What is CBD - The Complete CBD Guide - All your questions answered

Posted by oran wellard on

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD oil, is a natural non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis/hemp plant and it is taking the UK market by storm.

Many people are buying CBD to experience the numerous reported benefits found by users and researchers. Though related to THC, the most well known compound found in the cannabis plant that causes the famous ‘high’, CBD does not get you high but rather gives an anti-psychoactive effect. Scientific research is yet to catch up but research and anecdotal evidence shows that CBD can help:

  • Reduce anxiety and depression
  • Relieve pain and inflammation
  • Improve sleep
  • Relieve Fibromyalgia pain
  • Reduce seizures
  • And more

Can CBD get me high?

Absolutely NOT, CBD is a non-intoxicating compound that does not cause any high effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causes the famous high that we all know of. CBD products in the UK do not contain enough THC to cause any high effect. If you are concerned about THC levels, buy a broad-spectrum CBD product as broad spectrum CBD has been through an extra level of filtration to remove traces of THC.

Where does CBD come from?

To understand CBD, you first need to know where it comes from. CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant – that’s it in a nutshell but we will explain further.

There are 2 types of cannabis plants, the marijuana plant and the hemp plant. Both are very similar and in appearance, you won’t be able to tell them apart. The key difference is the ratios of THC/CBD and other cannabinoids in which these plants contain. You may have come across terms such as hemp derived CBD oil or cannabis derived CBD oil.

The marijuana/cannabis plant contains higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD. This is the plant most people use recreationally to experience the famous ‘high’ feeling. Whilst the hemp plant contains low levels of THC and high levels of CBD making it suitable for those looking to experience the potential medicinal benefits without getting high.

So to make CBD oil that contains little to no THC whilst containing all the goodness of the cannabis plant, manufactures use the hemp plant. You can purchase CBD made from the cannabis plant but make sure the THC level is within the legit limit of 0.2%.

difference between cannabis and hemp

What CBD can help with - Research

Pain relief is one of the many reasons people turn to CBD. This study show that CBD can reduce discomfort related to a variety of health conditions.

A CBD review concluded that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic disorder when administered acutely.

This 2016 research study suggested that a lack of endocannabinoids, may be at the root of chronic pain syndromes, including migraines and fibromyalgia. Taking CBD may correct this deficiency, explaining the compound’s success in alleviating chronic pain. 

Furthermore, this 2017 study concluded that CBD might counteract the hypersensitivity of cells surrounding nerves in people with chronic pain, including those with fibromyalgia. Although, more research is needed.

How does CBD Work?

You may be wondering how CBD interacts with your body and simply; we are built to receive CBD. We all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which responds very similarly to internally-produced cannabinoids and external cannabinoids, like CBD. 

Your ECS is made up of three core parts: endocannabinoids, a series of receptors around your body, and enzymes that break the endocannabinoids down. These receptors are found throughout all of your major organs, your immune system and your nervous system, ensuring that everything is at a state of balance. CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system allowing you to unwind and enjoy the potential benefits.

We have two receptors for cannabinoids throughout our body, called CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

CB1 receptors are present throughout our body but many are found in our brain. This deals with coordination and movement, pain, emotions, mood, appetite and other functions. CB2 receptors are found more commonly in the immune system that affect inflammation and pain.

Unlike other cannabinoids, it has recently been believed that CBD does not bind to these receptors. Instead, it encourages our body to create more if its own cannabinoids to balance our system. This is part of the reason that CBD is considered safe in the wider health sphere.

cbd for skin

How much CBD oil to take?

This isn’t a straight-forward answer as CBD works differently with everyone and we are all treating different ailments. So head over to our CBD dosing blog post for a more in depth guide on CBD dosing. Although generally, a good starting point is 20mg a day.

How to take CBD?

CBD can be consumed in many different ways, from oral tinctures to CBD gummies, vape oils, capsules and more.

CBD Oil Tinctures. This is the most popular way of taking CBD oil. The oral CBD drops are easy to use directly under your tongue. This is called the sublingual method. CBD oral drops come in different strengths allowing you to experiment with dosage. CBD oil tinctures are a great way to consume CBD without swallowing pills.

CBD Balms – containing a mix of soothing ingredients infused with CBD. Creams or balms are designed to be applied directly to the are of discomfort. For best results, you should use CBD balm on top of a CBD oral drops routine.

CBD Vape E-Liquid- CBD vape oil, or e-liquid, allows you to consume CBD in vapour form. To do this you need a vape device. This is the fastest, most effective way to deliver CBD into your bloodstream, allowing you to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD quicker. Only vape CBD oils made specifically for vaping, do not vape CBD oil oral drops.

Edible CBD Products. Edible CBD products, such as gummies, sweets, chocolate, tea bags and other products allow you to consume CBD in an endless way that is pleasing to consume. Although tasty, this method is least effective.

How to calculate CBD strength and dosage?

If you’re using CBD oil, it’ll likely come in a pipette bottle. The packaging might specify how much CBD is in a single drop. From there, you can figure out how many drops you need to use. 

If not specified, one drop is about 0.05milliliters and a 10ml CBD oil bottle usually contains around 200 drops. If a bottled contains 1,000mg of CBD then each drop will contain about 5 mg of CBD. With other methods such as vaping CBD, it’s a little harder to calculate CBD dosage. For a more in-depth guide, check out this blog post.

Where to buy CBD and what to look for?

You can buy CBD online or at your local pharmacy. Buying CBD oil online gives you a wide range of CBD products to choose from - allowing you to find the best CBD for your budget. Although, I must point out that price doesn’t always equal quality here, a lot of CBD brands over charge. As a rule of thumb you shouldn’t pay more than £40 for 5%, £50 for 10% and £80 for 20% CBD oil.

When choosing your CBD product, make sure to look for products made with full or broad-spectrum CBD. This allows you to benefit from the whole plant including other cannabinoids and terpenes. Research has found that when taken together, these cannabinoids work better. This is known as the entourage effect. Full-spectrum contain all cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including both CBD and THC. Broad-spectrum oils contain most cannabinoids, but generally don’t contain THC.

The positive research and medicinal benefits of CBD have put pressure on authorities and governmental organisations to legalise CBD. To start your CBD journey, buy CBD online here at the best prices!

If you decide to buy CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Please leave a comment to let us know what you think about CBD. With continued research and anecdotal evidence, we will understand CBD better and can hope for a better, healthier future.


NuHemp Ltd are not doctors and we do not provide medical advice. None of the information on this site, including information in any press release or blog post, constitutes legal or medical advice by us. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

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