The Ultimate Guide to CBD

CBD has become hugely popular in recent years and is practically a household term in the UK. It is a natural compound used as a base in many products such as CBD oils, CBD vapes, and CBD edibles including gummies. Unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, it is non-psychoactive.

Whether you currently use CBD, are thinking of incorporating it into your lifestyle, or are just curious about what it is, our ultimate guide will take you through everything you need to know.

For more information and for help with any of your questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At The CBD Flower Shop, we offer a wide range of high quality CBD products and are experts in the use of CBD.

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What is CBD?

• CBD or cannabidiol is a compound extracted from hemp plants
• It is non-psychoactive and is thought to interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system
• It is an ingredient used in many products such as oils, gummies, and creams

CBD or cannabidiol is just one of the active and natural compounds that are found in hemp plants, and are otherwise known as cannabinoids. CBD can be extracted using a range of methods, most commonly through CO2 extraction, either with other cannabinoids (broad spectrum CBD) or without (CBD isolate).

Once extracted, CBD can be utilised as an active ingredient in a number of products that people then use to help support their health or lifestyle needs, through vaping, eating, drinking, or using it topically with balms and creams.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of CBD is that it reportedly interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and our CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can have an impact on our mood, pain management, and potentially much more. Although more research is needed into the reported benefits, many now use CBD as part of their well-being routine.

It’s also important to note that CBD is non-psychoactive and that CBD products have legal limits on the amount of THC (a compound from hemp plants that is psychoactive) they can contain.

How does CBD work?

Whilst further research is needed to provide more scientific evidence behind exactly how CBD works and the potential benefits of CBD, it is generally accepted that it enters the body and interacts with our endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system consists of:

• Endocannabinoids, naturally occurring neurotransmitters
• Receptors (including CB1 and CB2)
• Enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids

A complicated network within our bodies, likely involving our central nervous system, it is thought to help regulate the stability of functions such as mood, appetite and memory.

CBD, a cannabinoid, enters the body and it may either attach to the receptors or stop the endocannabinoids breaking down so that they stay more effective, which can help keep the body in harmony. This could be why CBD users report positive effects when taking CBD to help manage their chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders and more.

What can I use CBD for?

Available in a wide variety of strengths and different product types, taking CBD can be used for a range of potential health benefits, with many people choosing to use CBD to help manage:

• Pain
• Stress or anxiety
• Sleep
• Appetite
• Nausea
• And much more

Having such a huge choice of products allows CBD users to tailor their dose and how they take it to their exact needs. However, the benefits of CBD are mostly anecdotal and more research is needed before definitive claims can be made.

Does CBD make me high?

No, CBD does not make you high.

CBD has no psychoactive properties or psychoactive effects and therefore will not make you high. If there has been any confusion in the past, it may be because CBD is extracted from hemp plants, which also contain low levels of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is psychoactive.

What dose should I start with?

• Start with a low dose based on the manufacturer’s instructions
• Make a note of the dose and its effects for reference

When you start taking CBD, whether as a CBD oil or other product, you should always start with a low dose. This allows you to judge how it affects you and if low doses are enough for the potential benefits of CBD you’re looking for.

All products from trusted manufacturer’s will come with instructions and a recommended dose; you can start with the lowest dose stated or go even lower depending on your needs. By choosing a low dose, you’re able to minimise any unwanted effects, which may be worsened with higher doses.

As you start, make a note of the initial results so you can better understand how much CBD may be right for you. If you decide to take more, increase the dose slowly and always stay within the manufacturer’s guidance.

As well as starting with small amounts, it’s also recommended to consult with your GP or healthcare professional before trying CBD for the first time, especially if you’re taking any other medications.

Is CBD legal?

CBD is legal in the UK. CBD is also legal with restrictions more globally, including in several EU countries and in some states in Northern America. Within countries and states where it is legalised, the laws themselves may be different, especially when it comes to the legal limits of THC in CBD products.

As laws differ and it is not legal everywhere, you should always check the legality of CBD and any restrictions within the law where you are, or where you’re travelling to, to ensure you’re law abiding.

CBD for pain relief

Probably one of the main reasons people research and find CBD is through looking for solutions to help manage chronic pain and acute pain:

• Chronic pain is long-lasting and can be debilitating over time
• Acute pain is short-term and may be the result of sustaining an injury

As CBD products contain cannabidiol and other cannabinoids (when broad or full spectrum CBD products), they have the potential benefits of working with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system to help maintain harmony and lessen the symptoms of pain.

For external use, creams and balms could provide relief to specific areas of the body, such as joints, and oils, vapes and edibles can be taken internally. Oils and vapes will likely have faster effects, and opting for edibles like gummies and CBD teas may offer an especially relaxing and enjoyable experience, and a distraction against symptoms of pain.

Whilst there isn’t enough evidence to say definitively that CBD for pain relief is effective, it’s true to say that many people turn to it when looking for help. Hopefully, in the future, there will be more research and clinical data for us to better understand any connection that there might be.

CBD for anxiety

People who take CBD for anxiety may be using a CBD oil, vape product or CBD concentrates to help reduce their symptoms, which could include panic attacks, worrying thoughts, trouble sleeping, feeling tense, and being unable to relax. CBD itself cannot stop or prevent anxiety, but if it alleviates the symptoms it could help with someone’s overall mental health.

The best CBD to help with anxiety will depend on the person and what they are hoping to achieve, but generally, a product that’s fast acting, like CBD oils that can be taken sublingually, and easy to take, like gummies, could be the most effective options to try.

CBD for sleep

When people are having trouble sleeping or suffering from insomnia, it can impact every other aspect of their lives as they can be left feeling tired, unable to focus, suffering from memory issues, and even feeling moody and emotional. The importance of a good sleep routine and getting enough sleep can’t be overstated; there are chronic health problems linked to long term sleep deprivation such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

CBD may be able to help with the symptoms when taken before bed as it could interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system to help stabilise and regulate bodily functions. When taking CBD for sleep, it’s a good idea to have it around one hour before you know you want to go to fall asleep, and to do this as part of your bedtime routine – when you take a bath, when you meditate etc.

Depending on a range of factors, it may take up to 30 minutes for any reported effects to occur. The potency of your product choice will also impact on any effects; remember to start with a small dose before building up to high doses if they are needed.

If you are diagnosed with any sleep disorders, it may be worth speaking to your doctor to ensure CBD is right for you.

CBD for epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is most commonly known for resulting in seizures. Seizures, not just those caused by epilepsy, occur when there is a burst of electrical activity in the brain, leading to muscle stiffness, limpness, and twitching, as well as other sensations including unusual smells or tastes and even collapsing.

Epilepsy and seizures can affect people differently and there are many established medical ways to help manage it and to ensure that seizures are kept under control. Whilst there is some evidence that CBD may reduce some types of seizures, there needs to be a lot more investment in clinical trials and studies to ensure we know more about how cannabidiol may impact someone with epilepsy, including any adverse effects.

However, as it is thought cannabinoids interact with naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the human body, some are already turning to CBD products to see how it affects them. Anyone thinking of trying CBD for epilepsy should consult with their healthcare professional.

CBD for depression

CBD oils are a popular product for those looking for a natural way to help manage their symptoms of depression, as they come in a wide range of strengths, are fast acting as they enter the bloodstream quickly, and are easy to take. Symptoms of depression include low mood, feeling tearful, feeling irritable, and finding it hard to make decisions, and it’s important for people to find solutions that work for them. An Indica based product is appropriate.

At the moment there is limited research into how CBD for depression may or may not have an effect, and any connection, for now, is unproven, but some people claim it helps. CBD has the benefit of being an affordable product to try and with choices like CBD gummies and teas, it can become part of a lifestyle and daily routine.

CBD for nausea

If someone suffers from frequent nausea from a health condition, they may look to CBD as a natural way of combating the feelings of nausea and vomiting. As CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system that regulates functions in the human body, there is a growing belief that it may help with nausea, and many people use it as they claim it lessens their symptoms.

Nonprescription CBD products that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle if you suffer with ongoing nausea and vomiting are oils, creams, and CBD tea flowers, where you can take time out to relax and sip on a comforting brew. Reports suggest that full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD is best when trying to tackle nausea as it has a mix of CBD and THC (within legal limits).

CBD for appetite

Appetite, the desire to eat food, is closely tied to mood, emotion, and many other personal factors, as well as simply hunger itself. Many people turn to a CBD product, or try a number of different CBD products, to help manage their appetite and see how it could work for them. It is suggested by users that CBD can both stimulate and suppress a person’s appetite and could have the potential to regulate it for some people.

For appetite, a person can consume CBD with oils, edibles, drinks and more. A good idea would be to keep a journal of any CBD taken, the method used, how long it took for effects (if any) to be felt, and how it impacted on appetite. It’s likely to be very particular for each individual and their requirements.

CBD for muscle spasms

Vaping CBD oil can offer fast and effective relief for muscle spasms and cramps as the cannabinoid CBD will quickly enter the bloodstream and potentially interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This is thought to help manage the pain from muscle spasms, reduce their frequency, and also help to relax a person’s muscles overall.

Topical CBD may also help ease the soreness associated with muscle spasms when applied directly to the affected area, but in comparison to vaping CBD, any results will take longer to achieve.

As muscle spasms can have many underlying causes, always seek the advice of a health professional.

CBD for skincare

CBD balms and creams provide topical, targeted relief for skin conditions such as dry skin, and even for aches and pains on the area applied. Non-greasy creams are ideal for skincare routines and have a nourishing feeling when they’re massaged into skin. Anecdotal usage suggests that CBD skin products may help reduce inflammation, making skin look and feel healthier, and can promote feelings of calmness.

When using skincare products containing cannabidiol, take care not to apply them to broken or irritated skin, and be patient, as effects can vary and may take time to kick in.

Summary

CBD is an active ingredient derived from hemp plants and is now used in many health and wellbeing products. CBD is different to THC as it has no psychoactive effects. This means it may be used by people to help manage and relieve the symptoms of chronic and acute pain, anxiety, sleeping problems and more, without the feeling of getting high.

CBD fans now have a huge choice in products, from flavour and strength, to how they take it, whether sublingually with oils, vaping, or creams and balms, allowing them to tailor their CBD use to their exact requirements.

As much as CBD has become popular in recent years, health claims can’t be definitively made and more research is needed for us to truly understand the potential of cannabidiol.

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All of our CBD products use only the best ingredients and you can trust you’re getting the real deal as they’re also third-party lab tested for accuracy. With a focus on quality and price, you can find the best products for you and your lifestyle and we’re also on hand to answer any of your questions.

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