In Latin, cannabis stands for what we know as hemp. This plant has been very popular since ancient times as a (natural) medicine against among other things:
- pain
- sleeping problems
- nausea
- ignitions
- cramp
- reduced appetite
- depression
- stress
The main active ingredients of hemp are THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, or cannabidiol. The ratio between these two components determines the side effects and the action of the substance. The latter component (CBD) will be highlighted in this text.
Legality CBD
Since the amendment of the opium law in 1999, it has been legal to produce hemp. However, these plants must be destined for the market for hemp grown for fibre. Growing hemp with 0.2% or less THC has therefore become legal in the Netherlands. This plant has a higher percentage of CBD in it, which lends itself well to the production of CBD products. The component of hemp called cannabidiol (CBD) is freely available on the market, because it has no psychoactive effects. With the hemp plant the government distinguishes two branches of sport: growing and cultivating. According to the law, everyone in the Netherlands is entitled to grow fibre hemp. This hemp may not be intended for consumption, only for the fibres. The substance CBD can for the most part be found in the flowers and leaves, which are therefore not allowed to be harvested. The export of these plant parts and the import of the CBD from these plants is allowed. The following about the legality of cannabis. The plant cannabis is not freely available, because of its high THC content. From September 2003 doctors have been able to prescribe cannabis and pharmacists are allowed to supply it on prescription. This is also called medicinal cannabis. The difference between medicinal cannabis and recreational cannabis is not only that medicinal cannabis is provided by pharmacies. It also meets the highest requirements, is of pharmaceutical quality, has a constant composition and is only intended as medicine. Within the cannabis medication there is also variation. This variation is based on the ratio between the two active components CBD and THC. From the year 2015, medicinal cannabis oil will also be available on doctor’s prescription, in addition to cannabis. This differs from normal CBD oil in that it contains the substance THC.
The purchase of CBD
The sale of CBD mainly takes the form of a supplement. A problem with this is that the safety of these food supplements is not regulated by the government. As a consumer, it is not possible to obtain complete certainty about the ingredients of the product. It is unclear to what extent there are active ingredients in the product and other (unknown) elements may be present. It has been found that these products often do not contain what is described on the label. Finally, due to inadequate research, it is unclear what the most effective dosage is when using CBD. Therefore, the CBD should be purchased from a reliable source, a low dose with a slow build-up should be used, experiences should be reviewed, continuous consultation with the general practitioner or pharmacist, caution should be offered with other narcotic products and timely stop use if no effect is achieved.
