Lately we often hear about CBD, but what is it?

CBD, or cannabidiol , is the second most abundant substance found in cannabis: it is non-addictive and has a wide range of therapeutic applications.

Several scientific studies are researching the effects and possible applications. The interest of the scientific community for the therapeutic potential of CBD is growing, it has already been used in several studies for the treatment of many health problems and is now recognized as one of the main elements of " Therapeutic Cannabis ". .

Cannabinoids , trichomes or even terpenes , these terms may ring a bell, but did you know what they are?

Cannabidiol does not appear in the very long list of substances classified as narcotics. This absence is not surprising. If the molecule was identified for the first time in 1940 by Adams et all., it was not until 1963 after the rediscovery of Raphael Méchoulam where CBD was isolated in the cannabis plant .

CBD is not a toxin so even in overdose it is impossible to overdose.

No one on Earth has died from a Cannabis overdose ! A long nap will be waiting for you, that's all!

Cannabinoids are chemically  preconceived to act specifically on these Cannabis receptors in our brain (CB1/CB2). CBD is  molecularly small enough to act in our body and be  eliminated naturally by our immune system (urine, perspiration).

They are natural compounds found in the sativa cannabis plant. Over 480 different compounds found in the plant, only about 66 are called cannabinoids .

CBD has been the star of recent years, but the real Cannabis experience consists of more than a hundred Cannabinoids such as CBG (Cannabigerol) which plays a very important role in the synthesis of Cannabinoids by the plant.

The latest scientific research reports very specific benefits due to the consumption of CBG such as increased appetite , anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

Many others have been discovered such as CBC (Cannabichromene), CBN (Cannabinol) , and many more.

What are trichomes?

Trichomes are small glandular structures found on the surface of cannabis leaves , stems , and flowers . These microscopic structures produce a variety of biochemical compounds , including cannabinoids , which are responsible for the plant's psychoactive and therapeutic effects. Cannabis trichomes are therefore essential elements for understanding the medicinal properties of the plant.

Types of Cannabis Trichomes

There are three main types of cannabis trichomes: glandular trichomes, non-glandular trichomes, and cystolithic trichomes. Glandular trichomes are the best known, as they are responsible for resin production on cannabis flowers. They are usually spherical or bulbar and are found mainly on the tops of pistils and leaves. Non-glandular trichomes, on the other hand, are smaller and can be found all over the surface of the plant. Cystolithic trichomes are the rarest and are found mainly on the leaves.

The roles of cannabis trichomes

Glandular trichomes produce cannabinoids and terpenes , which are compounds responsible for the characteristic smell and flavor of cannabis. The best known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the euphoric and psychotropic effects. CBD, on the other hand, is considered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is often used for its medicinal properties.

Cannabis trichomes also produce other compounds like flavonoids and steroids .

Flavonoids are plant pigments that protect the plant against damage caused by UV rays .

Steroids are organic compounds that are involved in many biological processes, such as regulating metabolism and cell development .

Cannabis trichomes also serve as a defense mechanism against predators and disease. The glands secrete toxic compounds that deter insects and herbivorous animals from eating the plant. Non-glandular trichomes can also help repel predators by creating a physical barrier.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are volatile organic compounds (hydrocarbons) produced by many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinctive smell of each cannabis variety, but also of many other plants, fruits and flowers. They also play a role in protecting the plant from predators and disease, as well as regulating growth and metabolism .

Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis , each with their own aromatic and therapeutic properties. Here are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis:

• Limonene: This terpene has a citrus smell and is also present in lemon and orange peels. It is considered a natural antidepressant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

• Myrcene: This terpene smells like musk and is also present in cloves and hops. It is known for its pain-relieving and relaxing properties, as well as its potential to enhance cannabinoid absorption.

• Pinene: This terpene smells like pine and is also present in pine needles and rosemary. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and stimulant properties.

• Linalool: This terpene smells like flowers and is also found in lavender and sandalwood. It is known for its relaxing, anxiolytic and analgesic properties.

• Caryophyllene: This terpene has a peppery smell and is also present in cloves and black pepper. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic properties.

Terpenes interact with cannabinoids found in cannabis to produce synergistic effects, known as the entourage effect. This means that the unique combination of terpenes and cannabinoids present in each cannabis strain can have a significant impact on the effects experienced by the user.

In terms of effects on the body, terpenes can have a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory , analgesic , anxiolytic , antimicrobial , and antioxidant . They may also help modulate the psychoactive effects of THC and CBD by interacting with receptors in the brain.

What are flavonoids?

Flavonoids are a class of bioactive compounds found in many fruits , vegetables , and plants , including cannabis . Cannabis is a plant of the Cannabaceae family, which contains more than 400 chemical compounds, including flavonoids. Cannabis flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are produced by the trichome glands in the leaves and flowers of the plant.

There are over 20 different flavonoids identified in cannabis , including quercetin , kaempferol , apigenin, and luteolin . Each flavonoid has pharmacological properties and potential health benefits. Cannabis flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and neuroprotective effects.

Apigenin is one of the most abundant flavonoids in cannabis. It is known for its anxiolytic properties and to help reduce inflammation .

Quercetin is another important flavonoid in cannabis that has antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also been associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

Kaempferol is a flavonoid that is known for its neuroprotective and antitumor properties. It can help prevent damage to nerve cells caused by factors such as oxidative stress and inflammation.

Luteolin is another important flavonoid in cannabis that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Cannabis flavonoids can be consumed in a variety of ways, including through inhalation of smoke or vapor , ingestion of cannabis-containing foods , or use of cannabis supplements. Flavonoids can also be used in the manufacture of topical skin products.

Cannabis flavonoids have a number of potential health benefits, but research is still relatively new and ongoing. Preclinical and clinical studies are needed to better understand the effects of cannabis flavonoids on the human organism.

In conclusion, flavonoids are an important class of bioactive compounds found in cannabis that have potential health effects. Cannabis flavonoids have pharmacological properties that can help reduce inflammation, protect nerve cells and prevent cancer. However, more research is needed to better understand the effects of cannabis flavonoids on the human body and how they can be used to improve health.

A bit of history on Cannabis Sativa L:

Cannabis has always been part of history, Archaeological traces of its ancient use by man were first found in China , in one of the centers of the agricultural revolution. neolithic.

-Hotel de Lauzun hotel (Pimodan) in Paris.