CBD oil is a mix of CBD-rich hemp extract and carrier oils. It is the most popular type of CBD product and comes in a variety of different strengths, sizes, and flavours.
UK consumer CBD wellness products that are available without prescription (known as over the counter) are a growing market and include a range of different products such as tinctures, capsules, and edibles. These products are analysed for the presence of controlled phytocannabinoids such as 9-THC.
Benefits
CBD is a natural compound with potential for managing the symptoms of some mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. It may also be a useful aid in reducing pain caused by some conditions, such as arthritis. However, more high-quality studies are needed before this can be confirmed (9).
There are various types of CBD products available, including oils, capsules, tinctures and sprays, as well as edible treats like gummies. The choice can be overwhelming, and it’s difficult to know which brands are reliable. One of the best ways to choose a product is to look for a brand that uses an independent lab to test each batch, and follows good manufacturing practices established by the FDA for pharmaceuticals or the US Pharmacopeia for dietary supplements.
It’s also important to choose a product that is THC-free, since if you take a CBD oil that contains any THC you could fail a drug screening test. This is particularly important if you’re taking any other medication. CBD binds with enzymes in your liver that break down medications, so it could decrease their effectiveness or cause dangerous side effects (e.g., drowsiness).
In general, CBD is safe for most people, but you should avoid it if you’re taking certain medications. CBD can interfere with the way your body metabolises some drugs, especially antidepressants and blood thinners. In addition, it may amplify the effect of alcohol (10).
Ingredients
The most common type of CBD product is a liquid oil that contains CBD mixed with a natural carrier oil. This makes it easy to use and is the most popular form of CBD. It can be taken by placing drops under your tongue or added to food or drinks. Many products are available in different flavours and concentrations. The percentage of CBD in the product and its total content should be clearly stated on the label. This helps you compare products and work out the cost per milligram.
Some types of CBD are made using hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant that does not contain high levels of THC. This type of CBD is legal to buy and sell in the UK and can be found in many products. Some examples include CBD capsules, gummies and drinks.
CBD can help reduce anxiety and inflammation but does not make you feel high, unlike the psychoactive substance THC in cannabis. It is believed that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce these effects. It is a legal drug in the UK and can be bought in shops, pharmacies and online.
There are some ingredients in CBD products that can cause a false positive in a drug test. It is important to choose a CBD product that does not contain these ingredients, especially when travelling internationally. This is because customs may seize a product that has these ingredients if they are entering the UK from a country where cannabis is illegal.
Dosage
Choosing the right dosage of CBD depends on your individual situation and a wide range of factors. CBD products come in different strengths, which are usually indicated on the label either in milligrams or as a percentage. The number in milligrams simply indicates how much CBD is contained in the product; whereas the percentage is more complicated as it takes into account the amount of the other ingredients as well (carrier oil, flavouring, additives and so on).
It’s important to remember that everyone responds differently to CBD, so finding your ‘sweet spot’ is often a case of trial and error. The current UK FSA guidelines suggest that healthy adults should not take more than 70mg of CBD daily. However, many people take considerably higher doses without experiencing any unwanted side effects.
Another factor to consider is whether you plan on taking a CBD supplement under the tongue or in a capsule. When taken under the tongue, CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream via the oral mucosa and bypasses the digestive system; therefore, it can start to work quickly.
When taken as a capsule, CBD has to be digested by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This can cause some people to experience side effects such as nausea and dizziness, especially if the capsule is large. This is because CBD interacts with some pharmaceutical drugs, especially those that are metabolised by the cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Side effects
CBD can have a variety of side effects but these are typically mild. They can include drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. In some cases, the oil may interact with other medications. The interaction will depend on the type of medication and the concentration of CBD in the product. It is therefore advisable to always check the label and read the warnings carefully.
CBD is an antioxidant that can help with the symptoms of a wide range of health conditions. It can ease pain and inflammation. It has also been shown to relieve anxiety and depression. CBD can interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which helps to regulate mood and improve sleep quality. It can also reduce the severity of seizures in some people with epilepsy.
There is limited evidence of the benefits of CBD for other health conditions, however. A few studies suggest that it may be helpful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but more research is needed. It can also improve the quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Many CBD products on the high street aren’t properly authorised and could contain unsafe levels of THC. The products can also be ineffective or have other unidentified ingredients. The FSA has advised that anyone who buys a CBD product should make sure it has been legally produced and meets the legal standards for supplements. CBD Oils UK