All About CBD
The cannabinoid CBD (Cannabidiol) has become something of a celebrity in the cannabis industry, thanks in no small part to massive media coverage. Today, it can be seen just about everywhere. Store shelves are filled with products ranging from hemp flowers and oils to vapes, all promising customers the best of the best when it comes to effects. But what’s the reality? Is it really the miraculous cannabis compound many claim it to be? Or is it just a placebo?
First of all, it’s important to remember that not all CBD is created equal. Hemp drops from one brand or manufacturer can have quite different effects compared to those from another. So not all experiences are the same. Secondly, it’s worth mentioning that Cannabidiol works best when combined with other cannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa plant. In other words, a full-spectrum CBD oil with higher levels of CBG or CBN, made from quality hemp extract, offers noticeably better effects than a pure isolate oil.
So, what else do we know about this highly sought-after cannabinoid?
What is CBD?
CBD was discovered in 1940 as part of the chemical structure of cannabis, which today contains over 110 identified cannabinoids, including THC. Over time, it has been found to have numerous potential therapeutic uses, such as for anxiety, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Its greatest potential lies in treating mental health issues, where the interaction between cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system—which influences many bodily functions—is most pronounced. However, in order to fully praise this natural miracle, we still need more high-quality scientific evidence than what is currently available.
CBD naturally occurs in cannabis, forming from the cannabinoid CBG (Cannabigerol), which is why the plant is used for extraction. This technical process creates a highly concentrated hemp extract rich in cannabinoids and nutrients like terpenes, which are then used to make finished products like drops. There are several extraction methods, including CO2 extraction at supercritical temperatures, which uses carbon dioxide to isolate the substance. This is how CBD makes its way to shops and online stores. In addition to oil, you can now find cosmetics, foods, joints, and the increasingly popular vapes.
What Types of CBD Products Exist?
As mentioned earlier, the most common CBD product is CBD oil in drop form, usually dispensed with a handy pipette. However, CBD vape is gaining attention—disposable or reusable electronic cigarettes containing hemp distillates with cannabinoids and terpenes. Other popular forms include hemp flowers, hash, and concentrates like wax or shatter. In the food category, you’ll find tea, chocolate, and CBD gummies.
“The biggest differences between oils, edibles, and vapes are speed of delivery and duration of effects. As Dr. Chin says, relief from vaping is faster but fades more quickly—typically after about two hours.” – HEALTH.COM
Benefits of Using CBD via Vape
Vaping is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD. Vape pens or pods don’t produce carcinogenic smoke with tar, but rather water vapor. This vapor is a product of vaporization, a process that heats the liquid without burning it. The atomizer, a crucial part of the e-cigarette, plays a major role in the quality of the vapor produced. CBD vapes made from organic hemp extract also contain no PG, VG, or glycerin like traditional nicotine e-liquids, making them considerably safer.
What Are the Effects of CBD?
CBD offers versatile effects, which depend on several key factors. This is why different users often report different experiences. The effects depend on the quality and type of product, as well as the current state of the endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in processes like sleep, mood, and motivation.
It’s no surprise that many specialized CBD products are used to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, or enhance mood. By “specialized,” we mean products that also include additional cannabinoids like CBG or CBN, which can strengthen and even create new effects.
What does science say about all this?
“CBD has been promoted for a wide range of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. Numerous studies have shown that CBD can reduce or even completely stop seizures. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is the first cannabis-derived drug approved by the FDA for these conditions.” – HARVARD.EDU
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by binding to cannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2. This interaction positively influences the endocannabinoid system, which can lead to better sleep and improved mood—especially when using full-spectrum products that contain trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. This combination creates the entourage effect, which enhances the base effects of CBD.
That’s why full-spectrum oils often provide stronger and more noticeable effects compared to cheaper CBD isolate oils, which contain only one active ingredient and often in questionable quality.
What’s the Difference Between CBD and THC?
Like CBD, THC also interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and both originate from CBG. However, their interaction is different, and therefore so are their effects. THC is psychoactive, alters consciousness, and creates euphoria, while CBD is non-psychoactive, non-euphoric, and non-addictive because it doesn’t interact with the brain’s reward system.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD has an excellent safety profile, which is one reason why CBD products are now so widely available—even in the absence of strict regulation. The long-anticipated Novel Food regulation may still take a few more years to fully materialize across the EU.
CBD in Slovakia
Is CBD legal in Slovakia? Yes, cannabidiol was removed from the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances, making it legal. However, while cosmetics and vapes are allowed, food products, including CBD oils meant for consumption, are subject to authorization under the Novel Food regulation. Until this is fully implemented, many consumable CBD products are sold for “collector’s purposes” or “oral rinse use.”
CBD Legalization in Slovakia
Slovakia officially legalized CBD in 2021. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid was removed from the controlled substances list following a parliamentary vote. On May 1st, 2021, CBD sales officially began in Slovakia, and local online shops could finally sell CBD without the risk of legal penalties. However, food-related applications of CBD still face stricter regulations compared to cosmetics or vape products.
The Future of CBD
CBD has already secured its place in the consumer market, despite a lack of high-level scientific studies confirming all its therapeutic claims. Based on what we do know, CBD can help with various health issues, including stress, poor sleep, and lack of focus—especially when combined with other cannabinoids like CBG or CBN.
Stress and Focus
CBD is used to calm heightened stress levels, which can also improve focus. Research suggests that CBD has a calming effect on the central nervous system, which positively influences concentration. In simple terms, it supports the endocannabinoid system, which helps manage stress and mental focus.
“The final sample consisted of 72 adults with primary concerns of anxiety or poor sleep. Anxiety scores decreased within the first month in 57 patients (79.2%) and remained low throughout the study. Sleep scores improved in 48 patients (66.7%) in the first month, but fluctuated over time.” – NIH.GOV
Sleep and Falling Asleep
CBD positively affects the central nervous system, making it effective for sleep issues and falling asleep. Relaxing both body and mind leads to mental well-being, which is crucial for quality sleep. Best results are achieved when CBD is combined with sedative cannabinoids, like THC or CBN. That’s why full-spectrum CBD products are considered the best for sleep improvement.
Mood Regulation
Can CBD help improve mood? Absolutely—especially full-spectrum products that contain trace amounts of euphoric THC. THC and CBD together interact with the 5-HT receptor, creating antidepressant and anxiolytic effects that can help stabilize and improve mood.
“Besides releasing endorphins, the ‘runner’s high’ feeling may be partially caused by anandamide, acting on CB1 receptors, producing anxiolytic effects. CBD’s activity at 5-HT receptors may contribute to its neuroprotective, antidepressant, and anxiolytic benefits, though the exact mechanism is still unclear.” – NIH.GOV
Cognitive Functions
Perception, emotion, intuition, and thinking are all part of our cognitive functions. Psychiatrist Carl Jung described them as key psychological processes that influence whether someone is introverted or extroverted. Since CBD can regulate mood and concentration, it logically also supports cognitive function. This can lead to improvements in conditions like social anxiety, which affects more and more people today.
