The CBD market is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and there are a ton of products out there targeted at a variety of consumers. Studies show that one of the largest consumers of CBD products is British. Despite the popularity and the vast range of products on the market, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding CBD. Here is a comprehensive guide to CBD and products that contain CBD.
First, what is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that is naturally found in the cannabis plant and in the hemp plant. CBD is one of the cannabis plant’s most abundant cannabinoids, with the other being THC, which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the compound that induces psychoactive effects and gives the taker a ‘high’. On the other hand, CBD does not give you a high and is claimed to stimulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex cell-signaling system can help regulate different types of bodily processes and functions, such as sleep, mood, pain, and immune response.
Is it Legal?
In the UK, CBD has been legally sold in shops and online since 2018. When it comes to CBD sold on the UK market, it is important to know that this type of cannabinoid can only be sourced from the hemp plant, not the cannabis plant. The CBD extracted should contain no THC or a trace amount of THC that is 0.2 percent or less.
Hemp plants are basically just cannabis plants, except they contain less than 0.3 percent of THC. It is legal to grow and, as with CBD, there are many products on the market that contain different parts of the hemp plant. Cannabis plants contain more THC, can produce a high, and is illegal in many places.
CBD Benefits
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As mentioned earlier, there are claims that CBD can affect the ECS in many different ways, which is why CBD has a wide range of applications on the market. Although there is not a lot of research on this compound and more is still needed to prove that the health benefits of taking CBD are true, the results from the research that has already been carried out seem promising.
1. Mental Health
Studies suggest that CBD might provide relief from mental health conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. Additionally, there have been studies that could suggest CBD could be used as an intervention to help those battling addiction.
2. Pain Relief
Although research into the effects of CBD when used to relieve pain is still ongoing, many countries have approved this cannabinoid to treat various conditions. For example, in the UK, Sativex can be prescribed to help treat people with MS. This is a cannabis mouth spray that contains both CBD and THC.
It is prescribed to those who are unable to receive adequate relief from their usual oral anti-spasticity medicine, or experience side effects from them. In addition, research suggests that CBD can offer pain relief to people with chronic pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.
3. Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes
The strongest evidence that points to CBD being a legitimate way to treat health conditions is its application in epilepsy. Studies show that CBD is helpful when used to treat some childhood epilepsy syndromes, like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS).
When taken, CBD can help decrease the number of seizures, and for some takers, it can stop seizures altogether. Epidiolex is an FDA-approved medicine that contains almost 100 percent pure CBD oil that can help people with Dravet syndrome, LGS, and also tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Can I Trust the Efficacy of CBD Products?
Since CBD was legalized in the UK, products purchased from reputable retailers are regulated and safe to use. In addition to this, many people who have used CBD for various reasons have vouched for its efficacy of CBD. However, this does not mean that all CBD products are equal, or that they can do what they say on the packaging.
If you do decide to purchase a CBD product, get to grips with the type of extract that is used so that you can only buy the most trustworthy and best CBD UK product. All products have 1 of the following 3 forms of CBD oil extracted in them.
- Full-spectrum CBD is the strongest extract of the 3, and it features all naturally occurring compounds found in the marijuana plant, including trace amounts of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains other naturally occurring cannabinoids, but it does not contain any THC.
- CBD isolate is made up of CBD only, you will find no other cannabinoids in this extract.
Quality is Key
Before making a purchase, it is a good idea to read up on the ingredients that go into the product and the potency. Although some CBD products might have nice packaging and seem to have been marketed well, many online products are mislabeled or are intentionally misleading.
Always do your research into the brand, and check out the list of ingredients used to formulate a product before making a purchase. In addition, reputable CBD products will come with a certificate of authenticity which proves that they have been third-party tested.
Popular CBD Products
On the market, you have probably seen many different types of CBD products, and they might all claim to help with different types of ailments. They can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, flavors, colors, and strengths. Although there are no real regulations about how much CBD someone can take per day, the FSA recommends no more than 70 mg of CBD.
1. CBD OIL
CBD oil is the original way for many people to enjoy CBD. It is available in dropper format and is measured per drop. CBD oil is taken under the tongue and each drop usually contains between 1 to 2.5 mg of CBD. In its original form, this product has a distinctive flavor that is herbal and earthy. Typically, CBD oil has a high bioavailability than other CBD products and can produce quick results.
2. CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are available in a plethora of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors, which makes them popular with people who do not enjoy the strong taste of pure CBD oil. In gummy format, they are easy and convenient to take, and each gummy has a pre-measured amount of CBD. Although the gummies on the market can completely vary, gummies generally contain a dosage of 10 to 30 mg of CBD.
3. CBD Pills
As with gummies, CBD pills are easy and convenient to take as they are small and feature an exact dose in every pill. CBD pills are popular with people who are always on the go. As with CBD oils and gummies, the strength of each pill can differ depending on the company.
CBD Skincare
Clinical studies regarding the efficacy of CBD in skincare products are fairly limited. As indicated above, there have been studies that suggest that CBD can have an impact on physical and mental health. Additionally, some experts believe that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as other advantages that can improve the skin.
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Whether these claims are true or not, in terms of CBD efficacy in skincare, research shows that CBD skincare products from reputable brands are generally safe to use when applied topically. As with other skincare products, it is always sensible to exercise precautions when trying something new and to perform a patch test before regular use.
As mentioned earlier, all CBD products are created using at least 1 of the 3 different types of CBD oil extracts (full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate). This is true of CBD skincare products too. While it is down to personal choice when it comes to choosing the type of CBD oil extract you want in your product, some claim that CBD isolate is the best for skincare. It contains no other compounds and is pure, 100 percent CBD.
1. CBD Balm
CBD balm is a popular product with athletes or just people who are on their feet a lot. Suppliers of this product claim that massaging this balm into areas of the body that ache can help relieve tension, soothe muscles, and encourage muscle recovery.
2. CBD Lotion
CBD lotions and creams have been infused with some form of CBD oil. As with CBD balm, some people use lotions and creams to help alleviate muscle pain, as well as joint pain. In addition, some manufacturers also claim that the use of these topical products can help with certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Studies have shown that products with a high percentage of CBD have been effective for relieving pain, so it is a good idea to look out for creams and lotions with a higher percentage of CBD if the main reason for use is pain relief.
What to Look Out For
Besides the type of extract used to formulate the product, when choosing a skincare product you should look out for mentions of ‘cannabidiol’, ‘CBD isolate’, ‘broad-spectrum CBD’, and ‘full-spectrum CBD’ on the packaging.
Although what is printed on the front of the packaging might not coincide with the ingredients list on the back, these buzzwords will give you some indication of what is used to formulate the product. Besides CBD oil, hemp seed oil and cannabis sativa seed oil are also used to create skincare products too. Although manufacturers of the latter two oils also make compelling claims about the many benefits associated with those products, they are not the same as CBD oil.
Other Types of CBD Products
Besides oils, edibles, and skincare products, there are many other types of CBD-infused products on the market.
1. CBD Candles
CBD candles are infused with CBD oil extract and are said to help people relax, unwind and rejuvenate. These candles are often pleasantly scented and do not usually smell like cannabis.
2. CBD Products for Pets
CBD has become such a buzzword that there are even CBD products within the pet industry. Although there is still little evidence of the positive significance CBD can have on pets, and there are no licensed CBD products for animal consumption in the UK, some make similar claims in regards to how it affects their animals.
For example, some pet owners suggest that CBD can relieve separation anxiety, reduce pain and help treat other health issues too. However, many reputable veterinarians across the UK do not condone the practice of giving CBD to pets. In fact, when it comes to cats and dogs, THC is highly toxic when ingested, and so pet owners need to be sure that the CBD products they give their pets have no THC in them at all.
