What Is CBD Oil?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the main components found in the hemp plant and lies in an all-natural class of molecules known as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol makes up about 40% of the plant and is one of over one hundred different compounds found in the cannabis plant. Out of all the compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are generally available in high concentrations. Due to this, the two compounds are the most researched cannabinoids.
It is worth noting that CBD doesn’t induce the “high’ feelings THC does. Instead, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive and presents a wide array of benefits. Of marijuana and plant extracts, CBD oils are the purest and are available in tincture form.
What Is CBD Oil Used For?
CBD is mostly used for its potential to help ease the symptoms of various conditions, such as anxiety and certain types of pain, or sometimes just to help maintain overall health. However, CBD research is still in its infancy, and much more remains to be learned.
That being said, evidence from past and current studies shows great promise, and a considerable amount of anecdotal accounts claim that CBD oil is super beneficial. But what are the benefits, exactly? To answer this, we first need to discuss the endocannabinoid system.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signalling biological network in the body that is made up of the following components:
- Endocannabinoids: Neurotransmitters that help regulate many of the body’s functions
- Enzymes: Proteins that break down endocannabinoids once they have served their purpose to ensure they do not linger in the body
- Cannabinoid Receptors: Neurotransmitter receptors that stay on the cell surface and monitor the body’s environment, responding appropriately when necessary to restore normal conditions
The ECS has two receptors, CB1 and CB2, that respond to different compounds in the body. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are located in various locations around the body. Although CBD doesn’t have direct control over the receptors, it does influence the body to activate or shut off the receptors.
Even though there is still a lot we don’t understand about the endocannabinoid system, current research indicates that it is involved in regulating various bodily processes, including:
- Digestion
- Inflammation
- Metabolism
- Mood
- Nerve function
- Pain
- Skin function
- Stress
Ultimately, your ECS intervenes to help your body regain homeostasis (physical and chemical equilibrium) when an external cause, such as pain or inflammation, disturbs it.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
In no particular order, here are the top potential benefits of CBD.
1. CBD for Stress
As mentioned above, the body has many different receptors that are affected by different stimuli. CBD affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors, mainly found in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
How CBD interacts with these receptors isn’t fully understood yet. Although, studies suggest that it may alter the serotonin signals in the body. This might be why people find it to be such an effective stress-buster.
2. CBD for Sleep
By helping to balance your body’s endocannabinoid system, including the immune response, communication between cells, appetite, metabolism, memory, and more, CBD oil may also help improve your sleep.
If you want to try CBD for a good night’s rest, there are a range of ways to take it. Try using a
CBD-infused tea for a relaxing warm drink before bed, or add some CBD oil drops to chamomile tea.
Another great way to improve sleep health would be CBD capsules. They’re easy to take and mask the taste of hemp, which many users don’t like. Keep them beside your bed, so if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can take one with a sip of water and relax. CBD brands such as
Mission C offer a range for targeted results, including one focused on sleep.
Next time you find yourself tossing and turning, try CBD out and see if it will relax you and help you doze off.
3. CBD for Muscle Recovery
Anyone who has ever done any physical activity as an adult will know those aches and pains in your muscles that can come after a workout (leg day is the worst!). Fortunately, CBD is ideal for addressing painful, aching muscles and may even help speed up the recovery process.
Studies have shown CBD can help reduce inflammation and ease everyday aches and pains. Some people find it to be very soothing for their muscles and joints.
For muscle soreness and recovery, the most popular methods would be CBD gels and creams. These can target specific areas of muscle pain and work quickly to aid in alleviating the symptoms, such as
Equilibrium CBD Sports Recovery Balm which aids recovery.
For general endocannabinoid health and total body muscle recovery benefits, a high CBD mg full spectrum CBD Oil is the most effective method of consumption. As people have different tolerance levels to CBD, people may need different amounts to see results.
Once you find a level suitable, you shouldn’t need to increase your dose. Simply use the dropper to place as many drops as needed (usually two) under your tongue and let it rest there for a few minutes.
Canndid CBD Tinctures are a great product to try as they are low-cost and come in a range of strengths.
4. CBD for Sex
One of the most important things for a healthy and pleasurable sex life is relaxation. CBD is great for relieving stress and tension. Getting in the mental headspace before sex is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your partner. It ensures you’re present and in the moment. It can also help you relax if you have performance anxiety issues.
5. CBD Oil for Acne
Many people swear by using CBD oil for acne UK, and with good reason. Some evidence suggests CBD oil could help ease the symptoms of acne. The potential of CBD to help alleviate inflammation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, is one of its most popular benefits, which is vital when fighting inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
According to a 2014 study, CBD can
help reduce sebum, an oil secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin, which can cause acne if it is produced in excess. There was also evidence that CBD has antimicrobial properties, which are vital for treating acne.
Together with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities, these potential benefits suggest that CBD could be an effective acne treatment. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that more research needs to be done to pinpoint how CBD affects acne and if there are any possible adverse effects.
6. CBD Oil for Anxiety
Anxiety is a condition billions deal with every day. Fortunately, a large body of evidence suggests using CBD oil for anxiety UK, can help ease some of the symptoms.
Although research is ongoing, many studies suggest that CBD may be a powerful anxiolytic. One study had people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and a healthy control group partake in a simulated public speaking test (SPST) after ingesting CBD or a placebo. Compared to those who took the placebo, the participants with SAD who took CBD displayed
significantly reduced anxiety levels. In fact, their anxiety had been so greatly reduced, they matched the levels of the control group.
Studies such as this reveal that CBD can potentially reduce both the physiological and behavioural symptoms of anxiety by interacting with receptors in the brain that regulate behaviours brought on by fear and anxiety. This means that simply by using CBD oil for stress and anxiety UK, you could lower your anxiety levels and experience more calm.
7. CBD Oil for Pain Relief
Many people use CBD oil for pain relief. In fact, it is highly likely you already know someone who does. According to research, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body, producing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties which assist in pain management. Therefore, CBD oil and other products may be useful for those who experience pain, including chronic pain.
Best CBD Oil UK
If you have ever spent time shopping for CBD products or trying to buy CBD oil UK online, then you know how complicated the process can be sometimes. This is due to the sheer volume of options on offer and the various factors to consider.
So you may be asking yourself, with so many brands and products offering the same cannabidiol oil, how are CBD Villages’ cannabidiol oils different from the rest?
Well, there are several reasons our CBD oil is the best, and we can start by mentioning some of the things that make our products unrivalled when it comes to purity and quality.
First off, the CBD oil we offer is made using non-GMO, 100% organic hemp plants free of chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides.
If that is not enough for you, then the fact that CBD Village has been featured on some of the top CBD websites in the industry as a
high-quality CBD product provider should be proof that we are one of the best online shops in the industry.
One way to separate or differentiate between quality CBD oil and subpar ones is to listen to reputable, reliable and trusted outlets. CBD Village has featured and continues to feature in different best CBD oils for sale in the UK lists.
CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil
Each type of oil offers different health benefits. They are made differently and from different parts of the hemp plant. Hemp oil or hemp seed oil is, as you may have guessed, made from the seed of the plant. Its touted benefits include a healthy range of fatty acids for nutrition, a beneficial supplement for skin, and it’s been known to help soothe everyday aches and pains.
CBD Oil in UK is made from the leaf and stem of the plant, which is rich in CBD concentrations and has a host of proven benefits. More are being studied all the time.
You can distinguish the two by inspecting the label and looking for mention of the following, hemp seed oil, hemp oil, Cannabis Sativa seed oil or just Cannabis Oil. All of these terms denote hemp oil, but if you are unsure, reach out to us at our customer service or via social media, and we’ll help clarify.
CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference?
To understand the difference between CBD and THC, you have to know the exact definition of each:
- Cannabidiol (CBD): One of the primary non-intoxicating cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa plants
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis sativa plants that is responsible for the “high” that gets associated with cannabis
CBD and THC behave very differently in the body due to their different chemical compositions. This is also why they are treated differently by the law.
The main difference between CBD and THC includes the following:
- Chemical Structure: Because they have different chemical structures, CBD and THC interact differently with ECS receptors
- Psychoactive Properties: CBD is not psychoactive, but THC is and can make users high if consumed in large quantities
- Legality: CBD is legal in the UK as it is not psychoactive and contains very little to no THC, while THC is illegal in quantities more than 1 mg per finished product
What Forms of CBD Oil Are Available?
Three different forms of CBD oil are available, namely:
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no other compounds
- Broad-Spectrum CBD oil: Contains every component found in the cannabis sativa plant, excluding THC
- Full-Spectrum CBD oil: Contains all the elements of the cannabis sativa plant, including trace levels of THC. However, these levels are not high enough to be intoxicating.
People who wish to avoid THC tend to opt for CBD isolate, while those hoping to experience the entourage effect prefer full-spectrum CBD.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
As mentioned above, full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the beneficial compounds of the plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
Although it contains some THC, this amount is not enough to cause a high. Instead, the addition of THC may help you experience the entourage effect.
What Is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains almost every compound found in the cannabis plant, except for THC. Because there is no THC present, you have the best chance of maintaining mental clarity when using this form of CBD.
Are All CBD Oils the Same?
As we mentioned earlier, it can be hard to distinguish one CBD company or brand from the other. If you know a bit about CBD oil, then you know that top CBD oil brands source their hemp or marijuana from legitimate industrial hemp providers, extract the cannabidiol using low-temperature carbon dioxide equipment, subject their product to third-party laboratory testing, and produce solvent-free, organic oils, tinctures, and capsules.
So, How Does One Tell One From the Other?
To some extent, you will have to rely on what others who’ve bought CBD oils and tinctures online say. As you will see, CBD Village is one of the few names that consistently pop up on unbiased third-party sites, most usually acclaiming it for selling high-quality CBD oil. If you are searching for the finest-quality cannabidiol, we also have detailed reviews in our blog section.
Size vs Amount of CBD – Some Considerations
It’s worth taking the time to choose wisely, as not all CBD oil is created equally. You should check whether your chosen CBD extract contains a good amount of CBD. This is usually advertised on the packaging in mg per bottle size, such as 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg or in the percentage concentrate, such as 5%, 10% or 15%. Remember to weigh the cost per dose carefully. The more concentrated oils will be more expensive, but the higher amount could work out as cheaper when considering how much CBD you get.
Full-Spectrum CBD vs Broad-Spectrum CBD
When choosing which CBD products to buy, there are small but important differences between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD oil, which we mentioned above.
Some believe that full-spectrum CBD Oil products are healthier due to the natural balance. Although broad-spectrum CBD oil and other products have a high range of cannabinoids, some terpenes are lost due to the manufacturing process.
The Extraction Method Used
There are several different CBD extraction methods used around the world. Some favour the slightly older and more traditional cold-pressing technique, but increasingly companies are relying on CO2 as their main extraction method.
CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide at high pressure to isolate and assure purity. The process is one of the more expensive extraction methods and is usually used by premium products. This extraction process also assists in keeping the THC level below 0.3%.
Which Is the Most Effective CBD Oil in UK?
It may take a few tries to find the one that is most effective for you, but that’s half the fun!
Which CBD Product Is Right For Me?
To find the perfect high quality CBD oil, you need to consider a few things:
- Method of consumption: Would you prefer using CBD oil, or are gummies or a CBD vape more your thing?
- Bioavailability: If you are looking for faster results, using a sublingual CBD product or vaping CBD is best. CBD infused edibles such as gummies may take a bit longer to kick in as they must first pass through the digestive system.
- Strength: If you are using CBD for the first time, start with a lower dose of CBD. However, you can start with a higher amount if you are a regular CBD user. Just remember to start low on whichever quantity you are on and gradually increase until you find what works best for you.
- Effects you are after: Want to clear up acne? A topical product such as Poko’s Light Hydrating Moisturiser may help. However, try CBD oil or edibles if you want to address something internal, such as pain or anxiety.
No matter which product you choose, always ensure it comes from a reputable brand that you know you can trust.
How Is CBD Oil Manufactured?
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the flowers and buds of the cannabis plant, and there are several ways to do this. However, the method decided on will affect the purity and strength of the final product.
These extraction methods include:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Pressurised CO2 draws naturally occurring compounds (such as cannabinoids) from hemp plant material
- Liquid Solvents: Liquid solvent such as alcohol is used to extract CBD
- Oil Infusion: Plant material is heated to activate compounds and is then added to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and heated to 100 degrees Celsius for a few hours
After extraction, the CBD may need to be distilled or undergo winterisation (removing undesirable materials) to purify the CBD further.
How Do You Take CBD Oil?
CBD oil can be taken in many different ways depending on the user’s preference. It can be ingested directly or added to food or drink for a more enjoyable experience.
Taking CBD Oil Sublingually
The fastest way to experience results is by using natural CBD oil sublingually. You simply take a dropper and place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue for this method. Keep the oil there for about a minute before swallowing. This allows the CBD to enter your bloodstream quicker, and the longer you keep it under your tongue, the more potent the effects.
Adding CBD Oil to Food or Beverages
However, taking CBD oil sublingually is not for everyone. Another way to use CBD oil is by placing a few drops in your favourite dish or drink. Remember that it may take longer to see effects when using this method, as it first needs to pass through the digestive system before it can enter your bloodstream.
Will CBD Oil Work if Swallowed?
Yes, CBD oil will still work if you swallow it. However, it will take longer to feel the effects, and they may not be as strong because the CBD first has to pass through your digestive system.
Instead, try holding the CBD under your tongue for at least a minute before swallowing.
Why Is CBD Oil So Expensive in UK?
CBD oil may seem expensive, but considering all the work that goes into making it and the legal roadblocks manufacturers have to face, it makes sense why it may seem a bit pricy. The cost is affected by various factors such as:
- Extraction method
- Lab testing
- Regulatory restrictions
- Expensive ingredients
There are many cheap CBD products on the market, but most are ineffective and contain undesirable ingredients that could be harmful.
When it comes to CBD products, you get what you pay for. Instead of looking for the cheapest, look for a high-quality CBD oil that is reasonably priced.
Can I Drive if I Take CBD Oil?
If your CBD oil contains no more than 1 mg of THC (the legal limit), it is perfectly safe for you to drive. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and cannot impair your driving.
Just ensure you use a quality product and know the CBD and THC content.
Is CBD Oil Legal in UK
CBD is legal in the UK. However, it is highly regulated, and some requirements need to be met, such as:
- CBD products may not contain more than 1 mg of THC per product
- CBD used in products must come from a strain of UK-approved industrial hemp
- CBD from other countries where CBD is legal may be sold in the UK
- CBD flowers and buds may not be sold in the UK
- Only CBD products with a novel food application may be sold in the UK.
- All CBD products must be labelled correctly
The list is by no means exhaustive, but it covers the main points. As long as all these conditions are met, CBD oil is legal in the UK.
That being said, rules and regulations surrounding cannabis often change, so it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the law.