What is CBD? What significance or effects does it have? Cannabidiol is one of several active substances naturally found both in the hemp plant – known as phytocannabinoids (Cannabis sativa) – and in the human or animal body, known as endocannabinoids. It is one of more than 120 known cannabinoids with no psychoactive effects that can help with various issues. CBD can assist with poor sleep, insomnia, lack of concentration, low motivation, anxiety, and long-lasting low mood. This universal nutritional supplement can address various physical and mental problems. CBD products include, for example, hemp flowers and CBD drops.
CBD: A Substance from Hemp
CBD (cannabidiol) from hemp has become a cannabis celebrity in the Western world, including our own country. With its non-psychoactive properties and excellent safety profile (according to the WHO), legalization was only a matter of time. On May 1, 2021, the Slovak parliament passed a controversial amendment by the Ministry of Health, making it legal to consume oil or drops without any legal repercussions in Slovakia. In other words, no one will be penalized or fined for using these products.
However, selling or manufacturing CBD in Slovakia remains quite complicated. No clear legislation still outlines which products can and cannot be sold. Many manufacturers seek legal loopholes to bring their hemp oil or drops to market. Some have registered their drops as mouthwash or as a tincture intended for topical use only. Yet the reality is quite different.
What are the effects of CBD?
This active compound from hemp is useful in various situations. Many people take it to improve mood, enhance focus, or boost cognitive abilities. It’s also used to alleviate anxiety, poor sleep, or insomnia. For these issues, it’s often more effective when combined with CBG (Cannabigerol) or CBN (Cannabinol), which are also found in hemp. Combining these cannabinoids of higher concentrations can amplify their basic benefits, offering a more potent effect.
What are the uses of CBD?
CBD is a versatile cannabis compound that can be used for a variety of reasons, such as regulating blood pressure, improving motivation, alleviating social anxiety, or treating insomnia. It can also help with skin issues and various types of pain, such as menstrual cramps or muscle spasms. While it’s not a cure-all, CBD serves as a useful aid, similar to common vitamins and dietary supplements available in stores.
What is the potency of CBD?
CBD potency refers to the strength of hemp oil, drops, or buds. Each product has its strength, which is not solely defined by the percentage of active hemp compounds. The best potency comes from products with an organic quality, a full spectrum of cannabinoids, and an abundance of beneficial nutrients like terpenes and flavonoids.
The Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system in our bodies responds to active compounds such as THC, CBG, or CBN from hemp. This system influences our mood, motivation, digestion, and sleep quality. Therefore, CBD is not just a placebo but a well-functioning natural product. Those who do not feel its effects likely have no health issues related to their endocannabinoid system, making its use unnecessary unless seeking improved immunity.
Cannabidiol interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, present in both humans and animals. Simply put, it is a very important part of every mammal on the planet. This biological system regulates many important processes, including sleep. Through CBD and related cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, one can positively influence mood, appetite, and motivation, addressing psychological aspects that directly or indirectly contribute to depression, anxiety, or social phobia.
Available CBD Products
Nowadays, users can choose from a wide range of CBD products, including oils (drops), hemp flowers and buds (weed), extracts, edibles and cosmetics. In Slovakia, various hemp products are available, some containing cannabinoids like CBG (Cannabigerol) or CBN (Cannabinol). You can find almost every item that is available abroad, including patches and beverages like energy drinks, coffee, tea, or beer. The cannabis industry is very innovative, constantly introducing new products to the consumer market.
CBD experience
Experiences with CBD vary widely, depending on the condition of an individual’s endocannabinoid system. Some people have an imbalanced system, while others have one that functions exceptionally well. Therefore, new users of hemp oil with cannabinoids might not feel significant effects. In such cases, the drops can still be used as an immunity booster.
Our experiences with hemp products show that they are useful for poor sleep, insomnia, bad mood, social phobia, and anxiety. Hemp balms with cannabinoids can help with eczema or irritated, dry skin. The benefits are numerous. Especially when using drops containing CBG (Cannabigerol) or CBN (Cannabinol), which enhance the basic effects of hemp oil, particularly its positive effects on mental health.
