CBD oil is the latest trend in the health and wellness industry. Whether for depression, anxiety or cancer: The miraculous hemp oil promises pain relief and health benefits. But what exactly is hemp oil? What risks do you have to expect and is CBD Germany legal at all? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
Is CBD the same as cannabis?
CBD is one of 104 cannabinoids (chemical compounds) of the cannabis plant. In contrast to the most well-known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive – that’s why you don’t get high from taking CBD. Instead, CBD is said to calm the nerves and provide various health and medical benefits.
By the way: CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol.
Is CBD legal in Germany?
CBD is not an intoxicant. The natural substance is declared as a dietary supplement and is legal in Germany – but the THC content in cannabidiol must be below 0.2%. If this is not the case, you are liable to prosecution! Therefore, you should inform yourself before buying and only buy hemp oil from trusted dealers.
How to take CBD oil?
CBD oil (also called hemp oil) is usually available as a tincture. You can drop a few drops under your tongue, hold the CBD in your mouth for a few moments and then swallow it. Thus, the mucous membranes absorb the oil and you enjoy an optimal effect. Or mix the droplets with water, smoothies, coffee or other beverages and food.
Hemp is also available in spray form, capsules, creams and e-liquid for vaporizers. If you want to buy hemp oil in Germany, you are guaranteed to find it in the CBDNOL® range.
Important: You cannot become dependent on cannabis oil!
How does the correct dosage work?
Hemp oil has a biphasic effect – depending on the dose, hemp oil has different effects. For example, a low dose can increase your ability to concentrate, while a higher dose can make you sleepy. It is best to start with a low dose of two to four milligrams per day and gradually increase if necessary.
More information about CBD oil can be found in our article: « CBD oil: dosage, intake and shelf life ».
Tip: Hemp oil works for about 4-9 hours, so for maximum benefit, take it two to three times a day.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
The effects of hemp oil on the human body are not yet sufficiently proven. However, various animal experiments and studies with human subjects indicate the following advantages:
Hemp oil can relieve pain
Both animal and human studies have investigated the link between hemp oil and pain relief. Accordingly, hemp oil can reduce inflammation, interact with neurotransmitters and improve physical discomfort. For example, patients with multiple sclerosis experienced less muscle cramps and less pain after one month of treatment with hemp oil and THC. Another study with hemp showed improved pain treatment in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Hemp oil can minimize anxiety
The American journal « Neuropsychopharmacology » found that hemp oil can reduce anxiety disorders. Thus, people with social phobia were given 600 milligrams of hemp oil before a public speech, which significantly alleviated fear, difficulties and complaints in the test persons.
Hemp oil can act as an antidepressant
Several studies have investigated the antidepressant effect of hemp oil. For example, it was found that cannabidiol works even faster in mice than classic antidepressants (study in English). The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children were also alleviated by hemp.
Hemp oil can relieve epilepsy
Hemp oil can support the treatment of various types of epilepsy – because the oil of the hemp plant can act as a natural anticonvulsant and thus reduce symptoms and seizures.
Hemp oil can prevent cancer
According to various animal studies, cannabidiol can inhibit the growth of leukemia cells, breast cancer cells, cervical and prostate cancer cells. In addition, hemp oil can relieve the symptoms of cancer treatment – for example, nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy.
Hemp oil can help with skin problems
According to various studies, hemp oil can relieve skin conditions such as eczema, which can regulate skin oil production and thus reduce acne. In addition, hemp oil contains many important nutrients (for example vitamin E, potassium, omega-3 acids) for a healthy complexion and better skin protection.
Hemp oil can help with weight loss
Cannabidiol can not only promote healthy blood sugar and fat…
Hemp oil can help with skin problems
According to various studies, hemp oil can relieve skin conditions such as eczema, which can regulate skin oil production and thus reduce acne. In addition, hemp oil contains many important nutrients (for example vitamin E, potassium, omega-3 acids) for a healthy complexion and better skin protection.
Hemp oil can help with weight loss
Cannabidiol can not only promote healthy blood sugar and reduce fat. The hemp oil also increases mitochondria, which help burn calories and converts white fat into brown fat. Brown fat ensures a healthy body weight, burns excess body fat and generates important heat for the body.
Are there any health risks?
Side effects with hemp oil are rare, but nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating or dizziness may occur. Therefore, start with a small dose and see how your body reacts. If you are taking prescription drugs, you should discuss taking hemp oil with your doctor.
Did you know that hemp is considered the oldest example of human production? It was mentioned as early as 2,800 BC in Chinese sources and is believed to have found its way to Europe in 1,200 BC.
Reason enough to dive deep into the matter: From the seed to the harvest, first of all a few facts that not everyone knows.Let’s go!
Facts about hemp
On an annual basis, one hectare of hemp produces as much fiber as 2 to 3 hectares of cotton and as much paper material as 2 to 4 hectares of trees.
Hemp can grow almost anywhere and is ready for harvest in just 90 to 120 days.
Hemp can be used to make fibreboard that is both lighter and stronger than wood.
The original US constitution was written on hemp paper.
Industrial hemp contains little or no THC.
Hemp contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is incredibly healthy and naturally occurring in breast milk.
Gutenberg printed his Bibles on hemp paper
What do we (still) know about hemp?
Hemp is a plant that belongs to the cannabis sativa family. Although it is not a drug per se, it is still illegal in some countries because of its kinship. Although the plant contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is exactly the substance that causes intoxication in cannabis – hemp does not have enough of it to cause these effects. It has almost endless application possibilities and is very environmentally friendly but we’ll get to that later.
What can hemp be used for?
Hemp is used for countless purposes. From the stems, fibers are obtained, which can be used to make paper, clothing and ropes. Leaves and flowers produce oils that are used as a remedy for skin problems and stress, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. The plant as a whole can be used to produce feed for livestock and to produce fuel.
Hemp seeds are a healthy source of protein, but they also provide amino acids, vitamins and more to keep our bodies healthy. They are also inexpensive and can be grown locally. The seeds can also be used to make hemp oil or hemp flour and many other purposes.
Hemp can also be used as a building material, for example, to produce roofs, insulation, cladding and tiles. By using hemp, these materials become stronger and lighter than if they were made of wood. In Japan, one has seen that houses made of hemp can live up to 300 years because of the durability of the hemp – if not longer. Hemp is also resistant to mold and non-toxic, making the hemp-made homes a healthier place to live.
Why is hemp good for the environment?
Farmers love to grow hemp – more and more in Germany. The reason: it is extremely sustainable and can be grown in any environment, no matter the weather. He doesn’t need any chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers as he does all this for himself. This means that the chemical damage to the planet can be reduced by growing hemp. In addition, hemp is a very good habitat for wildlife and provides hiding places for mice and other animals, while it grows up to four meters high until its flowers bloom and produce pollen for the bees.
In addition, hemp is in harmony with the soil, as it returns up to 70% of its nutrients. It cleans the soil and keeps it together with its deep roots, which prevents erosion. Once the hemp is harvested, it can be reintroduced into the soil and rejuvenates the land to bring more yield next year.
Hemp grows fast
Hemp grows very fast and only needs up to a maximum of four months to maturity. Compared to trees that can take 20 years to grow, hemp is a very fast alternative to paper making. If hemp were used more frequently in this way, it would contribute to the fight against deforestation.
You don’t need much space to grow hemp
Hemp is also very water-saving as it requires up to three times less liquid to grow than cotton. Depending on the climate, sometimes even the rain alone is enough to grow. It requires only half as much arable land as cotton and can renew up to three times a year, making it the most sustainable of all plants for farmers. This means that the arable land and water can be used for other purposes, saving costs.
Hemp clothing is eco-friendly and vegan
Hemp produces far more fibers than cotton plants and these fibers are the most durable natural fibers ever. The production of clothing and shoes from hemp makes these products soft, durable…