CBD FAQs
CBD USE HAS BECOME INCREASLINGLY POPULAR OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS AS A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TP PHARMACEUTICALS, STERIOD CREAMS, AND OTC MEDICATIONS. IF YOUR NEW TO THE CBD YOU HAVE LANDED IN THE RIGHT PLACE. HERE WE WILL ANSWER SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING QUESTIONS RELATED TO CBD.
CBD – THE BASICS
WHAT DOES CBD STAND FOR?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in marijuana and hemp. You’re probably already familiar with THC, which is another compound found in the cannabis plant. But unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive; meaning when you take it, you won’t feel high. This unique feature of CBD is what makes it so great and appealing for taking care of ourselves.
WHAT IS CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of over 60+ naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds found in the Hemp plant. Cannabinoids are unique because they act on cannabinoid receptors that are part of the endocannabinoid system found throughout the body. CBD is the second most abundant compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it is not intoxicating and has none of the psychoactive properties of marijuana.
WHERE DOES CBD COME FROM?
CBD oil is derived from a strain of cannabis plant called hemp sativa. Hemp sativa naturally grows with very low levels of THC, so it is legal in the UK. It contains high levels of CBD (cannabidiol) and over 100 different healthy cannabinoids. CBD and other cannabinoids are not psychoactive or physically addictive.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD & THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two primary cannabinoids that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant, most commonly known as cannabis. Both of these substances interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the human body and brain, but they differ dramatically in their effects. THC affects the brain by binding to naturally-occurring CB-1 receptors in the central nervous system. CBD is a differently-shaped molecule that binds to CB-2 receptors in cell and body tissues outside the central nervous system.
THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. In other words, THC is the primary agent responsible for creating the ‘high’ associated with recreational cannabis use. CBD is non-psychoactive which means that it will not get the user high. Because of this trait, CBD appears more frequently than THC in dietary and natural supplements.
HOW DOES CBD WORK?
CBD works on the basis of something called the endocannabinoid system. This body system exists in all humans. Scientists made the discovery of our endocannabinoid system only in recent years — we did not always know of its existence. Essentially, the endocannabinoid system is a network of neurons and synapses throughout your body and brain. These emit and respond well to cannabinoids — a chemical that the hemp plant produces and, yes, a chemical our own bodies produce! CBD works because the cannabinoids it contains bind with the the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2 receptors) to create a fully functioning network of neurons in your body. That’s why our bodies respond so well to CBD when we provide it with extra cannabinoids — these chemicals occur naturally in our own bodies!
WILL CBD GET ME HIGH?
CBD does not have any of the psychoactive properties associated with marijuana and will not impair the user or get them “high.” Industrial hemp that has less than 0.3% THC content can yield high-quality CBD that is 99% pure.
IS CBD LEGAL?
Yes! In the UK CBD is legal. It’s CBD’s cousin, the cannabinoid THC, that makes marijuana illegal. CBD products can contain a very little amount of THC as long as it is below the UK legal limit of 0.2% or less.
WILL I PASS A DRUGS TEST?
When a drug test takes place it is the cannabinoid THC which is being looked for. A high-quality CBD product with minimal THC is incredibly unlikely to show up on a drug test. However, low quality CBD products may contain more traces of THC than they claim, in which case it is possible for a screening to pick up on the drug.
DOES CBD PRODCUCE SIDE EFFECTS?
Hemp and CBD are both considered safe and research has shown that CBD should not produce any adverse side effects in most people. However, everyone processes CBD and other dietary supplements differently, and it is always recommended to consult with a doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.
HOW IS CBD TAKEN?
CBD can be taken orally by placing it under the tongue, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed, or ingested in capsules and edibles. CBD can also be added to ointments and lotions for topical use or inhaled using a vaporizer. The method of ingestion plays a significant role in how quickly CBD enters the system, with vaporizing being quickest and most efficient.
CBD & YOUR BODY
WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
In 1992, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli scientist, discovered that every human and many animals have a system present in their bodies known as The Endogenous Cannabinoid System or Endocannabinoid System. This system is activated by cannabinoids.
Our bodies create cannabinoids, which are used by the endocannabinoid system to maintain balance (homeostasis) in the body. However, unfortunately most of us are unable to create enough of our own cannabinoids and therefore our endocannabinoid system may be out of balance, resulting in poor health.
The endocannabinoid system has often been described as the most important system in the body for maintaining long-term health.
Research suggests that taking CBD oil helps your body to create more of the cannabinoids needed by this system, in turn helping to maintain balance and wellbeing in the body.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING CBD?
CBD had been used for many thousands of years until it was unfortunately prohibited in the 20th century due to its connection with cannabis. CBD and hemp are now fully legal in the UK and the EU but sellers of CBD oil cannot make medical claims regarding its benefits.
When hemp and CBD were legalised a few years ago, many people began to take CBD and other cannabinoids extracted from hemp plants to top up their cannabinoid levels and bring more balance to their endocannabinoid systems.
Taking CBD oil helps your body to create more of the cannabinoids that your endocannabinoid system needs to help maintain balance and wellbeing in the body. It is vital to keep this system working well as it helps our immune systems, protects our brains, helps us manage stress and generally keeps our bodies in balance.
Learn more about our CBD products & read first-hand about our customers experiences in our testimonial section.
WILL CBD HELP WITH MY ILLNESS?
First of all a disclaimer: UK Home Office regulations prevent us from providing any medical claims regarding CBD’s efficacy. We cannot give any recommended dosages for particular issues.
Having said that, there are thousands of studies published online and if you read the testimonials from our customers you can discover what people are using ROAR CBD CO oils for and read about their experiences. Please visit uk.trustpilot.com/review/roarcbdco.com to find these reviews.
DOES CBD AFFECT SLEEP?
Some people sleep well on CBD, others don’t. It usually depends on the reason why sleeping is difficult. For some, CBD can help relax the body and mind so that sleeping becomes easier. On the other hand, some people notice an uplifting, energising effect, which could make falling asleep more difficult. Should you notice that falling asleep proves more difficult, then take your last drops of the day some 2-3 hours before sleeping.
CAN I TAKE CBD WITH OTHER MEDICATION?
It is wise to check with your doctor before using CBD oil if you are using other medication. According to the World Health Organisation CBD oil is non-toxic, non-addictive and non-psychoactive and there have never been any reported cases of overdoses or serious side effects.
In some studies, certain doses of CBD have been known to temporarily deactivate Cytochrome P450 (CYP450), a class of liver enzymes responsible for the breakdown of some clinically prescribed medications. This can lead to the delayed breakdown and prolonged activity of administered prescription medications (as well as some OTC medications).
While not believed to be life-threatening, it is advisable to pay attention to any changes in health whilst taking medications alongside CBD and always visit your GP if you are concerned about any new symptoms.
Some people already have anomalies in the CYP450 enzyme system, which can impact the way they metabolize CBD, as well as certain medications. For these individuals it may be necessary to re-evaluate the dosage of CBD.
CAN I USE CBD IF I'M PREGNANT OR BRESTFEEDING?
If you are thinking about using CBD oil whilst pregnant or breastfeeding you should consult with your GP.
CAN CHILDREN USE CBD?
We do not sell CBD oil to children or anyone under the age of 18. If you are thinking about giving CBD oil to someone under the age of 18 you should consult with your doctor.
HOW DOES CBD HAVE SO MANY BENEFITS?
This is an interesting question. CBD is a natural supplement which your body is pre-programmed to use, having specific CBD receptors throughout. Unlike manufactured pharmaceuticals which are designed to treat a specific symptom, CBD provides your body with homeostasis (balance). Your body knows if there is an imbalance, be it pain, stress or something else and CBD has proven effective in counteracting imbalances to provide equilibrium.
HOW TO TAKE CBD CORRECTLY
WHAT STRENGTH CBD SHOULD I START WITH?
If you are new to taking CBD it is wise to start with a low or medium strength CBD oil. If you are a sensitive person, then we recommend you starting with the 3% or 6% CBD oils, although it is perfectly reasonable to start with the 10% CBD oils.
We recommend starting with the minimal suggested serving on any CBD product and then increase the amount gradually until you reach the results you want….your desired sweet spot!!
The World Health Organisation stipulates that CBD is non-toxic, non-addictive, and non-psychoactive and, to date, there are no reports of serious side-effects.
But if you are taking other medication, you should consult with your GP or pharmacist, to check whether there could be any contra-indications.
When you first start taking CBD oils, you should start with a low dose, and start increasing gradually, as per our dosage guide.
HOW MUCH CBD SHOULD I BE TAKING DAILY?
There is no hard and fast rule regarding dosage so it is down to you to find what works best for your body. Everyone is different; everyone’s body is different. As a result everyone reacts to CBD differently. Some of us are naturally much more sensitive to CBD than others.
With CBD it is important to start with a small dose and build it up slowly to find your sweet spot. Discover how your body reacts to CBD for a few days before increasing the dose. See our CBD dosage guide HERE. Some people only need about 10mg of CBD p/day, whereas others find that they might require up to 75mg per day which is the maximum recommended daily dose.
CBD Oil is twice as bio-available via the gums, than via the gut – which means that it is absorbed much better when held in the mouth for a minute. Spray or drop the CBD oil into your mouth then close your lips and apply slight suction. This boosts the absorption of the active ingredients through the mucous membrane in the mouth. After a minute or two of allowing the cannabinoids to be absorbed through the gums, we recommend you wash the oil down with a drink.
One benefit of CBD is that your body does not build up a tolerance so once you have found the right dose for you this should remain consistent.
WHAT IS THE QUICKEST WAY TO FEEL THE BENEFITS FROM CBD?
CBD oil is most quickly and readily absorbed via the gums. It is less bioavailable via the gut so if it is swallowed immediately some of the CBD will be lost or absorbed more slowly. Therefore we recommend that people place CBD oil or paste into the mouth and keep it near the gums for a minute before swallowing.