The effects of CBD are multiple. In fact, CBD and other cannabinoids have become increasingly trendy in recent years. Although used since the dawn of time for its multiple health benefits, cannabis still carries a bad reputation.
But with the use of CBD cannabis plants with a THC content (the psychoactive molecule) of less than 1%, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids legally and without psychoactive effects. Indeed, the potential of CBD is immense, and offers many benefits to the body. We will discover together the effects of CBD.
Cannabidiol is one of the multiple molecules of hemp, with chemical formula C21 H30 O2, obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is not found in the same quantity and varies depending on the variety. It acts on the nervous system, sending signals between the brain and the body, and reduces the effects of pain and anxiety.
CBD also has antioxidant and calming properties related to degenerative diseases. It could also reduce diseases caused by ischemic disorders.
Numerous studies have been conducted since the early 90’s to study and understand the effects of CBD and THC on the body, the 2 main molecules known from Cannabis Sativa. This research led to the discovery of an important network of membrane receptors crucial to our body: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This system is essential to keep the body alive, regulating the functions of the human body. This phenomenon allows the body to remain stable, despite fatigue or pain. To do this, it regulates all sorts of functions essential to the human body (blood pressure, temperature…).
The proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system is achieved through 3 elements:
1. CB1 and CB2 receptors, present in the whole body, on which endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids bind.
2. The endocannabinoids serve as messengers to the SEC and come to bind directly to the cannabinoid receptors, they are synthesized by the body.
3. Metabolic enzymes, allowing the synthesis and degradation of molecules.
Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers of the ECS, like neurotransmitters, serotonin or dopamine are messengers of the nervous system.
The two main eCBs circulating in your body are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol.
Anandamide, discovered at the same time as the SEC, takes its name from the Sanskrit word for happiness. This molecule acts throughout the SEC and is involved in appetite, memory and pregnancy. It is also responsible for the “runner’s high” after a race.
2-ArachidonoylGlycerol (2-AG): recent scientific research highlights its usefulness and importance. The 2-AG molecule is linked to our emotions, protection against epileptic seizures and maintenance of cardiovascular health. Also, the state of fullness and relaxation after an orgasm is caused by this molecule.
To date, 2 cannabinoid membrane receptors have been discovered:
The CB1 receptor, type-1 cannabinoid receptor.
CB1 receptors are located throughout the central nervous system, but also in the lungs, muscles and intestines.
The CB2 receptor, type-2 cannabinoid receptor.
CB2 receptors are present mainly in the immune system, in the skin and bones.
Cannabinoid molecules bind to these receptors (CB1 and CB2) sending a signal to the cells, which temporarily disrupts their functions.
CBD, despite its recognized benefits, is only one of 100 or more molecules that can be extracted from the hemp plant. Scientists have discovered that these natural active ingredients work best when consumed together, along with various cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
This is known as the entourage effect.
CBD products are often classified into several categories:
This entourage effect of cannabis has mostly been studied in the medical sector and is an important notion to improve your well-being with CBD. The entourage effect is explained by the presence of terpenes and flavonoids in hemp.
Terpenes are aromatic molecules that give CBD products their characteristic aromas and smells so appreciated by weed and CBD flower lovers. Some of the terpenes present in hemp are more well known to aromatherapy and alternative medicine enthusiasts, such as myrcene, pinene or limonene. The latter, slightly lemony, is known for its anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties. Pinene is known for its anti-inflammatory results and for improving alertness.
The terpenes thus interact with the CBD by improving its effectiveness. Some researchers believe that terpenes act on cannabinoid receptors.
Consuming CBD products, whether in oil, flower or cosmetics, on an occasional or regular basis, allows you to enjoy the many benefits of CBD on the body. Although medical research is ongoing, CBD substances are widely recognized by consumers around the world for their positive health effects. Before any new CBD-based treatment, we still recommend consulting your doctor to avoid any contraindications.
Today, when we talk about epilepsy and epileptic seizures, the term cannabidiol (CBD) is often used to calm seizures. Indeed, according to some studies, the effects of CBD would allow to reduce (or even suppress) epileptic seizures in people suffering from this neurological pathology.
Approximately 4% of the world’s population suffers from some form of epilepsy, making it the 4th most common neurological disorder on the planet. An epileptic seizure is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by physical manifestations resulting from sudden and excessive electrical discharges of nerve impulses in the brain, veritable “lightning bolts” running through numerous neurons. These physical manifestations in the form of convulsions can sometimes lead to loss of consciousness.
The treatment of epilepsy is usually based on the control of seizures by treatment and not on the control of seizures and/or neuronal activity.
Since the end of 2021, the cannabidiol-based drug Epidyolex® is authorized in Switzerland as a treatment for epileptic seizures in patients suffering from Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, severe and very rare forms of epilepsy. Swissmedic has authorized this product, which has been extensively tested for efficacy in clinical trials in the United States.
This medication is not yet available for other difficult-to-treat epilepsy pathologies. In certain rare cases, it is possible that the neurologist can, upon request, prescribe Epidyolex® and issue a request for coverage by the health insurance.
Here is more information on the subject:
Anti-inflammatory drugs can be useful in two ways: to prevent inflammation from getting too high or to treat inflammation that is already present. Prevention is always more effective than treating existing symptoms. Good prevention avoids potential inflammatory damage and immune system overload. A healthy diet, exercise and CBD help the body generate natural anti-inflammatories.
More detailed studies and human trials have yet to be conducted to confirm the pain-relieving effects of CBD. However, ongoing research in the United States, Canada and France, as well as the voices of many users, tend to support these calming and analgesic properties. Nevertheless, we must remember that CBD remains limited to wellness treatments and is not a miracle cure: it does not cure or replace existing treatments. This does not alter its calming effect, both physical and mental.
At the gastrointestinal and skin level, the properties of CBD and hemp seed oil can be transmitted more locally. This allows the intestinal flora to benefit from beneficial nutrients (omega 3, 6, polyphenols, as well as fiber). This consumption can help people with inflammatory digestive diseases and help healthy people take care of themselves.
Such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, which cause inflammation and pain in the joints and connective tissue. As the pathology progresses and the inflammation spreads, a variety of more or less disabling symptoms appear, up to the point of reducing a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Arthritis or osteoarthritis usually involves pain, swelling and stiffness in and around the affected joints. In severe cases, it can lead to the destruction of the joint.
To treat arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, doctors seek to control pain and inflammation to minimize damage to the joint. But the focus is on allowing patients to maintain their quality of life. That’s why the primary treatment is often a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and pain medication.
Despite the fact that scientific research on cannabis is still in its infancy, CBD extracts from medical cannabis plants or hemp could represent the future of treatments for chronic pain and arthritis.
CBD could therefore be a natural alternative to existing therapies to find a natural solution to tranquility.
Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, is not yet recognized as a treatment for depression and anxiety by local regulatory agencies, but clinical studies point to the same process required for antidepressants: the inhibition of serotonin recovery.
Serotonin is also known as the happy hormone, as it is often associated with mood regulation. It is a neurotransmitter, a substance that facilitates the transmission of chemical signals in various areas of the brain. Serotonin levels have a direct impact on our general well-being, mood, sleep regulation, sexual desire, appetite control or pain control.
Traditional antidepressants prescribed for depression and anxiety work by regulating serotonin levels at the synapse. Low serotonin levels are common in people with depressive or anxiety disorders.
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) treatment works by blocking the retrieval of serotonin through specific nerve receptors (5HT1A), thereby increasing the amount of serotonin in the synapses. The availability of this serotonin causes more signals from brain cells to generally improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
It is this question that researchers are trying to solve. In the same way as traditional antidepressants, CBD has a serotonin reuptake inhibitory action. The serotonin 5-HT1A receptors would be directly activated by the intake of CBD, promoting the regulation of serotonin levels.
After the consumption of CBD, the level of serotonin will trigger a feeling of well-being which will reduce the depressive state without having the undesirable effects of traditional antidepressants.
Research remains to be done, but the research already done suggests that CBD and other cannabinoids could be an effective aid against depression and anxiety. In 2014, a study actually found that CBD oil would have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in animals.
Another study is trying to shed light on the relationship between the CB1 receptor in disorders such as depression and other mood-related disorders. The effectiveness of cannabinoids in improving mood is encouraging.
Here in 2015, a study highlights the effectiveness of CBD in reproducing antidepressant and anxiolytic action models in mice. CBD is then represented as an effective molecule in view of its action on serotonin levels.
Overall, these studies tend to explain the role of CB1 receptors in mood regulation. Among all the serious therapeutic avenues in the treatment of depressive episodes and anxiety disorders, CBD is one of the most serious. Its efficacy is comparable to classical antidepressants, with very low side effects and no risk of addiction.
Scientists believe that cannabis may improve the sleep cycle due to the presence of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD interacts with neuroreceptors in the brain to regulate neurotransmitters and other physiological factors working to relieve stress and improve sleep. However, none of these studies are currently supported by clinical trials in Europe. Still, scientists and consumers suggest that CBD may be effective in helping to combat insomnia.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter and one of the body’s major endocannabinoids. It is present in areas of the brain associated with mood, motivation and higher cognitive processes. Anandamide also has anti-anxiety and anti-depression properties. CBD helps to prevent the breakdown of anandamides and reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression that can cause insomnia. Taking CBD therefore tends to improve sleep through stress reduction.
REM sleep is a phase of sleep that notably improves emotional health. In a recent study, researchers found that CBD has the potential to treat insomnia, as it promotes REM sleep, and thus access to deep sleep, and reduces many of the negative psychological effects of sleep deprivation.
You’ve heard or read somewhere that CBD could help you improve your health and well-being. Unlike THC, it doesn’t have any psychotropic effects. However, if you’re still a little concerned about using CBD, you’ll be happy to hear that CBD’s side effects are less, especially if you don’t use medication regularly.
Moreover, it is important to know that the THC content in CBD cannabis is limited by law and is at very low levels: 1% (maximum THC content) in Switzerland, 0.2-0.3% in the European Union. There is therefore no risk of experiencing psychotropic effects with the different varieties of legal cannabis.
However, we recommend that you consult your family doctor, especially to establish the dosage and the CBD dosage. Indeed, in the treatment of serious diseases, several hundred mg of CBD per day will be necessary. If you consume CBD as a simple food supplement to boost your health, for example in the form of CBD oil, the recommended doses of CBD will be much lower.
CBD is therefore a molecule offering numerous health benefits, in the vast majority of cases without side effects. So, to choose your CBD products before adding them to your cart, you can discover all our CBD guides, ask questions to our customer service, subscribe to our newsletter or consult consumer reviews. You will be able to enjoy the best Swiss CBD products and a fast delivery.
Be careful though: CBD is not intended to replace drugs, especially for heavy treatments such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis. Indeed, CBD would help to relieve symptoms and improve the well-being of patients by reducing crises and pain, but only a doctor is able to judge which treatments to follow or not.