Should You Seek Medical Advice Before Taking CBD?
Getting to know CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule that comes directly from the hemp plant. CBD is what is known as a cannabinoid, and there are more than a hundred of them in this same plant (CBC, CBN, CBG, THC, etc.). CBD is quite distinct from another well-known molecule from hemp: THC. Unlike CBD, THC is a psychotropic molecule that produces a "high" and is prohibited in France if its level exceeds 0.2%. CBD has no psychotropic properties and is completely legal in France, even at high CBD levels.
CBD, or cannabidiol, can be consumed in different forms. These include CBD flowers and CBD oils, as well as CBD hash and CBD sweets.
The virtues of cannabidiol no longer need proving, which is exactly why it is so much in the spotlight. With its relaxing properties, its ability to combat stress and to ease pain, CBD has become a highly popular food supplement in France.
Understanding the benefits of CBD
People use CBD for several reasons. Some use it to wean themselves off THC (see our article: How to wean yourself off THC with CBD), others to treat their chronic pain. Some people use CBD to calm their epileptic seizures, and others to focus and relax more. There are many different reasons why cannabidiol is so interesting, and below you will find a few properties you shouldn't overlook:
Anti-inflammatory properties of CBD
The anti-inflammatory virtues of CBD relieve muscle and joint pain. People suffering from chronic pain can prevent that same pain through regular use of CBD.
Analgesic properties of CBD
Today, the medicines supplied by the pharmaceutical industry are largely made from opiates. Patients who take them are highly prone to becoming dependent on these medicines in the short, medium and long term. CBD, for its part, has no addictive properties.
Antioxidant properties of CBD
Just as rust appears on iron through oxidation, the same thing happens inside our body. The more we breathe, the more we oxidise over time; this is simply how the body works. Human cells oxidise through oxidative stress and free radicals, which damage the body's components. These are produced by stress and environmental toxins. Serious diseases can develop as a result, such as Alzheimer's disease, cancers, heart disease, strokes or Parkinson's disease. CBD helps to actively combat this, quite simply because it is a powerful antioxidant.
Anxiolytic properties of CBD
Stress and anxiety are often the result of pain that the patient is dealing with. It makes sense: their quality of life is greatly affected, which makes the patient sensitive to stress and prone to anxiety. CBD has anxiolytic virtues that may, in some cases, make it possible to do without conventional drug treatments.
Seeking medical advice before using CBD
CBD is not a medicine; in France it is considered a food supplement. Even so, everyone can have different medical issues. It is therefore advisable, especially if you are undergoing treatment, to seek information before changing your habits, whether for taking CBD or any other food supplement. Today CBD is not considered a drug, so you can make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the idea of using CBD / cannabidiol. They will be able to answer you and tell you whether or not your treatment is compatible with taking CBD. Getting medical advice before using CBD is strongly recommended.
Contraindications and side effects of CBD
There are no contraindications to using CBD, except if you are pregnant or undergoing a treatment that is incompatible with CBD. Some additives may be added to products sold on the CBD market, which is why it is important to choose natural products such as those offered on the Cali Weed website.
At low doses, CBD has very few or no side effects. It has been reported that cannabidiol can occasionally cause mild digestive discomfort or a dry mouth.
In what forms can CBD be consumed?
There are several forms of CBD, and it is worth consuming cannabidiol in the form that suits you best. For example, people who have never tried cannabidiol may find it very pleasant to enjoy CBD teas or herbal infusions to relax. For more serious conditions, taking CBD oil is often recommended. Affordable CBD flowers, as well as CBD-infused cooking oils to dress your dishes and enhance your recipes, are also very interesting.Where to buy CBD after getting medical advice?
Pharmacies have started selling CBD, but only in certain forms. Specialist shops, such as websites and online CBD shops, are often good places to buy because, as pioneers in the field, they offer a whole range of CBD in various forms. It is important to choose carefully where you buy your CBD, as product quality can vary greatly from one CBD shop or website to another. Once you have received favourable medical advice to start taking CBD, you will find it easily, but make sure you choose natural products such as those offered on Cali Weed to protect your health.
Medical advice is not necessarily required for the vast majority of people who are not currently undergoing any particular treatment. You can find out more on our blog or in the various FAQs at the bottom of each section of our website.
If you can't find the answers to your questions, feel free to send us a message via our contact page and a member of our team will be happy to answer your questions.
The Cali Weed team