CBD shop in Thessaloniki

by Arnaud BIEZ

Cannabidiol (CBD) is starting to spread all around the world, but it is still a controversial topic, so I wanted to know what it is exactly, and why it is so « trendy ». To do so, I went to a CBD store in Kamara, in Thessaloniki.

When I entered the store, I found the decoration to be very « natural ». All kind of products were disposed to my right and my left, such as smoking herbs, lotions and creams, oils, and even gums and tea. A lady welcomed me, from behind the counter. She allowed me to take some pictures of the place and kindly accepted to be interviewed. First of all, I wanted to understand why CBD stores are growing so quickly everywhere. She thought that it was helpful for people with illnesses or in pain. What kind of conditions is CBD useful for? It helps with a lot of illnesses, such as arthrosis and different cancers, and even with skin problems like acne, but also mental issues. It is very helpful for people with anxiety or depression. The thing that makes the CBD different from other drugs is the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level. In fact, it is this substance, that you can find in other drugs, that makes you addicted and dangerous for yourself and others. In all CBD stores, the THC is capped to 2,9% in accord with European law, in contrast to the 6 to 18% found in pure cannabis. Consequently, you cannot become addicted to CBD.

But in the end, it still has cannabis inside, so I asked her if CBD can modify your behaviour. She explained to me that it only helps you relax, but it doesn’t change your behaviour. So, for example, if you drive after consuming CBD, you will not be dangerous for yourself or others, as the low dose of THC will not affect your concentration or your behaviour. And if the police arrest you and tests you, you cannot be in trouble for consuming CBD Apparently, if you are tested positive for cannabis, another test must be made in order to know if it’s just CBD or another substance. And if you are under the legal level, you don’t have any trouble. And who buys CBD products? Are the customers younger, older, or a bit of everything? There are many young people, but also older ones; they usually buy different types of products: young people are buying the ones you smoke, while older buy something to help you sleep, oil, or tea. So apparently, CBD is really useful for many things, yet it is still controversial, and not accepted by a lot of people. I asked her opinion about this, and she believes that CBD is still new for a lot of people, and it’s not well known, so many think that it is just another drug that isn’t good for your health. So, what would she say to people who think that? “Just visit our shop, try our product, and you will see it is not dangerous at all, and that it can help a lot of persons!”