What is CBD?
The hemp plant contains over 100 different substances, the so-called “phytocannabinoids”. Among them are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Since there is less than 1% THC in the “legal” hemp available in Switzerland, consumption is permitted. Legal hemp with high content of CBD does not have the same psychotropic and hallucinogenic effects due to its low content of THC. Therefore, it is often assumed that it is not dangerous.
Is smoking CBD harmful?
Smoking is never healthy. CBD is just a new product of the tobacco industry and its commercialization is to be regretted. In this context, it is necessary to remember that cigarette is a high-risk factor for oncological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases.
Is the consumption of CBD compatible with driving a vehicle?
Basically, yes, if you take CBD in the form of oil. This should normally be the case if the consumption is justified, that is if it is done as part of the treatment of a medical condition. In terms of a “legal” joint with high CBD content, studies show that after smoking 4 joints, one could be under the influence of THC (even under 1%) in less than an hour and therefore legally not allowed to drive. There is another element to consider. CBD has an anti-anxiety effect and therefore is somewhat sedating. Therefore, it is better to consume CBD sometime before driving a vehicle. When used therapeutically, CBD is ideally taken in the evening. In any case, it is necessary to talk about it with the doctor.
Does CBD also have positive properties?
This molecule certainly has great potential. It needs to be studied further in order to be able to capture its positive effects more precisely.
Several studies indicate that CBD could be used as a medicine, which has numerous positive effects. The most obvious effect of CBD is a sense of well-being and it has the following qualities:
- anxiety-relieving (calming in cases of stress and anxiety)
- neuroleptic
- anti-epileptic
- anti-inflammatory
- soothing in case of nausea
- soothing for migraine
- supportive against insomnia
Despite these positive effects, CBD should be consumed exclusively in a medical context. It is important to know that the difference between a drug and a medicine lies in the way it is used. When you are sick, you take a drug to take care of yourself. When you take medicine without being sick, you are consuming a drug. So CBD is a medicine to be used as a medicine, not as a drug. It has its place in pharmacies.
What are the effects of CBD on health?
When we consume a chemical module that comes from a plant, it is important to know how it affects the human body.
It has been discovered that cannabinoids are also present in our bodies. This endocannabinoid system performs several functions. Among other things, it regulates:
- memory
- brain development during adolescence
- desire, motivation
- appetite
- heart functions
- pain
- the immune system
- fertilization, etc.
This system is fundamental to life. Smoking CBD or THC has a negative effect on our bodies and affects numerous systems. Smoking cannabinoids affect our brain like “noise” and make us insensitive to ourselves when you check out this article for more information.
So let’s be ecological with ourselves: why should we pollute our lungs with tobacco and/or hemp?