CBD products have grown in popularity on the high street and online. It’s important to understand the regulations surrounding them.
CBD is legal in the UK as long as it meets three criteria. This includes not being sold as a medicine and meeting Novel Food authorisation standards. Consumable CBD products like oils & sprays, capsules and edibles must have this authorisation.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical that’s extracted from the cannabis plant. It’s been used to treat symptoms of conditions including anxiety, pain, a muscle disorder called dystonia, and Parkinson disease. It can also reduce the nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment and ease the discomfort of arthritis.
In the US, a prescription CBD drug called Sativex has been approved to relieve muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis. Other research suggests that it might help reduce the inflammation that leads to heart disease and diabetes.
However, most CBD sold in shops is marketed as a dietary supplement, not a medicine. This means it is not rigorously tested for safety and quality, like medicines go through. Professor Sumnall warns that using CBD in place of prescribed drugs could be dangerous.
CBD Oil
CBD is used to reduce pain in people with chronic illness. It is available as a cream or gel, which can be applied to the skin, ingested as a capsule, or used in vaporizers. It is a safe, non-toxic supplement for most people. However, you should always check the label and third-party test results to ensure that what is on the label is what is actually in the product.
CBD may help people with anxiety and depression. It is thought to work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce pain and discomfort. It’s also been shown to help with PTSD in one small study. However, more research is needed. It is important to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are one of the most convenient ways to take the compound. They offer precise dosing that is difficult to accomplish with oil-based products. Additionally, CBD capsules are discreet and can be taken in public without getting strange looks from people nearby.
CBD has been shown to improve a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. In one study, participants were given CBD before a simulated public speaking test and found that it significantly decreased their anxiety levels.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a network of receptors throughout the brain and body that communicate with each other to maintain balance and homeostasis. The ECS is responsible for the effects that you feel from cannabis, including relaxation and pain relief.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are the most popular CBD product, with many consumers choosing it to help alleviate pain and anxiety. In fact, in a 2018 survey, 82 percent of respondents who use CBD used it for medical reasons.
The tinctures are typically sold in small dropper bottles that make them easy to measure and administer. They can be consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue or added to food and drinks, such as smoothies and coffee.
However, tinctures can be bitter and some brands try to mask the taste by adding vegetable glycerin, sweeteners or flavors. Some of the best-known tinctures include vanilla, lavender-orange and ginger-cinnamon. As with any CBD product, start with a small dose and build up to your desired level of effects.
CBD Balm
In the same way that CBD can be ingested through oil or capsules, it can also be applied to the skin via balms. Balms are typically applied like a standard moisturizer by gently massaging the product into the skin until it is fully absorbed.
Unlike tinctures, which can take some time to enter the bloodstream, CBD applied topically to the skin is quickly absorbed and begins to interact with the endocannabinoid system immediately. This allows muscle and joint discomfort to be relieved more effectively.
Whether you’re a triathlete, dancer or just a weekend warrior, sore muscles are bound to happen after intensive exercise. Thankfully, CBD can help soothe these post-workout aches so you can continue to push yourself further. It can even help reduce the pain from knocks and sprains.CBD UK
