There are a growing number of stores selling CBD, also known as "legal cannabis", in Switzerland. Numerous e-commerce sites specializing in the online sale of CBD have also appeared. How do you find your way around, especially when it comes to "made in Switzerland" products? Why is Swiss CBD unique in terms of quality? How does it differ from other European products? We'll tell you all about it.
What is CBD?
First of all, you need to know that hemp(Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica or Cannabis ruderalis) contains over 120 active substances specific to it: cannabinoids. The main cannabinoid is THC (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), responsible for the psychotropic effect of cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another cannabinoid. Unlike THC, it is not intoxicating and has no psychotropic effect.
CBD interacts with different receptors and reduces the effect of THC. The amount and proportion of the different cannabinoids in the plant is primarily explained by genetics. By cultivating and crossing genetically different species, it is possible to create new proportions.
As the CBD content is not regulated, it is always the THC content that is decisive. The latter is not detectable with the naked eye. Since 1 July 2011, cannabis with a THC content of less than 1% is no longer subject to the Narcotics Law in Switzerland; since 2016, products containing cannabis with a low THC content are therefore available in Switzerland.
In summary: unlike THC, CBD products with an average THC content of less than 1% are not subject to the Narcotics Law: their sale and consumption are legal in Switzerland.
You can find more information on this subject on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH): https: //www.bag.admin.ch/bag/fr/home/gesund-leben/sucht-und- gesundheit/cannabis.html#dokumente__content_bag_en_home_gesund-leben_sucht-und- gesundheit_cannabis_jcr_content_par_tabs
"Of the low-THC products, it is mainly those with a high CBD content that are gaining in importance. Supply and demand are increasing rapidly. Discussions are currently focusing on the possible therapeutic properties of CBD (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antiemetic, anxiolytic or antipsychotic). Its medicinal effect has not yet been sufficiently proven by research. There is also research into whether cannabis with high CBD content and less than 1% THC can be used to reduce risk or treat problematic cannabis use.
Source: FOPH website
CBD Switzerland: a local, artisanal and mainly organic production
Swiss producers cultivate CBD cannabis, especially in the Valais, under controlled conditions indoors, in greenhouses or in outdoor fields, often in a fully organic way.
Swiss CBD products are of high quality. Surprisingly tasty, the cannabis plants are selected and nurtured in an artisanal way with organic fertilizer, free from pesticides and insecticides.
The main advantage of buying Swiss CBD is therefore the quality of the product. Indeed, the Swiss rigour and method have enabled the rapid development of an entire specialised agriculture. Well-established and supported by innovative infrastructures, considerable resources are used to guarantee compliance with Swiss standards. This made it possible to launch CBD production on a large scale and to offer the best possible quality.
As explained by the Swiss Farmers' Union (SFU), significant work has been done to promote the local cultivation of hemp, either for therapeutic purposes as some medicines are allowed, or for cosmetic purposes.
Hemp has been cultivated for centuries in Europe. Its use in Switzerland as a textile, food and medicinal plant has a long tradition. After a period of neglect, the cultivation of hemp is now booming in Swiss agriculture. The area under hemp has increased tenfold in less than ten years. This increase is mainly due to the growing demand for CBD hemp products.
For more information on USP's position on hemp in agriculture, see: https://www.sbv-usp.ch/fileadmin/sbvuspch/05_Themen/1910_Positionspapier_Hanf_fr-
Website_en_chh_revef.pdf
Why buy CBD "made in Switzerland"?
When buying CBD products, the greatest vigilance is required. Some companies do not hesitate to present their products in a way that leads the customer to believe that they come from plants grown in Switzerland. This is not always the case. Sometimes these companies source their raw materials from outside Switzerland.
So as a consumer, how can you be sure of a product's origin? Swiss products have the controlled designation "Swiss Made" or "Made in Switzerland", and their extracts must be produced in Swiss laboratories. If in doubt, simply contact customer service and ask for the place of production and the laboratory where the raw materials are extracted and processed.
Naturalpes: "Swiss Made" CBD products of the highest quality
At Naturalpes, we care about quality above all. That is why we are proud to offer you 100% Swiss and 100% natural products. We work exclusively with local Swiss partners and require that our producers do not use any chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers in order to guarantee optimal quality.
Naturalpes is a Swiss company active in legal CBD cannabis since 2017. We offer a wide range of products grown and processed in Switzerland containing Cannabidiol: CBD oils, CBD cosmetics and dried flowers. All our products are guaranteed to be of Swiss origin: the plants are grown and then processed on site in Valais.
At Naturalpes, no chemical residues are present in the composition of our CBD cannabis plants. We work with Swiss farmers and partners who share our values and enthusiasm for high quality cannabis.
We have a certified laboratory as well as two shops in Sion and Martigny, and are pursuing the objective of being a major player in the sale of "Swiss Made" CBD.
Would you like to order on our website? CBD Oil, CBD Flower, CBD Cosmetics, CBD e-vape and e-liquid, CBD Teas & Infusions. Discover all our products on https://naturalpes.ch/cbd-shop/
CBD Switzerland: what are the advantages of buying CBD?
As explained, CBD or "legal cannabis" has relaxing effects. It is marketed in the form of raw material (dried flowers or hemp powder), extracts processed into oils, cosmetics, food or e-liquids for electronic cigarettes.
CBD is an excellent relaxant
Not only does CBD have no psychoactive effects, but it even reduces the psychotropic properties of THC, especially those related to anxiety.
The sedative attributes of CBD counteract the effects of THC, particularly anxiety attacks and increased heart rate. It is therefore an excellent relaxant.
Can CBD help relieve pain?
Cannabis is increasingly used therapeutically because it acts on pain and inflammation. The substance attaches to specific receptors in the body and optimises the natural response of the nervous system to pain.
A distinction must be made between cannabis-based medicines and low-THC CBD products.
As the FOPH states: "In Switzerland, cannabis with a THC content of more than 1% is classified as a prohibited drug. The prescription of unauthorised cannabis-based medicines for medical purposes is allowed under certain conditions and only on medical prescription.
These cannabis-based medicines meet the safety and quality criteria of the law on therapeutic products and are intended for medical use. They are used in medical practice to treat
- Chronic pain conditions, for example, neuropathic pain or cancer pain;
- Spasticity or cramps caused by multiple sclerosis or other neurological diseases;
- Nausea and loss of appetite during chemotherapy.
Low-THC CBD products are not medicines. Their medicinal effect has not yet been sufficiently proven by ongoing medical research. Thus, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health clearly explains that studies are currently being conducted on the possible therapeutic properties of CBD: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antiemetic, anxiolytic or antipsychotic.
It is therefore important to note that at present it is not permitted to communicate about the therapeutic properties of low-THC CBD. Research is underway, particularly on its ability to regulate moods in users, to act on anxiety attacks and to reduce anxiety symptoms and certain manifestations of depression.
Consult your doctor to find out more about Cannabidiol and the possible effects of CBD on your body. If you are undergoing medical treatment, you should also seek the advice of a doctor before consuming any product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are significant differences between CBD cannabis grown and processed locally in Switzerland and other hemp plants produced outside the Swiss Confederation, not least because of different legislation on the permitted THC content. This situation has allowed the development of a regulated and controlled legal cannabis industry in Switzerland, which is a guarantee of quality for consumers. It allows us to offer high quality CBD products with particularly interesting effects. It is therefore advisable to select CBD brands that offer products made exclusively from locally grown plants. Finally, it is important to distinguish between cannabis-based medicines and low-THC CBD products, for which therapeutic research is ongoing.
