Once a completely banned substance, cannabis has made its way into our daily lives in the form of CBD oil, an extract from the hemp plant that may provide relief from a variety of mental and physical health issues without the powerful hallucinogenic effects of full-blown marijuana.
What was once seen as a controversial substance is now an established part of popular wellness culture, but is it worth the fuss? We decided to try the “miracle drug” for ourselves. Unable to sleep, relax or switch off, we hoped that this drug might be a natural antidote to the always-on, anxiety-inducing world in which we live.
But where do you start? There are many different strains and strengths of CBD on the market, and there seems to be a constant confusion about the legality of these products in the UK. CBD producers themselves describe it as a semi-cowboy market, “a bit like the Wild West”.
Finding the right product for you will require some trial and error, as what works for one person may not necessarily have the same effect on another.
There are some very important things to consider before purchasing CBD oil: So, let’s start with the basics.
CBD oil (also known as cannabidiol) is made from the stalks, stems, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and contains high amounts of active, therapeutic cannabinoids. It should not be confused with hemp oil used in food and beauty products, which comes from the seeds of the same plant.
You can't “get high” from CBD oil, because the Ministry of the Interior will only issue licences for plants grown from approved seeds that contain no more than 0.2 percent THC.
Gemma Colao, founder of OTO, explains, “CBD is one of the primary cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It is similar to cannabinoids produced naturally in the body and helps promote homeostasis, or balance, in the body. It also helps regulate physiological functions, including pain, inflammation, sleep, mood, stress, and anxiety.”
“CBD is a non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant and does not contain THC. Unlike THC, it will not get you high and it is not addictive,” Colao reveals.
What are the benefits of CBD oil? What is CBD used for?
CBD is only just beginning to be taken seriously in the medical community, so there is currently very little conclusive scientific research on the subject, but it is believed to have significant therapeutic benefits.
The World Health Organization claims that CBD oil is “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” Some studies suggest that CBD oil may provide relief to patients suffering from the following conditions:
Alzheimer's diseaseParkinson's diseaseMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Cancer (and related treatments)DiabetesGeneralized painAnxietyDepressionInsomnia
OTO's Colao adds: “When our own cannabinoid levels are depleted, we can experience sleep problems and increased anxiety and pain levels. Supplementing natural cannabinoids with plant-derived CBD can help restore balance. This is why CBD is often used to relieve pain, ease anxiety, and improve sleep.”
What to look out for when buying CBD oil
The first CBD oil I bought was fake. Moral of the story: don't buy cheap, bucks are bucks. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
To avoid making the same mistakes again, be aware of the following buzzwords:
Non-GMO and Organic: To ensure purity, CBD oil should be free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and solvents. CBD Concentration: There should be a lab certificate of analysis (packaged with the product or posted on the brand's website) that shows the amount of CBD in the product. A minimum of about 300mg (3%), but I personally had no effect. I recommend starting with 600mg (6%) or 800mg (8%), depending on the severity of the condition you want to treat. THC Percentage: If the product contains more than 0.2% THC, it is illegal and unregulated in the UK. Supercritical CO2 Extraction: This is generally considered the cleanest, purest, non-toxic, and most efficient way to extract CBD, but it can be expensive and drive up the price. Full Spectrum CBD: This means that the oil contains a wide range of cannabinoids (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, proteins, chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.), which are thought to be effective in fighting pain and inflammation and have longer-lasting effects than isolates. Trusted Brands: Always do your research, read reviews and check the brand's reputation.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work for anxiety?
“There's no clear answer as to how long it takes for CBD oil to work for anxiety,” says Colao. “Some people feel an immediate effect, while others may only notice a difference after several days or weeks of regular use. It's most effective when CBD oil is taken daily, which ensures optimal and consistent levels (CBD is processed by the body like any other supplement). If you have concerns about a specific health issue or other medications, it's best to consult with a medical professional before starting a new supplement.”
How to Use CBD Oil for Pain
Colao is on board with this, too. She explains, “Living with pain or discomfort has both physical and emotional components. When CBD molecules are absorbed through the skin, they reach the subcutaneous tissue, where they interact with receptors that mediate pain and inflammation.”
“CBD is an antioxidant, so when applied topically it can have an anti-inflammatory effect on joints and muscles. It can also have an analgesic effect by reducing the perception of pain. When CBD is applied topically, it is absorbed into the body faster and more effectively, allowing it to have a specific effect on the area.”
Is CBD oil legal in the UK?
CBD is legal in the UK. According to the Home Office, the legal limit for cultivation is 0.2% TCH, and 1mg for products. The World Health Organisation has also declared CBD safe.
The OTO founders elaborate, “The Food Standards Agency's (FSA) business guidelines on cannabidiol being listed as a 'novel food' state that only existing brands on the CBD public list are permitted to sell over-the-counter CBD products in the UK.”
Which is better: CBD vapes, tinctures, capsules, or CBD edibles?
CBD oil is available in the UK in four main forms.
Using an e-cigarette allows you to feel the effects of CBD the quickest, but scientists warn that the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are still unknown. CBD tinctures are the most popular because you can drip as much oil as you want under your tongue and gradually increase the dosage over time. Capsules are a great option for those who don't like the flavor of CBD oil, but they have a fixed dosage. Edible chocolates, treats, and lozenges can be taken to mask the flavor, but they don't offer as much flexibility in dosage. CBD balms are also growing in popularity because the body's peripheral cannabis receptors may be stimulated to reduce inflammation.
CBD Oil Dosage
Our endocannabinoid systems respond differently to different types and strengths of CBD oil, so if you've never taken CBD before, it's best to start with a fairly low dose and work your way up.
The FSA recently reduced the recommended dosage of CBD from 70mg to 10mg a day. While CBD oil is not addictive and you can't “overdose” on it, Ian Budd, clinical lead and pharmacist at Chemist4U, explains that “long-term use of high doses of CBD can cause thyroid problems and liver disease. These conditions are thought to be more likely the more CBD you take over your lifetime.”
“The recommended dosage is 10mg or less per day, but the right amount of CBD for you will vary from person to person. Some people find lower doses more comfortable, while others prefer to take up to 10mg. CBD products come in a range of strengths, so naturally the maximum amount you can take per day will vary from product to product,” he continued.
The real challenge is finding the purest, most potent CBD oil possible. It's worth spending your money on a strong CBD product that only requires a few drops each day, rather than buying a cheaper alternative that's likely to be of lower quality and ineffective.
The pharmacist stresses that “if you feel like you are experiencing adverse effects from the CBD you are taking, you should stop taking the supplement as soon as possible.”
How to take CBD oil
With a tincture, you place drops under your tongue and let them sit for 60 seconds before swallowing, which allows the CBD to enter your system and take effect more quickly.
