20 CBD facts that may surprise you
16th May 2022 CBD Oil
9 min read
CBD has become a popular way to help relieve and manage neuropathic pain and other symptoms from a variety of ailments since its UK legalization in 2018.
Famed for its ability to provide pain relief without the psychoactive high associated with consuming THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is widely regarded as a very safe herbal dietary supplement by industry regulators such as the FDA, World Health Organization, and European Medicines Agency. But, despite its widespread use and apparent safety, there is still a lot of misinformation regarding the potential benefits of CBD, uses, and manufacturing processes.
The following 20 facts will dispel common myths about CBD and highlight some interesting CBD facts that may surprise you.
What is Cannabidiol?
CBD is a naturally occurring cannabis constituent typically sourced from industrially grown hemp plants. It is a cannabinoid that interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain sensations, and a variety of bodily functions.
What are common uses for CBD?
CBD is commonly used to help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, including insomnia, stress, and chronic pain. However, clinical studies have also shown that it can potentially be an effective neuroprotectant for patients suffering from neurological and seizure disorders such as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
CBD is also thought to help with many ailments, including arthritis, side effects of cancer treatments, digestive issues, migraines, and anxiety. Its ability to potentially help alleviate the symptoms of so many conditions makes it among the most promising wellness supplements available today.
20 CBD facts you didn’t know
CBD Fact #1: CBD comes in many forms.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is among hundreds of compounds found in cannabis plants. In fact, CBD is the result of heating cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) and decarboxylating it.
CBD can be extracted from cannabis plants (usually hemp plants) to produce several different products. These include but are not limited to oils, tinctures (liquid formulations), capsules, topicals (dermal patches or creams), edibles, and concentrates.
CBD Fact #2: CBD is safe and non-addictive.
While some patients have reported mild side effects of CBD such as low blood pressure, fatigue or diarrhea, these are generally rare and not often problematic for most consumers of CBD products. Major organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have determined CBD safe for human consumption.
CBD Fact #3: The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in our health.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a biological system that plays a vital role in regulating many of the body's physiological processes. This system is thought to regulate functions such as memory, sleep, appetite and mood.
CBD interacts with the ECS by interacting with cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, which then modulate other neurotransmitters in the brain to help alleviate symptoms.
CBD Fact #4: CBD will not get you high, but it might make you feel good.
CBD's ability to provide relief without causing a high is attributed to its affinity for binding to CB2 receptors that manage pain and inflammation. However, unlike CB1 receptors that trigger a high when activated by THC, there is no evidence that CBD affects these receptors at all.
While it's true that CBD is non-psychoactive, there is research that suggests other compounds found in cannabis may provide a mild "buzz" that can uplift and reduce stress or anxiety. These other cannabinoid compounds are often included in full-spectrum CBD products to stimulate what is known as the "entourage effect".
CBD Fact #5: Animals have an ECS that CBD can stimulate.
UK law forbids the manufacturing and sale of CBD pet products, but extensive research indicates the endocannabinoid system plays a similar role in animals as it does in humans.
While more research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of CBD for animals, early studies have shown promising results for treating a variety of ailments in pets, including anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Image Source:
Image by Erin Stone from Pixabay
CBD Fact #6: You can't overdose on CBD.
There is no evidence that suggests it is possible to overdose on CBD, which means you can use it without the risk of overdosing or experiencing life-threatening effects.
Be aware that while it is not possible to overdose on CBD, taking too high of a dose in one go may cause minor, uncomfortable side effects such as dry mouth, digestive irritation, or drowsiness. If you're unsure how much CBD to take, it's always best to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase as needed.
CBD Fact #7: CBD is approved in some cases for medical use for children.
CBD medications have been found to be safe for human consumption by the WHO, and this extends to children as well. In fact, there are a few pharmaceutical-grade prescription medications that utilize CBD compounds to treat childhood epilepsy, such as Epidiolex.
A primary concern when it comes to treating children with CBD is ensuring that they get the right dose and are given the correct type of product. Therefore, it's always best to consult your doctor or pediatrician before giving a child CBD products, particularly if you intend to use a full-spectrum product containing other cannabinoids such as THC.
CBD Fact #8: CBD is legal in the UK.
CBD products are classified as a "food supplement" by the UK government and are subject to the same food safety and labeling regulations as any other supplement.
While it is legal to sell CBD products in the UK, they cannot claim to offer any medical benefits. So if a CBD product makes any claims about curing, treating or preventing disease, it is doing so illegally, and you should avoid purchasing it.
CBD Fact #9: CBD could be an effective treatment for COVID-19.
Early studies from researchers at the University of Chicago have shown that cannabidiol and other cannabinoid compounds may be highly effective in blocking the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering lung cells. If this research is confirmed in large clinical trials, it could mean that CBD may be used as a treatment for COVID-19 down the road.
CBD Fact #10: CBD is best made using cold-pressed extraction methods.
While there are many different ways to extract CBD compounds from cannabis plants, methods using high-pressure, low heat, and no harsh solvents are considered the most effective at preserving cannabidiol compounds, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytocannabinoids. These methods involve using specialized equipment CO2 to extract hemp plant compounds.
When looking for CBD products, always check the label to see how CBD was extracted to create the final formula. If it doesn't say, or if you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact the company directly and ask.
CBD Fact #11: Yes, CBD products can result in a positive drug test.
Full-spectrum CBD products and even those labeled as THC-free broad-spectrum formulas can still contain trace amounts of THC. For this reason, it is possible to test positive for THC after using CBD products.
If you are concerned about passing a drug test and are unsure whether the CBD product you're using contains THC, always check third-party lab results provided by the CBD vendor. Third-party lab reports detail the cannabinoid content of the product and any other contaminants that may be present.
CBD Fact #12: CBD does not require a prescription.
Unlike medically approved forms of anti-inflammatories and painkillers such as opioids, CBD does not require a doctor's prescription to be purchased. This makes it an accessible option for those looking for potential relief from conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
CBD Fact #13: CBD can be used topically or internally.
CBD can be used in many ways, including consuming CBD oral sprays, sublingual drops, edible capsules or foods, or applying topical CBD creams. When used topically, CBD is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, where it can then interact with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.
When used internally, CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream through glands in the mouth and under the tongue or metabolized in the bloodstream via the liver. Internal consumption methods usually provide longer-lasting relief from symptoms than topical solutions but may not provide the same targeted relief.
Image source:
Image by Erin Stone from Pixabay
CBD Fact #14: CBD can last for hours.
How long CBD lasts in the body depends on many factors, including how it is consumed, the person's weight, and the speed of one's metabolism. In general, however, the effects of CBD can be felt for several hours after ingestion.
CBD Fact #15: CBD is best sourced from hemp plants.
CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants. However, CBD products derived from hemp plants are generally considered more effective, as they contain higher concentrations of CBD and lower levels of THC. (Plus, CBD products made from marijuana plants are not legal for public sale in the UK.)
When looking for CBD products, always check if the source plant is hemp or cannabis. If it's not specified, don't hesitate to ask the vendor directly.
CBD Fact #16: CBD flower is not legal for sale in the UK.
While many forms of CBD products are legally available for sale and consumption in the UK, CBD cannabis flowers are currently not legal for sale in the country.
At this point, there is no indication that this will change in the near future, so those looking to purchase CBD flower products will need to enjoy them in a country where CBD flower is legal.
CBD Fact #17: The UK legal limit for THC in CBD products is 1mg per product.
Recent laws have changed regarding the legal restrictions for CBD products containing THC in the UK. While previously, any product containing more than 0.2% of the compound was illegal to sell or buy, now only products that contain < 1mg per unit are legal to sell to the public.
CBD Fact #18: CBD can be made from sativa or indica hemp plant strains.
A significant misconception surrounding CBD is that all products are derived exclusively from sativa plant strains. In reality, however, many different hemp plant strains can be used to produce CBD oil and other CBD products.
Popular sativa-dominant hemp plant CBD extracts include Harlequin, ACDC, and Sour Tsunami. Popular Indica-dominant CBD strains include Cannatonic, Blueberry Kush, and Blackberry Kush.
CBD Fact #19: The efficacy of CBD may be limited by prescription medications.
If you are taking any prescription medications, it is essential to consult your doctor before starting a CBD regimen. This is because many common prescription drugs interact with CBD, limiting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.
Some of these medications include anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and antipsychotic drugs. If you are taking any of these medications, it is best to speak with your doctor before using CBD.
CBD Fact #20: CBD sales in the UK topped £690 million in 2021.
Some may think that CBD products are a new development, but the truth is that the UK CBD market has grown exponentially since its inception. In 2021, the industry reached £690 million in sales, with more and more consumers turning to CBD for its therapeutic benefits. Moreover, 2022 and beyond look even more promising for the CBD industry, showing that CBD is here to stay.
What to look for in quality CBD products
Differentiating between CBD facts and fiction when it comes to products can be difficult, especially since there is so much misinformation out there. To ensure that you are purchasing high-quality CBD products, look for products made from organic plants that have been third-party tested for quality and purity.
In addition, check to see if the product lists its full ingredients and dosage information on the label, as well as its potency and extraction methods. When in doubt, do your research and consult with trusted vendors or healthcare professionals to ensure that you get the most effective CBD products possible.
Visit our CBD shop or learn more by reading our buyer’s guides of the best CBD oils and best CBD gummies available to buy in the UK.
By understanding these 20 CBD facts, you can feel confident in your decision to try CBD products for yourself. With so many potential health benefits and a low risk of side effects, CBD is worth exploring as a natural therapeutic option.
And considering the hundreds of billions in sales and thousands of products available to UK consumers, the use of CBD will only become more popular in the years to come. So if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your health and wellbeing give CBD a try and see the benefits for yourself. You may be surprised at just how effective this compound can be.
References:
1. Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35007072/
2. Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders. Link here.
3. Long-term safety and efficacy of cannabidiol in children and adults with treatment resistant Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31022635/
4. Blessed CBD: Available in UK (https://blessedcbd.co.uk), Germany (https://blessedcbd.de), USA (https://blessedcbd.com)
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