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Isn’t it strange how CBD has risen from total obscurity to being the ‘next big thing’ in the cannabis industry? Let’s be honest, as soon as people talk about the benefits of Marijuana, CBD is the first thing that comes up. Often touted as the miracle remedy for all medical and psychological ailments, CBD seems to be that buzzword that everyone tries to place in the conversation. This is true in the United States but even more so within Europe.
Today we are taking a look at the explosion of the CBD scene within the EU, and we are explaining why it is becoming such a big thing with our European friends. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at why is CBD so popular across the continent.
CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are two cannabinoids vastly found in cannabis. Whilst these two cannabinoids both get ingested in our body through the endocannabinoid system, they both show different properties and result in different effects when consumed.
The main difference in perceived effect is that CBD doesn’t give us that sensation of feeling high, unlike THC which is more intoxicating leads to that for that feeling of euphoria when we consume cannabis.
What is CBD, how does it differ from THC?
CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are two cannabinoids vastly found in cannabis. Whilst these two cannabinoids both get ingested in our body through the endocannabinoid system, they both show different properties and result in different effects when consumed.
The main difference in perceived effect is that CBD doesn’t give us that sensation of feeling high, unlike THC which is more intoxicating leads to that for that feeling of euphoria when we consume cannabis.
CBD is being taunted as the new wonder drug
There are a lot of studies that observe the beneficial effects of CBD, with the most recognised fact being that CBD can help reduce chronic pains. It does so by interacting with our endocannabinoid receptors and reducing inflammation. Conditions such as arthritis and sciatic pain can have their symptoms reduced, offering more comfort and less pain to the patients.
Another recent revelation is the fact that CBD has been shown to display anti-tumour effects in animals, helping to prevent the spread of certain types of cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the validity of CBD’s anti-tumour properties on human beings, but it shows a lot of promises in an area of medicine dominated by complex chemical treatments.
There are also potential promises in the areas of depression and psychological ailments, where CBD is being touted as having potential anti-anxiety qualities. If science can prove that patients are not feeling better just because of the placebo effect, CBD could be a great alternative to otherwise addictive and potentially dangerous common anti-depressants.
CBD doesn’t have as many noticeable effects as THC
One of the main appeals of using CBD oils and tinctures for consumers who don’t already take cannabis is the fact that it does not come with the effects displayed by THC. Some of the most popular European CBD oil products are showcasing just how mainstream CBD has become, whilst THC gives us that feeling of being high and may also come with other unwanted effects for the consumer who is not used to it.
Paranoia and confusion are some of the effects users can expect from ingesting THC, whilst the most commonly known side effects of ingesting CBD are sleepiness and nausea, this is nowhere near the strength of sleeping pills and other chemical sleeping aids. CBD is non-psychoactive whilst THC is, which leads us to the following point.
CBD legal status vs THC
There is a very good reason why parts of Europe are going mad for CBD, and that is a lot to do with its legal status as opposed to the one of THC. Countries like Britain and France for example still consider THC to be illegal on a recreational basis, whilst CBD is floating in a bit of a legal grey-zone.
It is more legal for certain countries to grow hemp, where CBD can be found in greater proportions than it is to grow recreational THC-dominated cannabis. The result on the user end is that they are less likely to incur legal consequences from consuming CBD than they are with using THC.
People don’t want to smoke to be healthy
Cannabis has a long history of being smoked. Even with the explosion of vaporizers, this method of ingestion still leaves greatly to be desired regarding lung-related health. Combustion simply brings in too many undesirable chemicals into the body.
Of course, there are other methods of ingesting THC such as edibles and tinctures, and the healthier side of ingestion is what we see with more CBD products: the most favoured method of consumption is through oils and tinctures. There are certain smokable types of hemp but for the most part, CBD is consumed in a much healthier and easier way to manage for patients who do not wish to combust.
CBD is a great choice and why you should consider it
So why should you consider CBD over THC? The truth is, it all depends on what your body is calling for. The main difference is that whilst THC can serve to help with some of your ailments, it also comes with more noticeable effects.
CBD should be considered if you have specific conditions and you are looking to widen your options away from the more potent chemical products that are often given to medical patients.
The established virtues of CBD as well as its other potentials are the reason why people in Europe and across the world are veering towards it. CBD already helps people and shows a lot of promise, making it rise as the new medical wonder drug. One thing is for sure: things are looking good for CBD, and we can only hope it gets taken as seriously as it deserves by the authorities in charge of our health.