Cannabidiol, or CBD, is just one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Its appeal has been apparent for some time, with users reaping the benefits by smoking cannabis to relieve a number of common ailments.
Due to the high levels of THC found in cannabis it is classed as an illegal drug here in the UK and is known to cause side effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC as it is more commonly known, is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and is responsible for giving the user a "high."
By extracting the THC - or the majority of it, anyway - we are left with the benefits of the cannabinoids without the legal implications or side effects associated with smoking cannabis.
Okay, so you've already done your research: you've read articles that tell you what CBD can do for your health, but you're worried about what it actually is and if it's safe. Here are 10 reasons you can add it to your daily routine:
1. It's natural.
Pharmaceutical drugs are made from chemicals which will assist us with our ailment, but may affect us in some other way. Side effects can often be the price we pay to manage long-term symptoms. As with other food supplements, responsibly sourced CBD oil is made using only natural ingredients and diluted in a natural carrier oil such as hemp, olive or coconut oil.
2. It's legal.
The Home Office says that cannabis oil should contain a maximum of 0.2% THC. CBD oil with levels below this are therefore legal and sold as food supplements or novelty foods. This means you're free to possess and take it without legal repercussions.
3. It's convenient & simple to administer.
Regularly taking medication and supplements can feel like a burden at times; especially when there are guidelines for each one. For example "Take at meal times" or "Take on an empty stomach." "Take first thing in the morning" and "Take one last thing at night." "Never take before driving." The beauty of CBD is that it can be taken on your terms. As long as you're getting a steady, regular intake 2-3 times a day, those times can be to suit you and your busy schedule.
4. It's available in a variety of forms.
Why should you be bound by pills when there are so many variations of CBD available? While capsules are an option, the most common form of CBD is an oil tincture which is administered by placing a few drops under the tongue. If oil doesn't appeal to you, there is now an array of other CBD products available. From fun flavoured E-Liquids to tasty edibles such as gummies and chocolates, there is no shortage of tasty options to choose from.
5. Its side effects are minimal (if any!)
As with other supplements, CBD won't make you feel any different initially. There's no high and no instant reaction; the results are gradual and happen over time. Users report little to no side effects, unlike THC and some pharmaceutical drugs. This means it's safe to drive, work & get on with your day with minimal disruption. At the end of the day, the purpose of any supplement is to minimise disruption to a full routine and life.
6. It's now readily available in the UK.
Okay, popularity is on the rise and this is great news for anyone who wants to give it a try because increased consumer interest naturally leads to an increase in supply. There are now regulated CBD farms and manufacturers producing high quality CBD oil right here in the UK, which means it is now easier than ever to get your hands on a good product. Gone are the days of waiting weeks for delivery from overseas to receive a product that isn't regulated in the UK to the high standards of a regulatory body such as Cannapro.
NB: While the growing popularity of CBD means that there are more products available, it also unfortunately means that there are some poorer quality oils entering the market so it's important to do your research, check for lab reports and ensure you're buying from a reputable, regulated company.
7. It's not addictive.
Unlike Cannabis, CBD oil does not contain addictive properties. The means that you are free to enjoy the benefits of the oil without worrying about becoming reliant on it or taking it for any reason other than its original purpose. The same cannot be said for cannabis or for some pharmaceutical drugs on the market.
8. It's compatible with your own body.
Your body - and every mammalian body for that matter - has what is known as an endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Your ECS forms the connection between body & mind, and is responsible for physiological functions such as appetite, memory, moods and pain. It's made up of receptors, which are activated by cannabinoids such as CBD. Your body actually produces cannabinoids, not dissimilar to those found in the cannabis plant. The ECS responds to plant derived cannabinoids as well as those produced by the body, and works harmoniously with both.
9. It's safe for pets.
Provided your pet is a mammal, he/she will also have an ECS that works in a very similar way to your own. This means that CBD is perfectly safe for pets and can be administered in low doses simply by adding a few drops to food. In more well behaved pets, CBD can be administered directly into their mouth and owners have been known to do so during seizures in some dogs.
10. It's safe for children.
Children can benefit from CBD in much the same way as pets and adults! Administering it in lower doses and monitoring results closely is recommended for maximum assurance, however as there are no chemicals or THC, CBD oil is perfectly safe for children too.
So, it's clear that cannabidiol is not the big green ganja monster that it is sometimes labelled as. It's not going to have you randomly giggling or raiding the fridge for goodies and you're not going to be hooked after taking it for a week. It's a natural substance with no added chemicals and, responsibly sourced, makes an invaluable addition to your supplements & daily routine.
