Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found naturally in cannabis. Along with THC, which is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects or “high” associated with marijuana, CBD is one of the most prevalent and significant cannabinoids in the plant.
In some strains, the percentage of CBD may be minimal, while in others, such as hemp, CBD is the most abundant component. There are also strains where CBD and THC are found in close or more balanced proportions.
As scientific research progresses, various properties of CBD have been discovered, which has sparked a great deal of interest in this compound. Currently, CBD is popular for its potential wellness benefits. In this special post, we tell you everything you need to know about CBD.
What is CBD?
Definition
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound produced by the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) in its trichomes. These structures are more abundant in the flowers or buds of the plant, which is why flowers are used to obtain CBD.
Chemically, CBD is classified within the group of cannabinoids. The cannabis plant produces about a hundred different cannabinoids. Of these, the most studied are hemp CBD and THC, which is the predominant psychotropic cannabinoid in marijuana.
CBD flowers are a variety of cannabis(hemp) that contains a high CBD content and very little THC. CBD oil is extracted from hemp, and other products such as CBD resins, CBD creams and CBD cosmetics are produced.
CBD is a safe and non-toxic substance, recognized by the World Health Organization and the UN.
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 totally different.
The difference in effects between the two types of cannabinoids is that they have different molecular structures, which causes them to bind to different sites on cells in the body.
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, which produces feelings of euphoria and altered sensory perception. It has addictive potential and chronic use has been linked to paranoia and other conditions.
In contrast, CBD is not psychoactive and has no addictive potential. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (for pain), neuroprotective properties, and can even attenuate the effects of THC, reducing its psychoactivity. Being non-psychoactive, CBD is legal in most European countries.
| Feature | CBD (Cannabidiol) | THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactivity | Non-psychoactive | Psychoactive (“high”) |
| Addictive potential | Non-addictive (WHO, 2018) | Recognized addictive potential |
| Legality | Legal (external use) | Illegal (except for regulated medical use) |
| Main source | Industrial hemp (<0.3% THC) | Marijuana (20-30% THC) |
| Properties studied | Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic | Analgesic, antiemetic, orexigenic |
| Principal receivers | CB2, 5-HT1A, TRPV1 | CB1 (brain) |
| Drug test | Undetectable* Not detectable | Positive |
| Use in Cannactiva | Flowers, resins, oils, creams | No (content <0.2%) |
*Full spectrum CBD products contain traces of THC (<0.2%) which under certain circumstances could be detected in a drug test. Consult a professional if you are subject to drug testing.
If you want to know more, discover our post:
Where is CBD obtained from?
CBD is the main component of hemp extract, which is a cannabis strain with high CBD content (25% or more) and very low THC levels, less than 0.3-1% (depending on the country, this may vary). As it contains practically no THC, it is totally legal.
Differences between CBD and marijuana
Marijuana has THC levels close to 20-30% or more, which contrasts with the very low THC levels of hemp. Basically for this reason, because of its composition, hemp is legal, and marijuana is illegal in many countries.
What is CBD used for?
Mechanism of action
CBD exerts its effects through the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system represents the control center of our body to react to situations that provoke an imbalance, such as acute and chronic diseases, favoring an adequate response by the organism.
The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis and balance in the body, regulating other systems as needed. Cannabidiol binds to endocannabinoid receptors and has 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 or insomnia.
Benefits of CBD and its potential therapeutic applications
Research on the properties of CBD in humans is relatively recent, and some of the most studied include:
How is CBD used?
CBD comes in different formats of CBD products:
- CBD flowers
- CBD Resins
- CBD Oils
- CBD creams for pain
- Cosmetics with CBD
- CBD Vape Pen
- eLiquid with CBD
- CBD candies
- They are also available in CBD capsule and edible formats.
Each form of consumption has its own applications and advantages. For example, oils and capsules are easy to dose and administer, while creams are for topical application and act to provide localized pain relief. Also, please note that the regulation of these products may vary depending on the country in which you are located. Find out more.
Effects of CBD on the body according to the method of administration
There are different ways to use CBD. The different routes of administration favor different effects in their typology, duration, bioavailability and reachability. Therefore, at the therapeutic level, it is essential to have professional advice specialized in cannabidiol treatments.
Vaporizations with CBD
The pulmonary route is the most recommended way to use CBD for specific moments of need, since the effect manifests itself immediately, reaching its maximum reach after only a couple of minutes, thus allowing to adjust the dosage necessary at each moment. It represents a valuable tool for acute problems, however, the potency of the effect is gradually reduced until it disappears after a couple of hours.
CBD Oil
The use of CBD oil allows to obtain a stable and long-lasting effect, allowing to cope with problems whose symptoms are maintained continuously throughout the day. It is important that the oils have a high concentration of cannabidiol, to allow reaching the right dose using a few drops of cannabidiol.
In Spain, according to the legislation in force since 2018, CBD oil can only be used topically on the skin and cannot be sold for oral consumption. In other countries such as Switzerland, Canada and the United States, legislation allows the oral or sublingual use of CBD oil. Although the products are virtually identical, they are subject to different regulations. Cannactiva CBD oils are sold for external use.
CBD skin creams
CBD in topical use is used for a localized effect, such as muscle or joint pain. CBD has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are used for physiotherapy treatments.
At Cannactiva we offer you all kinds of CBD products for physiotherapy use, which combine the properties of CBD with other botanical extracts that enhance its effect on pain relief and muscle discomfort:
CBD cosmetics
In addition, CBD has an impact on the endocannabinoid system of the skin , promoting the integrity of the skin barrier, thus favoring skin hydration and promoting healthy skin, properties that are used in the development of cosmetics.
CBD regulation in 2026
The legal framework for CBD evolves every year and varies from country to country. Broadly speaking, there are two different regulatory lines that should not be confused: the regulation of CBD as a consumer product and the regulation of cannabis for medical purposes.
CBD as a novel food in Europe
In the European Union, cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as a novel food, which means that it requires authorization from the European Commission before it can be sold as a food or food supplement. As of 2026, this authorization has not yet been granted.
In 2025, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) published a provisional assessment establishing a very low safe intake level and noting that data gaps remain to be resolved, especially on possible liver effects at high doses. EFSA also indicated that it cannot establish a safe level for children under 25 years of age, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people on medication.
In the meantime, hemp derivatives that are not considered novel food – such as hemp seeds, seed oil or leaf infusions – can be freely marketed as food 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 medical prescription and supervision. Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, among others, have specific regulations that allow access to cannabis preparations in the healthcare setting for specific indications.
It is important not to confuse medical cannabis with wellness CBD products. Medical cannabis is prescribed by a doctor, manufactured in a pharmacy and intended to treat specific pathologies. The CBD products you can find on the market, such as hemp flowers, oils or creams, are derived from industrial hemp and are marketed with a focus on wellness, not therapy.
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 not be placed under international control. The UN removed cannabis from Schedule IV of the most restrictive substances in 2020.
However, regulations vary from one country to another regarding the authorized uses for CBD products (topical, aromatherapy, food…). We recommend that you find out about the regulations in force in your country before purchasing any CBD product.
Cannactiva products are industrial hemp derivatives intended for external use. They are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
CBD dosage
Effective doses may vary depending on the product and the individual. It is recommended to start with low doses and gradually increase them.
CBD extraction methods
In order to produce CBD products, it is necessary to extract CBD from CBD flowers. This consists of concentrating the CBD present in the resin of cannabis flowers, which contain high concentrations of cannabidiol, reaching levels close to 25%. This extract is then used to elaborate different CBD products, with different characteristics and forms of use.
Types of CBD extract
It is crucial to use safe techniques that allow a full-spectrum CBD extraction, thus preserving all the active principles naturally present in the hemp plant. There are two main extraction methods:
- Extractions without solvents: they are performed dry using mechanical methods or specific tools. These methods are used to make CBD hashish.
- Extractions with solvents such as butane, ethanol or CO2: a high CBD concentration extract is obtained (about 70% or more). These techniques are generally performed in laboratories due to their technical complexity and the need for specialized equipment.
CBD extraction by supercritical CO2: the highest quality CBD extract
CBD extraction using supercritical CO2 is considered one of the most efficient and safest methods of extraction, resulting in the highest quality CBD. This process involves using carbon dioxide under controlled pressure and temperature conditions, bringing it to a supercritical state, to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant. Supercritical CO2 acts as a solvent, penetrating the plant and separating cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds.
The result is a CBD extract that meets the highest standards of quality and consistency, with no solvent residues and a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, components naturally present in cannabis.
At Cannactiva, we are committed to offering the best quality hemp products and therefore we offer you Full Spectrum CBD oils obtained by supercritical CO2.
Discover CBD
Cannabis is one of the oldest plants with the longest history of therapeutic use. In recent decades we have experienced a rediscovery of cannabis by the scientific community and society. The informative work done around CBD has served to break myths about the plant, making it easier for more and more people to integrate it into their daily care and wellness routine, to improve their quality of life.
Buying quality CBD: essential for good results
There are CBD products of varying quality, depending on the source material, the extraction technique used, the handling practices and the ingredients added. Cannactiva ‘s CBD comes from controlled, organically and sustainably grown crops, without the use of pesticides and with the safest extraction method available today to achieve a high quality, full-spectrum CBD that preserves all the properties of the plant to the maximum.
Our products have been tested and verified by external laboratories to ensure their safety and feature only top quality ingredients, with a THC content of less than 0.2%. We love to bring you the best of nature! Discover what cannabis can do for you and integrate it into your daily self-care routine.
We remind you that this is an informative article, which is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease or symptom. Its content can complement, but never replace, the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. Consult a professional if you have any doubts before using CBD.
Legal and safety considerations
CBD is a fully legal substance in European countries, the United States and Canada. However, the legality of CBD varies from country to country in terms of its regulation and authorized uses. For example, some countries only authorize CBD for medicinal purposes, and a medical cannabis prescription is required to purchase it. Other countries allow the use of these products but only for external use. We recommend that you find out about the local regulations that apply in your country.
CBD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
¿El CBD interacciona con medicamentos?
¿El CBD tiene efectos secundarios?
¿Se puede viajar con CBD?
¿Cómo se diferencia el CBD de la marihuana?
Scientific references
This article is based on the following scientific and institutional sources:
Safety and toxicological profile of CBD
- World Health Organization (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, 40th Meeting. WHO.int
- 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
- EFSA (2025). Provisional safe level for cannabidiol as a novel food. EFSA.europa.eu
CBD and endocannabinoid system
- 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.
- 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
- Shannon, S. et al. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. DOI
- Blessing, E.M. et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. DOI
- 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
CBD and epilepsy
- 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
- 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. DOI
Regulation and standards
- AESAN (2025). Questions and answers about the use of hemp and cannabinoids in human food. AESAN.gob.es
- Royal Decree 903/2025, of October 7. BOE-A-2025-20077. BOE.es
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum limits for certain contaminants in food.