Tag: Knowledge

Hemp as a sustainable building material: Innovation in automobile construction by Henry Ford

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Historisches Foto von Henry Fords Hanf-Auto-Prototyp (1941)

Hemp as a sustainable building material: from visionary Henry Ford to modern industrial application

The industrial use of hemp as a sustainable building material in automotive construction

Hemp is becoming increasingly important as a sustainable building material in automotive construction. Hemp is one of mankind’s oldest cultivated plants and is experiencing a renaissance today. Thanks to its versatility, hemp fibers offer a sustainable alternative for numerous industrial applications. The use of hemp fibers in automobile construction is particularly noteworthy. As early as 1941, Henry Ford developed a car body made of hemp and other natural fibers – a visionary project that anticipated the importance of renewable raw materials today. A visionary project that is more relevant today than ever.

Hemp sustainable building material - future material in automotive construction & industry, inspired by Henry Ford's hemp car.
Sustainable building material hemp – from Henry Ford’s hemp car to modern industrial applications.

Henry Ford’s hemp car: sustainable building material for the automotive industry

Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, spent his life searching for environmentally friendly materials for vehicle construction. In 1941, he presented a revolutionary car with a body made from hemp, flax, wheat and spruce wood fibers. This bio-based plastic body was not only lighter than steel, but also ten times more resistant to impact. Ford thus proved that hemp has great potential as a sustainable building material in automotive construction.

Here is a Youtube video that shows how strong this body was!

Ford had a clear vision of a sustainable future and asked the crucial question:

Why should we cut down the forests that took centuries to grow and deplete the mines that took eons to create when we can get the equivalent of forest and mineral products in the annual growth of hemp fields?

Another anecdote adds a special touch to the story: according to a report by the Hemp Museum Amsterdam, cows are said to have nibbled on body parts of parked hemp cars – proof of the natural nature of this material.

The advantages of hemp fibers in industry and the environment

Hemp fibers offer numerous advantages and go far beyond the automotive industry. This property makes it a valuable versatile resource in various industries:

Sustainability: Hemp grows quickly, requires little to no pesticides and improves soil health by supplying oxygen and minerals. Hemp also renatures and revitalizes soil flora and fauna.
(See our blog on soil health with hemp)

Strength & durability: Hemp fibers are extremely robust and are ideal for durable materials.

Versatility: Hemp is already used in numerous areas:

Hemp as a material of the future – sustainability for everyday life

The industrial use of hemp fibers has enormous ecological and economic benefits. Henry Ford recognized the potential of hemp fibres early on and focused on renewable raw materials. He was a pioneer of his time and inspired sustainable innovations in many industries. Hemp shows us that environmentally friendly solutions can be found directly in nature.

However, in addition to the industry, hemp can also show its strengths in everyday life. The sustainable backpacks from 8000Kicks are a perfect example of the robustness of this natural material.

Made from high-quality hemp, these backpacks not only offer durability and resilience, but also a stylish, eco-friendly design. And best of all: you can buy these unique hemp backpacks at Herba di Berna both in-store and online!

But that’s not all – the latest model from 8000Kicksthe Nomad backpack, will soon be available from us.

Stay tuned and secure your sustainable must-have that combines functionality, style and environmental awareness in one!

Click here to go directly to the Herba di Berna hemp fiber category so you can get the latest trends in this robust fiber and find another way to use hemp as a sustainable building material before they sell out!

Sources: https://hashmuseum.com/en/collection/hemp-lifestyle/henry-ford/

Introducing: SELECT Bud Spensary

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Hochwertiges CBD kaufen in der Schweiz – Natürliche Blüten aus nachhaltigem Anbau für Ihr Wohlbefinden.

A pioneer in the new SELECT series from Herba di Berna

Schweizer CBD-Produkte kaufen – 100% natürliche Hanfblüten von höchster Qualität.

It is with great pleasure and pride that we present Bud Spensary, an outstanding partner of our new Herba di Berna SELECT series. This collaboration marks another milestone in our journey to offer the best organic hemp products. Bud Spensary is known for sustainable cultivation and uncompromising quality that is second to none.

Sustainable hemp cultivation with Bud Spensary

Bud Spensary’s idyllic greenhouse is located in the heart of the Aargau Mittelland, directly on the Reuss river. Here, the plants are cultivated under optimal conditions that both protect the environment and guarantee the best possible quality of CBD flowers. The greenhouse is powered exclusively by sunlight – a prime example of ecologically responsible agriculture.

Biologisch angebautes CBD kaufen in der Schweiz für eine natürliche Entspannung.

Focus on sustainability Buy CBD Switzerland

Bud Spensary’s cultivation methods with the SELECT are based on a deep understanding of natural processes. Spring water and living soil form the basis for resource-conserving cultivation. The use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers is deliberately avoided in order to ensure a healthy environment and an unadulterated end product. If you want to buy CBD in Switzerland, you will find the best sustainable products in our SELECT series.

Quality that inspires How special CBD flowers are created

Premium CBD Blüten aus der Schweiz – sorgfältig verarbeitet für höchste Ansprüche.

The quality of Bud Spensary is not only evident in its cultivation, but also in its processing. Each plant is treated with the utmost care to ensure that the unique properties of the CBD flowers are preserved. If there’s one thing we recommend, it’s buying CBD from Swiss producers like Bud Spensary.

Drying and ripening of a CBD flower

Drying: The flowers are hung upside down and gently dried to preserve their structure and ingredients in the best possible way.

Maturing: They are then matured in special humidors. This process refines the terpene aroma and ensures an exceptional taste experience.

Thanks to continuous new breeding, Bud Spensary manages to surprise again and again with new, unique terpene profiles. This diversity makes our CBD flowers unmistakable and clearly sets them apart from the competition.

The SELECT series: sustainable innovation for CBD products

The partnership between Bud Spensary and Herba di Berna is based on shared values: quality, sustainability and a spirit of innovation. These values are the cornerstone of our SELECT range, which comprises only the best CBD products produced to the highest standards.

Buy CBD in Switzerland - Sustainable production for the highest quality.
CBD from sustainable cultivation – discover and enjoy now.

What makes the SELECT series so special:

  • Exclusivity: Only selected products make it into the SELECT series.
  • Sustainability: The focus is on environmentally friendly production methods.
  • Outstanding quality: Each flower is tested according to strict criteria to meet the highest standards.

If you want to buy high-quality CBD in Switzerland, you will find it in the SELECT series.

Why Bud Spensary is an enrichment for the SELECT series and why this CBD should be purchased in Switzerland

Bud Spensary not only brings excellent products to the SELECT series, but also an inspiring vision for the future of hemp cultivation. Through their innovation and commitment to sustainability, they are setting new standards in the industry.

Swiss CBD flowers – free from pesticides and with a full aroma

Advantages for our customers:

  • An incomparable taste experience thanks to high-quality terpene profiles.
  • Natural and gentle production without chemical additives.
  • The security of enjoying a product that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.

CBD flowers from Bud Spensary – Buy now

Bud Spensary products are now part of our SELECT series and can be purchased both in our specialist store and in our online store.

Experience the incomparable quality and naturalness of these products and be inspired by their uniqueness. With Bud Spensary, we are setting a clear signal for quality and sustainability – true to the motto: “Keep it Organic”.

Hemp oil with CBD: a natural booster for wound healing

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Flasche Hanföl mit CBD, umgeben von Hanfblättern und natürlichen Elementen, betont die natürliche Unterstützung bei der Wundheilung.

Who hasn’t experienced it? Not paying attention when cooking and the knife cuts your finger instead of the tomato. The impressive potential of hemp oil with cannabidiol (CBD) is evident in precisely such wounds. The latest findings from a group of researchers at the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena suggest that CBD can promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and specifically supporting skin regeneration.

Why CBD is a helper in wound healing

The cannabinoid CBD, which is a central component of the hemp plant alongside THC, has strong antioxidant properties. These can reduce oxidative processes in the tissue and thus accelerate healing. CBD also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to effectively fight bacterial infections – a real plus for skin health.

Benefits of CBD for the skin:

  • Antioxidant: Reduces harmful processes in the tissue.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Supports the healing process.
  • Antibacterial: Helps to fight infections.

Research results on CBD wound healing

Science is taking the first promising steps in relation to CBD and wound healing. More and more scientific studies, such as this one at the University of Jena, indicate that hemp oils with CBD could enrich dermatological applications. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in particular offer enormous potential. However, it remains important to await further research results in order to determine the best possible application methods.

Use of CBD hemp oil in dermatology

CBD hemp oils are increasingly seen as a natural alternative or supplement to conventional remedies. CBD has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on skin injuries or irritations. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a specialist before use to clarify individual risks and interactions.

"Depiction of a bottle of CBD hemp oil next to a symbol for wound healing, with natural elements such as leaves in the background, in keeping with the theme of CBD's healing properties."

Conclusion: A versatile natural product

Hemp oil with CBD offers exciting prospects for skin care and wound treatment. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable aid to healing. While further scientific findings are awaited, CBD can already be an enrichment for dermatological care.

Discover the high-quality CBD oils from Herba di Berna here.

CBD oils
CBD range

Sources: Hemp helps to heal

Herba di Berna SELECT: A new product line with impressive CBD effects

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It is with pleasure and pride that we present SELECT by Herba di Berna
Our exclusive product line brings together the best CBD products that we have tested and admired at Cannatrade. The idea behind SELECT is simple: to put together the best products for you, carefully selected according to values that are important to us. Because we know that not only we produce with heart and passion, but many others do too – and we want to make this passion accessible to you in the new SELECT brand.

The concept: quality, sustainability and CBD effect

With Herba di Berna SELECT, we offer a hand-picked collection that goes far beyond conventional quality standards. In addition to taste and purity, the decisive factors for us are: How is it produced? Is the cultivation sustainable? What is the mission behind the product?

One criterion for our selection is not only the CannaSwissCup, which annually honors the highest quality products in the Swiss cannabis industry, but also the commitment of the producers to ecological and responsible production processes. Our aim is to work only with partners who share our vision of sustainable cultivation in harmony with nature and ethical production.

We therefore offer a range that meets the highest standards of quality and purity and is also responsible towards the environment. In true Herba style, we offer our products at attractive prices – because we know that it works.

When you buy SELECT CBD flowers that combine sustainability and the highest quality, Herba di Berna Select is the ideal choice.

Our partners: The crème de la crème of organic Swiss cannabis producers

After careful discussions and the evaluation of numerous products, we have selected the best of the best for Herba di Berna Select. With these producers, we bring you the winners of the CannaSwissCup and the frontrunners in terms of taste, quality and ecological responsibility:

  • Lamaweed: Lamaweed impresses with its organic cultivation methods and innovative production techniques. Their focus is on sustainable processes and the creation of a unique range that stands out in terms of taste and quality.
  • Buy Herba SELECT Trichoselect-E Black Gold now

  • Cannalpina (cannalpina.ch): Cannalpina manufactures excellent products that meet the highest standards of purity. They pay attention to ecological and ethical principles in every step of their production, which is reflected in the quality of their products.
  • Buy Herba SELECT Walliser Rambo now

  • Budspensary : Budspensary combines a deep understanding of cannabis culture with a passion for quality. Their products reflect a responsible use of resources and a strong ecological awareness that we fully support.
  • Buy Herba SELECT Strawberry Cheese Cake now

Buy CBD Switzerland: Quality that inspires

With Herba di Berna Select, we invite you to experience a new quality and variety in CBD. When you buy in Switzerland buy CBD in Switzerland, you will find a selection that has been carefully curated to the highest standards.

The products from the SELECT line not only impress with their excellent CBD effect, but also with their sustainable origin and the dedication with which they were produced.

Experience the best CBD flowers in Switzerland, exclusively at Herba di Berna!

Cannabis law: abolition or adaptation? An assessment by Peter Homberg”

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Peter Homberg gibt eine Einschätzung zum aktuellen Stand des Cannabis-Gesetzes in Deutschland


Can the cannabis law be abolished so easily? According to Peter Homberg, a complete abolition of the Cannabis Act is rather unlikely. In his assessment, he explains why legal and political hurdles are making a U-turn in cannabis policy more difficult.

Cannabis law abolition Homberg’s assessment?
The political race remains exciting and is running at full speed, and the CDU has already announced its intention to repeal the Cannabis Act (CanG) if it takes over the government. We share Homberg’s assessment and according to it, this scenario is rather unrealistic. But how realistic is this scenario really? Lawyer Peter Homberg, who specializes in cannabis, has provided a well-founded assessment on krautinvest.de. Here we summarize the most important points for you.

Can the CanG be abolished so easily?
If you listen carefully to Homberg, he believes that a complete abolition of the Cannabis Act is rather unlikely. Even if the CDU were to be in government in the future, it would have to rely on a coalition partner to overturn it with at least a 50% majority – and it is questionable whether these partners would support a complete turnaround in cannabis policy. In addition, there are already numerous cultivation associations that are licensed for several years, and a withdrawal of these licenses would hardly be legally feasible.

Detailed view of a law book with cannabis leaves as a symbol for the legal development around cannabis.



Cannabis Act abolition Homberg aptly says: “You can’t get the spirit of the CanG back into the bottle completely.” However, changes could relate to details, such as the permitted amount of cannabis that can be carried or stored.

What could change for cannabis clubs?
While existing clubs would probably be protected, a new government could increase the administrative hurdles for new clubs. Restrictions on home growing or changes to the legal framework for cultivation associations would also be conceivable. Nevertheless, a complete abolition of partial legalization seems politically and legally unrealistic.

Medical cannabis: will access remain?
Another hot topic is access to medical cannabis, which is regulated by the MedCanG. Homberg sees no cause for concern here. Cannabis remains subject to prescription and will not be reclassified as a narcotic. The recent liberalization, which has made access easier for SHI patients, would make a downgrading hardly conceivable.

A notepad with legal notes and a cannabis flower that address the cannabis law.



However, there could be a possible change in telemedical prescribing practices. It remains uncertain whether doctors from other EU countries will continue to be allowed to issue prescriptions for German patients. There could be clearer regulations here in the future.

Is it cooked much hotter than it is eaten?
In fact, much of what is currently being announced in the election campaign seems exaggerated. Homberg is convinced that the actual changes – depending on the coalition partner – will be less drastic than the current threats of the conservative parties. He sees little room for major setbacks, particularly in the area of medicinal cannabis .

Herba di Berna – your partner for reliable information
At Herba di Berna, we closely follow developments in cannabis policy and are on hand to provide you with advice and support. With our expertise and personal experience, we are there for you – whether it’s about legal issues or choosing the right products. Together, we keep our finger on the pulse and ensure that you are well informed.

Stay relaxed – we’re here for you! 🌱

Source reference:
Interview with Peter Homberg on krautinvest.de, published in November 2024.

Sleep better with cannabis? The science behind cannabinol (CBN)

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Graphic representation of cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, THCa, CBN, THCv and CBDa in colored hexagons
Overview of different cannabinoids: CBD, THC, THCa, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCv and CBDa.

Sleep problems are one of the most common complaints that many of us struggle with on a daily basis. But what if a natural product from the cannabis plant could help? Researchers at the University of Sydney have recently published groundbreaking findings suggesting that cannabinol (CBN) – a lesser-known component of cannabis – could have a positive impact on sleep.

What is cannabinol (CBN)?

CBN is a breakdown product of THC, the known psychoactive component of cannabis. As cannabis ages, THC slowly converts to CBN. Interestingly, older cannabis flowers often contain higher amounts of CBN, which has long been associated with a sleep-inducing effect. However, there has been a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims – until now.

The study: How does CBN affect sleep?

In a recent study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, the team from the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney investigated the effects of CBN on sleep patterns in rats. Using state-of-the-art monitoring methods, both the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and Non-REM (NREM) phases of sleep were analyzed.

  • NREM sleep: This phase is crucial for physical recovery and memory.
  • REM sleep: In this phase, dreams are processed and emotions are regulated.

The result? CBN increased both the REM and NREM sleep phases, which led to an overall longer sleep duration. The effect was comparable to that of the sleeping pill zolpidem, but without its known side effects.

CBN: The difference to THC

Unlike THC, which is responsible for the intoxicating effect of cannabis, CBN does not have a strong psychoactive effect. This is because CBN only weakly activates the cannabinoid receptors in the brain (CB1 receptors). However, an unexpected finding of the study was that a metabolite of CBN (11-OH-CBN) has a significantly stronger effect on CB1 receptors and may contribute to the sleep-promoting effect.

What does that mean for us?

Although the results are promising, they have so far only been tested on animals. Professor Jonathon Arnold, the lead author of the study, emphasizes that further research is needed to transfer the results to humans.

However, in a parallel, as yet unpublished study, an initial clinical test has already been carried out on people with sleep disorders. According to the researchers, the results are also promising and suggest that CBN could be a natural alternative for people with sleep problems.

The next step: research for the future

The team is now planning to conduct further research into the sleep-promoting effects of CBN – including in combination with other cannabis substances such as melatonin or conventional sleeping pills. The aim is to develop new, effective treatment options for sleep disorders.

What’s the bottom line?

CBN could be an exciting new option for people with sleep problems. But before you run to the nearest CBD store to buy CBN products, you should know that there are still many unanswered questions. Current CBN products on the market are often based on limited scientific evidence, and the best way to use them – from dosage to frequency – has yet to be researched.

At Herba di Berna, we support you on this journey with our experience and expertise. Whether you need help choosing the right products or have questions about studies like this one – we are here to provide you with in-depth knowledge and personal advice to offer you natural support for your sleep.

Stay curious and well informed – we look forward to accompanying you on your journey to better sleep! 😊

Source reference:
Arnold, J. et al. “A sleepy cannabis constituent: cannabinol and its active metabolite influence sleep architecture in rats”, Neuropsychopharmacology (2024), DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-02018-7

Yoga and CBD: a symbiosis for holistic well-being

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In an increasingly hectic world, many people are looking for ways to regain vitality and balance body and mind. Two ways that have gained particular popularity in recent years are yoga and the use of CBD (cannabidiol). Both offer a multitude of benefits for health and well-being, and together they can form a powerful and sustainable synergy.

What is yoga?

Yoga is a millennia-old practice that originated in India. It combines physical exercises (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation to promote balance between body, mind and soul. Not all yoga is the same, there are many paths and styles; from ancient Far Eastern practices, regenerative yin yoga to borderline high-performance sport. The beauty of it is that there is a suitable yoga for everyone. Basically, yoga has proven to be extremely effective in reducing stress, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles and promoting an overall sense of wellbeing.

CBD: a natural supplement for your well-being

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not cause intoxication. Instead, it is valued for its potentially calming, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Many people use CBD to relieve stress, anxiety, ADHD, sleep problems, chronic pain and more.

Why yoga and CBD go so well together: the secret of the harmonizing interaction

Combining yoga and CBD can be a particularly effective approach to getting the best of both worlds. Here are some reasons why yoga and CBD complement each other so well:

  1. Deeper relaxation: CBD can help to calm the nervous system and thus release stress, which can lead to deep and lasting relaxation. The relaxing properties of CBD can help to clear the mind and intensify meditative states.
  2. Pain relief and flexibility: Many people suffer from tension, adhesions and blockages and the resulting pain. CBD can make the connective tissue more supple and thus improve the blood supply to muscular structures. This makes people feel much more vital, flexible and powerful.
  3. Improved sleep: Restful sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. CBD can help alleviate sleep problems by regulating the sleep cycle and contributing to a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.
  4. Increased mindfulness: Yoga promotes mindfulness and awareness of one’s own body. CBD can strengthen these mechanisms of action by stimulating the relaxation processes. This calms the stormy waves within and symbiotically creates a clear connection between body and mind.

Practical tips for combining yoga and CBD

  • Timing: Experiment with the timing of your CBD use. Some prefer to take CBD around 30 minutes before their yoga practice to feel the full effects during the session. Others take it afterwards to aid recovery.
  • Dosage: Start with a low dose of CBD and slowly increase it to find what works best for you. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s important to find the right amount for your individual needs.
  • CBD products: At Herba di Berna, we offer a variety of high-quality, locally produced CBD products that are perfect for your wellness routine. Our personal recommendation is our Fullspectrum oil. We particularly recommend these oils, as they can have the most extensive effect in the full spectrum range :
    • Fullspectrum oil 6%: Ideal if you know that you are rather sensitive to active ingredients. This oil offers gentle but effective support.
    • Fullspectrum oil 12%: Perfect if you prefer a clearly noticeable effect and your body reacts rather sluggishly to active ingredients.

If you are unsure about your choice and application, you are welcome to visit our specialist store in Bern’s Breitenrain for personal and professional advice.

You can find more information and products in our range.

Conclusion: A holistic approach to well-being

Yoga and CBD both offer unique benefits for the physical and mental levels, and together they can contribute to an even deeper and more sustainable level of well-being and vitality. Whether you’re looking for a way to deepen your yoga practice, relieve pain or simply calm your mind, the combination of yoga and CBD could be just the thing for you.

Find blogs here that might also interest you:

Herba di Berna wins 2nd place in K-Tipp test

Natural relief for your joints: the CBD joint gel from Herba di Berna

Cannabis and gastrointestinal tract

CBD and competitive sports (part 1): What’s behind it?

Find the right place for your yoga practice here:

In Bern: Yoga with Elisa

In Solothurn: Yoga with Iona

In Aarau: Aloha Yoga Studio

In Olten: Downtown Yoga Studio

Yoga vacation with Valerie and wonderful yogateachers

Lyme disease & CBD

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Tick bites, which used to be of little more concern to us than a mosquito bite, are now a source of widespread fear as they can transmit Lyme disease – a disease that can affect any organ and cause numerous symptoms. The conventional medical treatment of Lyme disease focuses mainly on antibiotics, but these are often not sufficient to deal with all aspects of the disease and also have unpleasant consequences.

Lyme disease: A brief introduction

Lyme disease is a group of infectious diseases caused by borrelia (Borrelia burgdorferi). Lyme borreliosis is the only disease of this type native to Europe, transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms can vary and include flushing, flu-like symptoms, neurological problems and joint inflammation.

Can CBD help with Lyme disease?

The claim that CBD can cure Lyme disease or protect against infection is simply false. Our intention is to expose false promises of a cure and make it clear that CBD alone cannot cure Lyme disease. Nevertheless, a full-spectrum CBD oil could play a supportive role in the healing process by alleviating certain symptoms and stimulating self-healing processes.

CBD interacts with the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS) and can therefore potentially support the healing process in Lyme disease. Here are four important mechanisms of action:

How CBD could support the healing process:

Pain relief: CBD can help with flu-like symptoms such as headaches and aching limbs.

Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD could be helpful for joint and heart muscle inflammation caused by Lyme disease.

Mood enhancement: CBD can have an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect, which can be particularly supportive in the case of protracted illnesses.

Antibacterial effect: Although research into this is still in its infancy, there are indications that CBD may have antibacterial properties.

Immune defense: CBD could strengthen the immune system and promote regeneration, which could be beneficial in coping with Lyme disease.

Beware of false promises

During our research, we came across many contradictory statements and dubious studies. Some sources even claim that CBD can replace antibiotics, but this is not the case. There are also reports on CBD in borreliosis-related inflammations that do not show any clear connections. It is important to rely on reliable information and not to regard CBD as the sole treatment.

Conclusion:

CBD is not a cure for Lyme disease, but it can be a valuable supplement to relieve certain symptoms such as pain and inflammation. However, it should be used in close consultation with a doctor and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Concluding thoughts:

Conventional medical treatment often focuses on the use of antibiotics, which, however, are not very effective and often place a high burden on the body’s own immune defenses. Against this background, the search for alternative therapies and healing methods is becoming increasingly urgent. In this context, the renowned ethnobotanist Wolf Dieter Storl has intensively studied natural treatment approaches, including the potential use of CBD (cannabidiol).

Research into alternative treatment methods such as CBD is showing new ways to effectively support the healing process of Lyme disease and improve the quality of life of those affected. In his work “Healing Lyme disease naturally”, Storl not only examines the traditional healing methods of various cultures, but also modern approaches such as the use of CBD, which could deliver promising results.

Find our recommended product here to support your Lyme disease healing process. Check out our dosage calculator or visit our specialist store in Bern’s Breitenrain for a personal consultation.

Comment on the K-Tipp report: A comparison of CBD flower quality

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K-Tipp 2. Platz Harlequin mini Buds 21g von Herba di Berna

We are very pleased that K-Tipp has tested CBD flowers and reported on them fairly and neutrally. From an industry perspective, it is important and desirable to educate consumers about quality aspects. However, we would like to add the following comments:

Price comparison in the test
Large flowers, mini buds and trim cannot be compared one to one in terms of price. Large flowers are the most expensive, while trim (waste product from flower trimming) is the cheapest.

Cannabinoid content in the test
The total cannabinoid content of the flowers, i.e. the total of all measured cannabinoids contained in this sample, was decisive for the evaluation. The results do not consider the values printed by the manufacturer. From an industry perspective, more attention should be paid to whether the stated cannabinoid content corresponds to the actual measured cannabinoid content. Therefore, in our view, it makes little sense to award grades for this, especially when it comes to CBD flowers for tobacco substitutes, where customer orientation is clearly based on the CBD value and not on the total of all cannabinoids.

Depending on their genetics, cannabis plants have very different cannabinoid profiles. For example, some varieties contain CBG, others do not. In comparison, the pure alcohol content of wines is not rated as a quality feature. On the other hand, we agree with the author that the full cannabinoid spectrum of a plant or an extract is preferable to a pure substance; the author has correctly recognized this.

Terpenes
From the consumer’s point of view, a well-rounded and expressive terpene profile (smell) is not only very important from a pleasure point of view, but terpenes in combination with cannabinoids are also said to have the so-called “entourage effect”. However, this research is not yet very advanced. Terpenes have a significant influence on the quality of the flowers through correct drying, gentle processing and the correct residual moisture during packaging. Neither the terpene profile nor the percentage content of the individual offers were taken into account in the test, which we believe should be added in the future.

Our conclusion
Finally, we would like to emphasize that the quality assessment of CBD flowers is based on a variety of factors. It is essential to provide consumers with comprehensive information so that they can make informed decisions. At Herba di Berna, we attach great importance to transparency, quality and customer satisfaction. We welcome tests such as the one conducted by K-Tipp, as they draw attention to important quality criteria and contribute to the further development of the industry. At the same time, we hope that future tests will be more comprehensive and detailed in order to provide a complete picture of product quality.

Take a look at the test results from K-Tipp here

K-TIP: CBD hemp in the test – few active ingredients, some with pesticides

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grüne CBD-Hanf Pflanzen

Flowers with cannabidiol (CBD) are legal hemp products that do not have an intoxicating effect. In the K-Tipp test, only four products contained a lot of CBD and no pesticides. Toxins that can damage organs were found in three flowers.

Source: K-Tipp 12/2024, 19.06.2024, author Andreas Schildknecht, head of the test editorial team

In addition to the intoxicating THC, hemp contains many other substances, including cannabidiol. Legal hemp products with the main active ingredient CBD can help with sleep disorders, pain and inflammation. According to a representative survey conducted by the Lucerne-based market research institute Link in 2023, people over the age of 60 are particularly interested in CBD hemp.

Hemp contains over 80 active ingredients

However, many of the hoped-for effects of CBD hemp have not been sufficiently researched. Reliable scientific studies are only available on seizures. In 2015, US and Polish researchers showed in a study of 170 epilepsy patients aged between 2 and 55 that CBD preparations reduced the frequency and severity of seizures. How well the hemp works depends on the content of CBD and other cannabinoids. Hemp contains a total of over 80 active ingredients.

K-Tipp measured the content of CBD and three other typical cannabinoids in ten products. All the flowers were grown in Switzerland – not in the open field, but in a closed greenhouse. Many of the tested products are available at Coop, Denner or kiosks.

Result: The product “Green Lee”, purchased at K-Kiosk, contained the most active ingredients. The laboratory measured a total of 21 percent cannabinoids in the flowers. The products from Herba di Berna, Black Widow and Artur were just below this (17% each).

Some products only contained just under 10 percent active ingredients. The test winner “Green Lee” also contained a lot of other cannabinoids in addition to CBD. This is an advantage: studies have shown that a high CBD content alone does not automatically have a positive effect. In a 2015 study on mice, for example, Israeli researchers found that natural hemp extract with several ingredients helped better against inflammation than pure CBD.

Vaporize hemp instead of smoking it

According to the law, CBD hemp may contain a maximum of 1 percent THC. This is to guarantee that the products do not have an intoxicating effect, unlike illegal drug hemp. All products tested by K-Tipp complied with this value. Switzerland is much more generous than other European countries when it comes to the THC content in CBD flowers. In Austria and most EU countries, for example, a limit of just 0.3 percent applies to the active ingredient THC. This means that Swiss CBD hemp may be illegal abroad.

The tested CBD flowers can be smoked, infused as tea or eaten in the form of cookies. The best way to dose consumption is with a so-called vaporizer. In this device, the crushed flowers are not burned as in a joint, but only heated indirectly. The cannabinoids vaporize at temperatures of 150 to 210 degrees Celsius. Advantage: No harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, tar or nicotine are produced.

A Canadian study in 2021 showed that vaporizing hemp reduces the risk of respiratory diseases and exposure to pollutants compared to traditional smoking. Mobile vaporizers with rechargeable batteries are available from specialist retailers and online stores.

Pesticide residues in three products

For CBD consumers, it is important that hemp does not contain any pesticide residues. This is because toxins not only enter the body when we eat cookies or drink tea, but also through inhaled smoke. According to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Bern, around 60 percent of the pesticides contained in hemp are absorbed when smoking or vaping. In the K-Tipp test, three CBD products scored unsatisfactory because they contained pesticide residues: Floralpes, Sonnenfeld and Swiss Botanic.

The laboratory found between 4 and 24 milligrams of pesticide residues per kilogram. These come mainly from the anti-mite agent bifenazate and the insecticide spirotetramat. In animal experiments, bifenazate damaged the organs of mammals and led to allergic reactions. And according to the European Chemicals Database, spirotetramat is suspected of damaging fertility and causing allergies. The manufacturer of the contaminated Floralpes flowers vows to do better and says it has withdrawn the product from sale.

The Sonnenfeld manufacturer states that its hemp is a mixture of flowers from three suppliers. They had given assurances that they would not use pesticides. The manufacturer of “Hemp Post Lemon Haze Trim” confirms the low CBD content in its product. It contains small leaves and flower remnants that are by-products of the harvest. It therefore tastes less intense.

How the K-Tipp tested

K-Tipp sent ten CBD products containing hemp flowers to the Swiss laboratory CBD-Test, which specializes in cannabis products. The content of cannabidiol (CBD) and three other cannabinoids was measured there. The laboratory analyzed the active ingredients contained and at the same time searched for pesticide residues. A total of around 350 substances can be detected with the measurement technology.
Caution in road traffic

CBD hemp products are legal in Switzerland and are not considered a drug. The substance CBD does not cause intoxication. CBD hemp contains very little of the psychoactive substance THC. Nevertheless, it is possible that the permitted limit for THC of 1.5 micrograms per liter of blood is exceeded during a police check. If this is the case, the driver is considered unfit to drive and can lose their license.

Source: K-Tipp