Over the years, interest and research around the potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) has increased significantly. It is therefore essential for those who are new to the world of CBD to have a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
In this article, we'll delve into different aspects of CBD, from its legality and regulation to its potential health benefits and risks.
We will also discuss the role of healthcare professionals in prescribing CBD and explore the factors that influence its price and quality.
We aim to provide a solid foundation for beginners looking to navigate the complex CBD landscape.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that is attracting growing interest for its therapeutic properties and health benefits. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects and does not cause a feeling of euphoria.
Chemical composition and differences between THC and CBD
CBD is a cannabinoid that does not affect mood or perception of reality. It interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system by binding weakly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, without causing psychoactive effects.
Although THC and CBD are both cannabinoids found in cannabis, they have distinct effects on our bodies.
THC is responsible for the feelings of euphoria and altered perception, while CBD acts more as a regulator and has relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sources of CBD with extraction from the cannabis plant
CBD can be extracted from the cannabis plant or industrial hemp, which contains low levels of THC.
There are different extraction methods, such as supercritical CO2, ethanol or olive oil extraction, which allow you to obtain a product rich in CBD and with a full spectrum of cannabinoids.
CBD-rich cannabis strains
Some cannabis strains are specifically grown for their high CBD content, such as Charlotte's Web, Cannatonic or ACDC. These strains are often used to make CBD oils, tinctures, and extracts that can be consumed in different forms, depending on individual needs and preferences.
What are the effects of CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis that has attracted growing interest due to its many therapeutic effects.
It offers many therapeutic effects, such as managing pain, reducing anxiety and stress, improving sleep, and treating certain illnesses.
However, it is essential to also know the possible side effects.
Below we explain the effects of CBD, both therapeutic and secondary, to help you understand its impact on the body.
Therapeutic effects:
Pain management
CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, helping to relieve pain and inflammation, making it a natural treatment for various painful conditions.
Reduction of anxiety and stress
CBD has anti-anxiety properties and may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress by regulating levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for emotional well-being.
Effects on sleep quality
CBD may improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and pain, two key factors that often disrupt restful sleep.
Treatment of certain diseases
CBD has been shown to be effective in treating certain conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and even some cancers.
Possible side effects:
Dry mouth
CBD can cause dry mouth by inhibiting the activity of the salivary glands. It is therefore important to drink enough water to compensate for this effect.
Lower blood pressure
CBD may cause a slight drop in blood pressure, especially when taking high doses. People with hypotension should be careful when using CBD.
Drugs interactions
CBD may interact with certain medications, especially those that are metabolized by the liver. It is therefore crucial to consult a doctor before using CBD alongside medication.
Effects on the brain
Although CBD does not have psychoactive effects, some people may be sensitive to its effects on mood and cognition, especially at high doses.
Is it good to take CBD?
Taking CBD has become increasingly popular due to its many therapeutic effects and potential health benefits.
However, it is important to take some personal considerations into account before incorporating CBD into your daily routine.
Potential health benefits
CBD may offer many health benefits, including relieving symptoms of various illnesses and improving the effectiveness of traditional treatments.
Relief of symptoms of various diseases
CBD has shown promising results in relieving symptoms of various conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and certain inflammatory diseases.
Use in addition to traditional treatments
CBD can be used as a complement to traditional medical treatments to improve the effectiveness of medications or reduce their side effects.
However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD in combination with other treatments.
Talk to a healthcare professional
Before you start taking CBD, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to discuss your needs, medical history, and current medications.
He will be able to guide you towards the best approach to integrate CBD into your routine.
Trying different forms of CBD (oils, capsules, etc.)
CBD is available in various forms, such as oils, capsules, gummies, and topicals.
It is recommended to try different forms of CBD to determine which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Is CBD legal in Belgium?
The legal status of CBD in Belgium is somewhat ambiguous, but the tolerance for low THC products generally allows the consumption of CBD derived from industrial hemp.
Current legal status
Belgium tolerates products containing less than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis.
Thus, CBD products derived from industrial hemp and containing less than 0.2% THC are generally considered legal in Belgium.
Narcotics Act of 1921
The Belgian law on narcotics of 1921 prohibits the production, sale and possession of cannabis and its derivatives.
However, this law does not distinguish between THC and CBD, which creates some ambiguity regarding the legality of CBD.
How to prove to the police that it is CBD?
To prove that you possess and consume legal CBD, it is important to keep the packaging and labels of your CBD products, which usually indicate the THC content as well as the origin of the product, such as industrial hemp.
Keeping purchase invoices or receipts can also be helpful in proving that you purchased legal CBD products from a reputable supplier.
If in doubt, it is best to consult a drug lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
Where to get CBD in Belgium?
If you want to get CBD in Belgium, our FeelingLight brand is a reliable and quality option.
You can easily purchase our CBD products online on our website, where you will find a wide range of items suitable for your needs. Additionally, if you prefer an in-person shopping experience, we invite you to visit our stores located in Brussels.
At FeelingLight, you will benefit from exceptional customer service and access to high-quality CBD products, enabling a pleasant and secure shopping experience.
What diseases does CBD treat?
CBD has demonstrated therapeutic potential to treat various conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and anxiety and depressive disorders.
However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD to treat these conditions, to ensure a safe approach tailored to your specific needs.
We list the diseases that have already had results when treated with CBD.
Epilepsy
CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures, particularly in children with rare, treatment-resistant forms.
In 2018, the FDA approved the CBD drug Epidiolex to treat certain forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce muscle spasms, pain and inflammation associated with MS, improving the quality of life of those affected.
Chronic pain
CBD is increasingly used to relieve chronic pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines and neuropathic pain.
By interacting with receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system, CBD can help regulate pain perception and reduce inflammation.
Anxiety and depression
Research has shown that CBD may also benefit people suffering from anxiety and depression.
By acting on serotonergic receptors in the brain, CBD can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
What are the contraindications of CBD?
Although CBD is generally considered safe and well tolerated, it is important to be aware of some contraindications that may be relevant for some people.
Here's an explanation of drug interactions, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the effects of CBD on driving for beginners interested in using CBD.
Drugs interactions
CBD may interact with certain medications, especially those that are metabolized by the liver.
It can inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can affect how medications are broken down and eliminated by the body.
If you are taking prescription medications, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Studies on the effects of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited.
However, as a precaution, it is generally recommended to avoid the use of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as the potential effects on the developing fetus or infant are not yet well understood.
Effects on driving
Although CBD is not psychoactive, it can cause side effects such as drowsiness or fatigue in some people.
It is therefore recommended to exercise caution when driving or operating machines after consuming CBD, especially if you are a beginner and do not yet know how your body reacts to CBD.
What is the price of CBD?
The price of CBD depends on various factors, such as quality, extraction method and CBD concentration. It is crucial to take these factors into account to correctly assess the value of CBD products available on the Belgian market. This way, you will be able to make a wise choice and take full advantage of the potential benefits of CBD.
Factors that influence the price
Several factors can influence the price of CBD, such as quality, extraction method, CBD concentration, plant source, and production costs.
High-quality products, made using more expensive extraction methods, such as CO2 extraction, tend to be more expensive.
Likewise, products with a high concentration of CBD and from organically and sustainably grown sources may also cost more than lower quality alternatives.
Price range in Belgium
The price range for CBD products in Belgium varies depending on the factors mentioned above.
In general, prices can range from $20 to $150 or more for CBD oils, depending on the concentration and quality. Other products, such as capsules, creams, e-liquids and edibles, may also vary in price.
It's essential to consider quality and concentration when comparing prices to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
Who can prescribe CBD in Belgium?
As interest in the potential benefits of CBD continues to grow, many beginners are wondering who can prescribe CBD in Belgium.
We will discuss the role of doctors and healthcare professionals in prescribing CBD, as well as the process of obtaining a prescription, to provide a clear understanding for those wishing to explore the benefits of CBD.
Prescribing CBD should be used as a treatment option in conjunction with the advice and monitoring of a healthcare professional to ensure safe use tailored to your needs.
Role of doctors and health professionals
In Belgium, doctors and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in prescribing CBD.
CBD products may be prescribed to treat certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.
Doctors are responsible for evaluating whether CBD is an appropriate treatment option for a patient based on their medical history, medications they are already taking, and their specific needs.
Process for obtaining a prescription
To obtain a CBD prescription in Belgium, it is essential to first consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
During the consultation, the doctor will assess your health and discuss possible treatment options, including the use of CBD.
If the doctor feels that CBD is a suitable option for you, he or she will provide you with a prescription.
It is important to emphasize that self-medication without the advice of a healthcare professional is not recommended, as it can lead to drug interactions and other health problems.
Can everyone take CBD?
CBD has become popular due to its many potential health benefits. However, it is essential to ask whether everyone can take CBD safely.
Although CBD offers many potential benefits, it is important to take into account age restrictions and considerations for people with certain medical conditions.
Healthy adults can generally use CBD safely, but it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use CBD, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.
Age restrictions
In general, the use of CBD is mainly recommended for adults. CBD products are not intended for children except in specific circumstances and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Some studies suggest that CBD may be beneficial for children with certain conditions, such as epilepsy, but this should be determined on a case-by-case basis and always with the advice of a doctor.
Considerations for people with certain medical conditions
Although CBD has many potential health benefits, it is important to consider that it may not be appropriate for everyone.
People with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications should consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
As previously mentioned, CBD can interact with certain medications and might not be advisable for people with liver diseases, due to the way it is metabolized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of cannabidiol (CBD) is essential for those wishing to benefit from its potential therapeutic properties.
Throughout this article, we have explored various aspects of CBD, including its legality, regulation, health benefits and risks, and the role of healthcare professionals in prescribing it.
We also discussed the factors that influence the price and quality of CBD products.
By incorporating these key points, we hope to give you the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about using CBD, while encouraging research and education on this fascinating compound.
