Cannabidiol or CBD: what is it and what is it used for?

Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found naturally in cannabis. Together with THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects or the “high” associated with cannabis, CBD is one of the most prevalent and significant cannabinoids in the plant.

In some varieties the CBD percentage may be minimal, while in others, such as hemp, CBD is the most abundant component. There are also strains in which CBD and THC appear in similar or more balanced proportions.

As scientific research advances, various properties of CBD have been discovered, sparking great interest in this compound. Today, CBD is popular for its potential wellness benefits. In this special post, we cover everything you need to know about CBD.

3 key takeaways

• CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound from hemp that is non-psychoactive — it doesn't get you high and isn't addictive — recognised by the WHO since 2018. It differs from THC in that it acts on different receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
• CBD's strongest medical use today is in treating refractory epilepsy (there is an approved medicine: Epidyolex). It has promising areas of research in chronic and neuropathic pain, anxiety, insomnia and inflammatory diseases, where results are encouraging although the evidence is still preliminary.
• In Europe, CBD use follows two routes: medical (cannabis and medicines prescribed by a doctor) and cosmetic / external use (what is sold in shops). Until 2018 CBD oils were sold as food supplements for oral use, but they were later restricted. Authorisation of CBD as a novel food for oral or sublingual use is still pending evaluation by EFSA.

What is CBD?

Definition

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound produced by the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) in its trichomes. These structures are most abundant in the plant's flowers or buds, which is why CBD is obtained from the flowers and not from hemp seeds.

Chemically, CBD belongs to the group of cannabinoids. The cannabis plant produces around a hundred different cannabinoids. Of all of them, the most studied are CBD, from hemp, and THC, which is the predominant psychotropic cannabinoid in cannabis.

CBD flower is a variety of cannabis (hemp) with a high CBD content and very little THC. CBD oil is extracted from hemp, and other products are made from it too, such as CBD hash, CBD creams and CBD skincare.

CBD is a safe, non-toxic substance. According to the official report Cannabidiol (CBD): Critical Review Report (WHO, 2018), the World Health Organization concluded that cannabidiol shows no potential for abuse or dependence and is not associated with public health problems. In 2020, the UN removed cannabis from Schedule IV, the most restrictive list of substances, following a 2019 WHO recommendation.

Differences between CBD and THC

THC and CBD are two different types of cannabinoids that can be found in high concentrations in cannabis.

Although both are cannabinoids, the effects of CBD and THC on the body are entirely different.

The difference in effects between these two types of cannabinoids lies in their different molecular structure, which causes them to bind to different sites on cells in the body.

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for its part, is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, producing feelings of euphoria and altered perception or senses. It has addictive potential and chronic use has been linked to paranoia and other conditions.

By contrast, CBD is not psychoactive and has no addictive potential. It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) and neuroprotective properties, and can even attenuate the effects of THC, reducing its psychoactivity. Because it is not psychoactive, CBD is legal in most European countries.

*Full spectrum CBD products contain traces of THC (<0.3%) that could be detected in a test under certain circumstances. Check with a professional if you are subject to anti-doping tests.

If you'd like to know more, read our post: Differences between THC and CBD.

Where does CBD come from?

CBD is the main component of hemp extract — a variety of cannabis with a high CBD content (25% or more) and negligible THC levels, below 0.3-1% (this may vary depending on the country). As it contains practically no THC, it is not a narcotic and can be legally regulated. We explain the process step by step in our guide on how CBD is obtained.

Differences between CBD and cannabis

Cannabis has THC levels of around 20-30% or more, in contrast to the negligible THC levels in hemp. Essentially for this reason, because of its composition, hemp is legal, and cannabis is illegal in many countries. We look more closely at the differences between hemp and cannabis in this article.

CBD is added to very different products depending on how it is used. Oils, creams, flower and massage oils are the most common categories in a specialist shop:

What is CBD used for?

Mechanism of action

CBD exerts its effects through the body's endocannabinoid system. This system acts as our body's control centre for reacting to situations that cause an imbalance, such as acute and chronic illnesses, helping the body to respond appropriately.

The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain the body's homeostasis and balance, regulating other systems as needed. Cannabidiol binds to endocannabinoid receptors and shows potential benefits for a wide range of conditions related to psychological disorders and physical ailments.

CBD has shown benefits in fields as diverse as pain perception, anxiety, addiction treatment and insomnia. Here we summarise the main medicinal properties of CBD and what science says about the effects of CBD on the body.

Benefits of CBD and its potential therapeutic applications

The most studied areas include anxiety, insomnia, neuropathic pain, endometriosis, acne, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, among other applications where research is ongoing.

Anxiety and stress

CBD is one of the most studied cannabinoids in relation to stress and anxiety. A systematic review by Blessing et al. (2015) in Neurotherapeutics observed that single doses of 300-600 mg significantly reduced the induced anxiety response in patients and healthy volunteers.

Insomnia and rest

Shannon et al. (2019), in a case series published in The Permanente Journal, observed that 66% of participants improved their sleep scores within the first month after adding CBD to their routine, especially when there was an anxiety component associated with insomnia.

Chronic pain and neuropathic pain

Two key scientific reviews (Vučković et al., 2018, Frontiers in Pharmacology · Mlost et al., 2020, International Journal of Molecular Sciences) gather evidence that CBD reduces the perception of neuropathic and inflammatory pain through TRPV1 receptors and by modulating inflammation. It is usually applied through topical creams and oils.

Epilepsy (approved use)

The strongest scientific evidence for CBD is in refractory epilepsy. Devinsky et al. (2017), in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed that CBD reduced seizure frequency by 39% in children with Dravet syndrome, compared with 13% in the placebo group. There is a medicine approved by the EMA and FDA, Epidyolex (purified CBD), prescribed by neurologists — very different from the CBD sold in shops.

Other areas of research

Research is also exploring CBD for acne (Oláh et al., 2014: CBD inhibits excess sebum production), endometriosis and period pain, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's (neuroprotective potential awaiting clinical confirmation) and as a complementary aid in tobacco, cannabis and opioid cessation programmes.

How is CBD used?

CBD comes in different formats depending on the route of use: CBD oils, creams for physiotherapy, CBD flower, CBD hash, CBD skincare and other products such as vaporizers, capsules and edibles. Each format has different applications and durations, which we look at below. If you'd like a practical guide, we explain how to use CBD in each format.

CBD oil

Using CBD oil gives a stable, long-lasting effect, helping to deal with problems whose symptoms persist throughout the day. It is important that oils have a high concentration of cannabidiol, so that the right dose can be reached with just a few drops of cannabidiol.

In many European countries, CBD oils sold in shops are intended exclusively for topical use on the skin. Other countries such as Canada or the United States also allow oral or sublingual use. Although the products are practically identical, they are subject to different regulations depending on the market. Cannactiva CBD oils are sold for external use.

CBD creams for the skin

Topical CBD is used for a localised effect, such as muscle or joint pain. CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are used in physiotherapy treatments.

At Cannactiva we offer a full range of CBD products for physiotherapy, combining the properties of CBD with other botanical extracts that enhance its effect on the relief of muscular pain and discomfort:

Vaporising CBD

The pulmonary route is the most recommended way to use CBD at specific moments of need, since the effect is felt immediately, reaching its peak within a few minutes, so you can adjust the dose needed at any given time. It is a valuable tool for acute problems; however, the strength of the effect gradually decreases until it disappears after a couple of hours. See our guide to vaporising CBD for temperatures and tips.

CBD skincare

CBD also acts on the skin's endocannabinoid system, promoting the integrity of the skin barrier, which helps keep skin hydrated and healthy — properties that are used in making skincare products.

CBD regulation in 2026

The legal framework for CBD evolves every year and varies by country. Broadly, two distinct regulatory paths coexist that should not be confused: the regulation of CBD as a consumer product, and the regulation of cannabis for medical use.

CBD as a “novel food” in Europe

In the European Union, cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as a novel food, which means it needs authorisation from the European Commission before it can be sold as a food or food supplement. As of 2026, this authorisation has not yet been granted.

In February 2026, EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) published a provisional assessment setting a very low safe intake level and pointing out that data gaps remain, especially regarding possible effects on the liver at high doses. EFSA also stated that it cannot set a safe level for people under 25, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people taking medication.

Meanwhile, hemp-derived products that are not considered novel food — such as hemp seeds, seed oil or hemp leaf infusions — can be marketed freely as foods in the EU, provided they comply with the established THC limits.

Medical cannabis: a different path

Several European countries have approved or are developing regulatory frameworks for the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes, under prescription and medical supervision. Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, among others, have specific regulations allowing access to cannabis preparations in healthcare for specific indications.

It is important not to confuse medical cannabis with CBD wellness products. Medical cannabis is prescribed by a doctor, made up at a pharmacy and intended to treat specific conditions. The CBD products you can find on the market, such as hemp flower, oils or creams, are derived from industrial hemp and marketed with a wellness focus, not a therapeutic one. Here we explain the uses and regulation of medical cannabis in Europe.

What does the law say about CBD?

CBD is not a controlled substance. The World Health Organization concluded in 2018 that CBD has no abuse potential and does not produce dependence, and recommended that it should not be placed under international control. The UN removed cannabis from Schedule IV, the most restrictive list of substances, in 2020.

However, regulation varies from country to country regarding the authorised uses of CBD products (topical, aromatherapy, food...). We recommend that you check the regulations in force in your country before buying any CBD product: in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, hemp flower is controlled even when its THC content is low. Read our guide to hemp and CBD regulation in Spain for the full picture.

Cannactiva products are derived from industrial hemp and intended for external use. They are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.

These are the Cannactiva products most used for physiotherapy and localised pain:

The cream and the massage oil are applied locally to the area of discomfort. The 10% and 20% oils are used for more sustained needs, adjusting the dose with the concentration.

CBD dosage: how to start

Effective CBD doses vary depending on the person, the product format, the concentration and the desired effect. The universal rule is the same as with many other wellness products: start low, go slow and observe. There is no universal “correct dose”; there is an appropriate dose for each person and moment.

The route of administration shapes the effect:

• Sublingual route: the effect appears in 15-30 minutes and lasts 4-6 hours. Good dose precision.
• Inhalation (vaporisation): immediate effect (5-15 minutes), lasting 2-3 hours. Useful for one-off moments.
• Topical application: local effect on the area applied, 30-60 minutes, with no significant amount passing into the bloodstream.
• Edibles / capsules: slower effect (45-90 minutes), but more sustained (6-8 hours). Not authorised for CBD in many countries.

The oil concentration also matters: with a 5% oil, each drop carries ~2.5 mg of CBD; with a 10% oil, ~5 mg; with a 20% oil, ~10 mg. Always start with the lowest concentration that meets your need and increase it if you don't notice an effect within 7-10 days.

Guide table of daily doses

These ranges are indicative and based on published studies and clinical consensus. Consult a healthcare professional before using CBD if you take medication or have a health condition, and check the regulations in your country on the use of CBD. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are sold for external use.

To find out more about how to calculate your exact dose by weight and product, see our guide: What CBD dose should you use?.

Side effects and safety of CBD

In its 2018 report, the WHO concluded that CBD has a favourable safety profile and shows no potential for abuse or dependence. That doesn't mean it is free of side effects. The most documented in clinical studies and systematic reviews (Chesney et al., 2020) are mild and reversible. We go through all the side effects of CBD and how to avoid them in detail.

Most common adverse effects

• Drowsiness or feeling tired, especially at high doses.
• Dry mouth.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Diarrhoea or mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Dizziness in sensitive people or when first starting to use it.

Most of these effects appear at high doses (>300 mg/day) and are less common at the typical doses of wellness products (10-100 mg/day). In most cases they go away when the dose is adjusted.

Interactions with medicines

CBD is metabolised in the liver via cytochrome P450, the same pathway used by many common drugs. This means CBD can increase or reduce the blood concentration of medicines such as anticoagulants (warfarin and similar), antiepileptics (clobazam, valproate), SSRI antidepressants, immunosuppressants or HIV medicines.

If you take long-term medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using CBD. An interaction does not always mean it is dangerous, but it does require adjustment or monitoring. We cover this in our guide to CBD interactions with medicines.

Quality and labelling: why it matters

Independent studies have found that a significant share of the CBD products on the market are inaccurately labelled: they contain less CBD than stated or undeclared traces of THC. Buying from specialist shops with third-party lab testing on every batch (certificate of analysis or COA) is the way to avoid this problem.

Who shouldn't take CBD?

Although CBD's safety profile is favourable, there are groups who should avoid it or consult a healthcare professional first.

EFSA could not establish a safe level for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people under 25 and people taking long-term medication (because of interactions via cytochrome P450). Caution is also recommended for people with diagnosed liver disease, for those with a history of psychosis or severe psychiatric disorders and for people subject to anti-doping tests (full spectrum products contain THC traces <0.3%). We go into who should avoid it in our article on CBD contraindications, with a specific guide on CBD in pregnancy.

If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The information in this guide is educational and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.

How to choose good-quality CBD

There are CBD products of very different quality on the market. The difference depends on how the hemp is grown, the extraction technique, the added ingredients and, above all, the analytical testing of each batch. These are the criteria that are really worth checking before you buy:

1. Independent lab testing (COA)

Each batch should have a certificate of analysis (COA) signed by an external laboratory showing: actual CBD content, THC content (which must be below 0.3%), minor cannabinoid profile and the absence of pesticides, heavy metals and residual solvents. If the brand doesn't publish the COA, rule it out.

2. Origin of the hemp and extraction method

EU-certified industrial hemp, ideally organically grown and without pesticides. As for the extraction method, supercritical CO2 extraction is the benchmark: clean, safe and free of solvent residues. Other techniques such as ethanol or butane are valid if they are well controlled.

3. Spectrum: full, broad or isolate

Full spectrum keeps all the cannabinoids and terpenes of the hemp, including THC traces <0.3% — which triggers the so-called entourage effect. Broad spectrum keeps everything except the THC. Isolate (pure CBD) is just 99% cannabidiol. For wellness use, full spectrum is usually the most complete option. We compare the differences between full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate in detail.

Frequently asked questions about CBD

Does CBD get you high?

No. CBD is not psychoactive: it doesn't produce the euphoria or sensory alteration associated with THC. It acts on different endocannabinoid system receptors from THC and, in certain combinations, even attenuates the psychoactive effect of THC. The WHO confirmed this in 2018 when it concluded that CBD shows no potential for abuse or dependence.

Is CBD legal?

Yes, in most European countries, provided it comes from EU-certified industrial hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. Each country has its own rules: in some, such as the United Kingdom, hemp flower is controlled even with low THC. Products sold in shops are for external use or aromatherapy. More detail in the CBD regulation in 2026 section above.

How long does CBD take to work?

It depends on the route of administration. Taken sublingually, the effect appears in 15-30 minutes and lasts 4-6 hours. By inhalation (vaporisation), the effect is almost immediate (5-15 minutes) but shorter (2-3 hours). Applied to the skin, the local effect starts in 30-60 minutes. In capsules or edibles, it takes 45-90 minutes but the effect is more sustained.

Is CBD addictive?

No. Both the WHO (2018) and most clinical studies agree that CBD does not cause physical or psychological dependence. It does not activate the brain's reward circuits associated with addictive substances. We look at this in depth in the article Is CBD addictive?.

Can I drive after taking CBD?

CBD on its own doesn't alter consciousness or reaction time. However, full spectrum products contain THC traces <0.3% that, in specific circumstances, could give a positive result in a roadside drug test. For professional driving or sensitive situations, choose broad spectrum products (without THC) or check with a professional first. More detail in driving after taking CBD and in whether CBD shows up on a drug test.

Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?

No. Hemp seed oil is obtained from the seeds and contains no CBD, only omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and resin of hemp and does contain cannabidiol as its main compound. The product label should state the specific amount of CBD (in mg or as a percentage). We compare them point by point in the differences between CBD oil and hemp seed oil.

Can CBD be taken with medication?

With caution. CBD interacts with many common drugs via cytochrome P450 (see the Side effects and safety section above). If you take long-term medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start using CBD.

What's the best way to start using CBD?

Start low and go slow. For general wellness use, a 5% full spectrum oil in a dropper bottle, applied topically or, where authorised, sublingually, at doses of 10-15 mg/day for 7-10 days, is the usual starting point. If there is no effect in that time, increase gradually. For localised pain, a CBD cream applied to the area.

Our recommendation

If you've made it this far looking for a CBD product, here is our recommendation: a 10% full spectrum CBD oil, obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction, with independent lab testing on every batch. It is the most widely recognised medium-high concentration and lets you adjust the dose precisely without having to take lots of drops.

For general wellness use, the 5% oil is a good starting point; for intensive use, the 20% version packs more cannabidiol into each drop. If you prefer to explore CBD in its most natural form, we also offer CBD flower grown in Europe, lab tested batch by batch (in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, hemp flower is controlled even with low THC, so check your local rules).

Scientific references

This article is based on the following scientific and institutional sources:

Safety and toxicological profile of CBD

1. World Health Organization (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, 40th Meeting. WHO.int
2. Chesney, E. et al. (2020). Adverse effects of cannabidiol: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(11), 1799–1806. DOI
3. EFSA (2026). Provisional safe level for cannabidiol as a novel food (updated statement of 9 February 2026). EFSA.europa.eu

CBD and the endocannabinoid system

1. Zou, S. & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. DOI
2. Lu, H.C. & Mackie, K. (2021). Review of the Endocannabinoid System. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 6(6), 607–615. DOI

CBD, anxiety and insomnia

1. Shannon, S. et al. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. DOI
2. Blessing, E.M. et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. DOI
3. Suraev, A.S. et al. (2020). Cannabinoid therapies in the management of sleep disorders: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 53, 101339. DOI

CBD and pain

1. Vučković, S. et al. (2018). Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259. DOI
2. Mlost, J. et al. (2020). Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), 8870. DOI

CBD and epilepsy

1. Devinsky, O. et al. (2017). Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine, 376, 2011–2020. DOI
2. Thiele, E.A. et al. (2018). Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. The Lancet, 391(10125), 1085–1096. DOI30136-3)

Regulation and legislation

1. World Health Organization (2018). *Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. *Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, 40th Meeting. WHO.int
2. European Medicines Agency (2019). *Epidyolex (cannabidiol) - assessment report. *EMA.europa.eu
3. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food.
4. European Commission. *Novel food catalogue – Cannabidiol (CBD). *ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel_food