{"id":69139,"date":"2025-09-18T11:41:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T10:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/?p=69139"},"modified":"2025-11-25T11:44:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T10:44:51","slug":"cannabis-legalization-switzerland-2025-herba-di-berna-takes-a-critical-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/cannabis-legalization-switzerland-2025-herba-di-berna-takes-a-critical-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"CBD for depression &#8211; research, opportunities &amp; risks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CBD for depression at a glance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CBD for depression is a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years. More and more people are looking for alternatives to traditional treatment methods, and cannabidiol (CBD) is the focus of attention. While some studies offer hope, the scientific situation remains unclear.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understanding depression &#8211; symptoms and prevalence in Switzerland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typical symptoms of depression<\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Depression is more than just a bad mood. It is a serious mental illness characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest and lack of energy. Common symptoms are  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleep disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feelings of guilt and hopelessness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How many people are affected in Switzerland?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Switzerland, around 5% of the population is affected, which corresponds to around 400,000 people. Statistically, women are affected slightly more often than men. Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or a combination. CBD is currently being discussed as a possible supplement.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-neuronale-plastizitaet-depression-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a hemp leaf in sunlight, symbolizing the natural effect of CBD against depression\" class=\"wp-image-69153\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.5625;object-fit:cover;width:292px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-neuronale-plastizitaet-depression-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-neuronale-plastizitaet-depression-1-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-neuronale-plastizitaet-depression-1-731x1024.jpg 731w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-neuronale-plastizitaet-depression-1-768x1075.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-neuronale-plastizitaet-depression-1-416x582.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>CBD and its effect on the body<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/why-cannabis-can-affect-our-endocannabinoid-system\/\">endocannabinoid system<\/a> and mood<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CBD interacts with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/the-discovery-of-the-endocannabinoid-system\/\">endocannabinoid system (ECS)<\/a>, which is responsible for mood, sleep, pain perception and stress regulation, among other things. Particularly relevant for research is the possible influence on the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which play a central role in emotions and well-being.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why CBD is being studied for depression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people are looking for natural supplements, as traditional medications can have side effects such as fatigue, weight gain or loss of libido. Initial studies suggest that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/cbd-for-anxiety-find-more-inner-peace-naturally\/\">CBD could have a stress and anxiety-reducing effect<\/a> &#8211; factors that are closely linked to depression. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/cbd-cannabis-endocannabinoid-system-gehirn-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"Puzzle motif with grey gaps and green hemp puzzle pieces symbolizing hope and relief from depression\" class=\"wp-image-69158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-cannabis-endocannabinoid-system-gehirn-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-cannabis-endocannabinoid-system-gehirn-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-cannabis-endocannabinoid-system-gehirn-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-cannabis-endocannabinoid-system-gehirn-416x260.jpg 416w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-cannabis-endocannabinoid-system-gehirn.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Current state of research on CBD for depression<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research is still in its infancy:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Animal studies indicate antidepressant effects<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0891061818302114?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">(sciencedirect.com<\/a> July 2019)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small clinical studies in humans show potential for anxiety disorders<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26341731\/\">(pubmed<\/a> October 2015)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neuroscientific findings suggest that CBD could promote neuronal plasticity<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5441138\/\">(PMC<\/a> May 2017).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 Conclusion: Existing scientific knowledge gives us hope that CBD can alleviate symptoms of depression. However, large-scale studies or long-term research are still lacking. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Opportunities and risks of CBD for depression<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/CBD-bei-Depressionen.jpg\" alt=\"Abstract molecule transforms into a hemp plant, symbolizing the interface between nature and science\" class=\"wp-image-69166\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:343px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/CBD-bei-Depressionen.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/CBD-bei-Depressionen-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/CBD-bei-Depressionen-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/CBD-bei-Depressionen-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/CBD-bei-Depressionen-416x260.jpg 416w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Possible opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Natural &amp; not intoxicating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could have a mood-stabilizing effect<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good tolerability for most users<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Various dosage forms<a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/cbd-oil\/\">(oil<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/cbd-flowers\/\">flowers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/cbd-care-products\/\">cosmetics<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/vaporizers\/\">, vape<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/cbd-hash\/\">, CBD hash<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Possible risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Placebo effects cannot be ruled out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No approval as a medicine for depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possible interactions with antidepressants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal situation of CBD in Switzerland and worldwide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Switzerland, CBD products are legal as long as the THC content is below 1 %<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bag.admin.ch\/de\/geltende-rechtslage-von-hanf-und-cannabisprodukten?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">(BAG, 2025<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stricter limits apply in the EU, usually between 0.2 and 0.3% depending on the country.<br\/>In the United States, CBD is permitted at the federal level if it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC &#8211; but the details vary by state.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.euda.europa.eu\/news\/2018\/low-thc-cannabis-products-being-sold-in-the-EU%E2%80%93key-legal-issues_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">(FDA, 2024<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Herba di Berna &#8211; our approach to transparency and quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>Herba di Berna<\/strong> we attach particular importance to:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Living Soil cultivation<\/strong> instead of artificial fertilizers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laboratory analyses<\/strong> for each batch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regional Swiss quality<\/strong> with short supply chains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustainable production<\/strong> with ecological standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not see CBD as a &#8220;miracle cure&#8221;, but as an honest supplement for conscious consumers.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-691380\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>CBD bei Depressionen FAQ\u2753\u2795 <\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-691380\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h3 id=\"at-691381\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Hilft CBD gegen Depressionen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div id=\"ac-691381\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CBD is not approved as a medicinal product. Although initial studies indicate potential, there is a lack of clear evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h3 id=\"at-691382\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Warum interessiert sich die Forschung f\u00fcr CBD bei Depressionen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div id=\"ac-691382\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because CBD interacts with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/blog\/why-cannabis-can-affect-our-endocannabinoid-system\/\">endocannabinoid system<\/a>, which influences mood, stress and sleep. Studies indicate a possible effect, but this has not yet been clearly confirmed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h3 id=\"at-691383\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Gibt es Risiken, CBD bei Depressionen einzunehmen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div id=\"ac-691383\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, especially because of possible interactions with medication. <strong>For this reason<\/strong>, medical advice should always be sought before using CBD as a supplement.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h3 id=\"at-691384\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Kann CBD Depressionen heilen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div id=\"ac-691384\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. There is no official approval or confirmed clinical evidence for it. Research results are only preliminary so far.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h3 id=\"at-691385\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Welche Rolle spielt Serotonin in diesem Zusammenhang?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div id=\"ac-691385\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CBD could influence the serotonin system via interaction with the <strong>5-HT1A receptors<\/strong> &#8211; similar to some antidepressants, but without the same evidence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h3 id=\"at-691386\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong><strong>Warum ist die Studienlage noch unsicher?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><div id=\"ac-691386\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As most studies have so far been based on small numbers of cases or animal models. Large, long-term clinical studies are needed to draw clear conclusions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>  Sources and further information (H2)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Federal Statistical Office (FSO) &#8211; Mental health in Switzerland<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bfs.admin.ch\/bfs\/de\/home\/statistiken\/gesundheit\/gesundheitszustand\/psychische.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"> Source <\/a> <br\/><strong>WHO (2021): Depression Fact Sheet<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/depression\"> Source<\/a><br\/><strong>WHO (2018): Cannabidiol Critical Review Report<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/medicines\/access\/controlled-substances\/5.2_CBD.pdf\">Source<\/a><br\/><strong>Zuardi AW et al (2019): Cannabidiol and depression (PubMed) <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30617020\/\">  Source<\/a><br\/><strong>Blessing EM et al (2015): Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders (PubMed) <\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26341731\/\">Source<\/a><br\/><strong>Campos AC et al (2013): Cannabidiol, Serotonin and Antidepressant Effects (PubMed) <\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23108553\/\">Source<\/a><br\/><strong>Sales AJ et al (2019): Cannabidiol promotes neuroplasticity (PubMed) <\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31308632\/\">Source<\/a><br\/><strong>Huestis MA et al (2019): Cannabidiol Pharmacology and Interactions (PubMed) <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31125085\/\">  Source<\/a><br\/><strong>City of Zurich &#8211; Cannabis pilot project<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stadt-zuerich.ch\/cannabis\"> Source<\/a><br\/><strong>FDA (2024): FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/public-health-focus\/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process\"> Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CBD for depression at a glance CBD for depression is a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years. More and more people are looking for alternatives to traditional treatment methods, and cannabidiol (CBD) is the focus of attention. While some studies offer hope, the scientific situation remains unclear. Understanding depression &#8211; symptoms and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1147,"featured_media":69175,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[600,555,556,198],"tags":[1406],"class_list":["post-69139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-background","category-consumer-protection","category-knowledge","category-news-en","tag-cbd-oil-or-cbd-flowers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1147"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69139"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72343,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69139\/revisions\/72343"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbadiberna.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}