CBD oil has gained increasing attention in recent years for its potential health benefits [1]. You may have heard about it from friends, seen it online, or even stumbled upon it in your local health store. If you're considering giving CBD a try, it's essential to be familiar with the basics to ensure you're getting a safe and effective product.
CBD (aka cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant or cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the famous compound in cannabis that gets you "high", CBD is not psychoactive [2]. Actually quite the contrary! Although most evidence is only anecdotal and scientific studies are only slowly catching up, many people have turned to CBD oil for its potential therapeutic effects - such as reducing pain, anxiety and inflammation [3]. When you're shopping for CBD oil, it's crucial to look for products that are made from high-quality hemp, have been thoroughly lab-tested for purity and potency, and last but not least contain less than 0.2% THC to comply with legal regulations.
Buying CBD Oil: Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
First off, yes, CBD oil is legal in the UK! As long as it contains no more than 0.2% THC. This means you can confidently purchase and use CBD products (like premium CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD balms, CBD capsules and others) in the UK without worrying about legal repercussions. These legal constrictions are why it's crucial to choose a reputable CBD brand when buying in the UK. Look for companies that offer transparent information about their production processes, lab testing and third-party certifications (COAs to verify the CBD content).
Before making a purchase, check out the variety of CBD products available. CBD oil comes in different strengths - so consider what concentration might work best for your needs! Or, if you're looking to try an alternative way of using CBD, there are also various types of other products like CBD vapes and edibles that you might find interesting. Most importantly, pay attention to the quality of the product. Look for premium, high-quality CBD oils made using the best possible extraction methods and natural ingredients.
What Are CBD Oil Drops?
CBD oil is increasingly sought-after in the world of natural health and wellness. It is made from a CBD extract (this can be CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD) diluted in a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, olive oil or MCT oil. Most brands also add flavourings to make the product more pleasant to use. CBD hemp oil is usually also available in various concentrations - allowing you to choose the strength that suits your needs.
If you want to avoid any traces of THC when buying CBD oil, look for products made from CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD. In addition, always opt for reputable brands that follow strict manufacturing guidelines and provide third-party lab test results to assure the quality and potency of their CBD products.
How to Take CBD Oil
Taking CBD oil is easy and can be done in various ways. By far the most common way to take CBD oil is "sublingually" - by using drops under the tongue. To do this, simply use the dropper provided with the bottle and drop the desired number of drops of CBD oil under your tongue. Hold it there for about 60-90 seconds before swallowing or taking a sip of water. This method allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the stomach, increasing it's bioavailability [4].
Another way to take CBD is by adding it to your favourite foods or beverages. This can at the same time be a fun and creative way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. Just remember that in this case the CBD will be absorbed through your digestive system, so it may take longer and you might need a higher quantity to feel the effects (compared to taking it under the tongue). Research suggests that a high-fat meal can help with CBD absorption [5].
If you're new to CBD and want to determine the right CBD dosage for you, consider factors such as your body weight, the strength of the CBD oil and your desired effects. Start with a low dose (such as 10-20mg of CBD per day) and gradually increase it from there if needed. Everyone's response to CBD is different, so it's impossible to give a blanket recommendation. Finding the right dosage may require some experimentation including trial and error. Don't give up!
Benefits of CBD Oil
Incorporating CBD oil into your wellness routine can potentially offer you a range of benefits. One of the benefits of CBD oil most people are aware of is its potential to reduce anxiety and stress [6]. Many people have turned to CBD as an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals, and even scientific studies have shown it may have a promising role in supporting mental wellbeing. CBD was also shown to support sleep, making it an attractive option for people that usually use substances like melatonin as a sleeping aid [7].
Another potential benefit of CBD lies in pain management. Some studies suggest that CBD may help alleviate discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis [8] and multiple sclerosis [9]. And while more research is needed to confirm these findings, CBD's natural properties are appealing to many who are looking for a safer and non-addictive alternative to traditional painkillers.
While CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most users, it should not be mistaken for medicine. CBD wellness products are not made to cure any disease. If you have any underlying health conditions you wish to address using CBD, please speak to your doctor. They can advise you on any possible interaction with other medication you might be taking. We would also strongly recommend to refrain from using CBD if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as research in this area is lacking.
Sources
Schizophr Res. 2015 Mar;162(1-3):153-61.
A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humansRead the publicationJ Clin Med Res. 2020 Mar;12(3):129-141.
Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human TrialsRead the publicationInt J Pharm. 2020 May 15;581:119276.
Prolonged oral transmucosal delivery of highly lipophilic drug cannabidiolRead the publicationNeurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36.
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety DisordersRead the publication[8] Heineman JT, Forster GL, Stephens KL, Cottler PS, Timko MP, DeGeorge BR Jr. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Topical Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Jul;47(7):611-620.
[9] Svensson CK. CBD for the treatment of pain: What is the evidence? J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Nov-Dec;60(6):e80-e83.
