CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound present in the cannabis plant. Recently, it has attracted significant attention due to its potential health benefits. However, due to the lack of regulation and social stigma surrounding the plant, it can be challenging to determine what is accurate and what is not. To help, we have developed this comprehensive ultimate guide to CBD.
While most 'ultimate guides' only give you limited information about each subject, ours covers everything in as much detail as possible in an informative, easy-to-digest manner. If you want to gain an in-depth understanding of CBD, you can read it from start to finish, but if you're looking for answers to specific research questions, use the content links to go directly to the most relevant part.
This guide covers the basics of CBD, including its derivation, effects on the body, potential benefits, and more. Whether you're a seasoned CBD user or are just starting to learn about this compound, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about incorporating CBD into your daily supplement routine.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid (plant cannabinoid) produced by plants in the cannabis sativa L. family. CBD is one of the most abundant, naturally occurring cannabinoids, second only to THC. However, unlike THC, it is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not cause the "high" associated with most C. sativa L.-related products.
The UK is the second largest consumer of CBD in the world, behind the United States. According to a survey conducted in 2021, 11.2% of a representative sample of the UK population already used CBD products. This is likely due to the rapidly increasing number of products available and its steadily improving public perception.
CBD is available in many forms, including oils, tinctures, concentrates, capsules, topical solutions such as salves, lip balms, lotions, and edibles such as baked goods, coffee, chocolates, gums, and candies. The global cannabidiol market was valued at USD 5.18 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow 16.8% annually from 2022 to 2030.
What Is CBD Used For?
Many people use cannabidiol (CBD) to maintain their health or supplement their body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), similar to taking a vitamin. When you take CBD, it enters your bloodstream, transporting it to your cells and tissues.
CBD activates your ECS by interacting with receptors and enzymes in your body. The ECS is a complex molecular signalling system found throughout the body. It maintains a healthy balance and regulates many bodily functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep.
Currently, in the UK, there are three main uses for CBD:
- Supplement – CBD is commonly used as a supplement to maintain and support overall health and well-being. The human body has an ECS that regulates various physiological functions, such as mood, appetite, and pain. Some people may have an endocannabinoid deficiency, leading to various health problems. CBD dietary supplements can help boost the ECS's activity, promote overall balance and well-being, and potentially alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
- Licensed medicine – CBD is also a licensed medicine in the UK and can be prescribed by a doctor for specific medical conditions. CBD is licensed to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy that are difficult to manage with traditional medications. Patients can benefit from a safe and effective treatment option by accessing CBD through a prescription, improving their quality of life. The National Health Service (NHS) can fill and fund these prescriptions.
- Unlicensed medicine – In some cases, CBD with THC can be more effective than CBD alone. However, such products are not currently licensed in the UK and are considered unlicensed medicine. These medications can be accessed through specialist doctors at UK cannabis clinics for specific medical conditions, such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, patients must pay for all related consultations and medication privately, as the NHS does not currently cover them.
The human body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates many of our most critical bodily functions, such as pain, sleep, mood, and many more. When cannabidiol (CBD) is consumed, it interacts with your ECS to help keep all your body systems and functions at the correct level (homeostasis). The ECS comprises receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) and enzymes.
CBD does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2 but interacts indirectly with them. CBD interacts with enzymes to stop the breakdown of endocannabinoids, reducing any endocannabinoid deficiency. It also activates TRPV1 receptors (vanilloid receptor 1 or capsaicin receptors) and can modulate interactions with the CB1 receptor, regulating the effect and potency of THC.
The primary function of the ECS is to regulate and control many of our most critical bodily functions, such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. By interacting with the ECS, CBD helps to maintain homeostasis and keep these processes running smoothly.
What Does CBD Do to the Brain?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have anxiety-reducing properties, reducing the brain's responses to stress and supporting it to reduce the intensity of fearful memories. CBD has also been found to enhance connections between the frontal lobe and basal ganglia, decrease emotional activity during sleep, and modulate many different types of brain activity.
What Does CBD Do to the Body?
The ECS regulates many of our most critical bodily functions, such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. CBD helps increase the number of endocannabinoids in the body, which helps to regulate these functions and ensures that your body can quickly respond to imbalances or stressors.
What Are the Benefits of CBD as a Supplement?
Some of the practical benefits of CBD include the following:
1. It's a 100% natural supplement: CBD is derived from the hemp plant and is 100% natural. It is free of synthetic chemicals and is an excellent addition to your supplement routine.
2. It has a history of traditional uses: CBD use has been used in traditional cultures for thousands of years to help with various health issues. This long history of service is a testament to its safety and efficacy.
3. It balances the endocannabinoid system (ECS): CBD works by interacting with the body's ECS, which helps regulate biological functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and immune function. Balancing the ECS may help promote overall health and well-being.
4. It boosts cannabinoid levels: CBD helps to increase the levels of cannabinoids in the body, which are essential for maintaining good health. These compounds help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy cell growth.
5. Restores endocannabinoid tone: CBD can help to restore the proper functioning of the ECS, which can become disrupted due to stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other factors. Restoring the endocannabinoid tone may help improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
What Are the Benefits of CBD with a Prescription?
While CBD supplements are available in various forms, such as oils, capsules, and gummies, accessing CBD with a prescription from a doctor can provide additional benefits that can improve your treatment outcomes:
- Receiving specialist guidance from a doctor - One of the primary benefits of accessing CBD with a prescription is that you will receive personalised advice from your healthcare provider. This means that a doctor will assess your medical history, current health condition, and any medications you take to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. This personalised approach can help ensure that you are taking the correct dose of CBD at the right time and for the appropriate duration to maximise the therapeutic benefits of the compound.
- You can receive much higher doses by prescription - While CBD use is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, higher doses may be required to treat specific medical conditions effectively. With a prescription, a doctor can recommend more CBD than is typically available over the counter, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with chronic pain, seizures, or other medical conditions requiring higher doses for symptom relief.
- Prescriptions are available for many medical conditions - CBD with a prescription is available for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. By accessing CBD with a prescription, you can be confident that you are taking a safe and effective treatment for your condition, which can help improve your overall health and quality of life.
- CBD is available on the NHS for specific health conditions - CBD is also available on the NHS in the UK for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. These are two rare forms of epilepsy that are difficult to treat with traditional medications. By accessing CBD through the NHS, patients with LGS or Dravet syndrome can benefit from a safe and effective treatment option without worrying about the medication's cost.
- Some prescriptions combine THC and CBD - In some cases, medical conditions may require a combination of CBD and THC for optimal symptom relief. With a prescription, doctors can recommend C. sativa L. products containing both CBD and THC, which can provide a broader range of therapeutic benefits than CBD alone. There is now a wide range of private medical cannabis clinics in the UK that can provide access to these products.
Are There Different Types of CBD?
There are three main types of cannabidiol (CBD):
Natural Hemp-derived CBD
Natural hemp-derived CBD is the most common form of CBD available. It is extracted from the buds and leaves of the cannabis sativa plant using one of a range of different methods, including alcohol or CO2 extraction.
After the CBD has been successfully extracted, additional processing can be done to produce different forms of CBD:
- Full-spectrum products contain a full range of cannabinoids, including traces of THC.
- Broad-spectrum products have all of the components of the plant except THC.
- Products made with isolate are pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or plant compounds.
Synthetic (Lab Made) CBD
Synthetic CBD is produced either by chemical synthesis using ingredients like limonene or by biological synthesis using modified yeast or other bacteria. This synthetic version is useful in industries with strict legal restrictions, such as cosmetics. Synthesised bio-identical CBD is considered to be chemically identical in every way to the real thing, which is itself synthesised by the cannabis plant.
Synthesised (Bacteria/Yeast Made) CBD
Synthesised CBD is made using biological processes in the lab, such as modified yeast synthesis. This type contains only pure CBD molecules, while the naturally produced version often comes with various natural compounds, like additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
When choosing the right type of CBD, natural hemp-derived CBD is the most effective choice. It is the most common form of CBD available and is extracted from the cannabis plant, either hemp or marijuana, using several different extraction methods. Natural hemp-derived CBD contains many of the components of the cannabis sativa plant and is considered to be the most effective.
Legal Status of CBD in the UK
Cannabidiol (CBD) is legal in the UK as long as the product contains no controlled drugs. Government guidance states:
"If a CBD 'product' contained any controlled cannabinoids, unintentionally or otherwise (e.g. THC or THC-V), then it is highly likely that the product would be controlled."
THC is not the only controlled cannabinoid; the following naturally occurring cannabinoids are controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001:
- Trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C5
- Cis-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C5
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C4
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C3 (THCV)
- Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C1
- Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol
- Cannabinol-C1
- Cannabinol-C2
- Cannabinol-C3
- Cannabinol-C4
- Cannabinol-C5
- Cannabinol methyl ether-C5
Further to this, for a CBD supplement to be considered legal and exempt from 'controlled' status, it must meet these three definitions:
- The preparation or other product is not designed to administer a controlled drug to a human being or animal.
- The controlled drug in any part is packaged so that it cannot be recovered by readily applicable means.
- No component or part of the product or preparation contains more than one milligram of the controlled drug.
In addition to these restrictions, the UK Food Standards Agency also determined that CBD products are 'novel foods' without a long previous history of use. Consequently, consumable CBD products such as oils, tinctures, capsules, and gummies must be assessed for safety.
The list of CBD products that are being considered "novel foods" includes products that meet the following requirements:
- They were available for purchase on 13 February 2020.
- An authorisation application was submitted to the FSA before 31 March 2021.
- The FSA has either approved the application or is currently reviewing it.
The FSA also released consumer guidelines with their recommendations on the safe use of CBD:
- CBD is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- CBD is not recommended for people taking medication.
- Unless a doctor agrees otherwise, healthy adults should not take more than 70 mg of CBD daily.
CBD Classification
In the UK, CBD (cannabidiol) is regulated by the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Depending on its intended use, it can be classified as a prescription drug and a food supplement.
Is CBD a Supplement?
CBD can be classified as a food supplement if marketed as a dietary supplement intended to support general health and well-being. As a food supplement, CBD products must meet strict regulations set out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to ensure their safety and quality.
Is CBD a Drug?
CBD can also be classified as a prescription drug if it is marketed as a medicine and is intended to treat specific medical conditions. CBD products must pass through rigorous clinical trials to demonstrate their safety, efficacy, and quality to be classified as a medicine. The only CBD-based medicine currently licensed in the UK is Epidyolex, used to treat certain types of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome.
Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
CBD is not a controlled substance typically tested in drug tests. However, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, a controlled substance that can appear in drug tests. This is more likely to occur with full-spectrum products, including all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, even the controlled substances like THC. It is imperative to check the THC content of any CBD products before using them, especially if you are subjected to drug testing.
How to Take CBD?
CBD can be taken in a variety of ways, each with its advantages and disadvantages:
Vaping: Vaping CBD is one of the fastest ways to get it into your system. When you inhale a vapour that contains CBD, it rapidly passes into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid onset of effects. Because vaporised CBD enters your blood directly and isn't passed through the liver, more active ingredient reaches your cells. This makes it more bioavailable than most other methods.
Placing Oil Under Your Tongue: Sublingual products such as tinctures and oils are designed to be absorbed under your tongue. The short route to your bloodstream allows more of the CBD to be preserved, producing better, faster results. To take cannabidiol oil, CBD tincture, or CBD spray sublingually, measure the amount you want and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a minimum of 3 minutes (up to 9 minutes for optimal results), then swallow it. Typically, you'll experience the effects of CBD around 15 to 30 minutes after taking it sublingually.
Eating Gummies: Edible CBD products are ideal for people who want convenience and dosage accuracy. Many ready-made CBD edibles are available today, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, cakes, hard candies, and drinks. You can also use oils and tinctures to prepare CBD-infused edibles at home.
Drinking Tea from CBD Flower: CBD flower can be brewed into tea, which is a convenient way to get the benefits of CBD without having to consume it directly. The tea can be made with either fresh or dried CBD flower, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Using a Patch: CBD patches are an ideal way to get a consistent dose of CBD throughout the day. They are applied directly to the skin and slowly release CBD into the bloodstream over time.
Topical Cream: CBD topical products are applied directly to the skin. The CBD is absorbed into the surrounding area and doesn't generally travel to other parts of your body. This method is ideal for targeting specific parts of your body.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
Some users report experiencing a sense of balance and calm after taking CBD. One user, Sarah, says, "CBD makes me feel great again. I feel more relaxed and less stressed out." Another user, John, says, "It helps me feel more balanced and grounded. It's like it gets me back to being me."
It can also contribute to an overall sense of well-being. A regular CBD user, Rachel says, "It helps me relax and unwind at the end of the day. In the morning, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world."
Overall, CBD may help promote a sense of balance, calmness, and well-being. As one user put it, "It just helps me feel like myself again." While everyone's experience with CBD may be different, it is clear from human studies that many people find it a helpful and natural addition to their wellness routine.
Does CBD Get You High?
No, CBD (cannabidiol) does not get you high. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in C. sativa L. that produces a "high," CBD is non-intoxicating. CBD's ability to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC is why some C. sativa L. strains are bred to have elevated levels of CBD.
While some users may feel relaxed or calm after taking CBD, this is not the same as feeling "high." CBD is a safe and natural supplement that can be used without the risk of intoxication.
CBD vs THC Feeling
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are compounds found in C. sativa L. but have very different effects on the body and mind.
THC is the psychoactive compound in C. sativa L. that produces a "high." When consumed, THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system it produces a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and increased appetite.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and does not produce a "high." Instead, CBD feels more subtle and gentle, with many users reporting a sense of calm, relaxation, and balance.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
Studies suggest that the amount of CBD you should take (proper dosage) depends on various factors, including your weight, sex, height, diet, exercise, existing endocannabinoid tone, and any underlying health issues. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued guidelines for CBD consumers, recommending a maximum daily dose of 70 mg for adults. If taking CBD under the guidance of a doctor, a more significant amount can be consumed, e.g. 200mg plus.
Start with a low dose of CBD, such as 10 mg or 20 mg, and gradually increase it over time, paying close attention to how your body responds.
Always choose a high-quality CBD product from a reputable source. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medication. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and effective experience with CBD.
When Should I Take CBD?
The most effective times to take cannabidiol (CBD) depend on the existing state of your endocannabinoid system(ECS). We recommend you follow one of these two schedules based on the starting position of your endocannabinoid tone and how you feel:
- If you're generally healthy with no severe health conditions, using a CBD supplement on-demand, as and when needed, is best. Instead of taking it every day, use it only when you feel your body needs a little extra help to get back to a healthy state of balance. This method mimics and complements the natural actions of your ECS.
- Suppose you feel continually under the weather or have a chronically low endocannabinoid tone due to a medical condition. In that case, consuming CBD regularly throughout the day for up to 2 weeks is best. This method allows you to build up your endocannabinoid levels over time.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?
How long CBD stays in your system depends on the dosage, method of use, and the individual's body composition. Generally, CBD can remain in the system for days or weeks, depending on how you take it.
CBD can stay in the body for 11 to 28 days if taken orally but only for approximately 85 hours or 3.5 days if inhaled through vaporisation.
When it comes to the half-life of CBD, it can range from about 1 hour to up to 5 days. Half-life is how long the body takes to eliminate one-half of a substance. CBD oil taken under the tongue has a half-life of 1.4 to 10.9 hours, while the oral ingestion of CBD products like capsules and gummies can have a prolonged half-life of 2 to 5 days. Oral effects last the longest because CBD converts to 6&7 hydroxy CBD during digestion.
Can You Travel with CBD?
When travelling with CBD from the UK, it is critical to understand the regulations and laws in place. CBD products are legal in the UK if they meet all three parts of the definition for 'exempted products'. This means you should only purchase products from a trusted and reputable supplier.
When travelling internationally, it is necessary to do more research into the destination country's laws. Generally, CBD products are allowed in most countries as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC. However, some countries have stricter regulations and may not allow CBD products at all.
If you're confident that CBD is legal in your destination country, it's worth following these suggestions:
- Please keep the product in its original packaging and clearly labelled.
- If you're travelling with a liquid or cream form of CBD, it must be less than three ounces and placed in a clear plastic bag.
Can You Take CBD on a Plane UK?
Yes, it is legal to fly to and from the UK with a CBD product in your luggage if it meets all the rules and criteria set out by UK law - specifically, it doesn't contain THC and is labelled as a food supplement. Before you start your journey, it's a good idea to check with your airline and destination airport to ensure it's okay to travel with CBD oil. This way, you can avoid any potential problems during your trip.
Can You Take CBD on the Train to Europe?
The EU has a limit of 0.3% THC content in hemp plants and 0.2% in its by-products, which is lower than the 0.3% product limit in the US. Any CBD product brought over from the US may be illegal under EU laws unless you buy from a manufacturer who sells THC-free products like Bud & Tender. Before travelling, it is a good idea to check the customs and immigration department of your destination country.
Can You Drive on CBD?
In the UK, there is no legal limit on the amount of CBD in a person's bloodstream when driving. However, as the license holder, it is your responsibility to determine if you're fit to drive at any time. Generally speaking, if you take CBD oil as recommended, you will be safe and legal to drive.
Is CBD Safe?
CBD use is generally considered safe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has researched CBD and concluded that it has no abuse or dependence potential. According to the WHO, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."
However, in some cases, the purity and dosage of CBD in products can be unreliable, so it's wise to purchase from a reputable source.
Can You Overdose on CBD?
Unlike many other substances, the toxic dose (20,000 mg of CBD) is not widely considered lethal. However, studies suggest it is possible to experience adverse effects from taking high doses of CBD, such as drowsiness, changes in alertness, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, irritability, and agitation.
What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with CBD?
CBD is metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications and may lead to adverse effects of these drugs. Therefore, any medications metabolised by the P450 enzyme should not be taken with CBD to prevent possible drug interactions. This includes warfarin, amiodarone, levothyroxine, clobazam, lamotrigine, valproate, and many others.
These and other medications will also come with a grapefruit warning. This is because grapefruit juice interacts with drugs like CBD does by inhibiting the cytochrome p450 enzymes. It is imperative to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking CBD with any other medication.
Can You Use CBD While Pregnant?
It is not recommended to use CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding due to the lack of research into its safety. It may pass through breast milk, so it is advisable to avoid it while breastfeeding.
Does Breast Milk Contain CBD?
Breast milk doesn't contain CBD unless the mother has consumed it recently. However, the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG are both present in breast milk.
If you use a CBD supplement while breastfeeding, it may pass through breast milk, so CBD use is best avoided while breastfeeding.
How Long for CBD to Take Effect?
It can take between 15 minutes and two hours for CBD to take effect, but it depends on a range of factors, including what type of CBD you use:
CBD Vape
Vaping CBD is one of the quickest ways to feel its effects. When you inhale the vapour, CBD is absorbed through your lungs directly into your bloodstream. This is why it hits so much faster than eating an edible or swallowing an oil. Generally, you can begin to feel the effects of CBD within 15 minutes of vaping.
CBD Oil
Tinctures are typically absorbed within 3 minutes when kept under the tongue, and the effects are felt within 15-30 minutes. When ingesting CBD (i.e., swallowing it or consuming food that contains CBD), you can expect to feel the effects within about 45 minutes to two hours.
CBD Capsules
Taking CBD orally has low bioavailability, meaning it requires longer for the body to absorb and process the compound. As a result, it can take up to two hours or more to feel any effects after consuming the capsules.
This delay is due to how CBD is absorbed by the body when consumed orally. After swallowing the capsule, the CBD must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. The liver then metabolises CBD, reducing its concentration in the body. Only a tiny fraction of the active ingredient reaches the bloodstream, which can result in a delayed onset of effects.
It's worth noting that the delayed onset of effects is not necessarily a negative aspect of CBD capsules. In fact, for some users, a slower and more gradual release of CBD may be preferable to other methods of consumption that provide more immediate effects. Additionally, the results of CBD capsules tend to last longer than other forms of consumption.
What to Look for When Buying CBD?
When buying CBD, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get a safe, legal product that matches your preferences and needs:
THC Content
In the UK, CBD and hemp products should be free of controlled cannabinoids, including THC, THCV and CBN. However, it is worthwhile noting that some products may still contain trace amounts of THC, which can potentially cause unwanted side effects or trigger a positive drug test.
THC-free products are typically labelled as "broad-spectrum" or "isolate" and have undergone additional processing to remove any detectable traces of controlled substances.
Third-Party Lab Results and Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
When purchasing a CBD product, it is paramount to ensure that it has undergone third-party testing by an independent laboratory. This testing ensures that the product contains the ingredients and amount of CBD as advertised. It also checks for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents. Reputable CBD companies will provide a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent lab on their website or upon request. Be wary of companies not providing third-party testing results or COAs, as they may sell low-quality or unsafe products. Lab results are an effective way to check statements like 'THC-free'.
Customer Reviews
Reviewing reviews from customers who have tried the product can help you decide whether to purchase it. Look for reviews that provide detailed information about the product, including its effectiveness, taste, and any potential risks. Remember that everyone's body chemistry is different, so a product that works well for one person may not perform as well for another. However, reading customer reviews can help you understand how the product has worked for others. This can be an invaluable tool in making an informed purchasing decision.
Types of CBD Extract
When selecting any product containing CBD, considering the type of extract is worthwhile. CBD isolate products only contain CBD from the cannabis plant, while broad-spectrum CBD products include other compounds found in the plant, such as CBC, CBG, or terpenes. Full-spectrum CBD products contain the same compounds as broad-spectrum products but include a trace of THC.
Potency and Type of Product
The potency of the CBD product is another significant factor to consider, as it varies greatly depending on the individual's needs. The type of product is also something to think about. CBD oils and tinctures typically have a glycerine, oil, or alcohol base, and various strengths and flavours of CBD oils and tinctures are available. CBD edibles are available as drinks and food items, such as teas and chocolate, and gummies are a common form of CBD edible. For quick action, vaporisers can deliver CBD extracts through inhalation. Sublingual extracts placed under the tongue may offer some of the fast action vaporisers provide without the risk of vaping-associated lung injury. Topical oils, creams, and lotions are also available.
Check for Other Ingredients
It is also a good idea to check for other ingredients in the product, as added chemicals, flavouring additives, or other compounds may not be suitable for everyone. Some components may also cause reactions in some people. Look for other allergens in food products, and search for any unknown ingredient names before buying any CBD product.
Terpenes
Terpenes are organic compounds found in plants, including C. sativa L.. They are responsible for the aroma and taste of the plant, and research suggests they may have therapeutic benefits. Some CBD products contain terpenes, which can enhance the product's effects. When buying CBD, you may want to look for products that include specific terpenes, such as limonene, myrcene, or linalool, depending on your desired effects. It's worth noting that some people may have sensitivities to particular terpenes. Therefore, checking the ingredients list and researching before purchasing a product is always wise.
Minor Cannabinoids
In addition to CBD and THC, the cannabis plant contains many other cannabinoids that may offer various benefits. CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) are minor cannabinoids that have been researched for their possible benefits. When purchasing a CBD product, it's worthwhile looking for information about the other compounds in the product.
A broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD product may contain multiple minor cannabinoids, while a CBD isolate only contains CBD. Some may find that a product with a broader range of these substances provides a more effective and well-rounded experience. However, research on minor cannabinoids is still in its early stages; consequently, more research, clinical trials and scientific studies (including human studies) are needed to understand their potential benefits fully.
Where to Buy CBD?
With so many cannabidiol extracts sold online from various CBD manufacturers, knowing where best to buy it can be challenging. As with all dietary supplements, finding a trusted retailer with high-quality, legal products is essential.
One option for purchasing CBD-based products is online retailers such as budandtender.com. We offer a wide range of products, including oils, capsules, and topical creams. We also provide detailed information about our products, including the potency and the source of CBD. When purchasing products containing CBD online, it's critical to ensure that the retailer is reputable and that their products have been tested for purity, potency, and cannabidiol content.
Another option for purchasing hemp-derived CBD products is to visit high street stores or pharmacies that carry CBD products. In the UK, many health food stores and pharmacies have a selection of CBD products, and this can be a convenient option for those who prefer to purchase products in person.
Can I try CBD for Free?
You can try our award-winning, third-party tested Bud & Tender CBD oil for free. Add a 1ml sample of our high-quality 20% broad-spectrum CBD oil to your basket and use the coupon code FREESAMPLE20 to get it completely free.