CBD is the latest health craze, with claims that it relieves everything from pain and anxiety to diabetes, heart problems and even dementia. Sales have doubled over the last two years and an estimated quarter of a million people are now regular users. It’s found in capsules, muscle gels and sprays as well as drinks like beer, hummus and even chocolate.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical that comes from the cannabis (hemp) plant. It doesn’t contain the compound tetrahydrocannabinol, which is what gets you high, so it’s legal and won’t have the same effects as marijuana in its complete form. It’s also backed up by evidence from clinical trials and is now included in the NHS medicinal drug list in England for epilepsy.
It has become a big business, with CBD-branded products selling in every corner shop and on the internet. But there are concerns that some of these products don’t live up to their claims. A recent report blind-tested 30 products that were advertised as CBD, bought on the high street and online. Almost half had measurable levels of THC, which is banned in the UK. They are likely to have been produced from hemp plants that have not been bred to produce less than 0.2% THC.
The best way to ensure that your product has a low THC content is to seek out UK-regulation approved brands. Look for a UK-regulated brand with a certificate of analysis.
This is the only way to guarantee that you are purchasing a genuine, UK-regulated, safe and effective CBD product. A reputable UK-based CBD company will be transparent and will show you the Certificate of Analysis. It will also give you details about the production process, such as the source of the plant.
It’s important to understand the difference between full-spectrum and isolate CBD products. A full-spectrum CBD product will contain other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, alongside the CBD. This gives a more rounded, ‘entourage effect’. This type of CBD has been shown to help with conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.
Isolate CBD, on the other hand, is a pure product that contains only the chemical CBD and no other cannabinoids from the cannabis plants. It’s a very potent product and is often used in the form of drops that are placed under the tongue.
The benefits of this form of CBD are still being researched, but there is some early promising evidence for treating pain and anxiety. Isolate CBD has also been found to improve depression in people with mild to moderate symptoms.
It’s essential that you speak to your doctor before trying CBD or any other new supplement. They can advise you on whether it is suitable for your condition and how much to take. They can also recommend a trusted supplier. CBD UK