What actually is CBD? Hardly any other natural substance is raved about as much as cannabidiol. It is extracted from the hemp plant, is said to promote well-being and alleviate numerous everyday problems such as sleep disorders, depression and nervousness. Many people also wonder whether CBD is legal at all, as the possession of cannabis is illegal in Germany. So what exactly is behind this "mysterious" active ingredient - and how does it actually affect our bodies?
In this article, I would like to provide you with more information about CBD - from its definition and effects to products that are now used on a daily basis.
What is CBD (cannabidiol)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 substances discovered to date. Cannabinoids of the hemp plant. It is the second most common active ingredient that can be extracted from the female plant. Compared to THC, the most common active ingredient in the hemp plant, cannabidiol is still relatively little researched. However, there are increasing signs that CBD could have extremely high medical benefits.
Cannabidiol is a lipophilic molecule and is therefore very well distributed in the body and the central nervous system.
Are CBD products legal or illegal?
If all prerequisites from the Annex 1 of the Narcotics Act cannabidiol is a legal active ingredient. This is mainly because it is not psychoactive and does not have a mind-altering effect. It is not a narcotic. However, CBD flowers are not legal because they have not been processed. And since weed containing THC and CBD weed are difficult to distinguish visually, problems with the police could arise time and again in everyday life.
Effect of CBD on the body
The endocannabinoid system is an integral part of our nervous system and is crucial for a healthy strong immune system and the relief of pain. When cannabinoids are supplied, they dock onto certain receptors in our body. CBD has the following effects, among others₁:
- Relaxing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antispasmodic
- Promotes bone growth
- Anti-ischemic (reduces risk of arterial blockage)
- Antipsychotic
- Anxiolytic (relieves anxiety)
- Bone stimulating (promotes bone growth)
- Neuroprotective
- Antidiabetic
- Antiepileptic
- …
Basically, the natural product cannabidiol has the following properties No side effectsbut doctors advise against using it during pregnancy because it could reduce the protective function of the placenta.₂
Fields of application of CBD
We now know how CBD works, but of course we should also take a look at its areas of application. Here are some health areas₃ in which the active ingredient is used:
- Sports: Here, for example, the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect of CBD is used for regeneration. The product is also used to improve performance and concentration.
- Pain: CBD is not only used in sports, but also as an everyday painkiller. For example, for headaches or muscle pain, as well as osteoarthritis, sclerosis and even cancer.
- Psyche: Sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression and anxiety disorders are also treated with the help of CBD.
- Epilepsy: The calming effect of CBD is also used to treat epileptic seizures or cell death.
- Diabetes: The anti-inflammatory effect of CBD is used against diabetes. The active ingredient also serves to protect cell walls and generally reduce stress.
- Digestion: Many users also use cannabidiol if they suffer from nausea or constipation.
Can you think of any other areas of application or have you had your own experiences that you would like to share? Then just write, as always, a comment under this article.
Difference from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
In contrast to CBD, THC, the most common active ingredient in the cannabis plant, has significantly fewer positive, medicinal properties - but it does have an intoxicating effect and gets its users high. You could say: THC works on the mind and CBD works on the body. THC is primarily known for its happiness hormone-releasing effect and works in the brain in a similar way to heroin or morphine. With CBD, however, the nerve cells in the brain are not anesthetizedwhere the biggest difference between the two substances lies. THC makes you tired and CBD makes you awake.₄
What CBD products are available?
Whether it's the definition, effects or areas of application - now you know a lot more about CBD. But what products are there that contain CBD? As demand increases, the supply is also mushrooming. Here I would like to show you the most popular forms of CBD consumption.
Tip: Since a lot of money can be made with CBD products, there are now also some black sheep on the market. CBD-VITAL.com for example, is in my experience a trustworthy provider with a fairly large selection.
CBD oil
The CBD oil from the glass vial consists of the extract of the female cannabis plant. It is generally recommended to keep the drops slightly under the tongue before swallowing them. This allows the active ingredient to be absorbed very well through the oral mucosa and the CBD oils differ in their concentration. Common values are, for example, 2, 5 or 15 percent. If you want to use the product, you may need to experiment a little until you find the ideal dose for you.
Notice: Sometimes the terms "hemp oil" and "CBD oil" are lumped together. But there is a significant difference between the two. While CBD is extracted from the flowers, hemp oil is made from the hemp seeds, which basically contain no cannabinoids. When buying, you should be guided by the ingredients "hand extract" or "CBD extract" as well as the stated CBD content in milligrams, which indicate a CBD product.
CBD Capsules
Of course, CBD oil is also available in capsule form. Even if the capsule doses usually consist of Plastic its contents have already helped many people. Of course, you don't have to let the capsules with cannabidiol melt in your mouth, but can swallow them directly. However, as the effect only unfolds in the intestine, you will experience a slower effect with the capsules than when taking CBD drops. However, the capsules are tasteless.
I can recommend you these CBD capsules*
CBD Tea
The calming effect of cannabidiol can also be achieved with the help of tea. This is available with a natural CBD content, both vegan and GMO-free in a paper bag. I drink it regularly and find that it puts me in a pretty relaxed mood.
CBD Liquid
As a liquid, CBD can be used, for example, with a Evaporatorsuch as a vaporizer. As long as the THC content is below 0.2 percent, the CBD liquid is legal. Therefore, when buying, make sure that this is not exceeded. In Switzerland, for example, the limit is higher, which means that products from the respective manufacturers are suddenly illegal here.
CBD Cosmetics
Due to its health-promoting properties, cannabidiol is now also an ingredient in countless natural cosmetic products. It is available, for example, as a facial care oil, eye serum and cream, body lotion or anti-wrinkle cream.
Here you have a large selection of CBD cosmetic products*
More products
- Pet food
- Chocolate
- Mouth spray
- CBD flowers (illegal in Germany)
- …
The processing of CBD flowers and the CBD seeds they contain into CBD oils and the many other products is very complex. This ultimately explains the relatively high prices.
Do you know of any other products with CBD? Then feel free to write me a comment.
CBD with medicinal effect
At the latest with the embedded video, you now have a whole cornucopia of information about the active ingredient CBD at your fingertips. Cannabidiol has an effect that has already helped an incredible number of people in the fight against their ailments.
Have you already tried the active ingredient? What experiences have you had with CBD? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
Stay healthy,
PS: CBD is generally a legal component of the hemp plant. If you would like to find out more about cannabis use in Germany and around the world, take a look at the Cannabis statistics.
References:
₁ Hanf Med GmbH: Entourage effect, https://cbd-cannabidiol.de/pages/entourage-effekt. [14.05.2020].
₂ CBDNOL GmbH: What is CBD (cannabidiol)? - CBDNOL, https://www.cbdnol.com/pages/was-ist-cbd. [14.05.2020].
₃ Lightweb-Media Burghardt: CBD - Forms and areas of application at a glance, https://life-in-balance.net/cbd-formen-anwendung-ueberblick. [14.05.2020].
₄ GreenPoint Solutions GmbH: The difference between THC and CBD explained clearly, https://www.medicann.ch/unterschied-zwischen-thc-und-cbd. [14.05.2020].
Interesting and profitable contribution about a much discussed topic. Brings light into the dark with me. Thank you 😉