A Beginner’s Guide to CBD

Mar 20, 2024

Want to use CBD but aren’t sure where to begin? In this guide, we cover all the basics on CBD so you can embark on your wellness journey with confidence.

CBD has become a staple supplement in recent years for many who are looking to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Legal in the UK since 2018, a YouGov survey revealed that 11% of the UK population now uses CBD.

However, there are still many who are unclear about the facts on CBD. A Food Standards Agency (FSA) report revealed that 15% of the population believed that CBD products were not regulated in the UK or did not know that they were a regulated product.

CBD is in fact regulated in the UK under the Novel Food Act which is enforced by the FSA. CBD products are classed as ‘novel foods’, meaning they can be legally bought and sold in the UK; however, they must pass rigorous safety tests to make it onto stock shelves.

We believe that knowledge is power, so in this guide we cover some of the most common questions about CBD to empower you in your decision making.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol – otherwise known as CBD – is a cannabinoid molecule found in cannabis. However, CBD is just one of over 400 cannabinoids that have so far been identified in the plant including THC, for example.

Cannabinoids are named as such as they are a kind of molecule that interacts with a system within the body called the Endocannabinoid System.

Found throughout the central nervous system, immune system, reproductive system and other areas of the body, the Endocannabinoid System has receptors known as CB1 and CB2 that interact with these cannabinoid molecules.

The Endocannabinoid System helps to regulate different processes in the body – like sleep, appetite and reproduction.

Ever wondered why cannabis gives people the “munchies”? That’s because of how THC interacts with the Endocannabinoid System to regulate appetite, increasing feelings of hunger.

However, not all cannabinoids have the same effect. For example, CBD does not cause the “high” feeling that THC causes, as THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not.

CBD Products

CBD is available in a variety of different product types so you can find what works best for you. These include CBD Oils, CBD Capsules, CBD Edibles, CBD Topicals, CBD Vapes, and more, so let’s take a closer look.

CBD Oils
There are three different types of CBD Oil including Isolate, Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum.

An Isolate CBD Oil is an oil that only contains the cannabinoid CBD and its carrier oil, such as coconut or sesame oil.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil contains a variety of compounds that can be found in the cannabis plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and several different cannabinoids.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil also includes these terpenes, flavonoids, and different cannabinoids, however, importantly, it also contains a trace amount of THC. By law in the UK, Full-Spectrum CBD products can only contain up to 0.3% THC.

CBD Capsules
CBD capsules contain CBD within the capsule case and are a great way for consuming CBD. Easy to swallow, CBD capsules mask the taste of the CBD within the capsule and allow for accurate dosing.

CBD Edibles (CBD Gummies)
CBD can come in a variety of edible forms, from gummies and chews to chocolate, coffee and more.

Like any CBD product, edibles come in a variety of strengths to suit your needs and can be a convenient and delicious way to enjoy your CBD.

CBD Vapes
Vaping CBD is another way to get a fast onset effect from your CBD. Available in a variety of different flavours, vape juice is a popular consumption method as it gets absorbed directly through the lung, causing faster onset effects.

CBD topicals
CBD topicals are balms or creams that contain CBD. Available in a variety of different strengths, CBD topicals are a great wat to get CBD directly to the area you wish to apply it to.

What do people use CBD for?

People use CBD for a whole host of different reasons. Supplementing a balanced lifestyle, supporting wellness and cultivating a sense of calm are some of the many reasons people are turning to this supplement.

A 2019 consumer research survey carried out by the FSA asked people in the UK their reasons for using CBD products.

The results revealed that:

• 41% said they use CBD to relieve pain.
• 40% said they use CBD to relieve anxiety and stress.
• 35% said they use CBD for relaxation.
• 33% said they use CBD for sleep.
• 30% said they use CBD for mental health.
• 23% said they use CBD for depression.
• 17% said they use CBD for their skin.

Adding to these uses, the report reads: “...just under one in ten are liking the taste of CBD (9%), to help reduce high blood pressure (9%), and to improve memory / concentration (9%).”

Conclusion

As CBD increases in popularity as a supplement for supporting various aspects of wellness, understanding the basics such as what products are available and how much to take is crucial.

Despite misconceptions, CBD is regulated in the UK under the Novel Food Act to ensure safety and quality for consumers.

Various types of CBD products cater to individual preferences and needs, from oils to edibles and topicals.

If you are considering incorporating CBD into your wellbeing routine, ensure you consult a medical professional if you are taking any medications, adhere to dosage guidelines and consider safety recommendations.

Whether you're embarking on your first CBD experience or seeking to deepen your understanding, remember that education empowers you in your journey towards holistic wellbeing.