FAQ

Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), are a group of compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant that can act as neurotransmitters for the endocannabinoid system (ECS). All plant cannabinoids are derivatives of isoprene units and animal or endocannabinoids are derivatives of diacylglycerol (DAG), which is also responsible for most fatty acids that make up our cell membranes.

Terpenes are to the most extent made up of isoprene building blocks. Monoterpenes, which we know as essential oils such as menthol, are composed of two isoprene units. Diterpenes such as cannabinoids or vitamin A are made up of four isoprene units.

Cannabinoids and terpenes are involved in regulating our metabolism.

CBD is one of over 100 naturally occurring and one of the most common cannabinoids. CBD and (Tetrahydrocannabinol) THC can both be found in hemp and marijuana. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana, seconded by CBD. CBD is the dominant cannabinoid in hemp while THC is present in trace amounts. CBD does not possess psychoactive effects and it does not make people high. It provides benefits such as relaxation without causing intoxication. CBD derived from hemp is legal in some European countries.

CBD has been shown to have potential as an alternative medicine for a number of health-related conditions, including anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, chronic pain, schizophrenia, depression, antibiotic-resistant infections, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. CBD has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective and neurogenic properties. CBD exhibits anti-cancer activity which is currently being examined at several academic research centers in the USA and other places.

Phytocannabinoids, or exogenous cannabinoids, are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are well-known phytocannabinoids which interact unambiguously with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Cannabinoids play a key role in intercellular communication process in the body, and phytocannabinoids can complement endocannabinoids. Thus, those compounds  can provide many therapeutic benefits.

Receptors are usually membrane-bound proteins, which can interact with ligands and induce response from a cell. CB1 and CB2 are two known cannabinoid receptors located on cells throughout the body. CB1 plays a role in controlling neurotransmission and a range of peripheral functions, whereas CB2 is involved in regulating immune and inflammatory pathways.

A cannabis strain can be pure or a hybrid (i.e. a combination of the two of the three species). Three types of cannabis species (C.indica, C.sativa, and C. and C.ruderalis) are commonly referred to. Those are characterized by various plant shapes, structures, and features.

Sativas can produce feelings of euphoria and increase energy levels when consumed in small amounts. Indicas can possess sedating effects and specific indicas can also help with sleep problems. Ruderalis contain lower THC but have higher levels of CBD, meaning that ruderalis is not psychotropic and does not have the same effect as indicas and sativas (i.e. ruderalis produce lower yield). Due to the high level of CBD, ruderalis is beneficial for medicinal purposes and popular among growers for creating hybrids.

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze reactions, including small chemical changes to molecules and digestion of proteins. These catalytical reactions can be the synthesis of a compound or degradation into metabolites. For example, ATPases are a group of enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; energy-carrying molecule) into adenosine diphosphate (ADP; the lower energy molecule from ATP) whereas cellulose synthase is an enzyme which facilitates the development of cellulose from glucose molecules.

Metabolites are products (i.e. compounds formed through breakdown of another compounds) caused by the degradation of a compound within a cell or the body. Two types of metabolites exist: primary and secondary. Primary metabolites play a role in growth, development, and reproduction whereas secondary metabolites are not directly involved in these processes. Secondary metabolites are involved in ecological function, including defense mechanisms. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are primary metabolite examples, whereas antibiotics and atropine (i.e. drug for treating certain types of nerve agents, slow heart rate, etc.) are secondary metabolite examples.

When people first start research on CBD, it is natural to have doubts about how one compound could have so many benefits on health-related conditions. To understand the effect of CBD, it is important to understand the principal of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS, discovered in the early 1990s, is found in all mammals. The ECS is a complex system made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. ECS possesses multiple functions and some characterize the ECS being the most important neurotransmitter system in the body. It plays a crucial role in a number of processes such as mood, memory, motor control, immune function, pain perception, appetite, sleep, bone development, among others.

The ECS generally acts to maintain biochemical balance in the body by regulating several of the most pivotal mechanisms in our body. The ECS is primarily involved in immune balance, homeostatic regulation, stress recovery, and neuroprotection. Homeostasis is the ability to create and keep the body´s optimum energy balance.

A large number of therapeutic effects are produced when CBD enters into this balancing system. CBD plays a role in “communicating” with our cells in the body as endocannabinoids produced naturally by the body has a similar constitution to CBD. Cannabinoid means its ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors and endo indicates inside, meaning in our body. On the other hand, phytocannabinoids are referred to as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

Our body, as in other mammals, naturally produce cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoids. CB1 and CB2 are two cannabinoid receptors that are found through the entire body such as in the brain, every organ every cell, and even- at the sub-cellular level. These receptors can bind endocannabinoids and cause an effect depending on where the receptor is located. For instance, CB1 receptors bind endocannabinoids in a spinal nerve to relieve pain, while in inflammation, endocannabinoids bind to CB2 receptors in immune cells.

Addition of natural and plant-based cannabinoids to our diet can improve the functions of the ECS and enhance the body’s ability to self-heal.

Cannabinoid receptor activation occurs when different cannabinoids activate cannabinoid receptors at different blood concentration levels. Activation takes place after the minimum cannabinoid blood concentration level for activation is achieved. A variety of different receptors exist which are important to different body functions.

In principle, synthesis of exact copies of natural cannabinoids can be done, meaning that synthetic cannabinoids can be similar or even identical to natural cannabinoids. However, in practice, the safety profile of synthetic cannabinoids might be different to natural cannabinoids, meaning that some adverse effects could possibly be related to the usage of synthetic cannabinoids. Natural cannabinoids are known to have a high safety profile and have been used by humans for more than 6000 years.

Synthetic cannabinoids are usually not supplemented with other cannabinoids and terpenes compared to natural cannabinoids. Natural cannabinoids can interact with more than one receptor and exhibit more than one activity which can be beneficial in normal physiology. In contrast, synthetic cannabinoids that are specific for the receptor of interest and do not interact with any other receptor can be useful in research. Another difference is that natural cannabinoids have a moderate affinity for their receptor whereas synthetic cannabinoids are often produced to have a high affinity.

There are several ways of how cannabinoids or cannabis can be used. It includes ingestion, injection, or application through the skin or mucous membranes (e.g. nose, tongue, cheek, rectum).

The first pass effect can affect the bioavailability of cannabinoids upon ingestion (i.e., taken through the mouth). The oral bioavailability of CBD varies between 6-19% while topical CBD has a bioavailability of about 45%. Injected cannabinoids have a bioavailability of 100%.

Our CANNASEN® gels contain CBD which is a phytocannabinoid. As we use isolated CBD, other constituents of the cannabis plant will only be present in very low amounts if any.

Yes, CannaSen gels are vegetarian friendly – no animal products are used in the ingredients. CANNASEN® gels do not use animal testing either. The gels are intended to use as a topical treatment on the skin surface and not for people’s consumption.

We do not use any products derived from animals. CANNASEN® gels as vegan, however, have not been submitted for any certification to this end. The gels are intended to use as a topical treatment on the skin surface and not for people’s consumption.

CANNASEN® does not use animal testing.

No.

Yes, pilot studies, preclinical studies, and clinical trials have been conducted on CANNASEN® gels. The clinical trials for the gels are still ongoing due to Corona pandemic (i.e. COVID-19).

Cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, and skin irritation tests have been performed on treatment products.

Oral pain relief products can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. However, there is an increasing number of people who choose topical products such as gels over oral products due to several reasons:

1. They are non-addictive and function to relieve pain at the specific place where the gel was applied

2. They possess minimal levels of systemic absorption. It means that there is a lower risk for overdose or drug interaction

3. Prescription is not needed.

CannaSen gels are not recommended for children under the age of 14. It is advised that parents consult a doctor before the gels are used for children.

CANNASEN® gels can be used on all skin types, however, our recommendation is to apply on a small area first.

Yes. CBD is a 100% naturally occurring chemical compound that is present in the Cannabis plant. It does not involve synthetical production, rather is isolated from the plant.

We are not aware of any reports that CANNASEN® gels can cause an allergic reaction. However, they are possible in a minority of people.

No, a prescription from a doctor is not required. CANNASEN® gels have been allowed for sale in the Nordic countries.

Yes, but we recommend using our CannaSen supplements to optimize the overall effect of the treatment.

CBD is not legal in supplements. Oral CBD needs to be prescribed by a doctor.

Though side effects are not expected, there is a low risk to experience mild side effects.

CANNASEN® gel is a topical product, however, it is advised to consult a doctor before using CANNASEN® gels together with other medications.

There is no evidence against gel use during pregnancy or lactation. However, you should consult your doctor before using the product.

No, CannaSen gels are not intended to replace a prescription medicine. Conclusive scientific evidence is not available that the gel is an effective replacement for prescribed medications.

No, you should never use a heating pad while using CANNASEN® gels. Our products function by inducing a cooling effect, not heat. The use of a heating pad in combination with CANNASEN® gels may trigger serious injury. You may not be able to tell how hot the heating pad is on the inflamed skin area, even possibly causing yourself to experience severe blistering.

It is safe to use CannaSen gels in people who have diabetes. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before using our products.

No, you should not apply the gels on an open wound or damaged skin.

No, you should not use CANNASEN® gels if you have burns. Please refer to the label for proper usage indication.

No, you should not use CANNASEN® gels if you have insect bites. Please refer to the label for proper usage indication.

No, our products are not used against headaches.

No, you should not use CANNASEN® gels for these purposes. Please refer to the label for proper usage indication

No, you should not wrap or bandage the area where CANNASEN® gel is being applied.

There are no harsh chemicals or ingredients in our products. CANNASEN® gels have been through various skin safety studies and have been proved to be mild.

No.

No.

Rinse your eye with cool (not cold) water or take a cool shower with the shower water hitting your forehead and running down through your eyes. Do this for 15 minutes. If the problem persists, see a doctor and be sure to take your CANNASEN® gel with you.

Take a cool to a lukewarm bath. Relax for at least 20 minutes. If rash persists, contact your doctor.

CBD can legally be used in cosmetics including gels and sold in the EU. “However, it shall be prohibited from use in cosmetic products (II/306), if it is prepared as an extract or tincture or resin of cannabis in accordance with the Single Convention.” (European Commission, 2020). Our products are not prepared as an extract, tincture, or resin of cannabis, therefore is totally safe to use CannaSen gels.

You can buy CANNASEN® in selected stores. Please find the store closest to our store-locator or visit our webshop

You can order CannaSen online in our webshop, currently only available in the Nordic Countries.

CANNASEN® CBD Arthritis gel is a medical device. Efficacy and safety have been tested according to the European Directive on Medical Devices (93/42 / EEC).

Arthritis gel is a preparation with an alcohol/water mixture that can reduce the painful conditions that occur in arthritis and cause a conductive cooling effect.

The medical device is intended for patients with arthritis and applied where you have hot and swollen joints.

When the gel is applied to the skin, the alcohol evaporates, causing a faster conductive cooling effect on the treated skin surface. Also, patients should feel relief in their hot and swollen joints.

Depending on the requirements, it can be used several times a day from the tube, applied, and massaged to the relevant body area. Recommendation of dosage: apply 0,25 g size of a pea to hand, wrists or elbows, apply 0,5 g size of 2 peas to foot, ankle or knee – up to 200 treatments.

Yes. Place your fingers on the star cap, turn it, and open without using force. The alternative method is to take the star cap in your palm and turning it using your entire hand.

Conventional medicine such as Emthexate (active ingredient: Methotrexate) used for patients with arthritis. Emthexate has severe side effects, including skin rash, abdominal pain, among others whereas CannaSen arthritis gel has a low risk for experiencing mild side effects. Emthexate requires a prescription from a medical doctor but our gels can be bought without any prescription and are considered safe to use. Emthexate is classified as a primary treatment for people with arthritis whereas CannaSen gel is an adjunctive treatment, meaning that it can be used together with primary treatment.

CANNASEN® CBD Psoriasis Gel is a medical device and its efficacy and safety have been tested according to the European Directive on Medical Devices (93/42/EEC).

CANNASEN® CBD Psoriasis Gel is a gel preparation with Dead Sea salt which can relieve pain and support the external treatment of psoriasis. It also promotes the desquamation process and a reduction of dandruff and dryness-related redness.

The medical device is intended for patients with psoriasis and applied where you have an outbreak of psoriasis.

When the gel is applied to the skin, osmotic and humectant effects (moisture retention effect) are produced. In this case, water is absorbed and retained in the gel by a hypertonic saline solution. This is supported by a physical conductive cooling effect from the ethanol. In addition, ingredients found in this gel can improve skin hydration and thus counteract new dandruff. Also, the itchiness will be reduced.

Depending on the requirements, a corresponding amount can be taken several times a day from the tube, applied, and massaged to the relevant body area. The gel must be washed off the surface of the skin within a maximum of one hour.

Place your fingers on the cap and pull it off.

Conventional medicine such as Emthexate (active ingredient: Methotrexate) used for patients with psoriasis. Emthexate has severe side effects, including skin rash, abdominal pain, among others whereas CannaSen psoriasis gel has a low risk for experiencing mild side effects. Emthexate requires a prescription from a medical doctor but our gels can be bought without any prescription and are considered safe to use. Emthexate is classified as a primary treatment for people with psoriasis whereas CannaSen gel is an adjunctive treatment, meaning that it can be used together with primary treatment.