CBD oil: what, why and other frequently asked questions

The popularity of CBD oil has taken off lately. You have probably seen an advertisement on the Internet or perhaps even received an e-mail promoting the sale of the oil. But well, what is CBD oil? What is it for ? And is it true that it comes from the drug cannabis? Your online pharmacist answers the most frequently asked questions about CBD oil.

What is CBD?

CBD (its real name cannabidiol ) is a “cannabinoid”. Cannabidiol is the first and main non-psychoactive ingredient in the Cannabis sativa plant and therefore does not get you high like that other well-known cannabinoid, THC. Cannabidiol is currently the subject of more and more research, and numerous studies have confirmed that it has enormous therapeutic potential.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

Like CBD, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis flower. However, CBD is found there in smaller quantities than THC (between 0.6 and 1% compared to 12 to 25%), in particular due to the production choices made in recent decades. The popularity of THC is mainly the result of its “high” effects, which is why most cannabis seeds contain it at higher levels.

Unlike THC, CBD is legal since it does not deliver so-called psychotropic effects (it does not make you high), but rather acts on synaptic receptors in your brain which cause muscle relaxation and a feeling of relaxation.

What is CBD Oil?

The extraction of cannabidiol from the cannabis plant produces an oily essence containing various cannabinoids in different proportions, this varying according to the type of plant, its culture and the method of extraction. This essence is then mixed into a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil.

How does CBD interact with our body?

CBD interacts with the human body through the ”  endocannabinoid system (ECS)  “, the system present in the body producing and assimilating endocannabinoids , substances that allow our body to assimilate cannabinoids. This system has been shown to have a homeostatic role (that is, it maintains the body in a constant state of balance) by controlling several metabolic functions, such as energy storage and transport of nutrients.

In the case of what is called clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (also known as CECD syndrome ), researchers believe that certain physiological imbalances, such as migraines, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, may be regulated by cannabinoids. , and in particular CBD, present in hemp and cannabis, because they would help to reactivate the ECS and thus rebalance our biological systems.

Is CBD safe?

CBD is considered safe, non-toxic, and non-psychoactive. Used alone, it would not cause any unwanted side effects. However, in combination with other substances, such as certain medications, it can cause complex interactions outside its usual range of action. In particular, this is the case with the cytochrome P450 system in the body, a system that helps break down foreign substances, such as pollutants, toxins, drugs, and medications.

According to preclinical studies, when ingested, CBD may inhibit the cytochrome P450 system, changing the rate at which these other substances are broken down and therefore how they interact with the body.

More research is needed to determine if CBD is safe for consumption.

You can compare it to the consumption of (juice of) grapefruit. Certain substances in grapefruit inhibit the same group of enzymes, so doctors advise against eating or drinking grapefruit just before or after taking any medication .

Is CBD legal?

Yes, in most European countries CBD products are legal for external use . CBD oil is made from industrial hemp and contains (almost) no THC (THC is illegal in many countries). And good news for athletes: WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) has even officially removed CBD from the doping list.

Is CBD safe for children or pets?

Thanks to new research, it is now known that CBD has many potential health benefits and can potentially help manage a wide variety of health conditions, such as epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety and ADHD. And since CBD is non-psychoactive, it could potentially even be used for children.

And as for your four-legged friend: cannabidiol is not for the exclusive use of humans. All mammals, including your dear Fido and your lovely Kitty, have an endocannabinoid system, and can therefore potentially benefit from the use of CBD oil.

In summary

Although more research is needed in order to confirm the potential health benefits of cannabidiol , what is known so far holds a lot of potential in terms of medical applications. Still have questions about CBD oil or its effects?