CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. Here is a clear, honest guide to what it is, how it differs from THC, and how it is regulated in Switzerland.
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of more than a hundred natural compounds, known as cannabinoids, that the cannabis plant produces. Alongside THC, it is the most studied and the most talked about of them all.
The plant is more than its cannabinoids, though. It also contains terpenes, which carry its aromas, and flavonoids, which are natural plant pigments. Together, these compounds give each variety its own identity.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. In other words, it does not create the "high" that people associate with recreational cannabis. For this reason, products made mainly from CBD are used very differently from recreational cannabis, and they are regulated differently too.
CBD can be extracted from both hemp and other cannabis varieties. At Cannaliz, our extracts come from Swiss, organically grown cannabis sativa. Therefore, every formula starts with a plant raised under strict Swiss agricultural standards.
People often confuse the two, yet they behave very differently. Both are cannabinoids, and both come from the same plant. However, their effects on the body are not the same.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis. Above all, it is the molecule that the law watches most closely. Consequently, the amount of THC in a product decides how it is classified.
CBD does not produce that effect. Many people describe it simply as a feeling of calm rather than intoxication. Moreover, because it is non-intoxicating, it sits in a very different legal category from THC in Switzerland.
It is worth remembering one key point. A product can contain both CBD and a small, legal amount of THC at the same time. In fact, full-spectrum extracts keep many of the plant's natural compounds together, which is why the exact ratio between CBD and THC matters so much.
Cannabis produces around eighty cannabinoids in total. However, only four appear in meaningful amounts. In practice, these are the ones you will hear about most often.
Importantly, CBD is a single, isolated molecule from the plant. It is therefore not the same thing as cannabis as a whole, which is a mixture of many compounds. This distinction matters for lawmakers and pharmacologists alike, because, on its own, CBD has no narcotic action and does not cause physical dependence.
Not all CBD is made the same way. When you read product labels, you will often see three terms. Here is what each one means, in plain language.
Many people prefer full-spectrum extracts because the compounds work together as nature intended. This combined behaviour is often called the "entourage" idea. At Cannaliz, our recipes are built around this thinking, so that aroma, ratio and balance all play a part.
Cannabis does not only produce cannabinoids. It also produces terpenes, the aromatic molecules that give each variety its distinct smell and character. For example, some lean towards citrus and pine, while others feel sweet or earthy.
Terpenes are not unique to cannabis. Indeed, you also find them in lemons, lavender and pine forests. At Cannaliz, terpenes and aroma sit at the heart of every formula, because they shape the whole sensory experience, not just the cannabinoid content.
You will sometimes hear about the "entourage effect". In simple terms, it describes the notion that the plant's compounds may behave differently together than they do in isolation. Consequently, the balance between cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids can shape the overall character of a product.
This is one reason why full-spectrum extracts are popular. Rather than isolating a single molecule, they keep the natural mix intact. To see the plant and its compounds explained visually, watch the short video below.
CBD begins its life in the cannabis plant itself. As the plant grows, its flowers develop tiny resin glands. Inside those glands, the plant produces cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, together with its aromatic terpenes.
To turn that raw material into a usable product, the plant is first harvested and dried. Next, the valuable compounds are separated through an extraction process. Several methods exist, yet careful, clean extraction matters most, because it protects both purity and aroma.
The quality of the final extract depends heavily on the quality of the plant. For that reason, the growing conditions, the soil and the cultivation standards all play a part. Our extracts come from Swiss, organically grown cannabis sativa, so the journey from field to bottle stays short and traceable. In short, good CBD starts long before extraction, in the field where the plant is raised.
This is the question we are asked most often. The short answer is yes, within clear limits. Switzerland has one of the most pragmatic frameworks in Europe.
In Switzerland, a cannabis product is legal when its total average THC content stays below 1%. Above that level, the product is treated as a narcotic under the Federal Narcotics Act (LStup). Notably, this 1% threshold is the highest in Europe, where most countries sit at 0.2% or 0.3%.
Since 2017, the Federal Office of Public Health has confirmed that CBD products are not covered by the Narcotics Act, as long as they respect that 1% THC limit. As a result, CBD oils, flowers and e-liquids can be sold legally when they comply.
The framework keeps evolving. In 2024, the authorities introduced additional rules for CBD e-liquids and vapes, including volume limits per cartridge and a tax per millilitre. Therefore, compliant Swiss brands must follow product-safety, labelling and advertising requirements as well.
Good to know: even legal products under 1% THC can show up on a roadside drug test. Driving under the influence of cannabis remains an offence in Switzerland, regardless of the product's legal status. When in doubt, always check the exact ingredients and act responsibly.
CBD comes in several formats, and the right one depends on personal preference. Below are the most common, without any health claims attached.
If you are new to CBD, the most common advice is simple: start low and go slow. To help with that, we have written a dedicated guide on finding a comfortable serving.
The CBD market has grown quickly, and quality varies a great deal. Fortunately, a few simple checks help you tell serious products apart. Here is what to look for before you buy.
Above all, transparency is the clearest sign of a brand you can trust. When a producer is open about its sourcing, its testing and its exact cannabinoid figures, you can make an informed choice. This is exactly the standard we hold ourselves to at Cannaliz.
No. CBD is non-intoxicating. The "high" linked to cannabis comes from THC, which is a different compound and is strictly limited by Swiss law.
Not exactly. CBD is one compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis contains many cannabinoids, and CBD is just one of them.
Yes, in small amounts. In Switzerland, a product stays legal as long as its total average THC content remains below 1%.
It can. Legal CBD products may still contain trace THC, which some tests detect. For that reason, it is wise to be cautious before driving or undergoing testing.
Yes, when the product respects the 1% THC limit and the applicable safety and labelling rules. Cannaliz products are formulated to comply with Swiss regulations.
To sum up, CBD is a natural, non-intoxicating compound from the cannabis plant. It is distinct from THC, and in Switzerland it is legal within a clear 1% THC limit. Beyond the legal facts, however, quality comes down to the plant, the extraction and the honesty of the brand behind it.
At Cannaliz, we treat the molecules and aromas of the plant as the heart of the experience. Consequently, we focus on Swiss-grown sourcing, careful recipes and transparent cannabinoid content. Rather than making bold claims, we prefer to keep things clear, compliant and crafted with care. Ultimately, that is what lets you choose with confidence.
This article is for general information only. It does not provide medical advice and makes no health or therapeutic claims. CBD products are not medicines. If you have a health condition or take medication, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Cannaliz products are intended for adults and for sale only where local law permits.
CannalizPhytocloud SA Route de Saint-Julien 184 CH-1228 Plan-les-Ouates Geneva, Switzerland CHE-151.489.089 |
NavigationMy account |
Contact |
GLOBALLY DELIVERED IN 1-2 DAY(s) BY SWISSPOST
Terms and conditions
|
Legal Notice
© 2015-2026 | Phytocloud SA | CHE-151.489.089 | Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva
