What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is the most important hemp product to hit the market in a very long time, and it has proven to be life-changing for millions of people around the world – even those who wouldn’t have otherwise considered using cannabis in any form.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp and marijuana. The key difference between CBD and recreational marijuana is that CBD does not contain psychoactive (and illegal) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), so it is not possible for users to get ‘high’. But what exactly is CBD? Let’s take a closer look.
What is CBD Oil?
The cannabis plant contains biological compounds – cannabinoids – that interact with the human body via the body’s endocannabinoid system. Of the over 100 cannabinoids that have been identified, the most famous is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
THC is the substance that produces euphoria when you use marijuana. CBD is another cannabinoid found in abundance in cannabis. While CBD doesn’t make you feel high, millions of people consume it because it allows them to experience the benefits of cannabis without mental impairment. Also, researchers have recently begun to undergo studies about the potential benefits that CBD may have when it’s isolated from the rest of the hemp plant. So far, the results are promising.
Legality of THC and CBD
UK law specifies that CBD products can contain no more than 0.2 percent THC. Extracting CBD oil, therefore, requires industrial hemp typically grown for the durability of the fibre rather than for use as a supplement. Industrial hemp is high in CBD but doesn’t contain a usable amount of THC. If you smoke it, in other words, nothing will happen. UK law allows farmers to obtain licences for growing industrial hemp since it has no recreational use.
CBD Extraction Methods
Extracting CBD oil from industrial hemp requires a solvent, and the most common solution is carbon dioxide. To retrieve the oil, the manufacturer uses a CO2 extraction machine. Passing high-pressure CO2 through a chamber of ground plant material causes the material to release its CBD oil. The resulting oil is then mixed with a carrier such as hemp oil until the desired CBD strength is achieved. CBD oil makers routinely test the potency of their products to ensure that customers get what they’re ordering.
Four Important Facts About CBD Oil
Medical cannabis and hemp have been under scrutiny for many decades. As a result, lots of misinformation still lingers, creating confusion about what CBD oil is all about. Here are some of the most important facts you should keep in mind about CBD oil.
CBD Oil is Extracted From Industrial Hemp and not Cannabis
Although cannabis and marijuana belong to the same species, there are some crucial differences when it comes to the appearance and chemical compounds found in each. Hemp plants are thinner and lankier, while cannabis grows bushier, with extended branches and broad leaves.
However, the most important difference lies in the chemical composition of each. Cannabis is naturally high in psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). However, since THC is illegal in most parts of the world, hemp crops are much more popular. This subspecies contains only trace amounts of THC and is grown primarily for medicinal and industrial purposes.
CBD Oil Will Not Make You Feel Euphoric or “High”
To be legally cultivated and processed, industrial hemp strains must go through strict testing procedures to ensure they contain less than 0.2 percent of THC. As a result, there is no chance you will ever feel “high” by ingesting CBD oil.
It Is Entirely Legal and Doesn’t Require a Prescription
CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp, with less than 0.2 percent of THC is completely legal in the UK. According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), CBD oil is classified as a food supplement and therefore, does not require a prescription.
There No Known Adverse Side Effects to CBD Oil
There are several scientific studies which suggest that CBD offers a host of health benefits to users. Although clinical trials are still far from being conclusive, there’s been anecdotal evidence that point to the effective treatment of epilepsy, pain relief and reducing inflammation. What has been proven, however, is that CBD oil has negligible side-effects, even if ingested in large quantities.
How to Consume CBD Oil
There are many ways to ingest CBD oil, depending on your preferences and tastes. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Using CBD Oil Orally
The most common way to use CBD oil is by consuming it orally. To use CBD oil orally, place the desired dosage under the tongue and hold it there for 60 seconds before swallowing it. It may take your digestive system up to about 90 minutes to begin processing the CBD oil that you consume. Holding the oil under your tongue allows the CBD to pass into your bloodstream more quickly.
Add to Food
If you don’t like the sensation of holding CBD oil under your tongue, you can also consume it with any food. Try stirring the oil into a smoothie or drizzling it over a salad or curry. When adding CBD oil to food, though, remember that you can’t use it as a cooking oil because CBD oil becomes a vapour at about 130° C. If you heat CBD oil above that temperature, you’ll lose the CBD.
Use Topically
CBD absorbs readily into the skin. If you wish to experience the benefits of topical CBD, you can do so by rubbing the oil directly on the skin or by mixing a few drops with your favourite lotion. You might like to place a bandage over the CBD oil to hold it against the affected area and ensure that it absorbs fully.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?
Dosing CBD oil should be done progressively according to each user case. When it comes to CBD doses, there are no one-size-fits-all solution. Below you’ll find a practical guide on how to measure the correct amount.
Measure the Dosage Based on Your Weight
The efficacy of most substances and chemical compounds is naturally influenced by body weight. Individuals with a larger body mass will require more significant amounts of CBD to feel its soothing effects. An excellent way to measure this would be to consume 2-10mg of CBD for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Easy does it
Weight is not the only factor that plays a role in calculating your CBD oil dosage. Genetics, medical history and natural tolerance vary greatly from one person to another. That’s why it is important to start slow and build up your intake depending on the effects on your body.
Learn More About CBD Oil
Here at OKCBD we want to help you make informed decisions and dispel the myths surrounding hemp-derived CBD. In our blog you will find useful resources for your journey into the refreshing world of cannabidiol.
OK CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or malady. They are not to be used by persons under the age of 18, during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. If in doubt, check with your GP before taking CBD oil.
