FAQs on CBD

Frequently Asked Questions on CBD

As the leading plant-based wellness site in the United Kingdom, we get many questions from our customers about CBD. There can be a lot of misinformation out there.  So, here is a list of the most frequently asked questions like “are CBD oil and hemp oil the same?”. If we haven’t covered a question you have, then please just reach out to us.

Where does CBD come from?

Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the hemp plant. It is one of over 116 cannabinoids contained within this plant. Hemp can be grown outdoors or in a glasshouse. The hemp plant is a “phytoremediator”, so this means it absorbs everything from the soil in which it is grown.  Therefore, it is important to ensure the plants are grown in appropriate conditions (i.e., not near industrial waste) and are tested for the presence of heavy metals.

Is CBD illegal in the UK?

CBD derived from the hemp plant is completely legal in the U.K and can be purchased from multiple channels.  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently enacted new regulations around “novel” foods to further protect the consumer from poorly produced CBD.

Will CBD chill me out?

No specific health claims can be made about CBD without clinical trials. As a result, there are many of these trials going on around the world today. In the absence of hard data, trials done with animals have demonstrated a calming effect, while anecdotal evidence is quite robust.

Will CBD help with anxiety?

Again, no specific health claims can be made about CBD without clinical trials. We know we each have an endocannabinoid system with receptors and endogenous cannabinoids which help regulate our mood and body. So, the theory is CBD is a plant-based cannabinoid which emulates a cannabinoid our body already produces to help bring the body back into balance. As a result, there are many researchers globally trying to access the effectiveness of CBD as a therapy for anxiety.

Are CBD and hemp oil the same?

Strictly, no. CBD is a constituent in hemp oil, which can contain several other cannabinoids and terpenes. It can be confusing though, as some CBD products brands refer to their product as hemp oil. Historically, hemp oil is just the oil from crushing hemp seeds. It’s rich in omega 3 and other fatty acids, but there is no CBD. The CBD comes from the leaves and plant matter of hemp. Some CBD brands use hemp oil as a carrier oil and add CBD to it. Always check the label of a hemp oil product to confirm if it contains CBD or not. Chances are, if the product is cheap, it’s simple hemp oil without CBD.

Is CBD oil a drug?

It could be considered a drug as it provides a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.

Can you use CBD oil when breastfeeding?

The use of CBD while breastfeeding is not recommended but can be used during labour.

Is CBD addictive?

CBD is a non-addictive, plant-based material with a variety of health benefits.

Why CBD oil under the tongue?

CBD is a fat-loving substance and is not water soluble.  As a result, to ensure the highest bioavailability, its best to place an oil under the tongue for 60 seconds. There are blood vessels there and it can enter more easily into your blood stream.

CBD oil versus gummies?

This is about personal preference. Oils can sometimes be messy and a bit more difficult to get a consistent dose. Whereas CBD gummies provide the same dose with every ingestible (usually 20mg), and some find it easier to administer in this format.

Can I use CBD oil on my pet?

Yes. We wrote about CBD for dogs and cats recently. There are no VMD-approved CBD products on the market today. However, more and more vets are happy to advise a human CBD product for a pet parent’s pooch or cat. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s worth speaking to your vet about it.

Does CBD help with IBS?

The digestive system contains a high concentration of CB2 receptors.   These play a crucial part in regulating our endocannabinoid system, and helping to bring our body back into balance.   CBD replicates a naturally produced cannabinoid in the body, and interacts with our CB2 receptors to help control inflammation.  So, a deficiency in these naturally occurring endocannabinoids is a contributing factor to IBS.  Clinical studies are ongoing.

Can CBD harm my liver?

There is a liver enzyme, Cytochrome 450 which is responsible for metabolizing 60-80% of the medications we consume.  As a result,  it also metabolizes CBD which can temporarily change the way our body metabolizes certain medicines.   So, you need to be careful, but studies have shown low levels of CBD consumption (50mg or less) and taking the two substances at least two hours apart is safe.