Questions and answers relating to CBD

Questions and answers relating to CBD


Is CBD a drug? What are its virtues? How can it be used? Is it compatible with electronic cigarettes? Can it be vaped with nicotine? We review here all these questions, that we have actually already asked ourselves. Enjoy the read!

What is CBD?


CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is a molecule coming from the cannabis plant. The CBD is one of the 100 chemical components contained in cannabis and represents the second highest concentration in the plant, after THC. CBD can be found in various forms: oils, paste, wax, dried plant, tea, or e-liquid.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?



When speaking of cannabis, we often think THC. THC is the abbreviation for tétrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychotropic and addictive substance contained in the cannabis plant.

THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which induce rapid euphoria. It has long been used to treat nauseas, loss of appetite, troubles of sleep, or simply for recreational and entertaining properties. When consumed in high doses, it can induce anxiety and paranoia.

Contrary to THC, CBD is not psychoactive, so in short, it will not make you “high”. It is indeed proven that CBD actually combats the psychotropic effects of THC. CBD is not linked to the “reward circuit”, i.e. that it does not induce a secretion of dopamine (a neuro-mediator of pleasure implicated in mechanisms of dependence), and is therefore not a considered as a drug.

What do Swiss laws say about CBD?


In Switzerland, CBD is legal, under the condition that it contain less than 1% of THC. Cannabis, which is illegal in Switzerland, contains by comparison approximately 20% of THC.

However, be very careful if you consume CBD and intend to drive a vehicle shortly thereafter. THC tolerance in Switzerland is zero. So if you consume a significant amount of CBD, the THC level in your blood could be slightly higher than the authorized limit, and you would be considered as not apt to drive. And let’s not forget that CBD has a tendency to relax its consumer, which can induce somnolence! Beyond legal aspects, your safety is paramount.

What are the virtues of CBD?


It is forbidden today in Switzerland to speak about the “therapeutical effects” of CBD. Studies and many testimonies however relate that this molecule has painkilling and tranquilizing properties.

It’s efficacy against chronic pain is no longer to be proven. Internet is full of testimonies of people having found in it a natural means to ease pain. It can be used for acute and chronic pain, or neuropathic pain linked to illnesses like polyarthritis, arthritis, inflammatory or fibromyalgia pain.

Against stress, anxiety and sleep dysfunctions: CBD has an important relaxing effect, that allows to fight anxiety and stress. It can also be beneficial for sleep quality by reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Help against epilepsy: a recent study demonstrated that CBD is effective in the treatment of certain cases of epilepsy that traditional medicine was not managing to relieve.

Help against multiple sclerosis: the Swiss society for multiple sclerosis recommends the use of products based on CBD for the treatment of pain related to this illness.

Help against Alzheimer disease and schizophrenia: CBD could offer some protection to neurons against their degeneration.

With its antipsychotic properties, CBD could help against schizophrenia, as discussed in a study held in 2012 (contrary to THC that is very ill-advised for people suffering from this disease).

Experts are currently trying to demonstrate that it could be useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease or even autism.

What equipment is needed to vape CBD?


It is first important to note that it is imperative to buy an e-liquid with CBD and not an oil of CBD. Too many suppliers are not precise enough on this point and the fact of vaping an oil could not only endanger your equipment, but also your health.
All electronic cigarettes can be used with CBD e-liquids. We would however like to offer the following advice:

  • Prefer an e-cigarette in tight vaping (called MTL or Mouth-to-Lung). This type of vaping is similar to inhaling from a traditional cigarette: you first inhale into the mouth, and in a second step inhale further into the lungs.
  • Prefer resistances superior to 0.6 Ohm, ideally around 1.0 Ohm, and a power of max 30 watts. CBD does not like to be overheated, as it degrades at high temperatures.



The reason for these recommendations is that the e-liquids with CBD have a certain cost, and are therefore not destined to cloud chasing (i.e. generating large clouds of vapor that use up a large quantity of liquid). In addition, the throat hit is rather important with CBD, and could rapidly become unpleasant with strong wattage.

CBD

How do I vape it?


The CBD takes longer to be absorbed by the organism than nicotine. With CBD, best is to favor intense but short sessions, i.e. regularly inhale for 10 minutes or so and then wait for the effects to be felt within the next 30-45 minutes.

Can CBD be vaped with nicotine-containing e-liquids?


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The 2 substances are antagonists, i.e. their effects cancel each other out. It is therefore advised to wait for a certain period of time before switching from one to the other. Indeed, nicotine is considered as a stimulant, whereas CBD is a relaxant. If you inhale nicotine just before or after CBD, the effect of the CBD will at best be light but most likely non-existent. To fully benefit from the effects of CBD, it is even recommended to wait for 4 hours before switching! For the benefit of a comparison, it would be like mixing a sleeping pill with an energy drink right after...

In order to preserve all the properties of the CBD, we recommend that you dedicate an atomizer to it. If this is not possible and that you generally use other e-liquids that contain nicotine, it is well advised to rince the reservoir carefully and change the resistance before starting to vape CBD.

In short, do not mix e-liquids containing nicotine with an e-liquid with CBD if you want to fully benefit from the CBD’s virtues.

Conclusion


To summarize, the main points to retain would be the following:

  • CBD and THC are often confused. They are stemming from the same plant, but are different molecules with different properties.
  • CBD is not a drug, as it has no psychotropic effect. You will not feel “high” with CBD!
  • CBD is legal in Switzerland, as long as it contains less than 1% of THC. As a comparison, cannabis contains on average 20% of THC.
  • CBD has many virtues and is used to help treat many illnesses. Many studies already exist on the matter and many others are in the works.
  • You can vape CBD pure or diluted in other e-liquids, following the advice provided in this article.
  • CBD and nicotine do not associate well, as nicotine cancels the relaxing effect of CBD.

Dear Reader, thank you for your attention. We appreciate your interest in reading this article and your loyalty to our brand.

The Sweetch team