What is CBD used for?

We talk about it a lot, but do you know how CBD works on our body? What are its virtues and why use CBD oils? What are the differences between CBD and THC? Follow the guide, we explain everything to you with Laure Bouguen from Ho Karan!

Ho Karan brand images.

CBD comes from hemp sativa, an ancestral plant, used since ancient Egypt for its various virtues. Consumed, it activates different receptors in the human body via neurotransmitters: cannabinoids, which are a group of chemical substances.

CBD is the acronym of the scientific name cannabidiol. The CBD molecule is found in plants of the cannabaceae family and is a cannabinoid. It is found in hemp, be careful CBD does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is another cannabinoid (well known to be responsible for the psychotropic effects linked to the use of cannabis.)

So how does CBD work on our body?

Our body has an endocannabinoid system, which works with two levels of CB1 and CB2 receptors: these are receptors that play a key role in the regulation and balance of many processes such as: the immune response, communication between cells, the appetite and metabolism, memory, nervous system, etc.

Illustration of the endocannabinoid system by HO KARAN

How is CBD consumed?

Hemp can be processed in various ways. There are in particular CBD oils, which can be consumed locally in skincare, this is the case of HO KARAN's antidote treatment which can be used to fight against hormonal acne and PMS. CBD can also be ingested with CBD oils, which are available in different strengths. These oils are available in a bottle, put a few drops under the tongue and swallow after 60 seconds, the effects on the body are visible from about twenty minutes. The antidote is an oil with multiple virtues, which can also be ingested to soothe the pain associated with PMS and the stress of everyday life.

Libertine oil from HO KARAN is applied locally and can just as well be ingested. It is an intimate oil that allows you to relax and massage yourself with your partner, compatible with the mucous membranes, explore yourself without complex.

Warning: oils are not compatible with the use of condoms, this can make them porous.

What does CBD say “broad spectrum”?

Broad spectrum CBD is extracted with other molecules present in the plant (including THC, which is removed afterwards): terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids. These work through the “entourage effect” and work synergistically to make CBD even more effective.

Does CBD “get you high”?

No, as explained above, CBD is a molecule that does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol which is responsible for the psychoactive effect in cannabis.

Is CBD addictive?

There is no risk of addiction with CBD. It is even recommended to fight against certain addictions: alcohol, tobacco… because it has no action on dopamine.

Why is CBD anti-inflammatory?

CBD acts as a catalyst in the body, it acts on the nervous system and reduces the impact of pain by activating the receptors present in our body (see diagram above). This can soothe menstrual or muscle pain, redness or superficial burns.

Does CBD cause side effects?

When CBD is consumed sensibly (70mg/day or one pipette from a 30ml bottle), CBD has no side effects and can therefore be consumed without any risk over a prolonged period.

The little story: it is thanks to Charlotte Figi that we can now consume CBD

It was the little girl who enabled the use of CBD for its medicinal properties. She had the rare Dravet syndrome which causes severe childhood epilepsy. Charlotte started having these seizures when she was three months old, and they got worse until she was diagnosed with her incurable disease when she was two years old. With nearly 300 seizures per week, her family tried several methods to relieve her, it was with CBD oil that her parents succeeded in reducing the seizures. Charlotte passed away in April 2020 at the age of 13 and changed the medicinal approach to CBD around the world.

If you are looking for CBD-based products to relax and do you good, we recommend Antidote and Libertine Oil ; 2 of our favourites.