What’s behind the CBD hype?
Back to Nature with CBD
There is no doubt that many people today trust synthetic and chemical pharmaceuticals.
Nevertheless, a clear countermovement has also been noticeable for some time, whose followers swear by natural medicines and dietary supplements. This category also includes so-called CBD oils, which are currently enjoying a real triumph. Reason enough for us to take a closer look at these miracle remedies and get to the bottom of this hype.
Legalize hemp! And do it now.
Who would have thought around 20 years ago that the wish of a well-known German politician—at least when it comes to CBD products—would one day come true and even turn into a genuine health trend.
Whether it is medical cannabis or cannabidiols, hemp is currently enjoying a real triumph in the health sector. The areas of application and dosage forms are diverse, and what was once a small market niche has become a large and often confusing market.
Reason enough to briefly address the terminology:
Medical cannabis: Since 2017, this has been legally permitted for medical purposes in Germany, but only on prescription and under medical supervision. It is dispensed by pharmacies and must not exceed the maximum quantity of 100 g of cannabis flowers in 30 days for one patient. In addition to the flowers, which can be prepared as a tea, medical cannabis can also be inhaled with a vaporizer or taken orally in ground, powdered form. Since medical cannabis contains the active ingredient dronabinol (also known as THC), the state strictly monitors compliance with the maximum quantities in order to avoid psychoactive and intoxicating effects in patients. Prescription medical cannabis is used primarily for seriously ill people, such as cancer or pain patients.
Cannabidiols (CBD): This is not the case with legal CBD products, which are characterized by the fact that the THC content is either vanishingly low or almost undetectable. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it may amount to a maximum of 0.2% in order for CBD in the form of oils, capsules, or cosmetics to be freely obtained and used.
Nevertheless, a certain degree of caution is required with these products, because many products that were not produced in the EU often contain higher THC levels and automatically fall under the Narcotics Act. However, this risk can be effectively avoided by paying very close attention to where the respective CBD product was produced and which plants are involved. Consistent organic cultivation and a biologically certified cultivation process with strict controls provide reassurance here! But what about the areas of application? Because unlike prescription medical cannabis, the areas of use are of course not to be found among seriously ill people, but are intended to increase well-being and relaxation. You can read about what these may be here: https://medcan.ch/de/patienten/6-informationsmaterial
Why and how does CBD work?
Given the wide range of possible applications and effects, it is hardly surprising that CBD—especially in the form of oils that are allowed to dissolve drop by drop in the mouth—is being hyped. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) states: Cannabidiol is generally well tolerated and has a good safety profile. With so much praise, it is no wonder that research continues to diligently explore its potential effects in humans and, incidentally, in animals as well.
But why and how does the human and animal organism respond so well to cannabidiol?
Well, this is mainly due to the so-called endocannabinoid system, which in turn forms part of the human or animal nervous system. You can think of it as a kind of transmitter-receiver system between the body and the brain. With the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it regulates the communication of various psychological and physical bodily processes and ensures that, for example, our cognitive functions such as memory formation or our immune defense work properly. Stress, too little sleep, or other causes can throw this system out of balance and disrupt the body’s own CBD production. The external supply of CBD can therefore support the endocannabinoid system from the outside.
THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, THCV… Huh?
Does this all sound like gibberish to you? Don’t worry, everyone feels that way when they first start looking into CBD. What you need to know is that there are around 500 natural components in the hemp plant, of which about 100 are cannabinoids. Well-known representatives of these 100 active substances include the psychoactive THC or the CBD (cannabidiol) already described. In addition, however, there are several other exciting active substances that you can often find in so-called CBD oils. You will find these either as a single active ingredient or in the form of oil complexes that combine various active ingredients, all of which have one thing in common: the carrier substance is usually a special oil extract, such as, for example, a 100% organic hemp seed oil from the manufacturer Optima.
So if you read on a CBD oil that it is CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDV, or THCV oil, the respective cannabinoid is the focus. You can find more information on this on the website of the Medical Cannabis Association Switzerlandhttps://medcan.ch/de/patienten/6-informationsmaterial.
“Nature is the best pharmacy.” Sebastian Kneipp
Simply give it a try?
In general, you can try CBD oils with a maximum of 0.2% THC—provided, of course, that you strictly follow the recommended intake. However: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should refrain from doing so. Unfortunately, there is not yet sufficient data available to either support or reject taking it! Therefore: better safe than sorry.
Children and adolescents can also use CBD oils if the product expressly indicates this. As with all dietary supplements, the rule for all groups of people is that a naturopath, doctor, or therapist should of course always be available to provide advice.
