What are the differences between hemp and CBD?

Zoom in on hemp

Originally from Asia, hemp, also called by its Latin name cannabis, is an ancestral plant. Cultivated since the Neolithic era, it is one of the first plants that man domesticated. This long-stemmed green plant (which can reach up to 5 m in height) is recognizable by its emblematic leaf.

Elegant, the hemp leaf is long or wide, with toothed edges. Hemp belongs to the Cannabaceae family and to the Cannabis sativa species, which means "cultivated hemp".

There are several varieties, the best known of which are: so-called industrial, textile or agricultural hemp (Cannabis sativa sativa) and so-called recreational or Indian hemp (Cannabis sativa indica ).

If they look alike visually, it is important to clearly distinguish them. While industrial hemp, as its name suggests, is used in industry (textiles, cosmetics, etc.), Indian hemp is the source of the famous marijuana and hashish.

Zoom on CBD

Discovered in the 1940s, CBD is one of the main cannabinoids in hemp, along with THC. Phytocannabinoids are active ingredients found naturally in hemp. CBD, like THC, is mostly extracted from its flowers and leaves. This hemp molecule is renowned for its relaxing and anxiolytic properties.

Summary on hemp and CBD

THC, cannabis, hemp or CBD: here's what to remember

Do not confuse:

- Cannabis sativa sativa and Cannabis sativa indica; Hemp or cannabis is mistakenly considered a narcotic product, because the term cannabis commonly refers to recreational cannabis to the point of having become a synonym for drugs.

However, as we have seen above, only certain varieties of cannabis such as Cannabis sativa indica have this psychotropic power, due to the high presence of THC. Indeed, the THC level differs from one variety to another. So, unlike Cannabis sativa indica, Cannabis sativa sativa contains a very low THC content.

- CBD and THC. Both CBD and THC come from the flowers and leaves of hemp, which produces them naturally. However, CBD is the non-psychotropic molecule of hemp, known for its soothing and relaxing effects.

THC, on the other hand, is a psychoactive substance, which in particular causes dizziness and states of euphoria or drunkenness, as well as psychological dependence. This is why CBD is authorized while THC is prohibited in many countries such as France.

CBD-based products

CBD is arousing growing interest among consumers, because first of all, it is a natural ingredient. Then, they appreciate its therapeutic virtues.

Indeed, several surveys on CBD, carried out in particular in France and England, reveal that CBD consumers use it mainly to reduce stress, anxiety or pain, to facilitate sleep and improve its quality, even to wean themselves off cannabis loaded with THC .

The applications of CBD are therefore varied. In addition, CBD comes in different forms (raw flowers or leaves, oils, liquids, etc.). Thus, you will find a multitude of products on the market, mainly:

• food (sweets, cakes, infusions, etc.);
• cosmetics (balms, creams, < strong>CBD hemp oils, etc.);
• for smoking (e-liquids, CBD hemp flowers, etc.);
< li>for animals (oils, treats, lozenges, etc.).

Thanks to its many advantages, the outlets for hemp are also diversified. In addition, they have multiplied over time (textiles, food, cosmetics, building, etc.), since all the elements of the plant are usable (from seed to wood, including fiber).

Indeed, from the seed (or hempseed), very high in protein, an oil is extracted which is used in food or in cosmetics. The seed can also be eaten plain, roasted, salted or sweetened.

Once dried, the stem is transformed into straw which will then be shredded in order to separate the wood (called chènevotte) from the fibre. The wood is then sold as bedding for animals or as mulch for gardens.

Finally, because of their resistance, the fibers are used to make clothes, cigarette paper or even certain books such as the Bible. With interesting absorption properties and porosities, they are increasingly associated with materials such as plastic, for the design of lighter car dashboards, or concrete, to increase thermal insulation. and home acoustics.

A booming European and French market

In Europe, the CBD market has been growing steadily for several years. In France, 2018 was the year of the boom in physical and virtual shops selling CBD products. Indeed, according to the SPC (Professional Hemp Union), the thousand was reached in 2021 against a hundred in 2018.

This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the French (about 10% of the population) are more and more many people consume CBD for well-being purposes, as mentioned previously.

Regulations in tune with the market

In France, regulations have long been prohibitive vis-à-vis vis-à-vis the CBD and the legal vagueness persists so far in the country. However, thanks to the decision, handed down in November 2020, by the CJEU (Court of Justice of the European Union), the CBD legislation has nevertheless relaxed.

This decision ruled that French law was opposed to EU (European Union) law which authorizes the use and sale of CBD within it. Consequently, the French authorities do not have the right to prohibit the sale of CBD in France.

However, despite its legalization in June 2021, this product remains highly regulated and highly controlled in France.

Here are the CBD products authorized for sale in France in 2022:

• raw leaves and flowers, resins and hemp-derived products with a THC content of less than 0.3%;
• finished products containing CBD with a THC content of of 0%.

The cultivation of hemp, meanwhile, has always been legal in France. France is also the leading hemp producer in Europe, with nearly 20,000 hectares cultivated. However, hemp production remains strictly regulated.

In France as in Europe, only varieties with a maximum THC level of 0.3% can be grown. In addition, only hemp farmers are allowed to grow them and must only exploit certain parts (seeds and fibres).