Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for cannabidiol (CBD) oil in the UK is increasing rapidly. According to Forbes, the sale of CBD will hit $2.1billion in mid-2020 worldwide. Unfortunately, because of the lack of knowledge in people, it is easy to make the wrong conclusion which leads to the misuse and abuse of CBD oils. This three-minute read will explain to you the ABCs of CBD oil in the UK.
What is CBD oil?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is the naturally occurring phytochemical found in cannabis plants. Although there are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, only a few have been investigated and isolated. The most abundant phytochemical found in the cannabis plant is (THC) tetrahydrocannabinol. The only difference between the two is that THC causes Psychoactive effects.
Is CBD legal in the UK?
CBD is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 1mg tetrahydrocannabinol in the final product. In the UK, CBD products can now be found in many high street stores and online. However, the products do differ in quality; for example, the oil from Patch Adam seem to be the best CBD oil UK citizens can buy, according to reviews. In 2019 WHO found that CBD doesn’t cause any side effects and they consider it safe to use. However, in the UK the trade association recommends retailers not to sell products made from CBD anyone under 18.
CBD must get approval first from MHRA (Medicinal and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) to use it as medicinal products. However, CBD oil products do not need any license from MHRA, so retailers like Royal CBD can sell CBD oil as nutritional supplements, but they can’t claim any health benefits of CBD oil.
How does CBD work?
Phytocannabinoids or cannabinoids interact through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), on the other hand, tetrahydrocannabinol interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system regulates different functions such as hunger, pain, sleep, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and metabolism.
Few tips to keeping in mind when shopping for CBD:
CBD market is still largely unregulated, a 2019 study found that many CBD products available in the market contain little or no CBD in them. These unregulated markets create a new problem such as adulteration of harmful components in the product.
So how will you find genuine CBD products? Here are some tips from CBDShopy a UK-based CBD retailer:
- Cannabidiol potency: It would be better if you check Cannabidiol potency in the product before purchasing CBD products. It is because CBD comes in different strengths and concentrations. As the CBD markets are unregulated, so it is very important to counter check with the COA (Certificate of Analysis) report about CBD potency. The average market price ranges in the UK is £25.00 to £40.00. And it would be better if you pay for Cannabidiol potency, not for bottle size.
- Certificate of analysis reports: When you buy any CBD product, please make sure that it is tested by a third-party or independent lab. This third party lab result will help you know the actual concentration of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids found in the product. This COA report will also indicate the presence of harmful contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. And it would be better if COA reports are from an accredited testing facility.
- Cannabidiol isolate vs Full Spectrum Cannabidiol: Full-spectrum CBD contains an extra compound with CBD such as extra beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids. Many research concludes that full-spectrum cannabidiol offers you greater benefits as compared to isolated CBD. If you don’t want to buy an outrageous amount of cannabidiols, then it would be better if you go for full-spectrum CBD.
- False medical claims: MRHA already releases its clear guidelines on the marketing of cannabidiol products, but still many dishonest retailers make a false medical claim to attract customers towards their products. It would be better if you don’t buy a CBD product from a retailer who makes false medical claims.
How is CBD Used?
Although there are many ways of consuming CBD. Every method has its own merits and demerits. The most common method of consuming CBD is through capsules, and oils added in the food. It can also be taken in cakes and gummies such as ZenBears CBD Gummies, although it is one of the slower processes to consume CBD but still the most preferable one.
Consuming CBD orally means that it has to go through your digestion process, therefore it will take a longer time to show its effect. You can also take CBD sublingually for faster absorption and effects. It is one of the faster ways to consume because of the presence of blood vessels under the mouth lining and tongue.
Final words:
CBD is safe to use, as long as it contains less than 1mg of tetrahydrocannabinol in the final product. Many people shift towards CBD products because of their potential to work on stress and anxiety. Just make sure you purchase quality CBD products, one way to ensure the quality product is to buy from genuine and reputable sources. For example, if you wanted to buy hemp gummy bears for pain you could find some helpful reviews and recommendations on the CFAH website.
I hope you gained additional knowledge from this article. If you have anything to add in this guide of CBD products, then please feel free to add in the comment section below.