What is CBD?

Also known as Cannabidiol, CBD is one of the molecules found in the cannabis plant. The craze for this cannabinoid has been very strong in the United States since the economic rise of medical cannabis. Various legalization campaigns have put CBD at the forefront.

Let's cross the Atlantic now: in Europe, this craze is gradually winning over consumers, as well as the rest of the population, for what is said to be much lighter use than THC.

CBD is not psychoactive, which is why it has been removed from the European Commission's list of narcotics. This molecule has quite simply shaken the world to find itself at the center of study subjects. The exploration and validation of CBD's potential as a medicine is increasingly being felt in every corner of the globe.

To better understand the history of CBD, we need to go back a few millennia to recall a few historical facts about the cannabis plant, also known as hemp.

Used in many fields since ancient times, the cannabis plant is cultivated all over the world. Traces of it can be found in China as far back as 2300 BC, and also in India. Archaeological evidence even points to the plant's use in spiritual ceremonies and rites 10,000 BC. It grows in warm, humid regions, but also in mountainous areas. The cannabis plant was used for medicinal purposes, for making ropes and clothing, and even formed part of diets: the use of this plant was then complete.

These days, we're seeing a certain prohibition, whereas in the past, this plant had its rightful place in society. But will the current craze for CBD change things?

CBD is a cannabinoid called cannabidiol. It's a molecule found in the cannabis plant that has many virtues. For example, scientists highlight its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help people suffering from chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.

Unlike THC, the well-known psychoactive molecule in cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive or addictive effects. On the contrary, it can even help to detach oneself from addictions. This is why CBD is not considered a drug.

Even though scientists around the world agree that CBD is a product of the future from a medical point of view, and that it has undeniable therapeutic potential, it is currently considered to be a promising dietary supplement rather than a drug. CBD and its many interactions with our endocannabinoid system are the subject of an increasing number of scientific studies.

There are so many ways to consume and enjoy CBD that there's something for everyone!

 

Direct ingestion of CBD

CBD can be consumed directly by tasting it in your favourite recipes and beverages (in this case, choose CBD oils  but also CBD flowers and CBD capsules). Sublingual application of CBD oils is also highly effective!

 

CBD vaporization

CBD can be vaporized and inhaled thanks to a dedicated vaporizer that heats the CBD flowers without burning them. Please note that we strongly advise against smoking CBD flowers. It's dangerous for your health because of the problems associated with combustion!

 

Vaping CBD E-liquids

CBD can also be inhaled by selecting your CBD in the form of CBD e-liquids ready for vaping!

 

CBD skin application

Le CBD peut enfin être utilisé en application cutanée locale afin de soulager les irritations et les douleurs articulaires et musculaire. Nous préconisons pour cette méthode l’utilisation de nos Huiles CBD Full Spectrum (THC < 0.2%) et de nos huiles CBD Broad Spectrum (sans THC).

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered in 1992, and is common to all mammals. It is present in the central nervous system, and can also be found in the digestive system, liver, lungs, skin, muscles, bones and in most of the body's cells.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of :

• Receivers (or sensors), i.e. CB1 and CB2, which can be described as locks
• Key cannabinoids that activate CB1 and CB2 receptors

This system triggers reactions at the cellular level, regulating our body's internal equilibrium (homeostasis) (e.g. temperature, weight, heart rate, blood sugar levels, etc.).

For many people suffering from chronic pain following a poorly treated injury or fibromyalgia for example, but also pain that is not fully relieved by powerful opioids, such as people with multiple sclerosis, cancers etc.; CBD is a great support, without addiction or side effects.

Stress is a natural biological reaction, a reflex response to external physical, psychological or sensory stimulation. Our nervous system intervenes and prepares the body for a defensive reaction. Anxiety is also a natural emotion. It's useful when it draws your attention to a risky or dangerous situation. This emotion enables you to take the initiative to avoid the problem.

Sometimes we're not anxious enough, and we put ourselves in danger, but when we're too anxious and we adopt a systematic attitude of hyper-vigilance, always thinking of the worst, anticipating everything, too much, in constant tension, life becomes complicated and this anxiety handicaps us on a daily basis. Chronic stress is also one of the increasingly frequent pathologies of today's society.

Experiments have shown that blocking CB1 receptors increases anxiety, while stimulating them decreases it. CBD activates these receptors and plays a role in the production of serotonin. It can therefore be of great help if you suffer from occasional or chronic stress or anxiety.

Anti-inflammatories relieve inflammation and reduce the pain associated with inflammation following injury, infection by a virus, bacteria or fungus, or an inflammatory disease linked to immune system dysfunction (rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, etc.). Inflammations can affect any part of the body, including the skin, muscles, joints, central nervous system and organs. Among the natural anti-inflammatories is CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol.

Sick in the car, on a boat, sickness causing nausea and/or vomiting (gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction), excess alcohol, food, chemotherapy, and so on. There are many cases where you need to calm these sometimes very painful and unbearable discomforts, caused by the contractions of your stomach. CBD products are one of the solutions. Studies have shown that CBD acts on our endocannabinoid system, counteracting the process of nausea and vomiting.

Sleep disorders (dyssomnias) are numerous and fall into three main categories: insomnia, parasomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. They can be linked to multiple causes, and if they last too long or become chronic, they affect our quality of life, whether personal or professional. Studies on this subject are promising, and many people are already using CBD-based products to regulate their sleep.

When an organ is no longer properly and/or sufficiently supplied with blood: this is ischemia (i.e., the blockage of an artery). This can lead to serious problems such as stroke or heart attack. It is the consequence of a lack of activity, but also of disorders or diseases caused by smoking, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, stress, sleep disorders, etc.

The normal functioning of the receptors in our endocannabinoid system helps maintain the balance and regulation of many of our physiological processes, but because of these disorders, it is sometimes difficult to maintain an ideal balance. As a preventive measure, or when it is dysfunctional, the intake of CBD could play an essential role in maintaining this balance, helping to reduce many problems.

Many studies are currently underway, as scientists are pinning great hopes on this field. The above list of CBD benefits is therefore not exhaustive. Some studies also highlight CBD's antibacterial and neuroprotective properties. We'll be sure to mention them in future blog posts.

We've posted before about health and CBD, here are some links you might be interested in:

• How does CBD help seniors?
• How can CBD help wean you off THC?
• How does CBD help athletes?
• Can CBD help you lose weight?
• How can CBD help our pets?

Don't forget to visit our Shop blog regularly, as we publish new articles every week! You can type your keyword into our search bar (contact and info at the bottom of the page) and choose the blog articles and products that interest you.

The indoor method is indoor growing! We reproduce all bioclimatic factors to optimize production quality. Until the 2000s, indoor cultivation was considered standard, with the use of pots and soil substrate, simple fans and very high consumption lamps known as HPS or MH.

Today, we find indoor cultivation with LED lamps, which are designed to consume much less energy and have less impact on the environment, while maintaining premium quality. Methods have also evolved, with so-called soilless cultures such as hydroponics and aeroponics offering faster, more productive flowering cycles.

The greenhouse method! This production method is a perfect combination of sun, heat and the non-use of fossil or renewable energy to grow this wonderful plant.

As you can see, just like any other grower, the greenhouse is a great compromise for growing CBD. Today, some growers are even mixing indoor and green house cultivation, integrating tools to control the climate a little more, for even higher yields and consistently optimal quality!

The outdoor method is open field cultivation! This method is mainly used for industrial purposes, as the quality of the flowers is inferior to that of the other two methods, due to the temperature variations to which the plants are subjected and the whims of Mother Nature.

The Cali Weed team is very sensitive to the environment and organic farming. That's why the vast majority of our products are selected and produced in France, to minimize our ecological footprint as well as our carbon footprint. We favor organically-farmed products to ensure that all our consumers stay healthy and contribute to the future of our planet. In fact, organic farming enables healthy consumption, preserves the biodiversity of which we are a part, improves soil regeneration and provides a future for future generations of farmers: so the stakes are high!