What is CBD?
on July 23, 2025

What is CBD?

One of the most interesting components of cannabis is cannabidiol, known as CBD. It has no psychoactive effect, but it can influence the balance of the body and mind, promoting calmness, sleep and natural recovery. That is why the question "What is CBD?" is of interest today to both scientists and those who are looking for natural ways to take care of their health.

What is CBD?

CBD is a natural substance from the cannabinoid group that is extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, this component does not cause psychoactive effects, but actively influences the body's internal systems, helping to regulate sleep, appetite, anxiety levels and pain perception. Its discovery was a real breakthrough for modern science, as more and more studies confirm its potential properties.

What is CBD in simple terms? It is a natural tool for maintaining balance between the body and mind. Cannabidiol interacts with the human endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for recovery and harmony. It is thanks to this mechanism of action that CBD is now used in products for stress reduction, sleep improvement, skin care and even in veterinary medicine.

The cannabidiol formula

How CBD interacts with the body

CBD interacts with the body through a complex network of receptors and channels that regulate our emotional state, sleep, pain, and inflammation. According to a study by the British Pharmacological Society, cannabidiol does not act through a single specific mechanism, but affects several cellular targets simultaneously. Among the main ones are the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A and TRPV1, an ion channel involved in the formation of pain sensations. It is thanks to this multifaceted action that CBD can have effects in reducing anxiety, improving mood and relieving neuropathic pain.

When we talk about what CBD is from a scientific point of view, it is worth noting that it affects the body through several different receptors, including cannabinoid and even opioid receptors. This explains its wide range of possibilities. The main targets affected by CBD are:

  • Serotonin receptors (5-HT1A) – responsible for mood and feelings of calmness;

  • TRPV1 channels – involved in pain transmission and temperature regulation;

  • cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) – affect the endocannabinoid system;

  • opioid receptors – involved in pain control;

  • other GPCR receptors and ion channels – broaden the spectrum of cannabidiol's effects.

Thus, CBD is not limited to acting on only one system of the body. It interacts with various cellular structures, triggering natural mechanisms of recovery and balance. It is this multi-level work that explains why CBD is being studied in the context of anxiety, epilepsy, pain, and inflammatory processes.

What does cannabidiol affect?

How is CBD different from THC?

CBD and THC are the two main cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they affect the body differently. THC is a psychoactive component that causes intoxication, while CBD is a substance that does not affect consciousness and is used primarily for therapeutic purposes. What is CBD in this context? It is a natural tool for maintaining the body's balance without the "high" effect. Let's take a closer look at the effects of these two components in the form of a table.

Parameter

CBD (Cannabidiol)

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Origin

Extracted from cannabis with low THC content

Most abundant in cannabis strains with high THC content

Psychoactive effect

CBD is not a psychoactive substance and does not cause intoxication

Causes psychoactive effects and changes in perception

Effect on the body

May reduce pain, inflammation, anxiety, and help with sleep

Causes relaxation, increased appetite, emotional uplift

Legality

Legal in many countries with a THC content of up to 0.3%

Controlled by law, permitted mainly for medical purposes

Medical use

Anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, chronic pain

Chronic pain, nausea after chemotherapy, muscle spasms

Side effects

Usually minor, but in some cases may include fatigue and changes in appetite

Anxiety, dry mouth, memory impairment

Thus, choosing CBD is a safe and gentle way to support your body from within. Understanding the difference helps to clearly define what CBD is and what role it can play in your life.

Why take CBD?

CBD is recommended for those who want to maintain the body's natural balance and improve their quality of life every day. CBD is not a quick fix for a specific problem, but rather a gentle tool for harmonising internal processes: it helps to maintain calm, prepares the body for recovery and enhances the feeling of stability. Thanks to its multifaceted properties, CBD is suitable for people who are looking for natural support for their body and mind in today's fast-paced lifestyle. Below are some examples of situations where CBD can help.

Anxiety and stress

In today's fast-paced world, many people experience increased levels of anxiety and stress. CBD is a natural way to maintain emotional balance without artificial stimulants. By interacting with serotonin receptors, cannabidiol helps improve mood, reduce feelings of anxiety and restore inner peace. That is why CBD is good at reducing stress and maintaining psycho-emotional stability.

Pain and inflammation

Chronic pain and inflammatory processes are common causes of discomfort. CBD is a compound that can affect pain signal transmission and reduce inflammation by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Studies confirm that CBD can be beneficial for people with arthritis, joint or muscle pain, and during recovery from injuries. Thus, CBD is a natural support for those seeking mild pain relief without addiction.

Sleep problems

Sleep disorders affect productivity and well-being. In such situations, CBD helps to naturally facilitate falling asleep and improve the quality of night-time rest. Cannabidiol reduces anxiety and discomfort, which often prevent relaxation. Regular use helps you fall asleep faster, wake up less often during the night, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Skin and care

CBD has also found its place in the world of cosmetology. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it helps reduce redness, regulate sebum production and maintain healthy-looking skin. CBD is a component that can be useful in caring for problem skin with acne, eczema or psoriasis. The use of creams and oils with cannabidiol allows you to combine daily care with natural regeneration.

Helping animals

Not only humans, but also pets can benefit from CBD. For cats and dogs, CBD relieves stress, supports appetite, and helps with recovery from illness. You can purchase products designed specifically for animals that are gentle and safe, helping them feel more calm and comfortable. Thus, CBD is also a natural aid in caring for your pets' health.

CBD research results and medical discoveries

More and more scientific work is focusing on what CBD is and why it may have broad therapeutic potential. Scientists are researching its effects in various fields, from skin care to mental health, and many of the results are already generating real interest.

Research: MDPI (2024) – the use of CBD in the treatment of acne. A review of studies on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, particularly CBD, in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Brief results: CBD shows promising properties – it helps modulate sebum production, reduces inflammation and inhibits bacterial growth, which are key factors in the pathogenesis of acne. Read more.

Study: PubMed (2023) – effect on sleep and immunity. Clinical trial with 50 mg of oral CBD daily for 8 weeks in healthy young people. Brief results: cannabidiol does indeed help improve sleep quality, and no statistically significant changes in body weight or psychoemotional state were found compared to placebo. Read more.

Research. FDA – regulation of CBD products. The FDA's official position on the regulation of products containing cannabis or cannabinoids, including CBD. Brief summary: The FDA regularly issues warnings to manufacturers who improperly advertise CBD as a medical treatment or add it to food or supplements without approval. There is ongoing legal monitoring and discussion of possible ways to regulate the CBD market. Read more.

Research. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2018) – cannabinoids and chronic pain. A comprehensive review of available clinical and preclinical data on the use of medical cannabis and cannabinoids (particularly CBD) in the treatment of chronic pain. Brief results: current meta-analyses show moderate efficacy of cannabinoids, especially in the case of neuropathic pain. At the same time, most trials were short, with a small number of participants and a variety of doses and forms, which limits the statistical power of the conclusions. Side effects with short-term use were mostly mild or moderate. Well-designed, large-scale studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to draw definitive conclusions. Read more.

Study: Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series (2019) – the effects of CBD on anxiety and sleep. A retrospective analysis of medical practice involving 72 adult patients with general anxiety or sleep problems who were prescribed CBD in doses ranging from 25 to 175 mg per day in addition to their usual treatment. Brief results: anxiety symptoms significantly decreased in the first month in 79% of patients; this effect persisted throughout the observation period. Improved sleep quality was noted in 67% of patients during the first month, although the results were less stable thereafter. CBD was well tolerated – in three cases, mild fatigue appeared, and in one case, increased excitability, which disappeared after discontinuation. Read more.

Thus, CBD is, in simple terms, not just a trendy ingredient, but a subject of active scientific interest. To date, accumulated data confirms its anti-inflammatory, calming and analgesic potential. The intensive work of scientists and regulators proves that CBD is a promising area for further discoveries, as well as a good example of how nature can provide new tools for supporting health.

Forms of CBD and how to choose the right product

CBD is a versatile ingredient that can be found in various forms: from oils to capsules and even cosmetics. CBD drops, oils and capsules remain the most popular. For example, if you are wondering what CBD drops are, we are ready to answer that question. It is an oil in a convenient bottle with a pipette, which allows you to accurately dose the product and quickly feel its effect. The drops are easy to integrate into your daily routine: a few seconds and you are already on your way to balance. We invite you to consider some products from the Tereno CBD oil range:

  1. CBD Relax Oil (chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, with mint flavour). For calmness, stress reduction and easier sleep.

  2. CBD Oil "Focus" (mushrooms, ginseng, lion's mane, with orange peel + clove flavour). For energy, concentration and immune support.

  3. CBD Oil "Original" (unflavoured / orange peel / lemon). A basic formula for daily use, supporting sleep, mood and overall well-being.

Each of these oils is available in concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30%, allowing you to choose the level of action depending on your needs. This is a great way to not only get natural support, but also make it part of your lifestyle.

When you choose a Tereno product, you get quality and proven formulas designed for daily use. Whether you are looking for peace before bed, focus for work, or simply daily balance, you will always find a product that suits your lifestyle among our range.

Advice for beginners

If you are just getting started with cannabidiol and wondering, "What is CBD?", it is important to start with simple and understandable formats. The most convenient option for beginners is CBD oil in drops, as it allows you to gradually adjust the dosage and observe your body's reaction. Start with basic concentrations (10%) and use a small amount to feel the effect.

For those who already have experience and understand how their body reacts, you can choose products with a higher concentration (20% or 30%) or other formats, such as capsules or combinations with adaptogens. In this case, CBD will help ensure a more stable effect and wider application possibilities. Here are some useful recommendations depending on your level of experience:

  1. Beginners. Classic low-concentration CBD drops for a gradual introduction.

  2. Experienced users. Products with a medium or high percentage of CBD, as well as formulas with additional ingredients for a comprehensive effect.

  3. Those looking for something new. Innovative combinations of CBD with mushrooms, ginseng or other adaptogens, as well as CBD in unusual formats, such as cosmetics.

If you consider yourself to be "advanced," experiment with different flavours and formats – this allows you to make taking CBD not only beneficial, but also an enjoyable daily ritual. For some, CBD is a way to get ready for the working day, for others – a bedtime ritual for better rest.

And for those who are always looking for something new, it is worth paying attention to modern combinations with adaptogens that enhance each other's effects. Such formulas help not only to maintain balance, but also to feel more energy, clarity and inner harmony.

CBD questions you are interested in

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about CBD to help you better understand how it works and what its characteristics are. Below you will find simple and clear answers.

Is CBD a drug?

No, CBD is not a drug. Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects and does not cause intoxication, unlike THC. That is why it is legally used in many countries as a dietary supplement or cosmetic ingredient.

CBD in simple terms?

CBD is a natural compound found in hemp that helps the body maintain balance. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, affecting sleep, mood, stress and overall well-being without altering consciousness.

What formats of CBD are available (in products)?

Today, CBD is available in various forms: oils and drops for daily use, capsules or gummies for convenient intake, creams and cosmetics for local application, etc. This allows everyone to choose the format that suits them best.