What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound called a cannabinoid, extracted from the flower of the hemp plant. There are over 120 of these cannabinoid substances in the plant altogether, along with hundreds more healthful compounds like fatty acids, vitamins, terpenes and flavonoids.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a food supplement that contains CBD-rich extract dissolved in plant oil, such as coconut MCT oil. CBD oral drops are the most popular type of CBD oil products because the administration method under the tongue allows for faster and greater absorption than edible products (capsules and gummies).
Is it legal to buy CBD oil in the UK?
It’s perfectly legal to purchase CBD oil products in the UK as long as it contains no more than 0.01% of THC per container and is derived from industrial hemp cultivated in the EU. THC is the psychoactive substance responsible for the “high” feeling you get when you smoke cannabis. It’s present in larger amounts in cannabis, but the tiny amount you’d find in CBD oil products is not enough to get you high.
How does CBD work?
Your body has something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), responsible for regulating functions like sleep, immunity, appetite, and more. The compounds that control your ECS are called endocannabinoids, but external cannabinoids like CBD can also act in a similar way when you consume them. Each cannabinoid acts differently in the body, so the effects vary depending on which cannabinoids you consume.
Will CBD oil get me high?
No. This is a common misconception, CBD does not have the same effect as THC the cannabinoid reponsible for getting you ‘high’. Full-spectrum CBD products contain only a tiny amount of THC legally – not enough to have a psychoactive effect – and broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products contain no THC at all.
What is CBD oil good for?
According to a growing number of studies, CBD oil may help with anxiety, depression, epilepsy, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, cancer, and many other health issues.
What are the side effects of CBD oil?
The potential side effects of CBD oil include dry mouth, tiredness, sleepiness, diarrhoea, nausea, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure. However, most CBD users are unlikely to experience side effects because they’ve only been reported in studies using high doses of pure CBD.
What drugs should not be taken with CBD oil?
Research suggests that high doses of CBD can interfere with enzymes and proteins that help your body metabolize a wide variety of prescription drugs. If you’re taking any medications, it’s best to talk to your doctor before using CBD oil.
Is CBD oil safe?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD is “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” As such, CBD oil is perfectly safe to use.
Can I rub CBD oil on my skin for pain?
When you apply CBD topically it can provide benefits in that specific area. That means rubbing CBD oil on your skin may help relieve pain in that spot.
Does CBD oil help sexually?
There isn’t much research looking at the effects of CBD on sexual health. Having said that, CBD may help indirectly, by reducing anxiety and providing other benefits.
Can you drive on CBD oil in the UK?
You can drive on CBD oil in the UK. However, you should first see how it affects you and make sure not to take large doses before driving, since CBD can potentially make you sleepy or tired.
How does CBD oil make you feel?
Most people say that CBD makes them feel calm and relaxed.
Is CBD oil addictive?
No. In fact, emerging research shows that CBD oil can help reduce the cravings for many addictive drugs, such as alcohol, opioids, and cocaine.
Does CBD oil show up on a UK drug test?
Drug tests check for the presence of THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis. Since full-spectrum CBD oil can contain as much as 1mg of THC per finished product, it could potentially show up on a drug test.
What strength CBD oil should I use?
CBD oil strength is represented in milligrams (mg) of CBD per finished product. If you’re new to CBD, you should start at a low-strength dosage of around 10-20mg per day and increase the dosage slowly until you feel the desired effects. The FSA recommends a maximum daily intake of 70mg CBD per day.
Can you drink alcohol while taking CBD oil?
Yes, it’s safe to drink while taking CBD oil. Also, early research shows that CBD may reduce the cravings for alcohol, making it easier to drink less or quit entirely.
Is CBD oil good for stress?
CBD has been shown to influence the HPA axis — the body’s main stress response system — and help with stress-related issues such as anxiety and depression. That makes CBD oil a promising supplement for managing daily stress.
How often should I take CBD oil?
Generally speaking, it’s best to take CBD oil 1-2 times per day to get maximum relief and build up the effects over time. However, you can also take CBD oil as needed.
Is CBD oil good for anxiety and depression?
Numerous human studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety in people with various anxiety disorders. There’s also some early evidence that CBD can help with depression, although most of the findings are restricted to animal research.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work?
CBD oil starts to work about 20-40 minutes after you take it, depending on the type of CBD you consumed (oral drops, capsules, gummies etc.). However depending on the issue, you may need to take CBD oil for a few days or weeks before you start experiencing relief.
Does CBD really do anything?
CBD does a lot of things. Unlike most pharmaceutical medications, which only work through one mechanism, CBD interacts with dozens of receptors and molecules in your body. This helps explain why it seems to have so many potential benefits.
