CBD – short for Cannabidiol – is one of the two main active compounds, or cannabinoids, found in the cannabis the plant. The other being its psychoactive cousin THC. CBD-based supplements and medicines are big business in the UK, with the combined market worth near a billion pounds a year. But why are they so popular, and what do you need to know if you’re looking to find out if CBD could help you?
Well, this article will look at all the key bases it would be useful to understand before jumping into using CBD. The science behind this substance and and what studies say about its therapeutic effects. The places to obtain it, and the different forms it comes in. And finally, what the law says about and what risks it can entail. This, is everything you need to know about CBD.
What is CBD and What Can It Do?
CBD, isolated from the cannabis plant, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. This system is something like a system performance monitor for the body, that plays a role in various physical functions from mood to appetite to temperature.
This is simplifying to a huge degree, but, in essence, THC binds to ECS receptors, over stimulating the system and causing the psychoactive effects of cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, seems to work with it, modulating ECS receptor activity to a more balanced level.
If you’re looking for the best CBD oil uk customers can get a hold of, you need to be checking in with expert reviews to ensure you’re picking the right supplier. Not all CBD is made equal, so take a look through a trusted comparison site before you make a choice.
CBD has been shown by research – including meta studies, which analyse results of other studies – to have positive patient outcomes when used in a clinical settings. CBD has been shown by science, to various degrees, to be:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotective
- Antipsychotic
- Anticonvulsant
- Analgesic (a painkiller)
Which is not to say it is a cure all. Far from it. But it has shown promise in many of these areas, when applied in a variety of ways.
Where and How to Get CBD?
CBD is legal in the UK, but only from licensed suppliers. Most CBD is harvested from the hemp plant, the original land-growing strain of marijuana with low THC and high CBD, that is often used for textiles. The CBD must be isolated from the plant, without any THC remaining, for it to be legal.
Once isolated, CBD can be put into food or supplements or made into medicines. Each requires a different set of approvals and standards, from either the Food Standards Agency or the The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency respectively.
Once with a licensed commercial supplier, CBD is then put into products in the following forms:
- Oils & tinctures – drops under the tongue; fast absorption.
- Capsules / tablets – slower release; convenient dosage.
- Topicals – creams or balms for joint/muscle pain.
- Edibles/drinks – gummies, teas, sparkling drinks.
These can be purchased from health shops and pharmacies on your local high street, at online stores or, even, increasingly in the case of drinks and edibles, in general corner shops and supermarkets.
Brands like Simply cbd are now common to see on shop shelves across the UK. But you shouldn’t just pick up the first option you see – the quality standards can vary somewhat, so finding an expert review and comparison site with up to date info is advised before jumping in.
CBD is also available in cannabis flower form – but only for vaping with a prescription. As well as hemp flowers, there are also specially bred strains that are genetically tailored to have higher concentrated CBD with little or no THC.
What are the Risks and Laws?
Although CBD has never been illegal, the government considers all cannabis flower to be against the law (CBD or no). It says this is due to to the difficulties police have in distinguishing the illegal THC from CBD flower.
Interestingly, this means that, despite there being a reasonable amount of it grown here, no UK hemp growers are currently licensed to harvest its flowers for CBD products. In fact, UK hemp growers have to destroy the potentially valuable cannabis flower before harvesting the rest of the plant for textile fibres.
When it comes to patient or consumer risk, CBD is non-toxic when taken in the correct dosages. However, although extremely unlikely in normal circumstances it is possible to take too much. This can cause stomach issues, fatigue and drowsiness.
Food Standards Agency guidelines suggest non-medical consumers should take no more than 10mg a day of CBD. Up to 70mg a day is considered within a therapeutic dose.
Because of the (small) risks and CBD’s association with illegal cannabis, some medical patients prefer to visit a private clinic and obtain CBD on prescription – even if they could just get it from a commercial supplier. Clinically supplied CBD is held to higher medical product standards and patients get expert consultation as part of the package. This helps them feel secure when starting a new treatment.
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