Is CBD vegan ?
Vegetarian, vegan, without animal suffering, etc.. These terms have been regularly appearing in magazines, social networks and on television for several months. They show a growing interest for the animal cause. You may be surprised, but it is not because some products are of plant origin that they are vegan. We will explain why your consumption of CBD oil is not necessarily in line with your convictions
The CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule belonging to the cannabinoid family, found in the flowers of the industrial hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). It is found in the form of CBD oil drops, candy, balm, capsules or cream. Studies on CBD have shown that it has many properties :
- Anxiolytic
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
- Analgesic
- Anticonvulsants
CBD products are generally used to relax, reduce stress and sleep better. But more and more people are starting to use it to improve concentration, reduce inflammatory or painful states in a logic of wellness, and this without the inconveniences that could be provided by the illegal THC-rich recreational cannabis (Cannabis Indica), or other treatments.
How does CBD act on the body ?
What makes CBD very special is its ability to work with the endocannabinoid system. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), whose role is to secrete molecules similar to those found in hemp or cannabis. So when a person consumes CBD oil, candy, or capsules rich in cannabidiol, the molecule will interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The CBD products will then play a catalytic role in the body and act directly on many processes handled by the endocannabinoid system such as :
- The metabolism
- The nervous system
- The immune system
- The digestive system
- The sensory system
- etc.
Is CBD vegan ?
CBD oil, candies, capsules and all other CBD-based products may be derived from the hemp flower, but this does not necessarily mean that they are vegan. We will explain why, but first what is veganism ?
The term vegan was created by Donald Watson in 1944. Co-founder of the Vegan Society, Watson conceived this word from the first and last letters of "Vegetarian". This movement recognizes that animals have a natural right to life and liberty, and does not accept that they can be exploited for food or work of any kind. Vegans refuse to be a source of suffering for animals, and want animals, like humans, to be treated ethically.
Vegans do not consume or use any animal products, including meat, milk, fur, leather, or wool. They also eliminate all products that have been tested on animals, such as certain cosmetics and cleaning products.
What does this have to do with CBD oil which comes from a plant, you may ask ? Well, you should know that during the different stages of hemp's life, from the small seed buried in the ground, to your CBD oil or your capsules, many processes take place, and other elements or ingredients can be added by the manufacturer. Some fertilizers use compounds derived from lactose, thus from milk. Some candies or capsules may contain ingredients such as animal gelatin. A cream or a balm with CBD may have been tested on animals. The examples are numerous, and it is easy to understand that it can be difficult to find your way.
In order to be sure that your CBD candy, oil, capsules, cream or balm are vegan, we advise you to read the label of your products, if the product is vegan, the producer put this quality forward. If you do not find any mention, you can contact the consumer service of the brand, in order to be fixed, and thus not to consume a product which would not be in agreement with your values.