Guide to CBD Oil UK
CBD oil has exploded onto the UK wellness scene in recent years. Scores of brands stock it, hundreds of influencers swear by it, and thousands of Brits now buy it regularly.
While these products are quickly gaining popularity, there's still a lot of misinformation out there and few people truly understand the ins and outs of CBD. To make things a little clearer, we've prepared this comprehensive guide to CBD oil to help you make an informed choice at the checkout.
If you decide you want to give CBD oil a go, visit our online store and use code TryMe for 20% off across our whole range of luxury CBD products.
What is CBD oil?
Before we dive in, it's important to first understand what cannabidiol (or CBD for short) actually is. In simple terms, it's a naturally occurring chemical that comes from the hemp plant. While there is an obvious connection to cannabis, CBD won't get you high like its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC if you don't fancy a tongue twister).
Now, onto the oils! Once CBD has been extracted from the cannabis plant, it is generally paired with coconut or olive oil to make it more effective and to improve the taste which could otherwise be very bitter.
What is CBD oil used for?
People use CBD for many reasons. To make things a little easier for you, we've given both a technical rundown and a no-nonsense overview below:
The Scientific Explanation
On a scientific level, CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system which is thought to regulate many cognitive processes. The ECS is a complicated system that was first identified by researchers in the 1990s. While we don't have a full understanding or explanation of it yet, it is thought to help regulate a wide range of bodily processes and functions including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and the operation of the immune system.
In essence, scientists believe that the endocannabinoid system allows your body to use natural chemicals like CBD to reach peak operation. When you're performing at your best your body enters a state of homeostasis - or balance - that keeps you stable and well.
The Plain English Explanation
CBD is used by many people to feel more balanced. Supporters of the chemical claim that it could help with a variety of conditions with some even suggesting that they have used it for depression, anxiety and chronic pain.
No company should be claiming that their CBD oils treat these conditions because they simply don't know whether that is true. There are lots of customers that do believe CBD has helped them to feel better, though.
Early evidence from cannabidiol scientific studies indicated that these types of products might help people to feel less anxious and to manage everyday stress better. The jury is still out on that one, but we firmly believe that CBD is a product that can do good for those who use it.
Is CBD Oil legal in the UK?
Yes! There's a lot of misinformation about cannabidiol - it isn't a controlled substance, but it is highly regulated by the UK authorities. CBD oil is legal in the UK, but there are strict controls over how much THC it can contain. The law states that oils must contain no more than 0.2% THC (remember, that's the compound that gets people high). At those levels it is extremely unlikely you will feel any noticeable difference and you will still be totally sober.
Anybody selling CBD oil should be compliant with Novel Foods regulations. These are rules that are applied by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to ensure that only reliable, safe products make it onto the market. Most reputable brands are currently working their way through the UK Novel Foods application process to prove that they sell high-quality CBD.
Companies that do not have a credible Novel Foods application should not be selling to consumers in the UK, so make sure that your chosen brand has applied to the FSA before you pick up a CBD oil or tincture.
You can search the FSA list here. Zoetic products can be found under application number RP349.
What is CBD good for?
CBD is used regularly by more than 250,000 people in the UK. They each have their own reasons for trying cannabidiol and many of them first tried it after a recommendation from a friend or family member. If that's why you're here, then you might be anxious to find out whether CBD could help with your health problems.
We have to point out that there is no proven health benefit to taking CBD. It's not a licensed medicine and the scientific community just doesn't have enough data yet to say whether it could help with one condition or another. We never endorse our products as a cure or treatment for ailments of any kind, no matter how many customers say that they have had a good experience.
It's important to note that our Zoetic products are not intended for children or animals and customers should seek qualified medical advice before using CBD for any specific health reason.
Does CBD help with sleep?
Some people have reported that sleepiness is a side effect of using CBD. If that's actually true, then it's not too bold to assume that these products might help people to get a better night's sleep.
There are many people who use CBD as part of their daily wellness rituals. That might mean taking a few drops at breakfast, or winding down with a subtle addition to caffeine-free herbal tea at night. You're more likely to sleep better whenever you take time to look after your mind and body, whether that includes the use of CBD or not.
Does CBD help with anxiety?
Anecdotal reports suggest that some people feel more at ease and less anxious when using CBD consistently over a period of time. There are even some celebrities who claim that CBD helps to manage anxiety, with Kristen Bell (of The Good Place fame) stating that she felt an "overall improvement" after chaotic days.
Again, the fact of the matter is that nobody can say for sure if CBD helps with anxiety. These reports could be a placebo or clever marketing, but they do make a strong case for trying tinctures!
Does CBD help with pain?
From post-sports aches to joint pain, there are lots of people out there claiming that CBD helped them to cope with pain. Turning to the science, there is pre-clinical evidence that CBD can help to alleviate inflammation and pain in mice. While that's promising, the same results haven't yet been replicated in humans and so it's very difficult to say for sure whether CBD pain relief is a real thing or not.
Cannabidiol is not a substitute for over-the-counter painkillers or regulated medicines that are prescribed by doctors and should not be used as such.
Does CBD work?
Different people use CBD oil for a variety of purposes. The reported effects of cannabidiol vary widely and some people find it to be more helpful than others.
The simple answer is that there just hasn't been enough research yet to determine how well CBD works once and for all. We continue to monitor the science and work with our testing partners to check on our own products, but for now customers can only base their decisions on reviews from others who have had a great experience with CBD oil.
Is CBD oil safe?
If you are thinking about using CBD, it's advisable to speak with your GP or another medical professional first to check that it's safe for you to do so.
While CBD has a controversial record, studies have shown that most people's bodies tolerate it without any specific problems. As with any substance, chemical, or supplement, there is always a chance that your body won't interact well with cannabidiol. If you're thinking about using CBD, or are worried about the potential side effects, you should speak with your GP or another medical professional.
The CBD oil UK retailers are selling should have undergone rigorous testing for compliance with novel foods regulations, but if you're not sure you may wish to ask the brand for their testing certificates.
What's the best way to use CBD Oil?
There are many ways to use CBD and lots of products out there that offer unique delivery methods. We always recommend taking CBD sub-lingually. That means putting several drops under your tongue and holding it there for a moment before swallowing. Some studies show that it's more effective to take CBD tinctures like this as it improves bioavailability - in plain terms the amount of CBD that is actually absorbed and available for use by your body.
It's also important to note that you shouldn't give up on CBD just because it doesn't give you a headrush or 'high'. Many people stop taking their CBD drops simply because they don't feel an immediate effect, but that's totally normal. We have heard that some customers started to feel more balanced after two weeks of taking Zoetic tinctures, so waiting a while for the cannabidiol to work is probably the best policy.
Where to buy CBD oil in the UK
CBD oil is now widely available at UK pharmacies, online, and even in supermarkets like Tesco and Asda. There are lots of companies selling so-called 'pure' CBD oil and CBD isolate tinctures, but it's often hard to tell which brand to try.
At Zoetic we sell trusted, tested, and carefully curated CBD products including CBD tinctures. We have progressed through the UK legal process, have years of experience in the hemp industry, and want nothing more than for our products to benefit as many people as possible.
Shop our range by clicking this link to browse delicious flavours like blood orange and peppermint, and don't forget to use code TryMe for 20% off!