Tips & Guides

CBD is produced from cannabis (or hemp) plants. These plants have travelled through the ages to reach where they are today. Hemp was discovered in Central Asia more than ten thousand years ago. This plant has evolved over time and through human use. Originally, it was mainly known for its strong fibres and as food. It was only in the 20th century that humans discovered its benefits. Today, botanically, three main types of cannabis plants are distinguished:

• - Cannabis "Sativa" is a plant from the Cannabaceae family, known for its medical, recreational and industrial uses. It is an annual herbaceous plant with long stems and fine long leaves made up of several toothed leaflets. The plants can reach several metres in height, with branches growing along the main stem. The flowers, grouped in dense clusters, are usually green but can show shades of purple or red, covered in trichomes containing cannabinoids and terpenes. Chemically, cannabis "Sativa" contains more than a hundred active compounds, notably cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes. THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric effects, while CBD is known for its medicinal and non-psychoactive properties. The uses of cannabis "Sativa" are varied: in medicine, it is used to treat chronic pain, nausea, sleep disorders, and it also shows potential in treating epilepsy, anxiety and depression. For recreational purposes, it is consumed for its psychoactive effects, inducing a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Industrially, some varieties are grown for their fibres used in textiles, ropes, paper, and for their seeds, a source of protein and edible oil.
• - Cannabis "Indica", another variety of the cannabis plant, stands out for its physical characteristics and distinct effects. With a more compact and robust shape than its "Sativa" counterpart, "Indica" has broader, darker leaves, shorter stems and dense, resinous flower clusters. Its colours are usually dark green, with some specimens showing leaves of almost blue or green turning to black. Chemically, cannabis "Indica" shares many compounds with "Sativa", but the proportions and ratios can differ, leading to different effects. "Indica" is often associated with higher CBD levels, which can induce more relaxing and sedative effects than its counterpart. Its aromas and flavours are also distinct, often characterized by earthy, spicy and musky notes. Medicinally, cannabis "Indica" is often used to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and promote sleep, due to its relaxing and analgesic effects. For recreational use, it is often chosen for its relaxing and calming effects, ideal for unwinding at the end of the day.
• - Cannabis "Ruderalis" is a less well-known variety of cannabis, but nonetheless fascinating. Originating from the northern regions of Europe and Asia, this subspecies stands out for its resilience and ability to adapt to harsh climates. Physically, cannabis "Ruderalis" is often smaller than its "Sativa" and "Indica" cousins, with thin stems and three-lobed leaves. What makes cannabis "Ruderalis" particularly interesting is its ability to flower based on time rather than the light cycle. This feature, called auto-flowering, means that "Ruderalis" plants automatically start to flower after a certain number of weeks, regardless of day length. This makes it an attractive choice for growers looking for quick and easy harvests. Although cannabis "Ruderalis" generally contains lower levels of THC and CBD than its "Sativa" and "Indica" counterparts, it is sometimes crossed with other varieties to create hybrids with auto-flowering characteristics. These hybrids can be used for recreational, medicinal or industrial purposes, offering a varied range of effect and flavour profiles.