CBD Wellness FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Swiss Relief

CBD and Wellness

CBD – short for cannabidiol – is one of many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant. Essentially, it is one of hundreds of chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant and has been shown to have many therapeutic and potentially pharmacological properties.

The unique cultivar or strain of Cannabis is ultimately going to determine the different levels of cannabinoids that will be contained in it. The two most prominent cannabinoids are CBD and THC, and strains of the plant are genetically bred to be rich in one or the other (or both). Typically, industrial hemp is cultivated for its multipurpose stalks, stems, and seeds (and CBD content), and marijuana is the strain that produces high levels of THC that is used for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, CBD can be derived from both marijuana and industrial hemp.

There are some significant distinctions that need to be made between CBD and delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two most dominant and prevalent cannabinoids found in Cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive and will not produce a mental fog or high like its notorious cousin THC. THC is known for not only getting users high, but also leading to paranoia and anxiety—CBD has been shown in studies to produce the completely opposite effects. It has shown in preclinical studies to counteract anxiety produced by THC. However, THC and more recently CBD are being explored for their medicinal benefits and the findings are promising.

What makes CBD and other cannabinoids unique is their ability to interact with the body. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) interacts with cannabinoids produced by the body as well as those ingested from external sources (such as from hemp). What that means is our body is designed to accept and utilize cannabinoids in a way that promotes health and balance (more on this in the “How does CBD oil work with the body?” section).

Not all CBD oil is made the same way. The purity and quality of the oil depend on many different factors such as rainfall, soil content, temperature, and extraction method. High quality CBD oil is derived from hemp plants that have been genetically crafted to be rich in CBD and low in THC (like our CBD oil!) and grown in its premier environment of not too much rain and moderate temperatures (like our CBD oil!).

Our CBD oil is made using CO2 extraction. This method is considered one of the cleanest, greenest, and most efficient methods of botanical extraction available today. Pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) is blasted through a machine of tubes and channels, and this combination of temperature and pressure allows the machine to separate different compounds within a substance by weight to extract specific constituents—for us, that would be pure crystalline CBD.

To make CBD oils or tinctures, the CBD crystalline isolate is combined with a carrier oil. For our tinctures, the carrier oil is hemp oil. (For Swiss Relief) For our CBD gel capsules, the carrier is MCT oil.

CBD has been shown in countless studies to not produce a disoriented, foggy, or stoned state of mind. This is one of CBD’s most important and distinguishing qualities when compared to THC and other drugs or medicines that cause unwanted mental or psychotic side effects.

THC mixed with CBD will make you high and that is why we remove virtually all of the THC in our CBD tinctures, salves, and edibles, rendering our products to a status of “non-detectable” at <0.0001%.

Be careful when you buy CBD products online. Oftentimes, there is THC in the product (although the level should be <0.3%), however, that can still show up on a drug screen. That is why Swiss Relief removes virtually any trace of THC from our products.

We can practically assure that CBD will not show up on a drug test for a number of reasons.

First, CBD is not commonly tested for on a drug screen because it does not produce any mind-numbing effects on its users like CBD’s infamous cousin THC. THC is usually the only cannabinoid tested for on a drug screen.

As mentioned above in the “Does CBD make you high?” section, our THC levels are virtually non-existent at <0.0001%. This trace amount is considered by our third-party labs as “non-detectable”. Use Swiss Relief CBD confidently.

Our CBD is derived from hemp farms in Kentucky that are certified to operate under the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill section 7606 and Kentucky state agricultural laws. In short, yes, our CBD oil is legal. However, laws related to industrial hemp and marijuana are different from state to state, so check your state and local laws to determine the status of CBD in your unique location.

According to a 2017 report by the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

Unlike THC, CBD does not trigger the dopamine receptors in the brain that lead to tolerance and dependency. Both animals and humans have been observed to see if patterns of dependency formed with regular use of CBD. The results? No signs of tolerance nor withdrawal appeared in either group. No signs of CBD having an addictive nature surfaced.

In preliminary studies, CBD has shown to actually decrease the cravings of those addicted to cigarettes and marijuana, and we anxiously await more research on this subject.

Not only that, CBD is considered as having a “good safety profile”, meaning its negative side effects are uncommon or not severe when they do occur.

While the words in and of themselves are arguably synonymous, society has given them a different connotation. The Cannabis plant has various strains that are genetically engineered to have different chemical profiles, and oftentimes these different strains are given different names (i.e. hemp and marijuana).

The difference lies in what the plant is being cultivated for in terms of societal use. Going back to the different strains mentioned above, hemp is typically associated with a fibrous, tall plant that can produce oils and textiles for food, fuel, and industrial products; marijuana is associated with the resinous buds and flowers of the plant that are used for medicinal and recreational purposes.

In sum, marijuana is associated with the plant and buds that create an intoxicating high, where hemp is associated with the plant that is used for industrial purposes.

CBD is most widely known and studied for its anti-epileptic properties and its ability to help both children and adults with serious diseases that involve frequent and severe epileptic seizures or spasms (read our FAQ “Can children take CBD?”).

In addition to that, a host of other therapeutic and medicinal properties of CBD have begun to surface in research, including: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic (pain reliever), neuroprotectant (protects nerve cells from degeneration and damage), enhanced sleep, anti-depressant and anti-anxiety. A study titled “Cannabidiol: State of the art and new challenges for therapeutic applications” created this useful chart summarizing the major and minor research findings thus far regarding the therapeutic benefits CBD (its scientific name is cannabidiol).

*FDA DISCLOSURE: The content of this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or cure any disease*

The most commonly reported side effects of taking too much CBD is dry mouth and heavy sedation. One comprehensive study titled “Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa Constituent” found that CBD caused “inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism, alterations of in vitro cell viability, decreased fertilization capacity, and decreased activities of p-glycoprotein and other drug transporters.”

However, that same article went on to say that “studies suggest that CBD is non-toxic… does not induce changes on food intake, does not induce catalepsy, does not affect physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature), does not affect gastrointestinal transit and does not alter psychomotor or psychological functions.” It also stated that across studies, CBD was reported as being “well tolerated in humans” even at high dosages of 1,500mg a day.

CBD is widely considered as having a good safety profile without causing negative side effects typically associated with marijuana and other strong medications.

If serious complications or symptoms occur, please contact a medical professional immediately.

*FDA DISCLOSURE: The content of this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or cure any disease*

It is difficult to pinpoint an exact milligram amount of CBD oil to take per day because each person’s body interacts differently with the compound and each person’s reasons for taking it are unique. Quantities of 200-300mg were given to epileptic patients, whereas anywhere between 2.5-25mg were administered to treat pain in preclinical trials. Dosages as high as 1,500mg were tolerated by patients in one study.

However, a generally accepted starting point is 10-20mg of CBD per day. See how your body responds and increase or decrease milligrams to get the result you’re looking for. Add up or down by 5mg to get just the right amount for your specific wants and needs.

It is always best to start at a low amount, see how your body responds, and increase or decrease based on need or desired effect.

Because of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), and the fact that our bodies produce their own cannabinoids (CBD and THC are cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis plant), we are very receptive to cannabinoids that we consume. Reactions can be mild or strong, so starting at a low quantity of CBD is recommended.

*FDA DISCLOSURE: The content of this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or cure any disease*

The answer to this question depends on how you are ingesting the CBD, how much CBD you are taking, and what you are trying to achieve by taking the CBD oil.

CBD edibles, tinctures, and gel caps arguably take the longest amount of time to begin feeling their effects because they must pass through many different bodily systems and organs. Effects can be felt in as little as 30 minutes or as much 2 hours later; it varies from person to person. It also depends on how long before and how much food was eaten prior to taking the CBD oil. If your preferred method of taking CBD oil is through tinctures, edibles, or gel caps, taking it on an empty stomach will allow it to pass through the metabolic and digestive processes quicker and into the bloodstream.

Let’s start by making it clear how CBD does NOT make you feel: high or disoriented, paranoid or anxious.

CBD is widely considered to be a non-psychoactive compound that will not make you mentally high or foggy like its cousin THC. CBD is well documented for having calming effects, leading one to feel potentially relaxed, at peace, and less anxious.

Interestingly, CBD has been shown in preclinical studies to counteract the paranoia, anxiety, and other mal-side effects caused by THC. This is especially advantageous for those who use medical marijuana for treatment and don’t want the negative side effects of THC. We await more conclusive research on this subject.

This question is subjective in nature. Each person has a different reason why they take CBD and this is going to greatly affect their method of use. For example, according to many CBD users, using CBD salve is the best way to help alleviate localized joint pain and inflammation; while using CBD tinctures may help anxiety, headaches, and work to improve general wellness and equilibrium.

That is not to say CBD tinctures and edibles are not effective—because they are. CBD salves are a wonderful way to get a fast response for localized areas of need. Because CBD salves absorb quickly and right on the specific area that needs attention, potential relief from CBD salves is faster than tinctures and edibles.

Yes, pets can take CBD. Just like CBD and other cannabinoids have been found to be effective in helping to alleviate various symptoms in humans, our furry pet friends can potentially reap the benefits as well.

This is because both humans and animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that works with these chemical compounds to help promote homeostasis in the body (more on the ECS in a later FAQ).

Bioavailability is a pharmacological term that is used to describe the efficacy of absorption of a drug or substance into the body’s systemic circulation. Essentially, bioavailability is how much of a drug actually enters the bloodstream and flows to capillaries throughout the body following the process of digestion and metabolism. Bioavailability is considered to be at 100% when a drug or substance is administered intravenously.

Figuring out a medication’s bioavailability helps to determine the proper dosages of a medication to prescribe so that the right amount is administered to perform the intended function of the medicine.

For CBD, increased bioavailability means that the body is able to absorb more of the CBD and lose less during the process of digestion (if the CBD is taken orally through tinctures, capsules, and edibles).

No, hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same. While they both are derived from the same plant (the Cannabis plant), the oils come from different parts of the plant and capture different substances found in the plant. Hemp oil may contain traces of CBD, but it is negligible.

Hemp oil is typically derived from the stalks and seeds of the hemp plant, whereas CBD is most prevalent in the resinous flowers or buds of the plant. CBD is a chemical compound that must be isolated and extracted from the hemp plant before it can be turned into the CBD oil you find on the shelves of your local store. It is extracted and isolated into a crystalline substance which is then added to a carrier oil (sometimes that is hemp oil) for use and consumption.

Hemp oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, and its nutritional value is well recorded throughout ancient and modern history.

CBD is a recently-discovered compound, and its therapeutic and medicinal uses as a tincture, edible, or capsule are only beginning to be uncovered. The results are promising, and our knowledge and understanding of the potential of CBD oil is only growing.

CBD works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system of cannabinoid receptors dispersed throughout the body that influence the central and peripheral nervous systems and the immune system. These receptors are activated when cannabinoids are introduced (or released) in the body. When the receptors are activated, they affect certain neurotransmitters released by the brain.

Neurotransmitters are essentially chemical “messengers” or signals that allow neurons, nerve cells, and other cells throughout the body to communicate and transmit information with each other. Neurotransmitters also boost and balance these signals that are constantly occurring throughout the body. Neurotransmitters affect many different physical and psychological functions including sleep, movement, mood, and brain function. Deficiencies or problems with neurotransmitters can lead to a host of diseases and health concerns.

The ECS works with neurotransmitters and other internal processes to promote homeostasis or balance in the central nervous system and physiological functions and plays a significant role in modulating pain and inflammation.

So where does CBD fit into all of this? Although the body produces endocannabinoids on its own (“endo” meaning within or internal), the hemp plant also contains a host of naturally-occurring cannabinoids. When cannabinoids like CBD or THC are ingested, they latch onto receptors in the body just like endocannabinoids would. When the receptors are activated, neurotransmitters kick into gear causing an internal reaction or response. CBD has been shown in many preclinical studies to have a number of positive therapeutic effects on the body including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-depression, antioxidant, pain management, and enhanced sleep.

In short, our bodies have a system naturally installed to absorb and utilize cannabinoids in a potentially balancing and beneficial way.

Science is only beginning to scratch the surface on the variety of ways CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system and ultimately be used for therapeutic and medicinal purposes.

Shipping

Usually, orders placed by 2pm EST ship same day and most orders are shipped within 48 hours unless there is a stock-out. If you wish to utilize expedited shipping, it is available at checkout.
Orders received on Fridays after 2pm EST will ship the following Monday.

If you received a shipping confirmation, please refer to the tracking link provided in the email confirmation to get updates on your order status.

Once your order has shipped, you will receive a Shipment Confirmation email. This email will contain your tracking number as well as a link to track your package. Additionally, you can track your order by entering the order number here.

We completely understand our customers’ concern when they don’t receive an email confirmation for their order. If you have already checked your spam folder with no luck please, feel free to reach out to our customer service team at 888 223 0420 and we can confirm your order for you. We can also verify email address accuracy in order to insure future emails are received!

If you notice any problems or defects with the product when you receive it, we are happy to exchange or return it for no additional cost. Reach out to support@swissrelief.com for more information on replacements and returns for defective merchandise.

It will have the person/company that the product is addressed to and our address for returning purposes.

Yes, however, shipping prices will vary based on destination. Additionally, we make a Customs Declaration on the shipping label and packages will clear customs in a normal manner.

To make a return please send an email to support@swissrelief.com.

A customer experience representative will reach out to you within 1 to 2 business days with instructions on how to proceed with the return. Once the return process is complete, a full refund will made to your original form of payment or in the case of an exchange, a replacement product will be se t to you.

Refunds may take 5 to 7 business days to post to your bank or credit card.

For more information on our Return Policy, please click here.

We typically process approved return/refund requests within 3-5 business days. It may take 5-10 business days for the funds to get credited back to your bank account.

If you need to make changes to an order or wish to cancel an order, simply contact our customer support at 888-223-0420 or by email at support@swissrelief.com. Please note that changes or cancellations cannot be be to an order that has already shipped.

Account

Creating a Swiss Relief customer account allows you to store billing and shipping and shipping information so that you do not have to enter it every time you place an order. Please note that Swiss Relief does not store credit card information for your security. You can also keep track of all purchases made while logged into your account. To create an account, simply enter your information here.

If you cannot remember your password or need to change your password, simply click on the “forgot password” link. You will need to enter the email address associated with your account and click the submit button. After clicking the submit button, you will be emailed a “reset password” link along with direction as to how to recover or change your password.

You can update your account information by logging into your customer account here.

If you are receiving email notifications from Swiss Relief, you may not necessarily have a swissrelief.com username, yet. You may have simply signed up for promotional emails and/or our newsletter. Please feel free to create an account using this link.

Most often, the address does not match the billing address, causing the system to not accept payment, please verify all information is correct.

On a rare note, your bank may not recognize your purchase and therefore put a block on your card. Simply call your bank and ask them to authorize the charge.

To be removed from our email list, simply click on the “Unsubscribe” link found at the bottom of the email received.

Contact

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