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What are the effects of CBD & how to use it properly?

CBD: What is it, what are its effects and how to use it properly?

What is CBD and how is it obtained?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main active compounds in the cannabis plant. It is the second most abundant cannabinoid after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). 

This substance is extracted from cannabis by various methods, including extraction with carbon dioxide (CO2), solvents or vegetable oils. CO2 extraction is considered to be the cleanest and most efficient method, preserving the high quality of the resulting CBD oil.

Cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBG and CBN belong to the group of phytocannabinoids, which are substances naturally occurring in cannabis. CBD and THC have the same molecular formula (C₂₁H₃₀O₂), but their atoms are arranged differently. It is this slight chemical change that causes the different effects on the human body.

  • CBD is not psychoactive, which means it does not cause a state of intoxication.
  • THC, on the other hand, has psychoactive effects and is associated with euphoria or changes in perception.

 

CBD extraction from hemp - laboratory glassware, chemical formula and hemp leaves showing the process of extracting cannabidiol

Is CBD legal?

The legality of cannabis products depends mainly on the THC content. If the THC level exceeds a certain threshold, cannabis is considered an intoxicating substance (marijuana).

✅ In the Czech Republic, the maximum permitted THC content is 1%.

✅ In the European Union, the THC content of the dry matter may not exceed 0,3 %.

These regulations make CBD products legal and freely available as long as they meet the THC limits.

Is CBD addictive?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD is not addictive and its use does not lead to dependence. Unlike THC, it does not activate the brain centres associated with addiction, so it is considered safe for long-term use.

In addition, some studies suggest that CBD may in turn help reduce addiction to addictive substances such as nicotine or opioids.

Effects of CBD: How does it affect our body and mind?

The human body is equipped with a fascinating mechanism called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in maintaining balance (called homeostasis).

This system ensures that many processes run correctly, including:

  • sleep and mood
  • appetite
  • Immunity
  • pain perception

The ECS works through two main receptors:

  • CB1 receptors: mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, where they affect memory, mood, coordination or pain.
  • CB2 receptors: are predominantly in the immune system, regulating inflammation and the immune response.

Unlike THC, which binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD behaves differently. It acts indirectly, helping to regulate the activity of these receptors and increase the levels of beneficial substances in the body. How does this happen?

Anandamide: the bliss molecule

Let's start with one of the main players - anandamide, nicknamed the "bliss molecule". CBD slows its breakdown, keeping its levels higher in the body and contributing to better mood, reduced anxiety and greater pain tolerance.

Some studies even suggest that anandamide may have anti-cancer effects - for example, research in 1998 showed that it slows the growth of breast cancer cells.

CBD and stress: How does it help with anxiety and depression?

CBD also affects the serotonin system, which is important in managing stress and anxiety. It promotes the activity of the 5-HT1A receptor, which can lead to improved mood, reduced stress and overall better mental well-being.

Therefore, the potential of CBD as an aid in the treatment of anxiety disorders is increasingly being explored.

 

Stress relief using CBD - woman with headache, supplemented with Canntropy CBD oil products, gummies, and Hemnia CBD vape pen Relief

CBD and pain: how does it affect inflammation?

In addition, CBD interacts with vanilloid receptors (TRPV1), which influence pain and inflammation perception. Research suggests that CBD can potentially reduce inflammation and help with pain without the side effects that some common analgesics have.

This is why some people use CBD ointments and CBD oils for chronic pain, such as arthritis.

CBD is not a panacea, but thanks to its effects on endocannabinoid and other receptor systems, it has great potential to promote physical and mental well-being. Although science is still discovering new information about its effects, we already know that it can help with stress, anxiety, inflammation or skin problems.

Let's take a look together at specific examples of the benefits of CBD.

Therapeutic potential: what is CBD used for?

Below you will find a table with a summary of the effects that studies show CBD could be very helpful for.

Therapeutic potential

 

Study

 

Mental health (anxiety, stress and depression)

A 2015 study "Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders" suggests that CBD may help alleviate anxiety in people suffering from conditions such as general anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Skin diseases (acne, psoriasis)

Skin diseases (2019): a study showed that CBD ointment moisturizes the skin and increases its elasticity.

 

CBD and acne (2014): research has suggested that CBD may reduce excessive sebum production.

 

CBD and psoriasis (2023): Scientists have shown that CBD can reduce the severity of psoriasis and prevent flare-ups based on research with lipid-stabilized nanoparticles.

Intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease)

Randomized controlled trial (2021): oral CBD-rich cannabis led to clinical improvement in patients with Crohn's disease, but endoscopic results were unchanged.

Diabetes

According to a study (2013), cannabis users had a 17% decrease in insulin resistance.

Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)

CBD can help people with epilepsy thanks to its antiepileptic effects, a 2014 study found. At the same time, it has little risk of side effects. Cannabidiol could also be beneficial for other problems associated with epilepsy (nerve cell damage, neurodegeneration, some psychiatric disorders).

Schizophrenia

A study by Leweke et al. (2012) concluded that CBD may act as an antipsychotic. Although further research is needed, CBD could therefore be useful as a complementary or alternative treatment for schizophrenia.

Tumour diseases

In 2012, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a study, "Cannabidiol as a potential anti-cancer drug", which suggested that CBD could slow the growth of cancer cells, prevent their spread and contribute to their demise.

 

The researchers also confirmed that cannabidiol has a low level of toxicity.

Antibiotic-resistant infections

The review 2023 states that CBD, CBG and CBC appear to be potentially promising cannabinoids for the development of new antibiotics.

Chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain

A study (2012) published in the prestigious Journal of Experimental Medicine looked at chronic inflammation and pain in mice and rats, finding that cannabidiol can significantly reduce it.

Arthritis

A cross-sectional study on CBD (2022) as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain found that CBD use was associated with a reduction in arthritis symptoms.

 

How long does CBD stay in the body?

CBD, like THC, is fat-soluble, so it is stored in the body's fat cells for some time after use.

How long it lasts in the body depends not only on the dose, but also on factors such as

  • mass
  • Age
  • metabolism
  • frequency of use

If you take CBD regularly, your body will break it down more slowly.

For people who are just starting out with CBD, it can stay in the body for 3-5 days. With long-term use, this time can stretch up to two weeks.

As for drug tests, they mainly focus on THC and its metabolites, so CBD is not commonly found in them.

Forms of CBD use: which one to choose?

There is a wide range of CBD products on the market, so it's easy to choose the method of use that suits you best.

There are several ways to use CBD:

 

Various forms of CBD products - oils, capsules, gummies, creams and vaporizers from Hemnia, Orange County CBD, Eighty8, Cannabellum and others

CBD oil

CBD oils and drops are created by combining a cannabinoid-rich hemp extract and a carrier oil to ensure better absorption.

Thanks to the carrier, the CBD is evenly diluted and the body can use it more efficiently. Most commonly used are vegetable oils such as MCT (coconut, palm), olive, avocado, sunflower or hemp oil, or vegetable glycerin.

CBD oil is especially good for promoting sleep, relieving stress, improving recovery, or relieving pain and inflammation.

You can choose from different concentrations, most commonly from 5% to 40%. For example, 5% CBD oil contains 5% cannabidiol and the remaining 95% is carrier oil. In a 15ml bottle you will find 750 mg of CBD. 

For beginners, it is ideal to start with a lower concentration, around 5 to 10%, and gradually find out what works best for you.

CBD vape

When CBD is vaporized, the substances are heated to the optimal temperature to release the active ingredients, but the material does not burn. Instead of smoke, this produces a vapour that the user inhales. This makes vaping gentler on the respiratory tract than conventional smoking, and the effects are felt within minutes.

CBD vapes contain a pre-filled cartridge of liquid, which usually consists of CBD distillate, other cannabinoids and natural terpenes.

There is a wide range of concentrations to choose from and popular cannabis varieties such as:

Conclusion 

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural, safe, legal and non-addictive substance from cannabis with a wide range of potential effects. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Scientific studies suggest that CBD may help with anxiety, stress, chronic pain, inflammation or skin problems, for example.

CBD is used in a variety of ways - most commonly as CBD oil or drops under the tongue, by vaporisation (CBD vapes, flowers) for a quick effect, by application to the skin (creams, balms) or in the form of capsules and food. The time CBD stays in the body depends on metabolism and frequency of use, ranging from a few days to two weeks. 

To try CBD, reach for quality products with proven ingredients and always follow the recommended dosage. Everyone's body reacts a little differently, so it's best to listen to your body and find the dosage that works best for you. 

 

Autor: Pavla Skřivánková 

 

 

Photo: AI

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