CBD Oil Effects

How does CBD oil work in the human body?

Cannabidiol (CBD), the main active ingredient in CBD oil, exerts its effect in the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is an endogenous regulatory system involved in numerous physiological processes. It consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and enzymes responsible for their breakdown.

• Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors but acts modulatory.
• It indirectly affects CB1 receptors, which are mainly found in the central nervous system, as well as CB2 receptors, which are predominantly found in immune cells.

Instead of triggering direct activation, CBD regulates signal transmission. This can lead, among other things, to stabilization of neuronal processes, reduction of inflammation signals, and decreased pain perception.

In addition, CBD also acts on other receptor systems, such as:

• 5-HT1A serotonin receptors (mood regulation),
• TRPV1 receptors (pain perception) and GPR55 receptors (cell growth, blood pressure, bone health).
• GPR55 receptors (cell growth, blood pressure, bone health).

Due to this multimodal mode of action, CBD intervenes in various biological regulatory circuits without causing a psychoactive effect like THC. Bioavailability is crucial for efficacy, meaning how much CBD actually reaches the bloodstream after intake.

What effects are attributed to CBD oil?

CBD oil is attributed with a variety of health-promoting effects due to its interactive action on the nervous and immune systems. Many of these effects are supported by preclinical studies, testimonials, and initial clinical investigations. However, the scientific validation varies depending on the area of application.

Among the most frequently described effects are:

Anxiolytic Effect (Anxiolysis)

CBD can contribute to the reduction of anxiety, stress, and inner restlessness by influencing the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A. This has been particularly observed in connection with social phobias and general anxiety disorders. More in the blog: CBD for Anxiety

Anti-Inflammatory Effect (Antiphlogistic)

CBD modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators. This could be beneficial for chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or atopic dermatitis. More in the blog: CBD for Inflammation

Pain-Relieving Effect (Analgesic)

CBD can help relieve chronic, neuropathic, or inflammation-related pain by influencing pain receptors (e.g., TRPV1). It is also being studied as a supplement to classical pain therapy. more in the blog: CBD for Pain

Antispasmodic Effect (Anticonvulsant)

The effect is particularly well documented in certain forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This led to the approval of the CBD medication Epidyolex®. More in the blog: CBD in epilepsy

Sleep-supporting effect (sedative, sleep-regulating)

Indirectly, CBD can contribute to better sleep quality by reducing stress, anxiety, and pain without the side effects of classic sleep aids. More in the blog: CBD and sleep

Neuroprotective properties

There is evidence that CBD can reduce oxidative stress and protect neuronal structures. This is being researched in connection with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and MS. More in the blog: CBD and stress

Mood-stabilizing effect

Due to its effect on the neurochemical balance in the brain, CBD could also play a role in depressive moods – however, sufficient clinical data are not yet available. More in the blog: CBD against depression

Important: Not all of these effects are equally scientifically proven. While there are already robust studies for epilepsy and anxiety disorders, larger clinical evidence is still lacking for other indications (e.g., pain, sleep, mood).

What effect does CBD oil have on the psyche?

CBD oil exerts its effect on the psyche by modulating central neurotransmitter systems, especially the serotonin balance. Cannabidiol activates, among others, the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which plays a key role in regulating anxiety, mood, and emotional resilience. This interaction can lead to a noticeable relief of inner restlessness, excessive nervousness, and social anxiety without causing a sedative or intoxicating effect. Unlike THC, CBD does not alter consciousness and has no psychotropic effect. This makes it an interesting option for people with stress-related complaints who want to remain mentally alert. Furthermore, CBD influences the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which controls the body's stress response. By regulating cortisol release, CBD can thus contribute to emotional stabilization. Preclinical data and initial studies also suggest mood-enhancing properties, although the scientific evidence is still limited compared to the anxiolytic effect. Overall, CBD oil appears to be a potentially helpful remedy against psychological stress, even though the effect can vary from person to person and further clinical studies are needed.

How does CBD oil work for pain and inflammation?

CBD oil works on pain and inflammation through multiple physiological mechanisms affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the immune system. For example, it influences the activity of TRPV1 receptors involved in pain transmission and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, thereby both increasing the pain threshold and reducing inflammatory processes at the cellular level. Especially in chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or multiple sclerosis, the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD are currently being intensively researched scientifically. Preclinical studies have shown that CBD modulates the activity of overactive immune cells and can dampen pain transmission in the spinal cord without causing the typical side effects of classic painkillers like opioids or NSAIDs. At the same time, CBD affects pain perception in the brain, for example through its action on the glycine receptor or via serotonergic signal processing. This can lead to a subjective reduction in the experience of pain. Clinical evidence varies depending on the type of pain. While there are already numerous studies for neuropathic and inflammation-related pain, the effect on acute pain is less well documented. Overall, CBD oil offers a promising, low-side-effect approach to supportive treatment of chronic pain and inflammatory complaints, especially where conventional medications are not tolerated or complementary options are desired.

Does CBD oil have an effect on sleep?

CBD oil can have a regulatory effect on sleep, with the effect strongly depending on individual factors as well as the dosage. Unlike classic sleeping aids, CBD does not act sedatively in the strict sense, but indirectly calming by reducing stress, inner restlessness, and anxiety-related tension. These factors are often the cause of difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep. Studies suggest that CBD can improve sleep architecture through its interaction with the serotonin and GABA systems, particularly by shortening sleep onset latency and stabilizing deep sleep phases. Furthermore, CBD regulates the circadian rhythm and can be helpful in disturbances of the day-night cycle, such as shift work or jet lag. In a placebo-controlled study with participants suffering from anxiety and sleep problems, more than two-thirds reported a noticeable improvement in sleep quality after regular intake of CBD. However, the dosage is important: low to medium doses tend to be activating or balancing, while sleep-promoting effects usually appear only at higher doses. Unlike THC, CBD neither affects consciousness nor leads to a "hangover feeling" the next morning. This makes it a well-tolerated option for people with mild to moderate sleep problems. Clinically relevant data so far primarily exist for anxiety-associated sleep disorders. For primary sleep disorders such as insomnia, the study situation is still limited but promising.

How quickly and how long does CBD oil take effect?

The effect of CBD oil usually begins 15 to 60 minutes after intake and lasts four to eight hours depending on metabolism, dosage, and form of administration. The method of application is crucial for the onset of effect: with sublingual intake – that is, under the tongue – the active ingredient partially enters the bloodstream directly through the mucous membrane, allowing for a faster onset of effect. With oral intake by swallowing, the effect is delayed because the CBD must first pass through the gastrointestinal tract and be metabolized in the liver (first-pass effect).

Bioavailability also plays a central role: CBD oil taken sublingually has an average bioavailability of about 13–19%, while it can be significantly lower with purely oral intake. The duration of the effect is additionally influenced by factors such as body weight, metabolic rate, fat content, and time of intake. With regular use, a certain steady-state effect can also occur, meaning the effect becomes more stable and predictable as CBD gradually accumulates in the tissue.

Is the effect of CBD oil scientifically proven?

For certain conditions, the effects of CBD are scientifically proven. For many other areas, there is promising but still incomplete data, which makes a thorough medical assessment difficult. However, research is developing dynamically, especially regarding mental health, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory effects.

The therapeutic use of cannabidiol is best documented for certain forms of epilepsy, especially Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. High-quality, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) are available for this, on the basis of which the drug Epidyolex® has been approved in the EU and the USA.

For other applications such as anxiety disorders, chronic pain, sleep problems, or inflammatory diseases, there are numerous preclinical studies and smaller clinical investigations, but these are often studies with limited participant numbers, open designs, or without placebo control. The results are promising but do not yet allow for general medical recommendations. Especially for anxiety disorders, the data situation with several pilot studies and an increasing number of controlled studies is already relatively robust, although further research is needed to better define dosage, duration of effect, and long-term effects. The dosages in the studies are usually in the range of 100 to 600 mg CBD per day in the form of CBD capsules.

What individual factors influence the effect of CBD oil?

The effect of CBD oil can vary greatly from person to person, as it is influenced by numerous individual factors. An important factor is the metabolic type: people with faster liver activity (especially of the CYP450 enzyme system) break down CBD more quickly. This can lead to a shorter duration of effect and possibly to weakened effects. Body weight is also relevant, as CBD is a lipophilic, i.e., fat-soluble, active ingredient and is partially stored in fat tissue. People with a higher body fat percentage or body weight may require a higher dose to achieve a comparable effect. Diet also plays a major role: when fat-soluble CBD is taken together with a high-fat meal, bioavailability improves significantly.

Dosage is also crucial. While low doses tend to produce activating or balancing effects, calming or sleep-promoting properties usually appear only at medium to high doses (inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship, e.g., with anxiolytic effects). The form of administration (sublingual, oral, or transdermal) and thus the bioavailability additionally influence how much CBD actually reaches the bloodstream. With sublingual administration, CBD is partially absorbed through the mucous membrane of the mouth. With oral intake, the so-called first-pass effect in the liver can reduce effectiveness.

The individual health condition also plays a role. People with chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or neurological diseases may respond differently to CBD. Additionally, the hormonal balance, especially in women, can modulate the effect, for example, in connection with cycle phases, pregnancy, or menopause. Other relevant factors include the timing of intake, concomitant medication (due to possible interactions), and genetic peculiarities, for example, regarding enzyme activities or receptor composition.

Finally, the duration of use must also be considered. While acute effects can occur within minutes to hours, many users report a more stable and intense effect with regular intake over several days or weeks, also referred to as the mirror effect. Overall, it becomes clear: the effect of CBD oil is highly individual and requires a personalized approach regarding dosage, timing of intake, and application context.

How does the effect of CBD oil differ from other CBD products?

The effect of CBD oil differs significantly from that of other CBD products, especially regarding onset of action, bioavailability, application area, and target structure in the body. Typically, CBD oil is administered sublingually (under the tongue), so the active ingredient partially enters the bloodstream directly through the oral mucosa. This allows for a comparatively rapid onset of action after about 15–45 minutes with an average bioavailability of approximately 13–19%. The effect is systemic, meaning CBD acts throughout the entire organism, particularly on the central nervous system, the immune system, and hormonal regulatory circuits.

In contrast, CBD capsules or tablets exert their effect only after complete passage through the digestive tract and liver (first-pass metabolism). This delays the onset of action (up to 90 minutes) and can reduce bioavailability. However, they offer more precise dosing and are often more pleasant for people with sensitive taste or sensitive oral mucosa.

CBD creams or ointments, on the other hand, act locally on the skin and enter the bloodstream only in very small amounts. They are especially suitable for treating superficial complaints such as joint pain, skin irritations, or muscle tension without producing systemic effects. Therefore, the effect is targeted but not felt throughout the entire body.

CBD suppositories (rectal or vaginal) largely bypass the first-pass effect, offer high bioavailability, and act partially systemically but effectively on mucous membrane areas in the vagina and rectum. They are mainly used for menstrual complaints, hemorrhoids, endometriosis, or prostatitis when targeted deep action in the pelvic area is desired. Particularly noteworthy is the first approved medical product with CBD and hyaluronic acid: CANNEFF CBD suppositories for the treatment of intimate complaints, e.g., anal fissure, pain at the anus, vaginal dryness, menopausal complaints, and PMS symptoms.

In summary: CBD oil is ideal for systemic applications with rapid onset of action. Other products can act locally, with delayed effect, or particularly gently depending on the form of administration. The choice of the appropriate product should therefore be based on the desired site of action, the indication, and personal preferences.

Are there side effects or risks associated with the use of CBD oil?

Although CBD oil is generally considered well tolerated, side effects and risks cannot be ruled out, especially at higher dosages or in combination with certain medications. The most common unwanted side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite, and in some cases mild gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea or nausea. These effects usually occur dose-dependently and typically subside after adjusting the dosage.

A special focus is on possible interactions with medications. CBD is metabolized by enzymes of the cytochrome P450 system in the liver – the same enzyme system that also breaks down many drugs. This can lead to an increase or decrease in the effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiepileptics, or beta blockers. If medications are taken regularly and CBD is combined in medical doses, medical consultation is therefore essential.