Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a trend, and many CBD products are now legally available for sale in the UK and across the globe. But why is CBD suddenly so popular?
For some time, everything related to the Cannabis Sativa plant was associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the well-known component with intoxicating effects on humans and recreational use. Not long ago, nobody cared much about cannabidiol, which is another compound of the same plant with very different properties.
Fortunately, times have changed, and a whole new perspective on cannabinoids is now prompting researchers to gather scientific evidence for CBD therapeutical benefits.
Health-related uses of CBD
So far, CBD has proved effective as an anti-seizure treatment for epilepsy patients, providing a safe treatment even for children. A new prescribed CBD-infused drug has been created and approved in many countries for this use.
Other healing properties of CBD are being studied. Even though investigations are early, the results obtained establish CBD as an excellent candidate to treat several health issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, nausea, and some skin conditions.
Meanwhile, growing public awareness regarding CBD healing properties has prompted many CBD-infused products and legislation changes.
Are our CBD products legal in the UK?
Currently, buy CBD-based products are legal in the UK but must be labelled as food supplements. Also, to be legally sold, those products must not contain more than 0,2% THC, which prevent undesired side effects for consumers.
This art will go through the most popular CBD-infused products, their characteristics, and their differences.
CBD-based products
CBD can be consumed orally or by topical administration. Each way has a different impact on absorption, which is also subjected to every product feature. Bioavailability varies within products.
CBD oil is one of the more common way of administration. It can be used sublingually by holding a drop under the tong for a minute in order to allow mucous absorption. In this way, through skin absorption, CBD will reach the bloodstream more quickly than if it has to go through the digestive system, as it when it’s immediately swallowed.
Also, oils can be added to edibles and drinks through a specific process that ensures CBD bioavailability in the final product.
CBD oils producers recommend them for the calming effect, focus and sleep improvement. They are available in a variety of strengths and flavours.
Regarding CBD oil strength, it is usually indicated on the label with a percentage. Most common dosage in the market are 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% and 20%. These percentages refer to the quantity of CBD in the product. For example, a 10 ml bottle of oil containing 300mg of CBD should be labelled as 3%. Most products labels include both percentages and milligrams of CBD.
Parameters associated with dosage are: 3% CBD is recommended for mild conditions, while 6% is for moderate and 9% and above are high doses for chronic conditions.
Also, CBD oil comes in different flavours. The most commonly mint chocolate, orange blossom, olive oil and lemon twist. The authentic CBD taste is quite strong, and for some people, it’s similar to olive oil.
Gummies
Another CBD-infused product is gummies. This is probably the most indulgent way of using CBD since their texture and flavour provides a very satisfying experience, mostly for the sweet tooth.
Gummies usually are also enriched with vitamins and are available either in gelatin-based receipt or GMO-free for vegans. Many of the brands offer gummies with natural colours, without artificial sweeteners or high fructose, making them a healthy product. Anyway, it’s important to check these facts on the label, since not all gummies are high quality edible and also to fully known the ingredients and prevent allergies.
Usually, people trying CBD for the first time choose gummies since they are tasty, discreet and easy to dose.
CBD-infused is also for sale. They can be swallowed like any other pill and, according to manufacturers, are designed to treat inflammatory pain. This might be a good option for people that do not want to chew gummies, although vegans should check the labels because they are usually made of gelatin.
CBD topic products
Cannabidiol absorption through mucous and skin has been proved effective since it avoids the digestive system and with CBD reaching the bloodstream more directly.
A variety of CBD-based creams are for sale. Topical salves, for example, are recommended to treat local muscle pain and can be applied through massage.
While many CBD body lotions are intended to offer a calming sensation and are expected to be applied in a larger body surface, such a the back, most body lotions are enriched with other components that improve their performance and help heal the skin.
Some oils are also available for massage. This product is also intended to be used in large partsways of the body as a calming treatment and improve overall skin health.
Spectrum and other considerations
CBD-based products label should include spectrum information. This can be confusing for some people. What it basically means is if the infused product includes CBD solely or some other cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant.
What is called “full-spectrum” extract means that the product is infused with all the cannabinoids, terpenes and oils in the cannabis plant. This provides access to all the healing properties of cannabis, along with its nutrients. Full-spectrum products may also contain THC since this substance is one of the cannabinoids presents in the plant. So it’s essential to check the amount of THC, which should be stated on the label.
Broad-spectrum CBD products commonly contain most cannabinoids, excluding THC, while CBD isolates effects contain pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids.
Regarding dosage, Food Standard Agency (FSA) recommends that healthy adults do not take more than 70mg a day. This is about 28 drops of 5% CBD oil. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women or people under any medication should avoid using CBD.
In conclusion, there are many benefits of CBD, but for those starting as users, it’s essential to do some research in order to fully understand what it is about, what are the available options and the regulations towards its use. Knowing all that and looking for high-quality products will secure a satisfying experience.