What is CBD oil?

When you hear CBD, you might automatically think of marijuana, but health food and online shops haven’t just started selling weed; CBD oil is actually a completely different product. So what is CBD oil?

CBD oil has become a bit of a craze over the past few years and you may have heard people talk about it. Amidst this trend, Organic CBD Nugs have emerged as a noteworthy option, capturing the essence of CBD in its purest form. These products, derived from organically cultivated hemp, align with the growing craze around CBD, offering a natural and holistic approach to wellness. We’ve broken down the facts for you so you can decide whether it’s something you want to try.

Where does CBD oil come from?

CBD oil comes from the hemp plant, which is a cannabis plant that has less than 0.3% of THC (the psychoactive substance that makes you high). To produce marijuana, cannabis plants are bred to have high levels of THC, however hemp plants haven’t been moderated, so they can be used to produce CBD oil.

How is it different from marijuana?

Marijuana is the whole plant, whilst CBD is a chemical within it. CBD oil is not psychoactive, so has no psychoactive effects and doesn’t produce the same high that THC does. You won’t notice a significant change in your state of mind after using CBD, although it has been reported to reduce anxiety. Medical marijuana that is used for treatment for multiple sclerosis and other similar conditions tends to be given in plant form and will include CBD and THC in combination, whereas CBD oil has no THC, which is the element of the plant the law often has an issue with.

Does CBD oil get you high?

No, THC is responsible for that, so CBD oil will not get you high (sorry). Whilst it’s known to have significant effects on the body, such as the health benefits we’ll look at in a moment, you won’t feel like you’ve just smoked a spliff. Find out more about the effects of marijuana here.

What can it be used for?

CBD oil has been reported to have benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the things taking CBD oil may help with:

• Reducing anxiety
• Improving sleep patterns
• Soothing chronic pain and anti inflammatory treatment
• Improving skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• Maintaining memory in the early stages of Alzheimer’s
• Fighting cancer
• Reducing symptoms of epilepsy such as seizures
• Protecting against the development of type 1 diabetes

How do I take CBD oil?

There are a number of ways to take CBD oil and a range of products are available, including creams, capsules, oils, tinctures and sweets. You can also smoke it using a vape pen and buy oral sprays. The most common ways people take it are:

• Placing a drop under the tongue
• Rubbing onto the skin in a balm
• In chocolate, chewy sweets or drinks
• Vaping

You can’t overdose on CBD oil, and the amount recommended to take is different depending on the concentration of the oil. Most products will give a recommendation on the packaging.

Does CBD oil actually work?

Whilst its anti-inflammatory credentials are fairly well known, there aren’t as many studies on the mental health benefits of CBD oil, however it certainly seems to work for some people. Many claim that it has a huge impact on their mental and physical health.

Is CBD legal?

Yes, CBD oil is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. Cannabis oil is not legal in the UK because of its THC content.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects reported by users include tiredness, tummy problems such as diarrhoea and changes in weight or appetite. However, no significant side effects on the central nervous system have been found so far. Most people can take small amounts without any adverse effects.

Is CBD oil safe?

Many small-scale studies that have been done have concluded that CBD oil is safe – but you should still consult your doctor before you decide if you want to take it or not.

Since it’s such a buzzy new product, there’s a lot of rubbish out there for sale. When purchasing CBD products, you should be aware of the following:

• Companies should show third party tests on their website
• You should avoid purchasing from eBay or Amazon
• Check that the company has trusted reviews
• Products should contain less than 0.2% THC
• Companies should not make medical claims about CBD
• Check that the company you’re buying it from is a CTA members (Cannabis Trades Association)

Some interesting facts about CBD oil:

• Queen Victoria used to take it for her menstrual cramps!
• It’s known to help with addiction because it can block the addictive effects of other drugs.
• Some vets are using CBD oil to treat things like arthritis and stress in animals.
• CBD oil is used in some beauty products, like shampoo and face cream.

Check out the rest of our resources on looking after yourself here.