Sweden’s Perspective on Cannabis and Its Derivatives

What does Sweden think about cannabis and its derivatives? Swedish journalist Lane Salazar tries CBD for himself and shares the current state of cannabis in Sweden and around the world.

Lane Salazar, a salesperson at Come Back Daily—a shop just a few blocks from SoHo’s largest shopping district in Manhattan—drops a few milliliters of brownish-yellow, slightly viscous oil into my mouth. It tastes bitter and a bit like lemon peel.

“Hold it under your tongue for at least 20 seconds. I usually try to keep it there for a minute,” he instructs me.

The store’s name, Come Back Daily, is an acronym for the substance found in all their products: CBD, or cannabidiol, a compound extracted from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Recently, CBD has gained a reputation as a miracle cure. Suffering from stress, anxiety, or chronic pain? PTSD, ADHD, or autism? Trouble concentrating, inflammation, or sleep issues? Many advocates claim CBD is the answer.

“I take CBD to relax and relieve stress. It also helps me focus, since I tend to be a bit scatterbrained,” says Kera Streat, one of the customers browsing the attractive boxes on Come Back Daily’s glass shelves.

“Right now, I’m trying to convince my mom, who has osteoarthritis, to try CBD, but she’s afraid she’ll lose her memory or start acting silly.”

This fear is understandable. Most people associate “cannabis” with illegal drugs like hashish and marijuana. But the products sold at Come Back Daily don’t cause intoxication—they’re said to affect the body differently. There are many varieties of hemp, both natural and selectively bred. The plant contains over a hundred active compounds called cannabinoids. The most famous is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes intoxication. Some strains have high THC, others have little or none, but are rich in CBD, which has calming effects.

Cannabis with high THC is often called marijuana, while low-THC varieties are known as industrial hemp. In the US, legal industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.3% THC; in the EU, the limit is 0.2%.

“I used to take sleeping pills, which left me groggy the next day. CBD doesn’t do that—I actually feel more alert,” says Charles Jebara, pulling out his credit card to pay $40 for an oral spray that, according to the Come Back Daily staff, will help him sleep well.

Online, you can find thousands of testimonials from people who say CBD helped them with various ailments. Scientists are also dedicating more research to CBD.

“CBD is incredibly interesting from a scientific perspective. It’s non-intoxicating and, compared to other medications, has almost no side effects,” says Amir Englund, a cannabis expert at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London. He adds that one proven side effect is that even small amounts (about 50 mg per day) can affect the body’s ability to metabolize other medications.

Englund has studied CBD’s anti-anxiety properties and its ability to ease symptoms of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Meanwhile, THC is believed to increase the risk of psychosis, at least in high doses.

Other researchers have looked at CBD’s pain-relieving effects and its impact on Parkinson’s disease. There’s also speculation it could help treat opioid addiction. However, science still knows very little about CBD’s full potential. “We need more clinical studies before we can say anything definitive,” is the most common answer. Many existing studies have only reached animal testing stages.

Humans have cultivated cannabis for thousands of years, using it as both a drug and a medicinal plant in various cultures. Despite this, research is strictly limited by law in many countries. In the US, cannabis has been classified as a “Schedule I drug” for 50 years—meaning it’s considered highly addictive and without medical value. This classification makes research difficult, requiring special permits and making funding hard to obtain. Ironically, drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl (Schedule II) are easier to study.

In June 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication for childhood epilepsy, produced by GW Pharmaceuticals. Epidiolex is now under review by the European Medicines Agency and may soon be approved in the EU. In Sweden, it can already be prescribed if a doctor has the appropriate license.

One of the most successful US CBD companies is Charlotte’s Web, founded by seven brothers from Colorado. It’s named after Charlotte Figi, a six-year-old girl who overcame severe epilepsy with their CBD oil. Her story became widely known in 2013 after CNN’s documentary “Weed,” which drew attention to CBD, especially among parents of children with epilepsy.

However, there’s a big difference between Epidiolex and products sold by Charlotte’s Web or Come Back Daily. Epidiolex has undergone extensive clinical trials, including placebo comparisons and side effect studies. Only products that pass such trials can be marketed as treatments for diseases. Charlotte’s Web does not have this right and has received warnings from the FDA for making unproven claims.

In recent years, the unregulated CBD market has grown not only in the US but also in Sweden. Enthusiasts now recommend cannabinoid products for almost everything, sometimes even claiming CBD cures cancer. Opinions are highly emotional and often contradictory, especially in online forums. Many users distrust pharmaceuticals and see cannabis as a natural alternative that could challenge big pharma. They don’t see the need for CBD to become a registered medicine—they just want to keep using their oils and products, which they believe help them.

Amir Englund, however, warns that we can’t be sure these products contain what’s promised. “The FDA analyzed many such products and found that many contain either too much or too little CBD compared to the label. Some have no CBD at all, while others have too much THC, which is hard to remove during processing.”

Selling and Using CBD in Sweden

CBD oil has been available in Sweden for several years, mainly online. Ten milliliters cost from 500 to 1,800 SEK (about $50–$180), depending on concentration, with 500–2,000 mg of CBD per bottle. Capsules cost 300–700 SEK ($30–$70). Compared to the US, CBD was almost unknown in Sweden, but this spring, celebrities like Isabella Löwengrip, Carolina Gynning, Ida Warg, and Calle Schulman began promoting CBD products—even though sales are banned. However, using and buying them is allowed as long as they contain no THC, which would classify them as narcotics.

CBD falls under Sweden’s medicines and food laws. The Supreme Court is currently deciding whether CBD oil from legal industrial hemp can be classified as a narcotic if it contains trace THC. In February, state prosecutor Petra Lundh welcomed the Supreme Court’s involvement, saying, “We’re very pleased, because different courts have issued different rulings. This needs to be clarified.”

The Swedish Medical Products Agency decided that CBD can only be sold as part of a registered medicine. Sellers argue their products are food supplements, not medicines, but the agency says their own marketing—claiming health benefits—puts them in the medicine category. “If you say a product treats diseases, you must register it as a medicine first. This ensures there’s evidence it actually works,” says Martin Burman, an investigator at the agency. “Independent authorities must evaluate the research. Does it really help with osteoarthritis? With pain?”

Eight Swedish companies have been banned from selling CBD; six have appealed to the Administrative Court. Some continue to sell, risking heavy fines. Some online stores selling CBD in Sweden are based abroad, allowing them to bypass Swedish law. Despite the sales ban, shutting down these websites is difficult.

When I emailed one online store asking which CBD oil to buy for migraines, they replied, “Current laws unfortunately prohibit us from making such recommendations. We also can’t say our products help with any ailments.” They suggested starting with the weakest “Beginner” oil and returning for more after the first bottle. The seller added that research shows CBD dilates blood vessels.

Another company, in a newsletter, announced a temporary halt in sales due to a major police operation in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where the company is based. “Due to the unclear legal situation regarding narcotics and CBD products, the courts must decide whether CBD is legal or not,” the letter stated. A week later, the store reopened, but others have not resumed sales.

CBD in the US: A Booming Market

In the US, the situation is different. Come Back Daily in Manhattan is just one sign of CBD’s recent popularity. CBD now appears in many forms: grocery stores sell lemonade and other drinks, candies, and e-cigarettes with CBD. For a few extra dollars, a barista can add CBD to your latte, and cocktail bars mix it with trendy spirits like mezcal. Martha Stewart has signed a deal with a Canadian cannabis producer to make CBD products for pets. Last fall, Coca-Cola announced it was watching the market and considering adding CBD to its drinks.

At The James, a four-star hotel in Manhattan, guests could order hot and cold dishes with CBD oil in their rooms starting in May 2018. “The media loved it, and so did guests. Many would have a few drinks at the bar, then go up to their rooms to relax and order from the CBD menu. It was a real hit—even people from outside New York came to ‘relax’ for a night or two,” says marketing director James La Russo. The hotel also offers CBD-infused cosmetics, bottled water, granola, nuts, and dog treats. “Two guests told us their dogs usually get anxious in new hotel rooms, but our dog treats calmed them down and helped them sleep,” La Russo adds.

According to analytics firm Cowen, US CBD product sales reached $600 million last year and are projected to hit $16 billion by 2025. Seven percent of American adults—almost 18 million people—have tried CBD in some form. One reason for these forecasts is the new Farm Bill, signed by Donald Trump in December 2018, which legalized industrial hemp (cannabis with very low THC) nationwide. In the EU, industrial hemp is also legal, but Swedish farmers must apply for government funding first.

The new Farm Bill, however, created an unexpected problem. The FDA announced that despite hemp’s legal status, it does not recognize CBD as a permissible food additive. As a result, health authorities in many cities, including New York, sent out warning letters about upcoming inspections. By the time we visited The James, the hotel had stopped offering a CBD menu, though they still sold prepackaged CBD products. “We don’t want to take risks, and honestly, we’re still trying to clarify the situation. Prepackaged foods and cosmetics seem to be fine,” says La Russo.

Fat Cat Kitchen, a small café in the East Village, was one of the places inspected by health authorities. In February, all their CBD baked goods were embargoed and confiscated. But a few weeks later, brownies and cookies with CBD were back on the counter. “A couple of weeks after the inspection, they called and said we could keep selling,” says co-owner C J Holm. The ban remains, but authorities are giving businesses until the end of summer to adapt, with fines starting in the fall. For now, sales continue as usual.

Both local and federal US politicians are pressuring the FDA to find a way to allow CBD products to “develop.” Supporters exist in both parties, especially from regions suited for hemp farming, like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The FDA has formed a working group and scheduled hearings, but outgoing commissioner Scott Gottlieb warned that without congressional action, rulemaking could take years. In Sweden, there’s no similar political campaign, but in February, Sweden Democrat Markus Wiechel questioned the need for a CBD sales ban in a letter to the agriculture minister.

At Fat Cat Kitchen, Alice Liguori picks a small brownie from the CBD selection. “Everyone’s talking about CBD now. I take it because I suffer from chronic pain. I can’t get prescription painkillers anymore, and over-the-counter ones don’t help. When you’re in pain, you’ll try anything.”

Signs next to the baked goods list CBD content: a small brownie—10 mg, crispy rice brownie—15 mg, cookie—25 mg. You can also add CBD-infused honey to your coffee, choosing between 15, 30, or 45 mg doses. “I called every distributor to learn about the process, benefits, and dosages. It seems many sellers don’t really know what dose they’re giving customers. We know exactly what we’re offering,” says Holm.

Expert Amir Englund explains that these doses are tiny compared to those used in scientific studies. “Research shows that for epilepsy, effective doses are 10–20 mg per kilogram of body weight per day—up to 1,400 mg for a 70 kg person. For psychosis, 800–1,000 mg per day; for anxiety, 300–600 mg. We also know CBD is poorly absorbed, so you need a lot, especially if taken orally.”

Why Is CBD So Popular?

There are many reasons for CBD’s popularity. As stress-related illnesses rise, so does interest in alternative treatments. Some hope for a “miracle cure,” while others feel traditional medicine hasn’t helped their chronic conditions. Many new CBD companies skillfully use marketing and aesthetics to promote their products as fresh and healthy. For some, using these products is a more socially acceptable way to “try drugs.”

This year, Barneys launched The High End—a luxury CBD lifestyle concept, including creams, serums, bath salts, and lip glosses. CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for skin. I tried a few samples of a “fast-acting serum” from a local shop; it also contained polyphenols, caffeine, herbs, and tamanu oil, with a scent reminiscent of crème brûlée and coffee. After a few days, I didn’t notice any promised rejuvenating effect.

This spring, Sephora and pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens also added CBD products to their offerings. In Sweden, selling CBD cosmetics is banned. “EU cosmetics regulations specifically restrict cannabis,” says Martin Burman of the Medical Products Agency.

For my research, I tried a “CBD Golden Milk Latte” at a Brooklyn café. The drink was thick, yellow, and tasted of turmeric and cinnamon, with a slight herbal aftertaste. “It’s a bit like Persian soup. Imagine it with chicken—my dad would love it,” joked my half-Iranian friend. Afterward, my shoulders felt a bit more relaxed, and my perception softened, as if my head was wrapped in something. Some say it “smooths out the rough edges.” “Do I look relaxed?” I asked. “Yes, you do,” my friend replied.

Days later, I drank a peach-ginger CBD juice in a taxi to the airport. Did it have a calming effect? Even though I was running late, I didn’t feel especially nervous. When I had to pay an extra $100 for excess baggage, I took it calmly. But before security, my pulse quickened as I worried the CBD cookie in my bag might cause trouble. So I quickly ate it and slept through the flight.

The Expanding Cannabis Market

CBD sales are just part of the rapidly growing North American cannabis market. Last fall, Canada became the second country (after Uruguay) to fully legalize cannabis, and US states are moving in the same direction. Money is pouring into the industry. Beverage giant Constellation Brands (maker of Corona beer) invested $4 billion in Canopy Growth, the largest cannabis company. Even Sweden’s Sjunde AP pension fund invested in this Canadian firm.

“When we talk about CBD, we can’t ignore the political context—the gradual normalization of cannabis,” says Erik Leijonmarck, secretary general of European Cities Against Drugs. “CBD is being used to overcome public resistance to cannabis, as we’ve seen in the US.”

Companies interested in cannabis used to struggle to open bank accounts, but now billion-dollar firms like Tilray, Aurora, and MedMen are stock market favorites. Meanwhile, in 2017, about 660,000 people were arrested in the US for cannabis-related offenses. Many served long prison sentences for possessing small amounts, while others lost jobs or housing.

“People like Martha Stewart are making money from cannabis, while those convicted for it can’t even work in the industry,” says Danniel Swatosh, co-founder of Humble Bloom, a cannabis branding and events consultancy. She’s concerned about the rapid, unregulated growth of CBD products. “There are no rules—I could buy CBD from China on Amazon or Alibaba, slap on my own label, and sell it.”

She also criticizes the FDA’s past oversight of substances, blaming it in part for the US opioid crisis, which began when doctors overprescribed powerful painkillers. The FDA recently approved a ketamine-based nasal spray, which is also used as a party drug. Swatosh believes consumers should research products and brands themselves.

Should Consumers Be Responsible?

“Yes, I think so. You should try different dosages and brands to see what works best for you. Ask for lab results for each batch. Plants vary, and different batches may have different THC content,” Swatosh advises. She urges people to use common sense: “If you want to pay even more for a $20 drink just for a few drops of CBD, go ahead. But you won’t feel any effect unless you take it regularly. If you try it once or twice, you probably won’t notice anything.”

CBD Medications

In May last year, the US approved Epidiolex for two rare forms of childhood epilepsy, with sales starting in December. In its first three months, sales reached $33.5 million. The EU is now considering its approval. In Sweden, Epidiolex (CBD), Marinol (synthetic THC), and Bediol (CBD + THC) can be prescribed with a license, but not all applications are approved. The only fully approved cannabis-based medicine in Sweden is Sativex (CBD + THC), an oral spray for spasticity and cramps in multiple sclerosis and other conditions.

After weeks of trying various CBD products, I sometimes felt some effect—though not from the industrial hemp salad with ginger-cashew-CBD dressing at Fresh & Co, which just gave me a mild stomachache. The golden disposable vape with “tropical breeze” flavor did nothing, and a ten-minute CBD oil massage was relaxing, but no more than a regular one. However, the oil I bought at Come Back Daily seemed quite calming. It contained a “full spectrum” of plant compounds, including a tiny dose of THC. Some say using the whole plant is more effective, but according to Amir Englund, there’s no evidence for this—nor against it; the question just hasn’t been studied enough.

He told me about a pain study where participants inhaled two types of cannabis. In the group receiving both THC and CBD, 80% felt 30% better. In the THC-only group, 60% felt the same improvement. “But in the group that got cannabis with neither THC nor CBD, six out of ten also felt 30% better.”

So what happens when I eat a 15 mg CBD cookie or drink a bottle of water with 4 mg CBD?

Englund: “I don’t think anything special happens, except you satisfy your hunger or thirst. There’s no evidence that such low doses help with anything.”

But sometimes I feel more relaxed. Is it all in my head?

Englund: “Most likely, it’s a placebo effect. Even in studies with epileptic children, about 20% improved with placebo. For comparison, CBD helped 40%.”

About Cannabis

Hemp is used in many fields, but most often refers to hashish or marijuana—the world’s most common illegal drug. Hemp contains over a hundred active compounds called cannabinoids, including THC (causes intoxication) and CBD (calming and anti-anxiety effects). Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system—a signaling structure in the human body that helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, metabolism, temperature, immunity, and more.