What-is-CBD Clement Niel - Chocolatier

What is CBD ?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a no-psychoactive molecule from hemp, also called cannabis.Unlike the second molecule in the plant called Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol or THC, CBD doesn't have high effects so it doesn't make you addict.

Its consumption is now legal in France but also in many European countries such as Switzerland, Germany or the United Kingdom as long as it does not contain more than 0.3% of THC (the psychoactive molecule).

We can find commercialised CBD under various kind of products like :

- Flowers

- Food

- Drinks

- Teas

- Oils

- Creams

  • - Vapes

    - Sprays

    - Tinctures

    - Extractions

    - Suppositories (yes, everyone his things)

HOW ACT CBD ?

Everything happen with our endocannabinoid system, it is principally located at the central nervous system, but it has also been detected in peripheral tissues such as the liver, lungs, skin or muscles.

So we detect CB1 and CB2 receptors receptors in almost all of the human body celluls. These are coupled to G proteins which are regulatory proteins that will transmit different signals through the body. 

What does CBD do in relation to the cannabinoid receptors found in our body ? 

Well, not a lot ! CBD does not really impact CB1 and CB2 receptors. On the contrary, THC will mostly bind to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. This explains its action on the psyche and why we say it is psychoactive !

Conversely, CBD does not influence brain function.It is not psychoactiveand because it is not a psychotropic, it is considered as a non-addictive substance harmless to the body by the OMS.
 It is a major difference with CBD, it is why one is legal and safe, whereas the other is illegal (in France) and can be more dangerous for people who over consume it.

So how act CBD on the body ? Its actions are not in relation with CB1 and CB2 receptors like we saw just before, but on other cannabinoïdes receptors.

Le cannabidiol has an affinity with serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that will affect your mood. 

For example, serotonin is creating the hapiness feeling ! This state that we feel through a feeling of well-being, it is exactly the one that we use by consuming CBD products.

 

The action of CBD does not stop there. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter produced as a result of taking cannabidiol, it is also present in small amounts in chocolate. Its mechanism of action is various, it has analgesic functions (which removes or reduces pain) and a role in the reward system, which is disrupted in the event of addictive behavior. Hence the fact that CBD would be suitable in the fight against addiction !
 

Finally, cannabidiol activate adenosine receptors and increase its concentration in the body, to get an anti-inflammatory effectOther receptors also come into action when taking CBD (TRPV1 receptors, GPR55, PPARs…) This explains how CBD acts on the body in a positive way in terms of douleurperception, the reduction of inflammation or its impact on tumours..

 

CBD products should principaly be used for rest, deep relaxation and wellness, not as "wonder drug ! »

Back to blog