Did You Know?
CBD products have surged in popularity not due to new clinical evidence but following changes in government laws and regulations. CBD derived from industrial hemp is completely legal because industrial hemp is EU-approved. However, the condition is that the substance must contain under 0.2% THC, as THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK now regulates CBD. Every CBD brand must submit a novel food authorisation application to the FSA, with a deadline of 31st March 2021 to register all CBD brands. Thus, it is now the FSA’s responsibility to regulate the booming CBD market.
The body contains a network of sensors that react to compounds present in cannabis, including both THC and CBD. Dr David Copenhaver, director of cancer pain management and supportive care at the University of California, Davis Health Center, notes this system. Specialists have been highly interested in the potential benefits of CBD for various medical issues.
You would need to be living in a cave to miss the CBD craze sweeping across the UK, America, and the globe. The Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) estimates that the CBD market in the UK could be worth nearly £1bn a year by 2025. New CBD-infused products are filling store shelves every day, from oils and gummies to tablets, creams, and balms. You can even find massage oils infused with CBD or cosmetics laced with the compound.
The CBD industry is thriving, with around 1.3 million people in the UK using CBD oil, according to GQ Magazine. Currently, the cannabis plant extract is being added to products like burgers, toothpicks, and mouth fresheners, alongside many other personal healthcare items. About 60% of CBD consumers take it for anxiety and stress relief, as indicated by a study of 5,000 people conducted by the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research firm. Relief from chronic pain, insomnia, and stress are significant factors behind CBD usage. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and professional golfer Bubba Watson use CBD for its benefits, and even Martha Stewart’s French bulldog uses it. CBD has certainly made its mark in Hollywood.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is available to consumers in many forms, including oils, tablets, and creams. The ideal dosage varies from person to person, depending on factors like the form and intended use. There is limited research on this subject, so experts are not yet able to endorse universally safe and beneficial doses. As a new product, most users must experiment with their dosage and observe the benefits and side effects themselves.
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Products containing varying amounts of CBD may offer medical benefits but can also pose risks. The CBD products market is growing rapidly, and research is expanding. However, there is still confusion about the laws, how to use CBD, and its effectiveness.
CBD products are legal to use in the EU and the USA, but their legal status varies between countries. Consequently, the quality, amount of CBD per serving, and safety can differ significantly from brand to brand and among different products, making it challenging to calculate an ideal dose.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a popular organic compound obtained from the cannabis or hemp plant. Its colour, quality, and clarity can vary significantly depending on the source and manufacturer. This organic oil contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol belongs to a class of compounds called cannabinoids, found abundantly in Cannabis sativa or the hemp plant. CBD is the second most prevalent of the 104 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It should not be confused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the most common and active compound in the marijuana plant. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which produce a “high” sensation when consumed.
In contrast, CBD oil does not have any psychoactive effects. It does not make you feel high or alter your mind like narcotics or other psychoactive substances. This characteristic makes CBD oil a safer, more accessible option for those seeking relief from stress, anxiety, pain, and various other ailments. This has created a large market for CBD growers, companies, researchers, and stakeholders.
It is important to note that the terms hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same, even though they are often used interchangeably. Hemp oil is extracted by crushing and refining industrial hemp seeds and contains no cannabinoids, including CBD. It is commonly used as a nutritional supplement or in cooking. CBD oil, however, is extracted from the flowers of either the cannabis or hemp plant, depending on the manufacturer. It is often produced by mixing crushed hemp or cannabis Sativa extract with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil. This extract contains significant amounts of cannabidiol, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
Difference between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Hemp oil is extracted from industrial hemp seeds and contains no cannabinoids like CBD. It is commonly used as a nutritional supplement or in cooking. CBD oil, however, is extracted from the flowers of cannabis or hemp plants and contains significant amounts of cannabidiol, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
CBD oil is often produced by mixing crushed hemp or cannabis extract with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil. This oil contains significant amounts of cannabidiol, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. Many states have legalised CBD oil for personal, medical, and recreational use.
CBD oil is becoming popular in the health and wellness space, with various studies suggesting it may help alleviate conditions like anxiety, stress, and chronic pain. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding its effectiveness, side effects, and safety.
Where does CBD Oil originate from?
CBD oil can be extracted from industrial hemp, cannabis plants, or both. But which source provides the most potent, safest, and best CBD oil? There are two primary strains of Cannabis sativa used for CBD oil: the marijuana plant and industrial hemp.
Marijuana is typically grown in controlled agricultural environments and is known for its high THC content. In contrast, industrial hemp is cultivated primarily for hemp seed oil and fibre. Hemp fibre is used to make biofuel, insulation, paper, food, clothing, and more. Hemp-derived CBD oil contains virtually no THC, with less than 0.2% THC content, depending on the extraction process.
CBD oil derived from marijuana may contain higher levels of THC. However, the main difference between cannabis and hemp plants is the resin content. Hemp has low resin levels, while cannabis has high resin levels. The Misuse of Drugs Act made CBD oil legal across the EU for both medicinal and recreational use under specific conditions. However, marijuana remains illegal in many countries.
Is CBD Oil Legal to use?
The legality of CBD products depends on their resin content. According to the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, certain parts
of the cannabis plant are not included in the legal definition of cannabis. This means CBD oil derived from these parts is legal as long as the THC content is below 0.2%.
In summary, CBD oil is legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. However, marijuana-derived CBD oil may have higher THC levels and is subject to different legal restrictions. Most CBD oil sold in the UK is sourced from industrial hemp. The dual-use narrative of hemp fibre and seed oil production makes CBD oil a booming industry, despite legal controversies.
Usage of CBD Oils
Now that we understand what CBD oil is, where it originates from, and its legal status, let’s explore its various uses. CBD oils are used for chronic pain relief, reducing inflammation, and alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms. CBD oil can be used topically, consumed as an edible, or added to vape juices. Let’s delve into these uses in detail.
Using CBD Oil as a Topical
CBD oils are commonly used in creams to treat acne, wrinkles, irritation, and signs of aging due to their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD pain oils target affected areas to relieve pain and irritation. CBD massage oils help with muscle relaxation and stress and anxiety relief.
CBD Oil for Pain
The human body has a network of nerves known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates functions like sleep, pain, and appetite. CBD oil can help with chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptors and signalling synapses to ease pain by numbing pain sensors.
To use CBD oil for pain, apply a small amount to the affected area and massage it in. The oil is absorbed through the skin, stimulating nervous sensors and signalling synapses to reduce pain.
CBD for Joint & Muscle Pain
Research has shown that CBD can help treat joint pain conditions like arthritis. A 2016 study applied CBD gel to rats’ joints for four days, resulting in significantly reduced inflammation and pain. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects may help people with joint issues and arthritis.
CBD Massage Oil
CBD oils are also used for massages due to their calming and muscle-relaxing properties. While individual experiences may vary, many people find CBD massage oils effective for relaxing and alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms.
CBD for Acne
CBD skin care products can help reduce acne by decreasing skin inflammation. Studies have found that acne is a form of inflammatory skin condition. CBD’s soothing effects can reduce inflammation and redness, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. CBD can also decrease excessive sebum production, a major cause of acne.
CBD Infused Edibles
CBD oil is also consumed in various edible forms, including CBD capsules, CBD gummies, and CBD drinks. The major benefit of consuming pure CBD oil is its rapid absorption into the bloodstream, providing quick effects.
CBD Oils in Vape Juices
Another effective way to consume CBD is by vaping. CBD vape oil is mixed with regular vape oil and smoked using a vape kit. Vaping CBD provides quick relief from pain, stress, depression, and anxiety as the CBD is inhaled and mixed with oxygen, reaching the brain faster.
For more detailed information on CBD products, check out our guides on CBD oil, CBD brands, and our extensive range of CBD products.