Nicolas Donzé, toxicologist at the Central Hospital Institute, answers a few questions about CBD, this legal cannabis that has invaded many kiosks, shopping centers, and online markets for over a year.
What is CBD?
The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different substances called phytocannabinoids. Among these substances, we can find cannabidiol (CBD), as well as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and about a hundred others.
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In the “legal” cannabis sold in Switzerland, THC is present at less than 1%, making its use legal. Legal cannabis with a high CBD content does not have the same psychotropic and hallucinogenic effects, given its low level of THC, so it is commonly considered not dangerous.
Is smoking CBD bad?
If it is smoked, it is never good. CBD is just a new product from the tobacco industry, and its marketing is regrettable. As a reminder: smoking is a significant risk factor for oncological, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases, etc.
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Is CBD consumption compatible with driving?
In principle, no, because in a legal product with a high CBD content, there is also THC. Studies show that if you smoke 4 CBD seals in less than an hour, you will be under the influence of THC and will not be able to drive legally. Additionally, given the calming effect of CBD, it is strongly advised not to drive after smoking.
Does CBD have benefits?
This molecule certainly has great potential, which requires further research to clarify its benefits.
Several studies seem to show that CBD is used as a medication and would have many virtues. The most explicit effect of CBD is a feeling of well-being and the following properties:
- Anxiolytic (calming for stress and anxiety)
- Neuroleptics
- Antiepileptics
- Anti-inflammatory
- Relief from nausea
- Soothing migraine
- Helps combat insomnia
Although these effects are positive, CBD should only be consumed in a medical context. It is important to note that the difference between a drug and a medication is the use that is made of it. If you are sick, you will take a drug to feel better. If you take a medication when you are not sick, you are taking a drug. CBD is therefore a medication that should be used as such and not as a recreational drug. It has its place in pharmacies.
What are its effects on health?
If we consume a chemical molecule derived from a plant, it is interesting to know how it affects the human body.
We have discovered that cannabinoids exist in our bodies. This endocannabinoid system has various functions. Among other things, it regulates:
- Memory
- Brain development during adolescence
- Appetite, motivation
- Heart functions
- Pain
- Immune system
- Fertilization, etc.
This system is fundamental to life, and smoking cannabinoids, whether CBD or THC, negatively affects our bodies by disrupting many systems. Smoking cannabinoids acts as “noise” for our brains, making us deaf to ourselves.
So let us be respectful of our environment: why pollute our lungs with tobacco and/or cannabis?
Would you like more information on this topic? Take a look at the article by toxicologist Nicolas Donzé in the Labmed journal.
Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Central Hospital Institute Avenue du Grand Champsec 86 1951 Sion
Tel. 0276034824
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