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When YouTube talks about CBD... An analysis by Sixty8
Today, YouTube has around two billion active users logging in every month. This makes it, alongside Facebook, the platform that disseminates the most information and opinions. Within YouTube’s vast network, thousands of topics are covered every day across the globe. From make-up tutorials to scientific documentaries, everything falls under YouTube’s purview! It is therefore no surprise that, since its legalisation, CBD has gradually been making its way into YouTube videos. Vloggers, scientists and content creators are joining forces to study this molecule, which is still relatively new to both everyday and scientific vocabulary.
At first glance, YouTubers seem to be in favour of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which offers a host of benefits. However, they do harbour some reservations, in order to maintain their credibility within their community. What do YouTubers say about CBD? Does public opinion outweigh science? Between vlogs and scientific contributions, YouTube is breaking down the taboo surrounding CBD!
Key takeaways:
- YouTubers and scientists are exploring the benefits of CBD, often with a balanced and informed approach.
- CBD is popular for its effects against stress, anxiety and insomnia, according to vloggers’ testimonials.
- Interviews on YouTube help to break down prejudices surrounding CBD, distinguishing it from psychoactive THC.
- Educational and documentary content on YouTube helps to understand the potential of CBD and demystify its use.
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YouTubers doing their research
Contrary to what one might think, ‘opinion’ does not always go hand in hand with ‘misinformation’. Whether through vlogs, educational videos or documentaries, it seems that YouTubers are going to ever greater lengths to ensure they are properly informed about the topics they cover. This is hardly surprising, given that a subscriber base often hinges on credibility. To maintain legitimacy within their community, caution is essential.
Most YouTubers discuss the use – or non-use – of cannabidiol, without endorsing it. The properties of the CBD plant are often described on the basis of scientific or journalistic articles, following a common pattern: benefits, contraindications, reservations.
It is primarily for the sake of transparency and legitimacy that the thesis–antithesis structure is adopted. As hemp has long been controversial, a certain degree of caution is still required.
Vloggers: many YouTubers are in favour of using CBD
You’re all familiar with the YouTube ‘vlog’ format or the ‘I’ll answer all your questions’ format. This type of video allows YouTubers to express their views on just about anything and everything, without risking the backlash of misinformation.
On the contrary, the vlog allows them to stand by their opinion, without necessarily presenting it as a universal truth. Cannabidiol has become an almost unavoidable topic for vloggers, as most have used it at least once and internet users are very interested in the subject.
Most vloggers explain that they take cannabidiol to combat stress, anxiety and insomnia. In their view, cannabidiol helps them combat the physical symptoms of stress. Some claim that CBD, particularly in the form of cannabidiol oil or capsules, helps them calm their bodies whilst consuming it naturally.
A few YouTubers share their experiences of withdrawing from THC, achieved with the help of CBD.
The CBD vlog shows that many users feel more relaxed thanks to the use of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Very few vloggers report any side effects.
Another positive point: no vlogger is posing as a scientist. Indeed, a vlog is a space for personal views that are solely the responsibility of the person speaking. These are therefore personal opinions on cannabidiol that can shed light on how the molecule is administered.
Under no circumstances do YouTubers take on the role of a doctor. For viewers, the aim is to gain a better understanding of the uses of CBD and to be less influenced by the preconceptions that have plagued hemp due to the negative image of THC-containing cannabis.
The ‘Yoga for Fibromyalgia’ channel brings together Jessica’s advice and resources for managing chronic pain. In one of her videos, she talks about her misconceptions regarding cannabidiol, which now helps her manage periods of high stress. Jessica says that after two weeks of use she already feels “a little calmer”.
Her poignant account illustrates the “fear” surrounding this little-known molecule, mainly due to misinformation linking it to THC. Now that CBD has been legalised, Jessica feels more confident about choosing good cannabidiol products. She now knows that cannabidiol has nothing to do with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
YouTube interviews: a good way to learn about CBD
Interviews are often more genuine and ‘real’ than vlogs, in the sense that they do not involve any personal or specific interests on the part of the interviewee. The YouTube channel Popcorn, which shares talk shows, brought together YouTubers in September 2021 who spoke about their experience with CBD.
In this interview, journalist Marie Palot admits that she had preconceived notions but that cannabidiol seems to have worked for her partner, whilst YouTuber Zack Nani admits to having tried CBD oil, particularly to manage physical symptoms of stress such as shortness of breath.
This type of interview does not seek to promote cannabidiol but helps to address the subject of CBD with fewer preconceptions. YouTubers generally take the time to emphasise that cannabidiol is not for everyone and is not a medicine. Thanks to their contributions, we can see that cannabidiol is becoming less and less of a taboo subject.
It is particularly among older people that CBD is still associated with THC-containing cannabis, which is illegal and psychoactive. Testimonials therefore become necessary, serving as educational videos to break down prejudices surrounding legal hemp, particularly CBD hemp, which is non-psychoactive and is said to help thousands of people cope better with daily life.
Télé Libre, for example, gives a voice to people suffering from severe pain, such as Sylvie in the testimonial “With CBD, Sylvie saved her nights ”, who find relief through cannabidiol. Sylvie explains that it is impossible to talk about it because of the “’drug addict’ connotation for people who don’t know”. She explains, however, that she has been able to manage her pain without any notable side effects thanks to CBD.
These interviews generally reveal a glaring lack of support, with users calling for greater recognition and advice from the medical profession. There is a sense of suffering among older people who lament the prejudices surrounding cannabidiol.
Doctors and scientists also discuss CBD on YouTube
On YouTube, you choose your own content! Watching scientific content about cannabidiol is, in fact, entirely possible. Many doctors contribute to the platform every day to provide high-quality informative and scientific content.
On the Charles.co channel, a doctor, Dr Bou Jaoudé, gives his opinion on CBD. He points out that interest in cannabidiol is still in its infancy. Although studies on cannabidiol are promising, they need to be explored further. Most doctors also lament the lack of studies on humans (many studies are carried out on laboratory animals).
Dr Bou Jaoudé does, however, describe situations where cannabidiol could be beneficial, such as in the case of epileptic seizures, chronic pain (particularly from multiple sclerosis and osteoarthritis), muscle spasms, certain psychiatric disorders, sleep disorders, opioid addiction, anxiety and endometriosis. Dr Bou Jaoudé is keen to point out that CBD is not a substitute for medication.
Like almost all doctors on YouTube, he points out that CBD can have side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue and diarrhoea… Cannabidiol may also interact with other medicines. This is why therapeutic use must be discussed with a doctor.
On his YouTube channel Psy!, Dr Jean-Baptiste Alexian takes a slightly more nuanced view regarding the side effects of cannabidiol. He explains that side effects do not necessarily pose a problem as long as the medical profession is able to target the specific group affected by these adverse effects. For example, if there is a risk of drug interaction, there is no reason why the rest of the population, who are not at risk, should be unable to access cannabidiol. Dr Jean-Baptiste Alexian emphasises that a medical consultation is essential.
Whether in the French-speaking world, with channels such as Redukadom, Benjamin Brochet or Monsieur Clavicule or English-speaking ones featuring medical figures such as Doctor ER and Doctor Mike Hansen, cannabidiol is a topic that is taking the internet by storm. Generally speaking, the comments are consistent: CBD has great potential, but there is still a lack of research.
Contrary to doctors’ preconceptions, content creators and journalists who are not part of the medical profession are serious and offer the same insights and warnings.
Educational videos and documentaries
Among the videos that might interest internet users, documentaries and educational videos are extremely popular. Indeed, who isn’t familiar with the iconic popular science videos produced by Dr Nozman? In one of his videos, he explains the ins and outs of CBD whilst testing it himself. A few minor caveats: Dr Nozman shares the results of his experiment without specifying the intended target and gives his opinion just two days after the first dose.
Very honest about his consumption, Dr Nozman reveals that CBD does not seem to have any particular effects if its administration is not targeted: it has no psychoactive effects!
Dr Nozman illustrates his point with specific cases where cannabidiol has been used therapeutically. It is a very good video for understanding how cannabidiol works.
Other leading channels such as Arte have also covered the topic of CBD. According to the documentary “CBD, a substance that wants the best for us”, cannabidiol has become the “caffeine of the 21st century”. In an increasingly stressed and stressful world, CBD is said to be a promising natural solution. The Arte documentary demonstrates that cannabidiol production is constantly undermined by changing laws that reflect the legal uncertainty surrounding the molecule.
The conclusion of all these YouTube videos on CBD is clear: whether from testimonials, retailers or scientists, there appears to be a growing demand for information about CBD. This subject should no longer be shrouded in taboo: cannabidiol is a promising molecule that requires serious scientific attention. YouTube is helping to break down the taboo surrounding cannabidiol!
See also
- Cannabinoids and their effects
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