It is known information that cannabis is illegal in Germany unless needed for medical purposes. However, with products such as CBD oil gaining popularity, many question whether or not other products that contain compounds extracted from cannabis are legal.
The answer really depends on the product. Products containing CBD are legal in Germany as long as they do not contain THC.
Why CBD but not THC?
CBD and THC are both compounds that can be extracted from cannabis. However, the difference between the two is that THC is the compound that generates psychoactive effects while CBD doesn’t. In other words, THC is the compound that is responsible for making people feel high.
CBD is usually extracted from hemp, a type of cannabis plant that contains very little THC. These small trace amounts of THC can be completely removed if the temp is processed correctly. This process makes CBD legal.
Hemp-based CBD products, such as oil, edibles, wax, and vaporizers, can be bought in stores and pharmacies throughout Germany, even if someone doesn’t have a prescription.
Why use CBD products?
Products containing are not intended to get people high. Instead, the products are meant to promote peace and wellness in people.
CBD has been used as a natural remedy to relieve pain. CBD helps reduce inflammation, making CBD oil great for helping to relieve everyday pains such as migraines and for helping to manage chronic pains associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
CBD also has shown a lot of potential as a treatment for anxiety and depression. People report that taking CBD helps soothe everyday worries and prevent negative thoughts. Individuals that suffer from insomnia as a result of their anxiety have also reported that taking CBD before bed helps them relax and fall asleep more quickly.
There have also been indications that CBD could help people lower their blood pressure. High blood pressure is often a result of stress. Since CBD helps people feel more relaxed, stress levels go down, resulting in lower blood pressure. This helps lower the chances of serious complications such as strokes and heart attacks.
How safe is CBD?
CBD is extremely safe for most individuals. Very few side effects are reported — common complaints include diarrhea, fatigue, and change in appetite. There have been some reported cases of CBD reacting negatively when combined with certain types of prescription drugs.
Before anyone begins taking CBD or any type of supplement, they should check with their doctor to confirm CBD won’t interfere with their medications.
What are some ways to take CBD?
One of the most popular ways to take CBD is in the form of CBD oil. CBD oil itself can be taken in multiple ways. One of the most popular methods is to simply place a few drops of oil under the tongue, keep it there for a few minutes, and then swallow. This allows the CBD to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Some individuals struggle with the taste of raw CBD oil, so they prefer to instead drizzle it over their food or mix it into their beverages. This method also allows the CBD to directly enter the bloodstream. CBD oil also comes in the form of a capsule or can be smoked through a vaporizer.
For individuals that want to ingest CBD but don’t want to use the oil, there are also powdered CBD mixes that can be turned into smoothies or protein drinks.
For individuals that would rather target specific areas, there are lotions and ointments that contain CBD. These creams can then be rubbed into the skin. This method works well for people that might be suffering from migraines or body aches that don’t necessarily need their entire body impacted by CBD.
What to look for in CBD products?
There are plenty of brands that are selling CBD products and it can be overwhelming to determine what is the best one. Not all products are created equally, so it is recommended that people do their research before making a purchase.
Before buying a product, consumers should check the label to make sure it is FDA approved. It is also a good practice to check the product’s website to see if it has been third party lab tested. Lab tests confirm that the product is free from contaminants.
Final thoughts
As long as products only contain CBD and not THC, they are legal in Germany. Individuals interested in using CBD products should always check with their doctor and do their research before using the product.
