In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of CBD. However, most people still have a lot of questions. What is CBD? How does it differ from THC? Is CBD even legal? To answer these questions, we have collected the most important information for you - and present it to you: The 1x1 of CBD - What you need to know about the cannabinoid of the hemp plant!
What is CBD and how does it differ from THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the hemp plant with multiple medicinal benefits. Cannabidiol, unlike THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), does not cause psychedelic effects and is generally well tolerated.
Is CBD approved?
In the German-speaking countries and many other countries, cannabis with high CBD and low THC concentrations may be cultivated as commercial hemp. In Switzerland and Austria, hemp varieties containing a maximum of one percent (Switzerland) and 0.2 percent (Austria) THC are legal and may even be sold as cannabidiol marijuana varieties, but may not be declared as medicinal products.
How does CBD work?
The mechanisms of action of CBD have not yet been fully researched. They are manifold and not as easy to describe as the typical mechanisms of action of THC. THC mainly stimulates the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1 receptor), which is responsible for the psychic cannabis effects. In contrast, a variety of mechanisms of action have been found for CBD. However, most CBD effects have so far been only proven in animal experiments. According to these initial studies, it acts as anantidepressant and has the potential to relieve pain due to nerve injury or inflammation. It is also thought to have nerve-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. Initial studies have also found that it has antiepileptic effects,can inhibit nausea, andcan kill cancer cells in breast cancer, prostate cancer, brain cancer and some other cancers.
What are the side effects of CBD?
An evaluation of several studies with CBD found that cannabidiol is "presumably safe for humans and animals". Several studies indicate that CBD is non-toxic in non-transformed cells and does not induce changes in food intake and catalepsy, does not affect physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature) and the gastrointestinal tract. However, the consequences of CBD use during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not yet been investigated, which is why no statements can be made here about possible side effects.
What is the dosage of CBD?
The dosages of CBD are high compared to THC. However, there is evidence that even low doses of 40 to 60 mg of CBD can produce desirable effects, such as a decrease in anxiety. CBD is mainly taken orally, but can also be inhaled. External application of CBD is also possible, for example as an ointment or gel.
The oral doses of CBD generally range from 40 to 800 mg for adults. The doses are usually divided into two doses, for example 250 mg in the morning and 250 mg in the evening with a meal. In an experiment with 48 healthy participants, CBD already showed properties at a low dosage of 32 mg, suggesting a possible benefit in anxiety disorders.
The medical use of CBD - What are the possible applications?
Possible medical uses for cannabidiol include the following:
- Inflammation: CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory according to studies with animals.
- Pain: Some patients used CBD successfully for pain. It is well explained that cannabidiol can combat pain caused by inflammation, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Epilepsy: CBD has anti-epileptic properties, participants in clinical trials also reported better sleep, alertness and mood.
- Anxiety disorders: CBD has an anti-anxiety effect even at a low dosage, both in animal studies and in humans.
- Depression: CBD could be a fast-acting antidepressant. Initial studies confirm these properties.
- Movement disorders (such as dystonia, dyskinesia): Some clinical research suggests a therapeutic potential of CBD in movement disorders.
- Nausea and vomiting: Anecdotal evidence and basic research show that CBD acid (CBDA) can potentially reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Inhibition of appetite:It has long been known that CBD inhibits some THC effects, including increasing appetite. CBD could thus also help in the treatment of obesity.
Want to know more about CBD or explicitly how to use CBD for yourself? Our pharmacists at the Saint Charles Pharmacy Vienna or Berlin will be happy to help you!
