CBD effect: How cannabidiol works in the body

CBD effect

Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are currently attracting a lot of attention and enjoying great popularity. Numerous scientific studies indicate that the cannabinoid from the hemp plant could have a wide range of potential applications.


This article explains how CBD works in the body, which areas of application are being discussed and how medical CBD differs from freely available products.


What is cannabidiol (CBD)?


Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are among the more than 100 known cannabinoids of the hemp plant. While THC produces the well-known high, CBD is not psychoactive.


However, both substances interact with the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a part of the human nervous system that is involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite and pain perception.

⟦LYT:15⟧⟦LYT:18⟧How CBD works in the body


After ingestion, CBD binds to receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is involved in many processes, which is why it is assumed that cannabidiol could have a variety of effects.


Studies and field reports point to possible anti-inflammatory, calming or pain-relieving properties - but conclusive scientific proof is still pending.⟦LYT:18⟧

Possible areas of application for CBD


CBD for inflammation

CBD is described in studies as potentially anti-inflammatory. Cannabidiol appears to be able to regulate the immune system, particularly in chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease).

In Switzerland, for example, the prescription oral spray Sativex is available, which contains CBD and THC and is used for MS-related pain and spasticity.


CBD for epilepsy

In medical research, pharmaceutical-grade CBD is being investigated for certain forms of epilepsy. Studies with children suffering from difficult-to-treat syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome show that CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures. However, such preparations are only available on prescription.


CBD for anxiety, sleep and pain

Some research suggests that CBD may have a calming effect and relieve anxiety. Many users report that they use CBD oil for stress, anxiety, sleep problems or pain. However, there are not yet enough scientifically proven long-term studies on this.

Over-the-counter vs. medicinal CBD


CBD products that are freely available in Switzerland (e.g. oils or creams) are not medicinal products. They differ from medical cannabidiol primarily in that

  • lack of standardization and pharmaceutical purity

  • varying quality and composition

  • lower concentrations

Results from clinical studies can therefore not be directly transferred to freely available products.

⟦LYT:18⟧Dosageof CBD oil


One drop of CBD oil is approximately 0.02 to 0.03 ml. If we assume the smallest amount, a 10ml bottle contains about 200 drops. If the oil contains 1,000mg CBD, one drop contains approximately 2.2mg CBD. The maximum daily dose of six drops should not be exceeded, so the maximum daily amount is 13.2mg.


In research and medicine, CBD drugs are dosed much higher. For example, epilepsy patients can be prescribed 20mg per kilogram of body weight per day. If an adult weighs 70 kg, for example, this corresponds to a dose of 1,400 mg. This is more than 100 times higher than when using a freely available CBD oil.


You can find more detailed information and a list of questions on the topic CBD dosage and use.


Conclusion: does CBD oil have an effect?


Although the scientific data is not yet conclusive, many users report positive experiences with CBD products - especially for stress, sleep problems, pain or inflammation. The quality of the product is crucial: full-spectrum oils in particular, which contain other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in addition to CBD, could work better due to the so-called entourage effect.


Important: CBD products are not medicines and are not a substitute for medical treatment. A doctor should always be consulted in the event of health complaints

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Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for general information purposes only and are not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information without guarantee.