Cannabis (Cannabis sativa), also known as hemp or marijuana, is an annual herbaceous plant indigenous to Asia.

When C. sativa and its extracts containing active ingredients – cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, among many other components – are used as a therapy to treat or alleviate the symptoms of certain pathologies (see question 5), we speak of medical cannabis or medical marijuana.

CBD is a non-psychoactive or psychotropic compound – it is not intoxicating or a drug; Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is.

Both cannabinoids have significant therapeutic value and “work” best in synergy with each other. They enhance each other. Therefore, it is important that both are present in the product or remedy and the proportion of each.

So is it better to use synthetic CBD or cannabis extract with more active ingredients (with or without THC)? )? In other words: Pure CBD as a drug or the whole plant with the synergistic action of hundreds of compounds?

The synthetic single-molecule or whole plant cannabidiol (CBD isolate), synthesised in laboratories or derived and refined from industrial hemp, has proven to be less therapeutically effective – high doses are required – than the CBD-rich extract/oil extracted from the whole plant – low doses are sufficient.

So, CBD-rich products or remedies obtained from whole cannabis plants are recommendable.

There are many clinical trials and observational studies on the efficacy of cannabis and its derivatives, both cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.) and other secondary metabolites of the plant (terpenes, flavonoids, etc.).

So far, there is evidence of the following benefits:

• Pain relief
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-anxiety
• Anti-tumoural
• Anti-seizure
• Treatment for psychotic disorders
• Neuroprotective

This gives cannabis therapeutic value in treating a wide range of illnesses and/or alleviating the symptoms of these illnesses.

Cannabis therapy, i.e., the consumption of cannabis-derived remedies in therapeutic doses, is generally safe. The main drawback is the THC derivative’s psychoactive or intoxicating effect. CBD has no known psychoactive or unwanted effects, although it has been shown to deactivate or amplify cytochrome P450 enzymes, altering how a wide range of compounds and pharmaceuticals are metabolised.

So if you are taking any medications, check with your doctor beforehand about possible interactions. And proceed with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you have a history of mental illness, drug addiction or alcoholism.

• Anxiety
• Decreased blood pressure
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite

*These effects may be due to taking it in combination with other medicines, not just the use of cannabis.

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the main components of cannabis, found in its resinous flower. It is one of more than 100 cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids so far identified in the plant.

It has no psychoactive effects but has a very important therapeutic potential. Therefore it is, together with THC, the most researched cannabinoid.

There are several procedures for extracting CBD-rich oil from the cannabis plant. Methods using neurotoxic solvents such as butane (BHO), propane, hexane or other hydrocarbons can leave unsafe residues that interfere with immune function, preventing healing.

The following are considered safe extraction procedures:

Supercritical or subcritical CO^₂ extraction. This uses carbon dioxide at a very low temperature and high pressure. Although the method requires experience and expensive equipment, the end product is potent. This is the method used in the production process of our H&H oils.

Ethanol extraction. It uses ethanol (food grade), a safe solvent, and home-made equipment. In return, plant waxes that can provide health benefits are destroyed.

Olive oil extraction. Exposure to organic solvents is completely avoided. It is a low-cost method, but the product obtained is perishable and should be stored in a cool, dark place.

CBD and THC concentrations are expressed by the so-called CBD:THC ratio.

Examples:

1:1 The amounts of both components are balanced.

10:1 (CBD to THC ratio of 10 to 1) CBD dominant or CBD-rich remedy with little THC.

The proportion of each component will influence the therapeutic effects.

Our H&H oils contain 0% THC.

Start with a low dose; take small amounts throughout the day. Observe the effects and adjust the ratio if necessary until you find the combination of CBD and THC right for you, thus optimising its therapeutic use.