There is a lot of hype surrounding CBD right now. It is turning up in beauty products, people are putting it in their salads and you can even vape it, but what actually is it?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol a substance derived from the hemp plant. Sold as food supplements, CBD products are increasingly being used as part of a healthy lifestyle as a source of essential vitamins and minerals and healthy fatty acids like Omega-3.
Research is currently ongoing to find out more about its potential medical benefits too, although so far there is no concrete evidence for its efficacy in this area.
So how much do we know about this product, does it work, is it safe and could it get you high?
What is it?
CBD hemp oil is extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant. The oil can then be used diluted as an oil drop or can be added to other products ranging from gummy sweets to body lotion.
What are its uses?
Scientists are currently studying the effects of CBD on a series of conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia and arthritis but there is more research needed and so far its ability to deal with these conditions has yet to be proved conclusively.
Despite the ongoing research, its use is on the rise. According to a 2020 CBD survey carried out by Single Care, 33% of Americans have used CBD, with 64% of current CBD users taking it for pain relief and inflammation.
How is CBD administered?
There are many products on the market which allow people to use CBD in a variety of ways.
In its simplest form it comes as oil drops which go under the tongue, ranging in strength from 5% to 40%, although there are only a few brands, such as platinumcbduk.com who produce the highest strength.
The variety of products containing CBD is huge and include everything from special vape liquids, topical balms, chocolates, sunscreens and candles.
Is it safe?
It is generally considered safe – users staying within the recommended doses should not feel any kind of adverse reactions. However, there are a few side effects which have been reported which include; dry mouth, drowsiness and light-headedness.
However, CBD has been known to interact with certain medications affecting how the body metabolizes them so it is essential to consult with a doctor if you are considering CBD and are currently taking other medications.
In fact, if you are considering using CBD to help with a medical condition, whether you take any prescribed medication or not, it is worth seeking medical advice to see if it could be beneficial to your specific circumstances.
Does CBD make you high?
Because CBD comes from cannabis, the same plant species marijuana comes from, there is sometimes confusion as to whether it can make you high.
However, the truth of the matter is no, it cannot. The reason for this is CBD products contain little to no THC, the psychoactive chemical which creates a “high”.