As a cannabinoid, CBD is often confused with its cousin, THC. However, it poses no health risks or risk of addiction. On the contrary, its therapeutic effects continue to be proven.
The WHO (World Health Organization) remains the most widely recognized authority when it comes to issuing an official medical opinion on a new substance. As a recently legalized compound, cannabidiol is no exception to this rule.
What are CBD and CBD oil?
What does the WHO think about CBD oil?
Why did it take so long for this substance to be legalized in France?
In this article, you will find all the information that makes up the WHO’s official position on CBD, as well as its recognized benefits.
CBD and CBD oil—what are they?
Cannabidiol is more commonly known as CBD.
The first important point to note is that CBD is very different from THC, particularly in terms of its health effects.
On the one hand, THC is sought after for its psychoactive effects, but carries a high risk of addiction. On the other hand, CBD primarily has therapeutic health benefits, without any harmful side effects.
To provide these benefits, CBD interacts directly with our central nervous system—specifically, our endocannabinoid system. It activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which influence certain sensations such as pain, stress, and well-being.
CBD oil is one of the forms in which CBD is sold.
It is undoubtedly the most universal and simplest way to consume CBD. Whether taken sublingually, applied topically, or ingested in the traditional way, CBD oil is available in various concentrations so you can adjust its strength to suit your personal needs.
Are there any WHO studies on CBD?
Of course, as is the case whenever a new substance enters the global market—and especially the European market—the WHO has not failed to issue its official medical opinion on CBD.
It was in a 29-page report dated 2017 that the WHO officially took a stance on the subject of CBD.
Its conclusion is simple: no, CBD poses absolutely no health risks.
This report focused primarily on determining whether CBD qualifies as a narcotic. Based on the report’s findings, a clear scientific distinction was established between CBD and THC (cannabis), thereby ruling out any possibility of cannabidiol having adverse health effects.
The WHO even recognizes that cannabidiol has certain therapeutic health benefits.
The WHO Recognizes the Health Benefits of CBD
In its comprehensive 2017 report, the WHO not only dispelled common misconceptions about CBD, but also went so far as to assert that it offers a variety of health benefits.
In particular, she acknowledged that CBD can relieve various types of ailments, and that its therapeutic effectsare themselves quite diverse:
- pain reliever,
- anti-inflammatory,
- reduction of stress and anxiety,
- relief of osteoarthritis symptoms,
- improving sleep and combating insomnia,
- a solution for depression,
- relief of symptoms associated with certain serious diseases, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Based on this information—and given both the absence of adverse health effects and the presence of benefits—the WHO has stated that CBD can be considered a form of natural treatment with no specific contraindications.
Why was CBD legalized so late in France?
Now that we’ve discussed the WHO’s official stance on CBD—which is very positive—the question remains: Why did it take so long for CBD to be legalized in France?
The answer is simple: France wanted to conduct its own scientific studies. The WHO’s medical recommendations are always highly anticipated but are for informational purposes only and have no binding effect on member states.
Although the WHO is the undisputed international authority on health matters, France has decided to take a step back and conduct its own scientific assessment of CBD, and thus to take the time to carry out its own scientific studies.
One of these studies is still ongoing; it began in March 2021 and will continue through March 2023.
Indeed, CBD has been legalized in France, and its market is thriving. It is precisely because of its commercial success and the many health benefits attributed to CBD that France justifies continuing its research.
The initial research conducted by France on this topic was intended to validate the WHO’s claims before legalizing CBD within its borders, as a sort of scientific double-check.
The studies currently underway appear to be moving toward more in-depth research, perhaps with a view to discovering new health benefits of CBD and to further expand its use as a natural treatment.
