CBD is believed to help ease symptoms such as anxiety and pain. It’s also been known to treat conditions like severe and rare forms of epilepsy, nausea from chemotherapy, and muscle stiffness in people with MS.
In April 2021, the majority of over-the-counter CBD wellness products in the UK will need to comply with European Novel Foods regulations. This can be a lengthy process and not all companies will take the time to submit their products.
CBD Oil
CBD is the latest health craze with many people buying it in the belief that it can help them sleep better, alleviate pain and anxiety. The pre-clinical studies of this substance are promising but the results in human trials have been mixed. It’s important to check that any CBD product you buy is regulated by a recognised lab and can provide evidence of its content.
The CBD found in the UK market comes from a specialised Cannabis plant called Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L). This is grown under the required licence as a food crop and for fibres such as clothing, rope and paper. This particular cannabis plant has low-9-THC levels and therefore doesn’t require a medicinal licence.
The plant’s oil can be extracted to produce a raw product that contains a high concentration of CBD. This can be refined into a number of different products for consumption by consumers. The CBD in these products is typically isolated from other phytocannabinoids, and referred to as ‘CBD isolate’ throughout this report. This sample matrix can have significant impacts on the ability to accurately extract and measure the controlled phytocannabinoids and must be taken into account when developing a test method for such products.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are made from the hemp or cannabis plant and steeped in premium alcohol. They are designed to be dropped under the tongue where they can be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly without having to go through your digestive system.
As a result, they can start to work in as little as 30 seconds, and are often used as a quick fix when you need immediate relief for things like anxiety, headaches or pain. Tinctures are also popular with people watching their weight because they can be taken without having to eat any additional calories.
Because tinctures contain THC, it is important to find a brand that states exactly what they are selling and what concentration of CBD is in their product. The best brands will be open and honest about their products and will offer a variety of CBD concentrations to suit different users. They will also be able to provide evidence of their product’s safety, such as independent lab testing.
CBD Gummies
Gummies are a convenient and delicious way to get your daily CBD. They are typically easy to swallow and can be taken on an empty or full stomach. CBD gummies can also provide a slow, steady release of the compound over time.
The best CBD gummies UK are made with high-quality ingredients and follow good manufacturing practices for pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements (though these are not required for CBD products). Look for companies that post third-party lab reports on their websites and use all-natural ingredients without any artificial preservatives, colors derived from natural sources, or animal-derived materials.
The best CBD gummies will contain less than 0.2% THC. This is the limit that is legal in the UK, and it ensures that you will not experience any psychoactive effects that are often associated with consuming THC. The best gummies will contain CBD isolate, which is pure and contains no other plant compounds. They may also be made with broad-spectrum hemp extract, which provides a wider variety of cannabinoids to stimulate more receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are a popular option for those wanting to take their dose of CBD daily. They are a great choice for those with dietary restrictions, as they can be made from gelatin (which is usually cow-derived) or from vegetable based sources such as rice and peas.
Once swallowed CBD works its way through the digestive system and into the bloodstream where it is absorbed. This takes a minimum of 30 minutes to get into the body and can sometimes be delayed further by stomach acid, recent meals or other factors.
It is worth mentioning that there are pharmaceutical drugs that use CBD as an active ingredient, including Nabilone for chemotherapy-related sickness and Sativex for multiple sclerosis muscle spasticity which has not improved with other treatments. CBD is also being investigated for its effectiveness in treating certain types of epilepsy and for cancer related pain. This is why it is so important to carry out thorough research before purchasing a CBD UK product.