CBD: A Beginner’s Guide
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the best-known active cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, which is another cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, CBD is not psychoactive and causes no ‘high’ feeling. In the UK, a CBD product must contain no more than 0.2% THC to be considered legal.
While cannabis has been used by ancient cultures for health benefits for thousands of years, CBD was only discovered and isolated in 1940. Therefore, there is still little scientific research available on its beneficial properties. However, people across the globe are increasingly using it for wellness support in a variety of areas, including:
Relief from chronic pain, e.g. arthritis
Mental health, e.g. anxiety
Neurodegenerative conditions, e.g. MS and Epilepsy
Menopause
Different types of CBD
There are three main types of CBD; full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.
Full spectrum CBD products are less processed and contain all of the cannabinoids and other compounds in the cannabis plant. The combination of these compounds is believed to make the product more beneficial for overall health.
Broad spectrum CBD products contain some of the other cannabinoids and plant compounds, but are largely free from THC.
Isolate products contain only CBD extract and no other cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant. This involves removing everything other than CBD during the extraction process.
Different ways to take CBD
CBD products come in a variety of forms to suit different needs and preferences:
CBD oils
This is the most popular method for using CBD. You place 1-3 drops under your tongue and hold the oil there for two minutes before washing it down with a glass of water. This avoids digestion and ensures immediate and high absorption into the bloodstream.
Edibles
These provide a convenient way to incorporate CBD into daily activities by adding them to food or drink, or chewing CBD gummies. Absorption will be slower and lower as the CBD only enters your bloodstream after going through your digestive system.
Patches
While users of oils and edibles may need to top up their dosage throughout the day, patches are designed to allow the available CBD to absorb slowly over 12-36 hours.
Balms & salves
These remain in the skin and do not enter the bloodstream and allow you to target specific areas of the body, such as the skin or muscles, for faster pain relief.
Tablets and capsules
If you don’t like the taste of CBD oils and prefer not to use edibles, these can offer a convenient alternative.
Vape liquids
This is another method that bypasses digestion as the product is absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs. If you enjoy using vaporisers, this can be suitable solution for you.
How to start using CBD
The effect of CBD on every individual is dependent on their endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS plays an important role in regulating bodily functions such as sleep, memory, digestion, inflammation, and mood, to help the body maintain homeostasis.
Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are similar to the endocannabinoids in the human body and are therefore able to interact with ECS receptors. While THC binds to ECS receptors, CBD does not. Instead, it prevents the breakdown of the body’s own endocannabinoids, upregulating body’s different functions.
It is important to allow our CES to get used to our intake of CBD by starting on a low dose and increasing it gradually until we can feel the benefits. Once we start to feel the benefits, we can stay on that dose to enjoy the benefits long term. This process can take up to 8 weeks.
Selecting a supplier
There are now many suppliers of CBD in the UK. You must make sure that they are a registered business, and that they have published their lab reports on their website. These are third party reports that show the exact composition of the product.