephone terminals accept electromagnetic waves as signals, receivers use specific molecules to transmit messages.

One of the receptor systems is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS receptors are located in the human brain and in the peripheral nervous system with the spinal cord and nerves. In the brain, receptors are located in areas responsible for perception, concentration, memory and movement. This is why the ECS is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes including the feeling of pain, mood and appetite. Interestingly, the ECS is also a part of the neural system's response to physical exercise. “Runner’s drunkenness” is caused by the action of the SEC.

The ECS receptors are CB1 and CB2, 5-HT1A, μ and δ. These receptors capture molecules similar to cannabinoids produced by the nervous system, called endorphins. One of the signal-transmitting endorphin molecules is 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). It binds to CBD1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabidiol, CBD, also binds to these receptors and replicates the effects of 2-AG.

In research, CBD has been shown to have antispasmodic, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties. So, oil containing CBD is a good way to relax muscles and overall condition. CBD also relieves daily stress and makes the nervous system more resilient.

Reference: https://www.futura-sciences.com/sciences/definitions/molecule-cannabidiol-17345/

5. Biology and Chemistry of CBD

In nature, cannabis sativa plants produce an assortment of organic compounds, including THC and CBD. Just as other domesticated plants have been bred to produce specific molecules in large quantities, Cannabis sativa has been selectively bred for different purposes. As a result of this breeding, the original plant was separated into different cultivars with different qualities (for example Brussels sprouts and cauliflower from wild cabbage). Current strains of “cannabis” focus on producing the highest amounts of THC possible, at the expense of other useful compounds. On the other hand, “hemp” varieties focus on industrial applications and have been bred to produce large amounts of CBD at the expense of THC.

The cannabinoids THC and CBD are closely related to plant terpenoid compounds like menthol, camphor, and curcuminoids in turmeric and mustard seeds. Terpenoids are a large class of organic molecules widely used in traditional cooking for their aromatic qualities. They also play an important role in traditional plant remedies.

THC and CBD are produced by the same biosynthetic pathway. In other words, they have the same precursor molecule, cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA. When this precursor is available, an enzyme, THCS synthase, produces an additional ether bond and transforms CBGA into THCA, which after decarboxylation becomes THC. In the parallel path, CBDA synthase transforms CBGA into the precursor of CBD, CBDA.

6. Calculate the right CBD dosage

Please follow this link to best calculate your dosage for CBD oil: Tables

7. CBD modulates THC

CBD is considered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce a “high” effect when ingested. As most cannabis users know, THC causes different psychotropic effects when consumed. It can even cause anxiety, paranoia and panic when consumed in excess. Fortunately, consuming CBD is known to counteract the symptoms of anxiety with sedative attributes that reduce physical manifestations, like tremors and increased heart rate. CBD and THC work together more effectively than they do in isolation, in a process known as the “entourage effect.”

8. Relieves pain and inflammation

One of the most cited applications of CBD for consumer health is the relief of pain and inflammation.

While research on CBD has progressed significantly in recent years, the international medical community has yet to fully accept cannabinoids as medically beneficial. One study showed that CBD suppressed chronic inflammatory pain in rodents. In their testimonials, many medical cannabis users suggest that taking CBD dietary supplements is essential to reduce the inflammatory symptoms associated with chronic pain.

Cannabinoids like CBD help facilitate the human endocannabinoid system’s mediation of pain. Cannabinoids attach to receptors and stimulate responses in different areas of the body, encouraging a host of positive neurological feedback. There is evidence showing that CBD binds to CB1 receptors and produces analgesic effects.

9. OCD and PTSD

CBD shows promise in alleviating anxiety symptoms associated with two prevalent anxiety disorders: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Research linking PTSD to anandamide deficiency in the human endocannabinoid system shows a beneficial relationship between cannabinoids on symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety. Patients with OCD see their physical and mental compulsions decrease by ingesting varieties rich in CBD and low in THC.

10. Antipsychotic

In addition to anxiety disorders, CBD has potential for antipsychotic actions. Evidence suggests that cannabidiol helps patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders, including bipolar disorder. Although THC is not responsible for the onset of mental illness, it can mimic acute psychotic symptoms in some patients. This is another reason why CBD is welcome when ingesting large amounts of THC. While THC alone can help bring about health benefits, the therapeutic palette is broadened by the presence of CBD, to reduce the risk of negative side effects experienced with psychotropic effects.

11. Anti-vomiting / Anti-nausea

One of the worst feelings you can feel when trying to go about your daily routine is that of overwhelming nausea, or worse, vomiting. But fear not, CBD oils travel easily and can effectively treat the symptoms of nausea. Ingesting CBD oil is gentle on the stomach and does not contain the chalky texture or unpleasant taste of antacids or bismuth.

A 2012 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology confirmed that CBD encourages anti-nausea and antiemetic effects in rats. Additionally, ingested in the presence of THC, CBD facilitates even more powerful anti-nausea properties, as THC and CBD can individually and together combat nausea.

12. Anticonvulsant

Recently, there has been a lot written about evidence that CBD can be used as a powerful anticonvulsant. The data appear particularly promising in the treatment of children suffering from different forms of epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome. In many testimonials, incredible progress has been made by patients who have consumed cannabis strains high in CBD and low in THC in reducing seizures.

A six-year-old girl named Charlotte Figi was experiencing a crippling amount of seizures every day – around 1,200. Her desperate parents decided to try cannabidiol. The result ? Charlotte now only has three seizures per month. This may seem miraculous, but there are many other similar stories around the world!

13. Acne

If you're passing through the skincare section of your local health food store, there's a good chance you'll come across a hemp-based skincare product. Hemp and CBD contain natural anti-inflammatory benefits that help inhibit lipid synthesis. CBD acts on human sebaceous glands and appears to produce a “trinity” of anti-acne cellular responses that could be used to completely reduce the prevalence and effects of acne.

This includes CBD’s ability to naturally reduce cell proliferation.

14. Energy

Although CBD is known for its calming effects on consumers, it also promotes a feeling of renewed energy and an absence of sluggishness. This is due to the fact that CBD strengthens the cells of the human body and contributes to proper regeneration.

Additionally, CBD is an antioxidant that encourages a feeling of wakefulness, uninhibited by the presence of free radicals. A study published in 2008 notes how cannabidiol has more powerful antioxidant properties than Vitamins C and E.

15. Tumors / Cancer

One of the most promising areas of CBD's effectiveness is in reducing tumors and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system to prevent tumor metastasis, which inhibits tumor growth and limits the migration of cancer cells.

The potential applications of cannabis for cancer patients have long been noted. Especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy, cannabis is an effective way to reduce pain and vomiting.

16. Legal: NO NEED FOR PRESCRIPTION

CBD oils are easy to ingest and allow for precise dosing, as long as the oil has been well purified and does not contain chemicals. CBD oils are produced by extraction. Solvents are introduced into cannabis flowers, recovering the cannabinoids in the plant material, without additives or contaminants.

In addition to the few benefits of CBD listed above, there are many other areas that are being explored by researchers to determine the full therapeutic effects of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids on patients.

Reference: https://www.drogues.gouv.fr/actualites/cannabidiol-cbd-point-legislation