CBD Oil UK: What Should You Know About Cannabis Oil?
CBD (short for cannabidiol) oil has gained significant attention in the UK over the years for its potential wellness benefits. Derived from the cannabis or hemp plant, cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound. This is making it an appealing option for individuals seeking natural alternatives for stress management and sleep improvement to incorporate into their daily routines [1]. With the popularity of CBD oil in the UK has come increased availability and accessibility. You can find many products online and in-store ranging from CBD tinctures, CBD capsules, CBD patches and CBD balms to even edibles such as CBD gummies.
A CBD oil, in the most basic version, is a concentrated CBD extract diluted in carrier oils like hemp seed oil or MCT oil. Quality CBD products like CBD oil drops often contain CBD in various concentrations and come it a variety of flavour options. When purchasing CBD oil in the UK, it's important to choose a reputable supplier like Harmony that can provide transparency on quality, consistency and legality in their products. Do your research and choose the right product before incorporating CBD oil into your wellness routine. If you have an underlying health condition, remember to always consult with a medical professional before taking CBD. This will ensure it's suitable for you and not interacting with other medications or supplements you may be taking.
Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
The short answer is yes, CBD oil is legal in the UK. CBD and THC are fundamentally different and not to be confused. Unlike THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants) CBD does not produce the "high" feeling typical for intoxication [2]. In fact, to be considered legal in the UK, CBD oil must contain less than 0.2% THC. This is why, when purchasing CBD oil in the UK, it is essential to choose products made by reputable brands.
One thing though that is important to remember, is that although CBD oil is legal in the UK - it has not been approved as a medical treatment by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)! While many people report experiencing benefits such as reduced pain and improved sleep, you should not use CBD oil or hemp products as a substitute for prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare professional.
CBD Oil UK: How to Take CBD Oil
The most common way to take CBD oil is through oral consumption – usually by placing a few drops of oil under the tongue and allowing it to absorb. Wait for a minute for it to enter the bloodstream before swallowing or taking a sip of water [3]. To maximise the effects of this consumption method you can accompany it with a fatty meal. Research has shown that this increases the bioavailability of CBD [4].
Finding the right CBD dosage is a complex topic. The ideal amount of CBD per day can vary from person to person and might require some experimentation to determine what works best for you. A general recommendation for those new to CBD is to start with a low dose of 10 mg and monitor your reaction to it. You can increase the dose from there to adjust it to your needs. It might take some time to feel any effects though, so be patient and don't give up!
If you feel like oil isn't the right choice for you: CBD capsules and CBD gummies are an alternative method of taking CBD if you prefer another convenient and discreet option. These products provide a pre-measured and mess-free dose of CBD. If you want to target specific areas of your body, applying CBD topically in the form of a balm or cream is another option. When applied to the skin, CBD will be absorbed locally and interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the skin. According to research it may provide relief for certain skin conditions or muscle aches [5]. Always remember to patch test any topical products to ensure you don't have adverse reactions like allergies.
CBD Oil for Anxiety UK: Benefits of CBD Oil
If you are living in the UK and struggling with anxiety or stress, you might have heard about CBD oil as a potential solution. And indeed, there's growing evidence suggesting that CBD may help alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms [6].
When looking for the best CBD oil for anxiety in the UK and trying to establish your daily dose, it's crucial to pay attention to the concentration. Harmony's premium CBD oil comes in concentrations of 1% to 10% CBD content. A lower concentration might suit you better if you're just starting or prefer a more subtle effect, while more experienced users might prefer a higher concentration.
It's important to keep in mind that - although there is promising research and CBD oil is safe - no medical claims can be made yet about CBD oil for anxiety. It is still relatively new in the world of alternative therapy, and more rigorous research and clinical trials must be conducted to fully understand its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Footnotes
CBD Oil for Sleep UK: Using CBD Before Bed
Are you struggling to get sound sleep and looking for a natural solution? CBD oil might be the answer to your problems. There has been increasing interest in using CBD oil for sleep in the UK, as it is believed to have the potential to offer a calming effect and aid in restful sleep [7]. Studies have shown that a relatively low dose of CBD can aid sleep, and in fact even performs as well as low doses of the highly effective melatonin [8].
Just like for anxiety, it is essential to consider the strength of the product when trying CBD for sleep. Some may require a strong CBD oil formulation to experience better sleep - while others might benefit from a milder option. Start with a low dosage and gradually increase as needed, while keeping in mind that more is not always better.
Again: it's important to remember that CBD oil is not a medical treatment! If you have underlying health conditions, speak to your healthcare professional before using CBD.
Best CBD Oil UK: Buy CBD Hemp Oil
Looking for the best CBD oil in the UK? Before you buy CBD oil it's important to choose a brand with a range of CBD products that offers excellent value and a high quality. At Harmony, we are pioneers in the world of CBD products and known for our commitment to quality and purity.
UK's Best CBD Oil for Quality and Value
Harmony offers pure CBD oil made from organic hemp broad-spectrum CBD and supported by thorough lab tests to ensure that you receive the best possible product.
CBD Oil Shopping: What to Look For
Keep an eye out for certifications, lab test results (COAs) and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Finding the Perfect CBD Dosage
Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it, ensuring that you pay attention to how your body reacts. CBD oil is easy to dose by controlling the number of drops of CBD oil you are using.
CBD Oil UK: From Oil to Gummies
While pure or flavoured CBD oil remains a popular choice, there's also an increasing demand for CBD-infused edibles such as CBD gummies. These products offer a tasty alternative way to consume CBD.
When shopping for the best CBD oil in the UK, the most important point is to prioritise quality and ensure that you buy from reputable sources. Whether you're looking for organic CBD oil, pure CBD oil, or even CBD gummies - taking the time to research and find the right product for your needs can make a significant difference in your experience!
written by
anna falk - head of product
As the Head of Product at Harmony, Dr Anna Falk leads the development of our products and provides expert tips for your wellness. With over 10 years of experience in the research and development of natural products, her work is based on rigorous scientific studies.
Anna is an award-winning, internationally published researcher with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She applies her expertise to develop Harmony's certified products that support your overall well-being. From research to development, she ensures that our products are of the highest quality and meet the highest standards.
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We ensure our content is current and accurate with strict guidelines about sourcing that rely on governmental authority, academic institutions and peer-reviewed studies..
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[5] Sheriff T, Lin MJ, Dubin D, Khorasani H. The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology. J Dermatolog Treat. 2020 Dec;31(8):839-845. — link to source
[6] Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36. — link to source
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[8] Saleska JL, Bryant C, Kolobaric A, D'Adamo CR, Colwell CS, Loewy D, Chen J, Pauli EK. The Safety and Comparative Effectiveness of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Formulations for the Improvement of Sleep: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2023 May 10:1-11. — link to source
