CBD Facts: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About CBD

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CBD is popping up everywhere in the UK wellness world. Online influencers post about its benefits, celebrities praise it in magazines, and you can find a new brand almost every week it seems online or on high street.

There’s good reason. CBD is a great thing to add to your wellness routine because it has so many benefits. But it’s also pretty new on the scene, so there are lots of questions about it.

We’re here to help. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about CBD right here for you. You can get the CBD facts you’re searching for in all in one spot.  

What Is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is the scientific word for CBD, so don’t let it intimidate you. To keep things simple most people and brands stick to just using the abbreviated form.

CBD occurs naturally in the cannabis plant alongside over a hundred other types of cannabinoids. It’s the second most common one you’ll find. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The exciting thing about cannabinoids is that they’re found naturally in your body and cannabis plants. ECS works to balance your system when it faces stressors like pain or anxiety.

Now you know the definition. But let’s keep going. 

What’s the Difference Between CBD From Hemp and CBD From Cannabis?

Entering the world of CBD means digging through a lot of different buzzwords. Probably one of the most popular is hemp. People get confused as to whether hemp, CBD or marijuana are all referring to the same thing. They’re not.

The short answer is that they’re all part of the same family, but are used in different ways and produced for very different reasons.

Hemp and marijuana are both plants from the Cannabis Sativa family.

Hemp is usually used for things like seeds, oils and fibres. Hemp fibres have been used for years to make everything from clothing to rope. We all knew someone in University or high school who sported a hemp bracelet or necklace. Or maybe you even had one yourself?   Whereas the marijuana variety is often used for its psychoactive properties.

You can extract CBD from the hemp or marijuana plant, but hemp tends to have higher levels of CBD. CBD oil or distillate is extracted from hemp leaves and flowers. With CBD oil distillate, you get to keep all of the goodness found from the plant and not just the CBD.  CBD distillate is the type of CBD extract that we use at Amphora because of all of its benefits. 

Is CBD Legal In the UK?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions, which is excellent! You want to make sure you’re not breaking the law. Even though CBD is popular, lots of people still don’t know if it’s legal in the UK.

It is, but there are some rules.

Cannabis is listed as a controlled substance in the Misuse of Drugs Act. CBD is not. In other words, CBD oil is legal in the UK.

But there is a stipulation. It has to contain less than 0.2% THC – the psychoactive property found in cannabis.

Can CBD Get You High?

This is by far the biggest misconception about CBD. That it will cause you to feel the same psychoactive effects that other parts of the cannabis plant do. It will not. CBD won’t make you feel that ‘fuzzy-headed’ feeling that is linked with the effects of other cannabis products that contain THC.

So shout it from the rooftops. No – CBD does not get you high.

What CBD Products Are Safe?

It’s important to know that CBD is safe and we’re not just saying that. There is research to back it up. The World Health Organization released a report saying that CBD is ‘well-tolerated and safe for human consumption’ and that it is found not to be addictive to humans.

But just because CBD is safe doesn't always mean that brands are going to follow proper guidelines.

When you’re purchasing CBD products, check out the labels or information on the website. The first thing to look for is a certificate of analysis (COA). A COA shows that the company has had their products tested by a third party. If you can't find this info, then it’s better to be on the safe side and skip it. Amphora lists all of our certificates of analysis  right on our website so that we are entirely transparent with our products.

How Do You Take CBD?

Whatever way suits you best! The great thing about CBD is you can take it lots of ways, so you have options. It really comes down to how it fits with your lifestyle and how fast you want it to start working with your body.

One of the most popular ways is to vape it. Vaping is where you put a CBD oil or distillate into a vape pen that is heated up until it turns into a vapour. The vapour is then inhaled into the lungs and goes into your bloodstream. Vaping is one of the fastest ways to feel the effects of CBD.

CBD vape oil shouldn’t be confused with CBD oil. CBD oil usually comes in the form of spray or tinctures, which are put into the mouth and absorbed into the bloodstream. If you put CBD oil into a vape – it's going to be an awful time. 

CBD edibles and capsules offer a slow release of CBD into the body because they have to be digested and go through the liver before entering the bloodstream. It takes longer to feel the effect, but they last longer.

Then there are also topicals like lotions, creams or balms that are applied directly on the skin and absorbed through the body. This way of using CBD doesn't enter the bloodstream like the others. It just targets the area you've put it.

With CBD, there really is something for everyone out there.

How Does CBD Work?

It all starts in the ECS we mentioned earlier. Oh great – another scientific term. Don't worry; it's pretty easy to understand.

This system works inside of us to maintain balance in our bodies using receptors. ECS responds well to cannabinoids both inside and outside your body – one of which is CBD.

There are two central receptors that are active in the ECS. They're called CB1 and CB2. CB1 deals with things like pain, coordination and emotions. CB2 deals with the immune system. The critical thing to know is that CBD helps these receptors work properly and maintain homeostasis. It helps you feel good!

What Is the Difference Between Broad and Full Spectrum?

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD products contain everything that is naturally occurring in the plant. Full-spectrum means you can find CBD, terpenes, a small amount of THC and lots of other abundant compounds within it. Research says  that the compounds in cannabis working together produce a better effect than working alone. Full-spectrum is linked with the entourage effect. Don’t worry. We’ll talk about the entourage effect soon!

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain everything from the plant but with no THC. The THC is removed through a process called winterization. This type of CBD vape oil still allows the opportunity for the entourage effect but without the worry of THC and it's psychoactive properties, and that's why we choose to use it at Amphora.

What’s the Difference between CBD Isolate and CBD Distillate?

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is pretty much just how it sounds. CBD all on its own. CBD isolate products are pure CBD, without any other ingredients. When the CBD is extracted, it removes all of the other elements only giving you pure CBD.

CBD Distillate

CBD Distillate is when you get the benefits of the whole plant in your CBD product including cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins and fatty acids. Almost all the THC is also removed in this process. All of these elements, working together offers a lot of benefits, and that's why we also use this type of CBD for our Amphora products.

What Is the Entourage Effect?

Now let’s talk about the entourage effect. It’s useful to think of the song ‘I get by with a little help from my friends.’ That’s like cannabis compounds. When they all work together, it’s way better than when they are alone.

The entourage effect happens when hundreds of compounds from the plant interact with your body. For this to happen, you need to use a full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or CBD-distillate product, which is what we use at Amphora.

When you use CBD oil, you take in lots of botanical elements, each with benefits and effects. They interact with one another and may change depending on that interaction. Overall, it maximizes the benefits of CBD.

A study by Dr Russo in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that terpenes and phytocannabinoids working together were beneficial for a lot of issues including pain, anxiety and inflammation.

What Are Terpenes?

If you’ve done a bit of research about CBD already then you’ve probably seen this term come up. Terpenes are a type of organic compound found in plants that give them their aroma and taste. For example, limonene found in citrus fruit peel is an example of a terpene.

But why do they matter if you’re using CBD?

Terpenes work in synergy with CBD to improve the overall effects and enhance the benefits of CBD. They’re also thought to help the CBD absorb into the bloodstream faster and also have some great health benefits all on their own.

Terpenes are added to our CBD distillate and broad-spectrum products. You get to enjoy the flavour and aroma while getting the benefits of the entourage effect.

Why Does CBD Affect People Differently?

We’re all unique. That’s why are CBD experiences are all going to be different. Inside of our bodies, our systems are all functioning uniquely with different chemicals – that's what makes the human body so unique.

What’s important to know with CBD is that a whole set of factors come into play in your body. Gender, age, weight, metabolism and overall health are just a few. These things all affect how your ECS will work with CBD.

What Is Bioavailability?

Bioavailability is another one of those scientific words you’ll see a lot when you’re researching CBD. It’s one of the easier terms to understand, and it is important to know when using CBD.

Bioavailability is basically how fast the body absorbs the CBD into the bloodstream. What’s key for you to know is that the better the bioavailability, the quicker you will get it in your bloodstream. You want CBD to reach your bloodstream so it can start working with the ECS that we talked about earlier.

Vaping has better bioavailability because when you vape the CBD vapour goes into your lungs and enters your bloodstream fast. Taking CBD edibles would have a low bioavailability because it has to go through your digestive system and be broken down by your liver before it enters the bloodstream, but the effects will last longer.

How do You Know How Much CBD to Take?

This is a popular question, and it should be! There’s no exact science when it comes to the dosage of CBD unfortunately, but there are some essential guidelines to consider.

How much you should take really depends on your own body. Age, gender, medical history, lifestyle and medications you’re taking all play a role. It’s best to talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about taking CBD.

Is There Research On CBD?

You bet there is! Even though CBD research has really started to pick up lately, there has been a long history of people looking at it.

Research on CBD started way back in the 1940s when CBD and was first isolated by American scientist Dr Roger Adams in a study at the University of Illinois. In the 60s, the exact structure of CBD was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam, who is known as 'the father of cannabis research.’

Because of cannabis being a controlled substance, research on CBD has only recently really gained momentum, and it's booming. This research is happening all over the world, with 1 in 10 studies that are underway are happening right here in the UK.

Some of the topics that are being looked at include CBD and cognition, PTSD, pain, Alzheimer's, and so much more. 

What’s important to know is that research has shown that CBD is safe. As mentioned before, the WHO released reports confirming that. 

Why Is CBD So Popular?

CBD is a health and wellness buzzword, and lots of people are asking why all of sudden CBD is everywhere.

The answer is pretty easy. The benefits. Studies and testimonials from people who use CBD show just how beneficial it is for you and maintaining wellness. Amphora's products can get you closer to your healthy lifestyle goals. CBD is becoming a well-recognized product in the wellness community and is starting to get the respect it deserves!

Doing your research before trying out CBD is so important. You shouldn’t try anything that makes you worried or makes you feel uncomfortable. Wellness is about incorporating things that help maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle so you can live your best life. We hope these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about CBD will help you feel confident in starting your journey.  

 

 

Written by  |  Infused Amphora Team 

The Infused Amphora Team is dedicated to creating resources to educate and engage consumers on the growing evidence of CBD benefits and the extensive health and wellness properties of CBD Oil. 

Contributor  | Angus Taylor CEO

 

Infused Amphora “Learn” is intended for informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.