Cannabidiol or CBD is now a legal substance in European Union. Its advantages? Calm stress and improve sleep, but also reduce symptoms of burnout and emotional exhaustion … To what extent? Which form to favor? Update on the effects and risks of “well-being” hemp.
The authorization of cannabidiol (CBD) in France has led to the development of a CBD industry throughout the country. There are therefore more and more shops selling CBD products (“CBD shops”). A parliamentary report on “welfare” hemp was even made public on February 10, 2021.
What is cannabidiol or CBD?
Cannabidiol is a molecule derived from cannabis. To be distinguished from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another molecule derived from cannabis, which exhibits psychotropic effects and is considered a narcotic product.
In Europe, CBD comes from the Cannabis sativa L. plant and its many varieties. They are more or less concentrated in CBD. The THC content, psychotropic, is strictly regulated: it must be less than 0.2%. A criterion respected by manufacturers, according to a study of 60 million consumers published in January 2021. However, the rate of CBD is not always guaranteed: some oils, capsules and e-liquids analyzed contain up to twice as much. or two times less than the doses indicated on the packaging!
CBD works on the central nervous system, but does not cause altered states of consciousness. It is not classified as a narcotic, reassures Professor Nicolas Authier.
Cannabis CBD: what do we know about its calming effects?
Do CBD Products Help You Sleep Better?
This effect could be linked to the presence of myrcene, a naturally sedative substance. But no study has proven that CBD works on sleep. “The studies we have are not carried out against placebo”, underlines Professor Marie-Odile Krebs.
“These products act on anxiety or pain,” adds Professor Pierre Philip. If you suffer from these problems and the CBD suppresses them, it helps you sleep better ”. “There is no health risk,” says Prof. Authier. At worst, it will cause drowsiness for a few hours. “
Do they help to relax?
The action of CBD on anxiety and traumatic stress has been documented. It is thought to regulate serotonin, a hormone involved in mood. “But CBD does not cure chronic anxiety,” says Prof. Authier. If it is taken permanently, beware of the diagnostic delay. “
10 mg of CBD per day is an average dose to achieve weak or moderate effects.
CBD is also believed to be effective in reducing symptoms of burnout and emotional exhaustion
In a randomized clinical trial, researchers report having observed a reduction in the symptoms of professional and emotional exhaustion (or burnout) of healthcare professionals in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to CBD therapy. This molecule, called cannabidiol, is one of the two psychoactive compounds in cannabis, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has psychotropic effects.
Published online August 13, 2021 in the JAMA Network Open, the study was conducted among 118 healthcare professionals at risk of burnout due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These were divided into two groups, one receiving both standard burnout care and CBD (at a rate of 300 mg per day divided into two doses of 150 mg), and the other only. the classic treatment, and this for 28 days.
Verdict: Emotional exhaustion scores were significantly lower in the group taking CBD compared to the control group, without CBD, during days 14, 21 and 28 of the experiment. Note, however, that five participants in the group receiving CBD had serious side effects, especially on the liver, but then fully recovered.
Despite these encouraging results, the Brazilian research team remains cautious, indicating that the risk / benefit balance must be carefully weighed against the potential side effects. Another clinical trial is planned to confirm these data. Finally, it should be noted that several of the study’s authors mentioned financial ties with the pharmaceutical industry, and indicated that they were co-holders of patents containing compounds derived from cannabis.
CBD may interact with certain drugs
Warning ! The action of up to 60 drugs may be affected by CBD, including antidepressants, birth control pills, thyroid medications (levothyroxine) … Talk to your doctor.
Oils, flowers or capsules: which CBD product to choose?
CBD oil is a priori the most effective form for feeling a relaxing or even sedating effect. It contains between 5% to 30% of CBD. For an almost immediate effect, take 2 to 3 drops to keep in the mouth for 45 seconds to 1 min. You can also place the drops on a piece of sugar or take them in the form of a capsule; with digestion, the effects take longer to appear, between 30 min and 1 hour, but they last longer.
Herbal teas and flowers are less active; heat can destroy some of the CBD. In addition, the indicated percentage of CBD being that of the dry matter, it is difficult to know what will end up in your infusion.
Avoid e-liquids: “We have no data on the hemp extract added to e-liquid and it is impossible to confirm its safety in vaping”, explains Prof. Bertrand Dautzenberg, pulmonologist.
Our selection of CBD products
“You can adapt the shape to your needs,” says the founder of the cbd-legal.eu site. For example, the sublingual oil for a quicker action, and the capsules for a longer lasting effect. ” We can recommend CBD products like CBD Oil 5% made from ingredients grown in Swiss; 3 to 9 drops, depending on weight and desired effect, 3 times a day. Laboratory analyzes are available on each product sheet. € 29.90 for the 10 ml bottle and 6.4 mg CBD capsules (4%) / capsule. Composed of organic hemp extract rich in CBD, olive oil, gelatin (bovine), glycerin and water. 1 capsule three times a day. € 29.90 for the box of 60 capsules.