If you are new to CBD and are seeking a concise guide about what you ‘need to know’ about CBD, then look no further. In this guide we will break down the most important (and interesting) CBD facts to help give you a better understanding of what CBD is and how CBD can be beneficial and a part of everyday life.
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is an active compound found within cannabis or hemp plants, alongside many other cannabinoids. It has become a household name in recent years as it is reported to have a wide range of potential CBD benefits, as well as many applications, and is non-psychoactive..
Important CBD facts for beginners
Here we have selected 12 facts about CBD. These CBD facts not only answer some of the most frequently asked questions about CBD, but they are facts that also clear up some misconceptions surrounding cannabis products.
1. CBD is not illegal
Arguably one of the most prompted questions surrounding CBD is ‘Is CBD illegal?’. The answer is no. CBD is an active cannabinoid that is extracted from cannabis plants, and is one of more than 113 identified cannabinoids. Unlike THC, the well known psychoactive ingredient found within cannabis, CBD does not get you high. CBD is legal in the UK, most of Europe and in many countries around the world. The Court of Justice of the European Union recently ruled that “CBD can not be regarded as a narcotic drug”. Overall, CBD is becoming more widely used as awareness and information about it are more readily available. Furthermore as of March 2021, all CBD edibles are to be fully regulated as foods by the FSA. Read more about this on our blog.
2. CBD is mostly extracted from hemp
The low THC and high CBD content of hemp makes it the ideal legal source for extracting CBD. Hemp is used industrially for making things like:
- Rope
- Biofuel
- Bioplastics
- Insulation
- Fabrics
It’s is a legal alternative to marijuana which contains more THC and less CBD. It is an ecological and sustainable plant capable of replacing many harmful or detrimental industrial materials.
3. CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system, named after the cannabinoids that interact with it, is found throughout each of our bodies. This system, ECS, plays a role in regulating our cognitive and physiological processes like mood, appetite, memory and fertility. CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system positively and can help relieve painful symptoms and improve overall health by maintaining a homeostasis. Click here for our in-depth guide about CBD and the endocannabinoid system.
4. Cannabinoids work together
Something called ‘the entourage effect’ was discovered by two professors; Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat in 1998. The entourage effect shows that when multiple cannabinoids are present, they work synergistically or together, to give a greater effect. When CBD is extracted, it can be as an isolate, which means the compound is isolated and extracted to a pure state, or as a broad or full spectrum product. Full spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids which help to create the entourage effect and provide increased efficiency for the user.
5. CBD can be tailored to your individual needs
Unlike many other health supplements and well-being products, CBD items allow you to choose how you take CBD and exactly how much of it you take. Let us look at a few ways you can take CBD:
There are CBD products to suit everyone; edibles are tasty and perfect on the go, cosmetic CBD like balms and lotions are ideal for relaxation, and CBD vape products are fast acting and have huge ranges of strengths and flavours to enjoy.
6. CBD can interact with other medications
Although deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD can interact with some medications. It can cause slower metabolization of other medications, which can result in having too much medication inside your body than previously intended. It is always advised to check with your GP before you take CBD, and especially if you currently take other medication that may be impacted by it, such as antidepressants and heart medications.
7. CBD does not get you high
Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high and is in fact non-psychoactive. Some broad or full spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC but this is not enough to cause an effect. In the UK and most of Europe the maximum legal content limit of THC in CBD products is 0.2%. If you are looking to take CBD and you undergo drug testing for work or sports, for example, then isolate CBD products will be the best choice for you to ensure that you are getting a pure CBD product with no other terpenes, cannabinoids or flavonoids.
8. Hemp and marijuana are the same species of plant
Whilst many may think that they are a different species of plant, hemp and marijuana are in fact the same species. Hemp is generally used to refer to cannabis plants that have a very low level of THC, making them perfect for the CBD industry. They are also used to produce clothing and animal feed. Marijuana on the other hand refers to cannabis plants that have a high level of THC, or THC higher than the legal limit, and therefore are able to get people ‘high’. They’re commonly also referred to as weed.
9. CBD can help aid your sleep
CBD is reportedly able to provide a calming effect to the human central nervous system, which in turn can help individuals to get relief from stress and other factors that can prevent a good night sleep. For example, individuals could take a CBD oil (to manufacturer’s instructions) under the tongue when thinking about going to bed, which could improve their sleep. For more information on how CBD can help you to sleep check our CBD and insomnia blog.
10. You can make your own CBD edibles
Making your own CBD edibles is easier than you might think. There are plenty of recipes out there and it can be as simple as adding your chosen amount of CBD to the mix. Some products can even be sprinkled over foods and stirred into drinks. Edibles come in all shapes and sizes, including:
- Chocolates
- Gummies
- Energy shots
- Teas and coffees
- Recovery gel
- Cookies
Why not try adding a little CBD to your confectionary or cooking to give your food that extra benefit?
11. CBD oil is not the same as hemp seed oil
You might think that because CBD oil comes from hemp, that hemp seed oil contains CBD. It is a reasonable conclusion but in fact it is not necessarily true. Hemp seed oil is made purely from hemp seeds, which do not contain CBD. They do contain fatty acids, and nutrients that benefit us but they are not CBD products. CBD oils are made using the stalks, flowers and leaves of the hemp or marijuana plant, which contains a much higher amount of CBD.
12. Our body produces its own cannabinoids
Not only can we reap the benefits of having CBD products readily available to us but our body too has its own cannabinoids which are known as endocannabinoids. These are cannabinoids that are produced inside our body which interact with our endocannabinoid system. It is endocannabinoids and cannabinoids that help create internal harmony, balance or homeostasis within our body.
Contact ICE Headshop
If you have a question on any of our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email: [email protected] (24/7/365) Phone: Mon-Fri, 10am - 4.00pm Phone orders: 01626 903101 General enquiries: 01626 903102 Disclaimer: Please note that you must be 18 years or older to purchase CBD products. All claims and effects of CBD have been regulated by the MHRA since 2016 and distributors require a license from the MHRA to make any medical claims. Claims are opinion based and non-scientific, and while we may discuss the opinions people share, they are not our own. Our CBD is not intended to treat, cure or prevent disease. Although we can advocate its calming & healthy properties it is in no way intended for medicinal use.
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