RAF CBD: a little context…
The legal hemp sector, more particularly in the range of cannabidiol (CBD) products, has experienced quite impressive dynamism since the start of 2022, with in particular a wave of product diversification comparable to that experienced by the e-hemp market. -liquids for electronic cigarettes in the 2010s.
Three areas of innovation can be identified in this dynamic:
- Synthetic cannabinoids, developed in the laboratory, from substances found naturally in the hemp plant. This orientation “gave birth” to several molecules such as THCP, THCA, HHC and even H4CBD… which were all banned by the ANSM between June 2023 and May 2024 (see our article dedicated to this news);
- The rise of more practical formats and packaging, more fun and more suited to the general public. Indeed, after oils and CBD flowers, which are the historical forms of cannabidiol, online stores like 321CBD and physical points of sale now offer drinks, teas and herbal teas in bags, cookies, candies, e-liquids and even CBD flour;
- “Modified” or “boosted” CBD products, which most often result from laboratory work (in vitro) to increase the bioavailability of cannabidiol in the body in order to maximize the effects felt, while remaining legal (less than 0.3% THC).
The RAF CBD is part of this third axis of innovation. Let’s take a closer look…
What is RAF CBD?
As its name suggests, Rapid Absorption Formula, or RAF, is a technique used in the formulation and manufacturing of legal hemp products, including oils and flowers of CBD, to improve the bioavailability of cannabinoid active ingredients, accelerate absorption by the body and possibly intensify the effects felt.
The RAF CBD formula is patented by HighSociety, a French brand which opened its first point of sale for cannabidiol products in 2018, near Marseille. Today, its products are offered by 800 tobacconists throughout the national territory but also in Germany and Spain, in addition to 132 integrated or franchised physical points of sale.
Concretely, the method promises, on paper, to accelerate and strengthen the soothing virtues, the anti-inflammatory action and the pain-relieving effects of CBD, but with a major drawback, by the company's own admission. company that invented this formula: a psychotropic effect.
“Developed from a natural molecule of the plant, RAF guarantees you a moment of escape, with tranquilizing, soothing and euphorizingeffects”, we can indeed read on the HighSociety presentation sheet.
This astonishing description, but which has the merit of being clear and transparent, places RAF CBD in the gray zone on a legal level, to say the least.
How is RAF CBD formulated?
RAF CBD is a technique used in CBD products marketed by the HighSociety brand. The manufacturing method is therefore patented and, as such, it is not known.
We can, however, make some assumptions about how the company manufactures the products in the RAF CBD range. The method aims to modify the molecular structure or formulation of CBD to allow faster entry into the bloodstream and intensify the effects of the cannabinoid. Concretely, the RAF can involve one or a mix of the following techniques:
Nano-emulsification
This technique transforms CBD into nanoparticles, extremely small elements that can more easily cross biological barriers such as cell membranes. The CBD then becomes bioavailable more quickly, meaning it is more quickly absorbed and used by the body.
Lipososomes
Liposomes are small spheres made of lipid layers that can encapsulate CBD. These structures can fuse with cell membranes to release CBD directly into cells.
This method also improves the stability and availability of CBD in the body for more intense and faster effects.
Absorption additives
We can predict the use of additives that improve the solubility or interaction of CBD with the body's natural systems to promote faster absorption through the digestive or sublingual system (under the tongue). We are talking in particular about the following elements:
- Surfactants, substances that reduce the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. They could thus help disperse CBD more effectively throughout the body. The surfactants most used in food products (including food supplements) are Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Monooleate.
- Emulsifiers, compounds that allow substances to be mixed that do not otherwise mix, such as oil and water. Soy lecithin and diglycerides are emulsifiers commonly used to create nanoemulsions of active ingredients, including cannabinoids like CBD, to improve bioavailability.
- Carrier oils. Technically, these aren't really additives in the traditional sense, but oils like MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil or hemp oil are often used to improve CBD absorption. They facilitate the passage of CBD through the lipid membranes of cells by reducing its degradation.
- Piperine (or bioperine). This black pepper extract increases the bioavailability of many supplements and medications by inhibiting certain enzymes responsible for their metabolism, allowing a higher concentration in the blood.
Why does 321CBD not sell RAF CBD?
321CBD's ethical charter is clear: no poorly studied cannabinoids, non-traceable or unknown cannot be sold on our online store.
It is also this commitment that has meant that we have never marketed cannabinoids which were legal a few years ago and which ended up being banned by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Drugs. health products (ANSM) a few months ago, such as THCP, HHC and H4CBD (unlike some of our competitors).
We therefore follow the same logic for the RAF CBD. The formula is not known, the list of ingredients is opaque and the manufacturer speaks of “euphoric effects”, which raises suspicion of the presence of THC or a similar cannabinoid.
