What are the differences between hemp, cannabis and CBD?
Hemp and Cannabis belong to the same species Cannabis sativa Lof the family of Cannabaceae. The difference between the two lies in the use of the plant and its content of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance of cannabis. Generally, varieties containing less than 0.2% THC on the dry extract (maximum legal rate) are designated as hemp Or CBD(Toabbreviation of molecule cannabidiol extracted from hemp)while strains with more than 0.2% THC are called cannabis.
There are various species of cannabis, we are going to present to you the species intended for medicinal use and those for ” welfare “composed of cannabis no narcotic effect (containing little THC), whose use is authorized in France.
What is the origin of cannabis?
The use of cannabis is not new. It has been proven that it was used already in prehistoric times, especially on the Asian continent. Then he reached North Africa and Europe, where it has been used as an analgesic and anesthetic during surgery or childbirth, as well as to combat diseases such as malaria and rheumatism.
In France, however, at the beginning of the 20th century, the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes was prohibited, as was its cultivation. It will be necessary to wait until 2018 for its therapeutic use be allowed again in France, but in a way very framed.
What are the properties of cannabis?
For a therapeutic use cannabis, it is the leaves and flowers that are selected, they contain a large number of active ingredients and more than 113 cannabinoids. Among them, thecannabidiolic acid (CBD) with recognized analgesic and anticonvulsant properties, without side effects at the psychic level (and present in much larger quantities than THC). But also terpenes like β-myrcene with anti-inflammatory effects or even polyphenols (flavonoids) known to fight against cellular aging and cardiovascular diseases (stroke, heart attack). Another very effective active ingredient against pain would be cannabichromene (CBC), also anti-inflammatory.
What are the benefits of medicinal cannabis?
Several scientific studies of large scale attest to the effectiveness of therapeutic cannabis against pain. A meta-analysis carried out in 2018 thus observed a pain reduction 50%with cannabis and a decrease of 21% with cannabis derivatives. For the time being, in France, recourse is sometimes had to the Marinal, a medicinal product which benefits from a temporary authorization for use (ATU). Hemp can also be smoked or inhaled using a vaporizer, but its consumption in the form of CBD oil is preferred. You should know that the medical or therapeutic cannabis, actually refers to different medications containing cannabinoidsthat is to say molecules derived from cannabis, it can only be prescribed by a doctor who has followed a specific trainingorganized by the National Medicines Safety Agency.
Is the use of therapeutic cannabis authorized?
In France, the use of medical cannabis remains very limited, since March 2021, he isentered an experimental phase, the aim of which is to assess the therapeutic interest of the plant, but also to collect data on its safety of use.
Currently it is intended for 5 uses uniquely :
- Neuropathic pain that has resisted other treatments.
- Some resistant forms of epilepsy.
- The side effects of certain cancers (Marinol is anti-nausea and anti-anorexia).
- Specific palliative care.
- And finally, the spasticity (muscle contraction) inherent in certain neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis in particular).
In addition, its use in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases is being studied. CBD is often used to counter the adverse effects of medications or medical treatments, such as nausea and vomiting. It can accompany heavy treatments in this context, such as chemotherapy.
What are the properties of hemp oil and CBD?
Hemp oil and CBD oil are quite different, because of their origin and their properties. Their main difference is related to the manufacturing process. These two oils come from Cannabis, but are not derived from the same parts of the plant.
Hemp oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the cannabis plant, called hemp seeds, which are cold pressed. hemp oil is ideal for repairing the skin, thanks to its moisturizing propertieswhich makes this product valuable against dry skin.
Hemp oil can also be used to naturally treat herpes, psoriasis or cold sores. Thanks to its virtues nourishing, firming And regenerating, this product is known to be an essential ally for anti-aging care. It boosts microcirculation and soothes the burning sensation associated with Sun burn or to minor burns.
For its part, I’cbd oil is obtained by extracting. This process makes it possible to separate the active ingredients (such as cannabidiol) plant matter. CBD oil is derived primarily from the flower of the cannabis plant. This product is a ally against stress and anxietythanks to cannabidiol which has of the effects anti-inflammatories, analgesics, antioxidants, antiemetics and anxiolytics.
CBD helps fight sleep disorders, this extract does not cause sleep directly (like a sleeping pill), but it acts on the causes that disturb it, such asanxiety or the pain, and leads to a reduction in the risk of insomnia. It is marketed in different concentrations. Most of the time, it is combined with other vegetable oils.
Hemp and CBD are available over the counter and they have nothing to do with the consumption of cannabis Or marijuana in the form of a soft drug. It is a simple plant extract like any other, with its own health benefits. Its active ingredients act on various ailments, diseases and other health problems. They can relieve people who consume it, in the same way as any other plant.
How to consume hemp oil and CBD oil?
hemp oil can be used in cooking, but raw! Because, as all vegetable oils rich in omega-3 (linseed oil, camelina oil, walnut oil, etc.), the fatty acids of hemp oil, are fragile and unstable when cooked. AT because of this, we avoid heating it.
CBD oil is consumed sublingually, you can place a few drops under the tongue. Then you have to let the product act for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then swallow the oil. Thus, cannabidiol (CBD) is released directly into the bloodstream via the sublingual glands.
Hemp and CBD oils are not perishable. You just have to keep them away from light.
What are the side effects of therapeutic cannabis?
Cannabis should be avoided for therapeutic purposes in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Indeed, studies have shown that it then passes into the placenta and can cause fetal growth retardation and harm its brain development. In addition, the use of therapeutic cannabis should not be considered in the form of smoking grass, this generates risks of lung cancer and many disorders in the ENT sphere (to the gums among others), smoked cannabis being more toxic than cigarettes.
Finally, regular use of cannabis can have negative effects on the central nervous system. This results in particular in memory problems, a decrease in intellectual performance or psychoses with the risk of triggering a schizophrenia the tent. This is why its so-called recreational use is prohibited in France.
What are the side effects of hemp oil and CBD?
CBD oil in low doses can be an important source of relaxation. But in high doses, it can also promote drowsiness. Also, it must be taken into account thathigh consumption of CBD can promote the appearance of side effects. These are a feeling of dry mouthof the digestive disordersof the dizzinessof the nauseaetc.
There has no side effects recorded with the consumption of thehemp oil.
Sources:
Article R5132-86 – Public Health Code – Legifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr)
Experimentation on the delivery of medical cannabis | ameli.fr | Pharmacist
Therapeutic Cannabis | Service-public.fr
Read also: Eucalyptus: all about its benefitsNettle: health benefits, effects on hypertension, when to take it?Harpagophytum: health benefits, dosage and contraindicationsFennel: does it make you lose weight, what benefits, how to consume it?
