Do you know which are the main CBD producing countries in Europe? CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from some plants, such as cannabis or hemp. This is one of the 113 types of cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. These are chemicals that activate cannabinoid receptors, which, together with endocannabinoids, make up the endocannabinoid system . This is found both in humans and in other mammals, birds or amphibians. It performs key functions, such as regulating blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, or glucose . In this way, it affects the perception of pain, stress or the immune system.
CBD has multiple therapeutic properties, as we can find at https://www.cibdol.es/. Unlike THC, it has no psychoactive effects and combined with THC it counteracts its psychotropic power. This makes it used as a food supplement or treatment for pain, inflammation, anxiety or neurological diseases.
For this reason, many countries, motivated by the large number of scientific studies , allocate a large part of their potential to the production of CBD.
The Netherlands, topping the list of CBD producing countries
In the first place of CBD producing countries is the Netherlands, one of the great leaders in the import, consumption and production of cannabis. In fact, it is the first country to legalize the production of marijuana . This forms a large part of the economy, being very beneficial for agriculture. In addition, it reduces illegal traffic and reduces the final price for consumers. It was in 1999 that hemp destined for industrial production was legalized in the Netherlands. From then on, it was legal to grow this plant, as long as it had a THC level of less than 0.2% .
Coffeeshops are the places where the use and sale of cannabis is legal. However, they must meet a number of requirements. The first one is a sale per person per day of a maximum of five grams . The second is the prohibition of entry and sale to minors. In addition, they cannot sell alcohol or possess more than 500 grams.
Italy
In second place is Italy. As of 2019, the cultivation of cannabis for personal use was authorized in the country. Currently, this can have a THC level of a maximum of 0.2 . However, it is intended to change to 0.5%, unlike the rate that the European Parliament is proposing to authorize, which is 0.3%. Similarly, hemp is also produced in the country.
Despite being overtaken by the Netherlands at this time, there was a time when Italy was the main cannabis producer in Europe . However, the cultivation was prohibited, so this economic sector was paralyzed. However, the climate of Italy favors a quality production of this plant, so it has great potential. This is very beneficial economically, especially with regard to hemp, which can be used for the textile, construction and cosmetic sectors. Despite this, the therapeutic field of CBD is the one that holds the most promise in the future .
CBD and hemp oil
CBD products are in growing demand, both in Italy and in other countries. This is isolated from THC to create products free of psychoactive effects. One of them is CBD oil. This is extracted from the flowers of plants with a THC content of less than 0.02% . This falls within the European regulations and allows it not to produce secondary effects. Different techniques are used to extract CBD. The end result is an oil with three main ingredients: CBD, terpenes, and carrier oil . In addition, some CBD oils can contain aromatic herbs or other additional ingredients. This oil has a multitude of therapeutic uses, being used as an antioxidant, antitumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anxiolytic.
However, it is very important not to confuse CBD oil with hemp oil . This is extracted from the seeds of the plant, which are pressed in a certain way so that the oil contains all its properties. This type of oil provides many benefits at the nutritional level, thanks to its high content of Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin E or Iron . As if that were not enough, the only ingredient in this product is hemp seed oil.
France
France is the world’s second largest producer of industrial hemp, only surpassed by China. This production began in the 19th century, a time when up to 170 hectares were dedicated to the cultivation of this plant. Currently, a cannabis sativa L. plant can be grown on French territory as long as it does not exceed 0.2% THC allowed. When it comes to cannabis, the French are the biggest consumers in Europe . Regarding personal production, it is prohibited throughout the country. In fact, it can mean up to 20 years in prison or a 7.5 million euro fine .
However, the use and sale of CBD products is allowed, since it is not psychoactive, since it has very low levels of THC. Similarly, cannabis seeds can also be sold in France, as in most countries in Europe.
Portugal
Finally, among the CBD-producing countries, is Portugal, a country where cannabis can be grown. This country, like Italy, has an optimal climate for the production of this plant, having a large number of hours of sunshine, which reduces energy and therefore economic costs .
