What is CBD (Cannabidiol)? CBD explained in an understandable way – from A to Z!
CBD is very present at the moment, but how well do you actually know cannabidiol? Are there gaps in your knowledge or do you have specific questions about CBD and are looking for reliable answers? Our online compendium offers you a comprehensive explanation. Below we present you with all the information you should know about CBD, from the history of the hemp plant to the various CBD oils (and other CBD products) to the correct dosage of the "green gold".
Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated plants used by humans. The abundance of health-promoting ingredients and the wide range of applications in everyday life have made the hemp plant an important raw material for thousands of years. Today, the ingredients of the hemp plant can be scientifically researched, leading to remarkable findings. The hemp cannabinoids are very similar to the body's own endocannabinoids and thus support processes in the higher organs that promote health.
CBD definition: What exactly is CBD?
The abbreviation "CBD" stands for cannabidiol, a natural chemical compound from the resinous flower of the cannabis plant (hemp). Although the hemp plant has been used as medicine for thousands of years, the therapeutic properties of CBD are now being tested and at least partially confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A safe and non-addictive substance, CBD is one of over 140 "phytocannabinoids" that make cannabis unique and give the plant its robust therapeutic profile.
CBD and THC
CBD is closely related to another important phytocannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is best known as an intoxicant, such as "grass", "weed", "ganja" or " bubatz" . THC and CBD are the two most researched components of cannabis. However, research into CBD is still in its early stages.
The difference between CBD and THC is that CBD is never psychoactive, unlike THC, which causes a "high" feeling. These differences in effects are due to the different ways in which CBD and THC act on receptors in the human body. Many people are looking for the health benefits of cannabis without experiencing the high, and that is possible with CBD.
Can CBD be considered cannabis?
Cannabis is often associated with the illegal drug of the same name. However, the term cannabis formally refers to the genus of the hemp plant. Industrial hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, Cannabis Sativa, but are fundamentally different. While THC was the most well-known active ingredient in the female cannabis plant, cannabis contains various cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, with different effects. THC causes a high, while CBD is non-psychoactive. This means that CBD does not have an intoxicating effect when consumed.
Over time, marijuana growers have selectively modified their cannabis plants to achieve high THC levels and to breed different strains. In contrast, regular (legal) hemp farmers have not modified their plants and continue to produce thousands of industrial hemp products that are used on a daily basis. The legal cannabinoid is extracted from these hemp plants, which can have a maximum THC content of 0.2% in the EU. Therefore, CBD cannot be considered marijuana in any way.
The history of the hemp plant
Hemp is the oldest cultivated crop in the world. Humans have been growing hemp for over 10,000 years and using the plant for about 5,000 years for various purposes, from making clothing to medicinal applications. In ancient China in particular, hemp was widely used, and the Chinese even made the first paper from hemp. The evolution of humanity is closely linked to the history of hemp, from the first sailcloths to the drafts of the American Declaration of Independence to the first pair of Levi Strauss jeans, everything was made from hemp.
Hemp used to be an extremely valuable commodity, especially for the textile and paper industries and for shipping. This changed in the 20th century, when hemp was increasingly replaced by synthetic fibers and cotton and was banned almost worldwide by the middle of the century due to a global smear campaign.
Fortunately, hemp is experiencing a revival these days. More and more products, be it clothing, food or detergent, are made entirely or partially from hemp. Hemp and CBD play an important role, especially in medicine. Hemp as a dietary supplement offers numerous valuable ingredients for the body, and CBD appears to be effective in supporting various diseases, from epilepsy to ADHD and depression to cancer and Alzheimer's.
Incidentally, hemp is grown worldwide. While the main cultivation areas are in regions with a subtropical climate, high-quality CBD usually comes from controlled cultivation in Europe. The hemp plant is resilient and undemanding, which is why modern lighting and irrigation systems do not require chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
How CBD works: How does cannabidiol work?
CBD belongs to the group of cannabinoids. These natural substances from the hemp plant influence the body's endocannabinoid system by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors enable the body to produce its own cannabinoids, the so-called "endocannabinoids". CB1 receptors are particularly numerous in the brain and primarily regulate the transmission of stimuli and muscle contractions.
It is worth noting that cannabinoids are very similar to the body's own endocannabinoids. Therefore, the body accepts CBD without any problems. CBD binds to the CB1 receptor and has various effects in the human (or animal) body.
How does CBD work?
To understand how CBD works in the body, it is useful to use the human endocannabinoid system as a guide. Various research results show a positive interaction between CBD and the human endocannabinoid system.
The human body can produce certain cannabinoids on its own and has two types of receptors that interact with cannabinoids. CB1 receptors in the brain are responsible for coordination, movement, pain, emotions, mood, thinking, appetite, and memory. THC binds directly to these receptors. CB2 receptors are mainly present in the immune system and affect inflammation and pain. All cannabinoids, including CBD, can naturally dock onto certain cannabinoid receptors in the body to exert their effects.
Additionally, CBD plays a role in maintaining the body’s own cannabinoid anandamide.
However, it is not yet fully understood whether cannabidiol acts directly on the receptors or whether it affects the body's own cannabinoid production. Further scientific research is needed to fully understand the body's use of CBD.
Effects of CBD in the human body
According to studies, CBD affects, among other things, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (also CNR1 or CB1 receptor), two vanilloid receptors, the glycine receptor and the 5-HT1A receptor. CBD also affects adenosine signaling and has antioxidant properties. This chapter presents the most important effects:
- CBD and the CB1 receptor: CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system and can thus counteract the side effects of THC. Furthermore, CBD inhibits the formation and absorption of the endocannabinoid anandamide into the body's cells, which paradoxically leads to an increase in anandamide.
- CBD and the vanilloid receptors: CBD stimulates the vanilloid receptors type 1 and type 2. In addition, CBD can contribute to the development of autophagy (a form of cell destruction) at the vanilloid receptor 2. Animal experiments with mice also show that CBD can relieve inflammatory and neuropathic pain by interacting with the glycine receptors, which reduces the excitability of the nerve cells and reduces pain.
- CBD and adenosine: Adenosine blocks, among other things, the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline. Adenosine also dilates the blood vessels.
Areas of application of CBD
Thanks to its versatile effects, CBD can be used in a variety of areas. Some areas of application have already been confirmed by studies. These include: pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anxiety disorders and depression, neuroprotection, epilepsy, sleep disorders, skin care and addiction treatment.
Side effects of CBD
According to various studies, CBD is safer than many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. As early as 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that cannabidiol is an effective and safe substance.
The components of CBD oil: What does it actually contain?
CBD oil provides the human body with a variety of valuable ingredients, some of which are essential to life and cannot always be produced by the body itself. Whether it is cannabinoids, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals or proteins, in this section we examine in detail what health-promoting properties CBD in combination with oil has in addition to its effects.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Of the over 480 different compounds, about 80 are classified as cannabinoids. The most well-known among them is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is also a significant component, making up about 40% of the plant's resin extract. Here are other well-known cannabinoids:
- CBC : CBC has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also stimulate the formation of new cells.
- CBDA : CBDA appears to have an antiemetic effect and can help with nausea and vomiting, for example. CBDA could also support cancer treatment.
- CBG : CBG stands for cannabigerol and is currently being researched for its potential pharmacological properties, including possible antibacterial effects.
- CBN : CBN has a mild psychoactive effect, but can help relieve anxiety and have a neuroprotective function.
By the way: The main distinction between cannabinoids is based on their degree of psychoactivity. For example, CBG, CBD and CBC are considered non-psychoactive, while THC and CBN can have a psychoactive effect.
Terpenes
Terpenes are volatile hydrocarbon compounds. Although they are found in many plants, cannabis is the most terpene-rich plant known. Terpenes have been used in aromatherapy for thousands of years and contribute to various aromas of cannabis strains. They can also enhance the effects of cannabinoids by acting on the cannabinoid receptors.
Vitamins
CBD and CBD oil provide an abundance of valuable vitamins, especially vitamin E in large quantities. Vitamin E slows down the aging process of the skin, has antioxidant properties and protects the cells. CBD also contains vitamin B1 and B2:
- Vitamin B1 supports the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, stomach and intestines.
- Vitamin B2 plays a key role in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and promotes the body's energy supply.
Minerals and trace elements
CBD contains important minerals and trace elements such as calcium, iron, copper, potassium, sodium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. These are crucial for various body functions, from stabilizing bones and teeth to regulating blood pressure and supporting the immune system.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
CBD oil offers a balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids (1:3), which can promote cell regeneration, protect cell membranes and inhibit inflammation. These essential fatty acids also have a positive effect on blood pressure.
Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with skin problems such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll, the green plant substance in CBD oil, improves cellular respiration, increases cell cleansing and detoxification, and strengthens the immune system.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids, which are responsible for the golden yellow color of CBD oil, have antioxidant properties and protect cell membranes, promote cardiovascular health and have anti-inflammatory effects. The body converts some carotenoids into vitamin A, which is important for vision.
CBD Oil: The most sought-after CBD product
Among the various CBD products, CBD oil is probably the most popular. At FlowPow you will find high-quality CBD oils with different concentrations.
Production of CBD oil
CBD oil is made from a CBD-rich variety of hemp. There are various methods for extracting CBD oil from the hemp plant, with each method having its advantages and disadvantages. However, the CO2 extraction process is considered the safest and most effective method.
Extraction makes CBD and other beneficial components of the plant, such as terpenes, available in highly concentrated form. The natural oily nature of cannabinoids creates a thick, potent CBD oil. The texture, purity and quality of CBD oil largely depend on the extraction method used.
After extraction, CBD oil can be refined and converted into various consumer products, including CBD oil capsules, CBD foods, tinctures, vaporizer liquid, CBD cosmetics, CBD beverages and more.
By the way, cannabinoids like THC are so-called "terpenophenolic" compounds, which means that CBD is soluble in both oil and alcohol. Therefore, the extraction of CBD is often done with solvents such as CO2, ethanol, hydrocarbons (such as butane) or olive oil, depending on the extraction method.
CO2 extraction of CBD oil
FlowPow uses CO2 extraction to produce CBD oil. This process is considered the safest way to extract CBD from the cannabis plant without compromising the purity of the CBD oil. At room temperature, carbon dioxide is a gas, but under high pressure and at varying temperatures, it liquefies and acts as a solvent to extract the active ingredients from the plant matter.
After the pressure drops, a raw, golden and waxy substance rich in CBD separates from the gas and is collected in a collection container. The CBD is then purified and refined, with certain plant compounds being filtered out if necessary.
The effectiveness of CO2 extraction lies in ensuring optimal purity of the CBD oil and in the precise extraction of CBD and other desirable plant components through minimal temperature or pressure variations. CO2 extraction results in valuable full-spectrum CBD oils.
Although CO2 extraction is expensive, not all CBD suppliers use it, especially for cheaper products that are often made with ethanol and butane. This can significantly affect the quality of the CBD oil, and there is also a risk of fire or explosion with such extraction methods.
Tip: Store CBD oil in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard and out of reach of children. If stored properly, a sealed bottle of CBD oil will last for one to two years. Storing in the refrigerator is not recommended, as the cold can alter the consistency of the oil.
Concentration of CBD oil
At FlowPow, CBD oil is available in various concentrations. The percentage on your CBD oil indicates how high the CBD content actually is, while the rest is usually a carrier oil. 100% pure CBD is rare and hardly suitable for most users.
Taste of CBD oil
FlowPow's CBD oil is characterized by a natural taste that is not neutral depending on the form. The taste of CBD oil may take some getting used to at first, but for those who don't like the taste, it can be easily mixed with milk, cocoa, or any other beverage. CBD can even be used in cooking.
Tip: The flavor of CBD oil is also affected by the carrier oil, hemp oil in particular can enhance the earthy/herbal flavor. Some oils also contain olive oil or walnut oil, so people with allergies should make sure they can tolerate the carrier oil before purchasing CBD oil.
Other products with CBD: flowers, pollen, wax and more
CBD flowers
CBD flowers are a natural product consisting of the buds of the hemp plant. Compared to other parts of the plant, they have a particularly high concentration of CBD. These flowers serve as the basis for many CBD products, but can also be consumed in their untreated form. The harvest takes place at the end of the harvest season, followed by gentle drying to preserve the plant's essential oils.
CBD Pollen
CBD pollen consists of resin, pollen and trichomes and is often sold as pollen dust or pellets.
CBD extracts
CBD extracts represent the purest form of CBD, with a potential purity of up to 100%. Due to the complex manufacturing process, CBD extracts are probably among the most expensive CBD products.
CBD Hash
CBD hash is made from so-called "kief", a fine dust on the flowers, leaves and stems of the cannabis plant that has a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. Processing with ice water, pressing and then heating creates a sticky and oily CBD concentrate that can be consumed in a variety of ways. However, smoking CBD is generally not recommended, as this can burn essential oils and damage the lungs.
CBD wax
CBD wax can have a CBD concentration of up to 98 percent. It is mainly used for vaporizers and, alongside CBD crystals, is probably the purest CBD product. CBD wax is extracted from the flowers and stems of high-quality, carefully cultivated hemp plants.
CBD Terpenes
CBD terpenes, also known as hemp terpenes, are made from pressed flower pollen. The terpenes we offer are usually obtained through gentle steam distillation using natural hemp and other plants, free from pesticides and herbicides.
CBD Cosmetics
CBD is also suitable for topical application in the form of creams, ointments, soaps or bath salts. In addition to the CBD concentration, the other ingredients also play a crucial role in CBD cosmetics.
CBD Oil
CBD liquid for e-cigarettes or vaporizers, available from FlowPow, consists of 100% natural and CO2-extracted CBD from selected organic industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.). These liquids allow for easy dosing and provide health benefits without the intoxicating effect, as is the case with all legal CBD products.
CBD capsules
For those who don't like the taste of CBD oil, CBD capsules offer an alternative. The oil is filled into soft gel capsules that can easily be taken with liquid. The capsules allow for precise dosing and are convenient for use in everyday life or on the go.
Legal aspects: Is the purchase and consumption of CBD permitted?
Is CBD legal? Yes, unlike THC, CBD is not subject to the Narcotics Act. In Germany, Switzerland and many European countries, the purchase and consumption of CBD products is legal, provided they comply with the legal requirements.
What requirements must CBD products meet to be considered legal? They must come from hemp varieties that are EU-certified and must not contain more than 0.2% THC. Exceptions apply to CBD flowers, which are still banned in some federal states (eg Berlin) despite a maximum THC content of 0.2%.
On the other hand, CBD is not allowed in food in Germany without the appropriate approval due to the EU Novel Food Regulation. Since CBD is not considered safe in Germany due to the lack of research, the relevant approvals have not yet been granted.
For consumers, the consumption of legal CBD is safe. You can easily purchase CBD from FlowPow. However, when stopped by the police, you must remember that products with 0.1-0.2% THC can lead to false positive drug test results.
Dosage and intake: How much CBD is appropriate for me?
The correct dosage of CBD is crucial, similar to other supplements. Everyone reacts differently to CBD, so it is often necessary to find the optimal dose through experimentation.
The general recommendation is to start with a lower dose and increase it if necessary. For example, a person of average body weight might take about 50mg of CBD per day. Increase the dose gradually until the desired effect is achieved.
Further tips:
- The dosage should be adjusted frequently according to body weight, and adjustments are especially necessary during the first few days of use.
- Patience and persistence are required to find the right dosage and results, as the effects of CBD vary from person to person.
- If you are pursuing general health goals, a maximum daily dose of 50 milligrams may be sufficient, but this varies from individual to individual.
- Before you start taking CBD, set goals and think about what effect you hope to achieve.
- It is advisable to consult a qualified doctor, especially if you are taking other medications.
CBD and overdose
It is not possible to overdose on CBD because CBD and other cannabinoids are natural substances. There are no known cases of fatal overdoses. Studies show that even high doses of up to 1500mg of CBD oil per day are safe. High-quality CBD products generally have no side effects, and good selection is particularly important. Pregnant women should avoid CBD during pregnancy because it could impair the protective function of the placenta. People with serious or chronic illnesses should always consult their doctor.
Buying CBD: What to look out for
The CBD market is expanding rapidly, but not all companies are reputable. Some black sheep are trying to profit from the trend by offering inferior or unsafe products. It is crucial not to skimp on quality when it comes to CBD. Therefore, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer who produces high-quality CBD products from certified hemp plants and has them analyzed in the laboratory.
Find a reputable CBD supplier
When looking for a company with high-quality CBD products, there are several factors to consider, including the origin and variety of the hemp and the extraction method used for the CBD extract. The quality of the additional ingredients is also important. Reputable companies provide this information transparently. If not, it is advisable to contact the company. If the information is not provided, it is advisable to look for another supplier.
Consideration of the hemp variety
Hemp is grown worldwide, with Europe producing some of the best cannabis and hemp products under professional conditions. Low-quality products often come from Asian countries such as China, where lower quality standards apply and inferior extraction methods can affect the cannabinoids and terpenes. At FlowPow, we use phytocannabinoid-rich hemp to ensure the highest product quality.
Quality of other ingredients
When buying CBD oil, you should also pay attention to the other ingredients. Products from Germany or Switzerland are considered the best choice, while those from the USA can be of high quality, but products from other regions rarely keep their promises. Healthy oils such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil and almond oil are usually of high quality. Be careful with ingredients that are difficult to pronounce or sound chemical. One exception is MCT oil, which is naturally extracted from coconut oil.
Quality control
Lab testing is another important factor. Reputable CBD manufacturers have their products tested for cannabinoid content and contaminants, including THC content, as CBD products are only legal in Europe if they contain a maximum of 0.2% THC. Many leading manufacturers make this quality testing information freely available.
CBD from FlowPow
FlowPow offers high-quality CBD products, including CBD oil, CBD flowers, CBD hash, CBD extracts, CBD cosmetics and CBD pet supplies, for various applications. The products are made exclusively from high-quality hemp plants and are guaranteed by a gentle CO2 extraction process for maximum purity and bioavailability. All products are subject to strict quality controls.
CBD for animals: Can CBD be given to pets?
Cannabidiol is suitable for both humans and animals because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates numerous bodily functions. This system is present in all mammals, including your dogs or cats. The way CBD works in humans and the effects it has on pets are therefore similar.
CBD, animals and health problems
Hemp oil can increase vitality, promote endurance and strengthen the immune system of pets. It also provides pets with important vitamins and nutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin E. CBD can also strengthen the heart, muscles and connective tissue and support bone growth.
Is CBD safe for pets?
Many people wonder if CBD is safe for pets, mostly due to the confusion between CBD and THC, which come from the same plant. The main difference is that CBD does not have intoxicating properties, and thus CBD will not get you or your pets "high". CBD, unlike THC, is therefore completely safe for animals as long as the CBD products adhere to the legal limit of 0.2% THC. This is guaranteed at FlowPow.
Dosage of CBD for pets (weight)
For pets, CBD oil is particularly recommended, as it can easily be added to food, drinking water, or directly into the mouth. The optimal dose varies depending on the pet, so you should follow similar tips as for dosage recommendations for humans. Start with small doses and increase as needed. Since the effect on pets is difficult to estimate, you can determine the dose based on body weight, with larger animals requiring higher doses than smaller ones. For example, a small dog (up to 12 kilograms) can receive between 2 and 5 milliliters of CBD oil per week.
CBD, animals and possible side effects
Similar to humans, pets may experience mild side effects such as upset stomach, drowsiness, or vomiting. If you are unsure or if your pet is suffering from a specific illness, a visit to the vet is advisable. It is important to note that pets cannot overdose on CBD, so you can figure out the right amount of CBD oil without worry.
Hardly any other crop offers such a wide range of possibilities. Although the CBD active ingredient cannot cure serious illnesses, it does contribute to improved well-being and a higher quality of life without any risk.
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We are not authorized to provide information about the health aspects of our products. According to legal regulations, we are prohibited from making any promises of healing.
The content on our website is intended solely for neutral information and general education purposes. It does not represent a recommendation or promotion for the diagnostic methods, treatments or products described or mentioned. The texts do not claim to be complete, nor can the timeliness, accuracy and balance of the information be guaranteed.
The texts and product descriptions listed are in no way a substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist. They should not be used as a basis for independent diagnosis or for starting, changing or ending treatment. In the event of health-related questions or complaints, you should always consult your trusted doctor."
