WHAT IS CBD OIL?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and it is derived from the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different compounds found in cannabis. The two most well-known are CBD and THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This is the compound that gives you the feeling of being intoxicated or “high”.
While growing cannabis plants is illegal in the UK, Europe and around the world, it is possible to acquire a license to grow certain varieties including hemp. Hemp is a nickname for certain strains of cannabis that can contain low levels of THC and high levels of CBD.
The hemp plant is very fibrous and the fibres can be used to make fabrics for clothes and even canvas sails. It is very strong and durable and has a texture similar to linen. Hemp is also growing in popularity as a food supplement. You can find hemp protein powder, body care products and oils. One of the other products is CBD oil.
IS CBD THE SAME AS MEDICAL CANNABIS?
No, medical cannabis can contain higher levels of THC which gives you the feeling of being “high”. As the name suggests, it is also classified as a medicine and is regulated as such. You can only get medical marijuana / cannabis with a prescription and it is very rare that this would be prescribed in the UK.
CBD oil is a food supplement that is not a controlled substance. This is why you are able to buy it over the counter in places such as health food shops. CBD oil does not make you feel high and does not have any of the psychoactive effects of THC.
WHAT DOES TAKING CBD OIL FEEL LIKE?
CBD has no psychoactive effects, meaning it doesn’t get you high, so you won’t have any unusual or unpleasant feelings after taking this food supplement. People turn to CBD oil for a variety of reasons. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system which is vital in keeping your body in balance.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
To understand how CBD impacts the body, we have to first understand the endocannabinoid system. This is a fairly new discovery and has changed the way scientists think about the body. The first endocannabinoid receptor was discovered in 1988 in the brain of a rat. It wasn’t until later that we discovered the same system could be found in humans.
The endocannabinoid system is involved with keeping the body in balance. Your body has to manage everything from mood, sleep patterns, appetite, pain, immune response and hormones.
If you imagine walking on a tightrope. When you start to lean too far one way, your body corrects your balance. The endocannabinoid serves a similar function for your body and helps to keep everything in balance.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of millions of receptors throughout your body. These are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system (CB1 receptors) and your immune system (CB2 receptors). These receptors are responsible for passing messages along pathways to help regulate your body.
Just as iron is vital for the normal function of red blood cells, our endocannabinoid system also needs support. Since CBD doesn’t make up a natural part of our diets, most people don’t do anything to support their endocannabinoid system. This is why the discovery of CBD oil is so exciting.
The human body produces its own cannabinoids, but ingesting phytocannabinoids (derived from plants) can help to stimulate more production.
BENEFITS OF USING CBD OIL
Many people turn to CBD oil for well-being purposes and to support a healthy lifestyle. As it is a food supplement, it’s very easy to use every day. It is also exceptionally safe – we are asked dozens of questions about specific ailments which we cannot recommend a supplement for – but the safety profile of CBD means most people are fine to take it.
If you aren’t on any current medication, such as someone with anxiety having traditional therapy, it would be safe taking CBD. Equally a person with arthritis would be fine to take CBD assuming they’ve checked with their doctor / health professional. If you are committed to leading a more healthy lifestyle, CBD oil can help in your goals.
CBD OIL SIDE EFFECTS
Before you start taking any new supplements, it’s important to think about your lifestyle and how it fits in with other supplements you might be taking. For example, did you know that taking St John’s Wort has significant interactions with a range of prescription medications?
One research review into CBD oil revealed that CBD oil does not have a negative impact on any core functions. The research review revealed no negative side effects on the following:
- Physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature
- Food digestion
- Glucose levels
- pH levels
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between the lungs and bloodstream
- Red blood cell volume
- Vomiting
- Potassium and sodium levels
The study also found that higher doses of CBD oil (up to 1,500mg per day) were well tolerated in humans.
If you are interested in learning more about the side effects and benefits of CBD oil, the internet is a great tool for sourcing advice and research about CBD.
IS CBD OIL LEGAL IN THE UK?
Yes, CBD is not a controlled substance and is from a variety of cannabis with naturally low levels of THC. CBD supplements cannot get you high. However, only CBD oil that is derived from approved strains of the plant is legal.
If you plan to travel with CBD oil, it’s important that you check the rules of the country you are travelling to and any countries you will pass through in transit. For example, CBD oil is illegal in countries such as Russia, China and Bulgaria. In some countries, like Malta, CBD oil is only allowed with a prescription.
In the United States, it becomes even more complicated as each state has their own rules about CBD oil. If you are planning to travel with CBD oil, it is best to confirm legality before you travel as legislation is continually updated.
HOW DO I TAKE CBD OIL?
There are many different ways you can use CBD oil. Traditional CBD products on the market are oil-based, which if high quality can be great.
Our blood is 90% water, so it makes sense that we struggle to absorb oil-based products. The only way our bodies can access the CBD is through metabolization in the liver. During the process of making the CBD accessible, over 90% of the of the cannabinoids are lost. This is why we are proud to share our Nano Mist spray, which boasts a much higher bioavailability than traditional CBD Oils.
Traditional CBD oil drops are taken under the tongue.
Vaping is another way to take CBD. Although vape juices may be sold as CBD vape oil, they don’t contain the same oil as oral drops. Instead, the CBD extract is mixed with an emulsifier to make it suitable for vaping.
(It’s important to remember that if you have a vape pen, you can’t just add your sublingual CBD oil to the canister. Inhaling this oil is not good for your health and can be dangerous.)
At Endo CBD, we aren’t 100% sure on the benefits, long-term, of vaping cannabinoids. While vaping can be a great way to come away from dangerous habits such as smoking – there are question marks over cannabinoids turning toxic when vaping.
Other options for consuming CBD include tablets and capsules. This is primarily chosen by people who don’t like the taste of CBD, however it’s important to note that taking a tablet will greatly reduce the absorption and efficacy.
CBD is available in pure crystal isolate form which people add to vapes or take in other ways. This is essentially pure CBD. Although CBD isolate might sound like the most effective and high dosage version available, the opposite has been found to be true. By isolating the CBD compound, the full spectrum of cannabinoids and compounds in the plant are lost making it less effective.
Finally, there are novelty items. Products such as gummy bears and sweets infused with CBD are available but these are not an effective solution when looking to truly improve health.
There are others such as CBD infused alcoholic drinks and even bath bombs. By putting CBD in a bath bomb, as with any nutrient or ingredient applied to the skin, absorption into the bloodstream will be faster than with oral ingestion, and exposing your entire body to it can result in more systematic effects. The heat can also improve the anti-inflammatory properties CBD and increase absorption even further.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CBD PRODUCT
When choosing your CBD product, it’s important that you choose a reputable supplier. Since CBD is a food supplement and not a medicine, it isn’t currently regulated like medicines would be. This means it is up to the supplier to ensure their CBD is quality and fit for purpose.
When buying CBD online, you should always look for a supplier who is reputable, can be traced and knows what they are talking about. Beware of any groups or individuals who want to sell via their inbox on social media platforms – this should set alarm bells ringing. Endo CBD are always contactable should you have any questions. You can contact us through any of our social media or directly through our contact us form.
