We find out more about CBD, a naturally occurring substance from the hemp plant that people are increasingly turning to for health benefits – plus, a reader’s experience and details of an exclusive offer!
About CBD
While cannabidiol, or CBD, is becoming more mainstream in North America and Europe, it’s still relatively new in Hong Kong. According to the team from CBD provider SWISS FX, it’s been available here since around 2019, but really only started to gain traction in 2020. But they’re expecting it to kick off in a big way. Why? In short, because studies have shown that it can have a wide range of positive effects on the human body, including in areas of pain and recovery, anxiety and stress, and sleeplessness. It’s also thought to reduce skin blemishes and have anti-ageing properties when used on the skin.
SWISS FX was launched by three childhood friends from Switzerland who had been using CBD products for many years but not yet found a product on the market that met their requirements in terms of quality, taste and authenticity. We asked them to address the two most common concerns raised by people in Hong Kong who might be exploring CBD as an option.
#1 It’s legal.
“THC and CBN are the two compounds in cannabis plants that can have psychoactive effects. Both are illegal in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, you need instead to choose CBD isolate products, such as those offered by SWISS FX. These are products that filter out all other substances, apart from CBD itself, and they are legal in Hong Kong.”
#2 It doesn’t get you high.
“CBD has long been known as being nonpsychoactive, unlike THC and CBN. Our products are completely free of these two compounds, so you won’t feel any high.”
A word from a reader
An Expat Living reader tells us about her first experience trying CBD oil from SWISS FX.
What form was it in?
It came as oil in a bottle, with a dropper for dispensing.
When did you take it, and how much did you take?
The first time, I took it at around 10.30 at night, which was probably a bit too late. I took a normal dose as per the pack instructions – it’s a few drops.
Did you notice any benefits?
My primary reason for taking CBD was to help with my sleeping. Normally, I would be awake in the night for several hours, and I wanted to try to change that. Taking CBD definitely changed my sleep pattern; while I might still wake up for a time, I could get back to sleep much quicker – within five minutes.
Any tips you can share for others?
If you’re using CBD to try to improve your sleeping habits, like me, make sure you take it early enough in the evening so you can “sleep it off”. The first morning after, I needed to go back to sleep for 30 minutes or so before getting started with my day. Now, I take it at 9.30pm, which works well; I generally get around eight hours sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
I also find that if I take it for two consecutive nights, then I don’t really “need” it for a few nights after that.
– Belinda E
CBD oils from SWISS FX are available to shop on the website, and come in a range of different strengths – from 5 percent CBD up to 30 percent. The team has also developed an exclusive line for cats and dogs in Hong Kong. The dedicated pet products, which have just come onto the market, contain sustainably-sourced salmon oil along with a CBD component, and can be dropped onto your fur-kid’s meal.
Exclusive offer
Quote ‘EL2021’ at check out for 15% off. Find out more at swissfx.hk.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2021 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
