What is CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol. A natural extract of the hemp plant that is both legal and non-intoxicating. CBD has no psychoactive or addictive effects.

CBD is very different from THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component found predominantly in marijuana. Whilst THC will get you high, CBD will not instead provide numerous benefits. The Hemp plant is also made up of other compounds including additional Cannabinoids and Terpenes.

There is a good deal of confusion around the word cannabis. People often assume that it is the same as marijuana, but in reality, only a few plants in the cannabis family contain high levels of THC.

The Cannabis family has several different breeds, yet it is still most famously known for marijuana, hence the confusion between hemp and marijuana. However, Hemp and Marijuana are just two varieties of the cannabis plant.

Hemp is prized for its high levels of Cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-intoxicating compounds that many people take to help lift their mood, reduce inflammation, calm their bodies or minds and relieve chronic pain. Hemp is known to have over 20,000 different applications and uses.

Manufacturers can extract the CBD compound from the stalk, stem, leaves, and flowers of a hemp plant. The resulting compound is what goes on to influence the endocannabinoid system with a myriad of benefits.

How does CBD work?

First we you need to understand a little about how our bodies inbuilt Endocannabinoid works. The endocannabinoid system is a complex biological system in the human body. The endocannabinoid system has three components: receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. These parts function regardless of whether someone uses CBD or not. Today, experts know that it impacts several major processes, including appetite, sleep, mood, and memory, but there is much more yet to be discovered.

In order to understanding the effects of CBD, this involves examining the relationship between the receptors and endocannabinoids.

There are two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors are primarily responsible for governing movement, coordination, pain, movement, appetite, mood, memory, and a number of other functions. The CB2 receptors influence pain, and inflammation.

After the enzymes break down the cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids bind with the receptors. Many Scientists believe that CBD does not directly attach itself to the receptor but instead influences it in some way. Activating these receptors is what allows for many of the health benefits that people associate with the CBD.

Different types of CBD

There are three different ‘forms’ of CBD and this is in relation to what parts of the Cannabis sativa (Hemp) is used is production.

We have given a brief outline of the differences below, along with the benefits of each, and the how the different types are normally used.

Isolate CBD

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It contains none of the other compounds found in the hemp plant, including terpenes and other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC and minimal quantities of THC (below 0.2%). CBD isolate comes in a crystal form of CBD, and it is often ground up and sold as a powder. It may also be called CBD crystals.

Whist Isolate CBD may be the cleanest and purest form, many view it to be too refined as you will not benefit from the additional compounds and cannabinoids, that work together in unison.

However, if you are after a form of CBD that has 0% of THC then Isolate CBD is the best choice for you. Isolate CBD is a popular choice for sports men and women.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD includes all of the compounds found in the plant. There are over100 cannabinoids, including CBD along with an additional 150 terpenes and 20 flavonoids. Full Spectrum also includes a small amount of THC, however, all CBD products sold in the UK legally require a level of below 0.2%.

Many see Full-Spectrum to be the superior form of CBD as it may have a more potent effect than pure CBD. The potential health benefits may be more prominent when multiple compounds from the cannabis plant are present. This is what researchers call the ‘entourage effect.’

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum CBD as it also contains additional cannabis plant compounds and cannabinoids.

However, Broad-Spectrum CBD products should have zero or trace amounts of THC, like Isolate CBD, the THC has also removed.

Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum products may have a higher source of producing beneficial health effects than CBD isolate because of the entourage effect that the combination of the additional compounds creates.

Yes, CBD is legal in the UK. CBD oil must not contain more than 0.2% THC to be legally sold in the UK. It is the THC that is present in the Hemp plant, that CBD is extracted from, that gets you high.

CBD oil UK law states that the product has to meet certain criteria in order to sold within the UK and to be lawfully available for human consumption.

However, there are a huge amount of CBD cowboys on both the internet and on the high street selling products that do not meet the legal criteria, or have any CBD in their products for that matter. So, when you’re looking to buy CBD, do your homework and make sure that the company you are purchasing is open about their ingredients and is able to show you a certification that their products have been third party tested and contain less that 0.2%

Is CBD safe?

CBD is reported to have few side effects, this is why it is popular with consumer looking to move away from prescribed medication that may bring unwanted side effects. However, it is not recommended to pregnant or breastfeeding women and it is advised that if you are taking addition medication to check with your doctor first.

Disclaimer:

CBD is sold as a food supplement, and as a result, It’s illegal to claim it treats, prevents, or helps cure an illness or disease. No health claims have been made in this article.