Frequently Asked Questions About CBD
What is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a therapeutic compound found in hemp and cannabis. There are more than 100 compounds unique to the plant under the term cannabinoids. CBD is commonly extracted and processed into a range of health, wellness and food products.
Learn more here: “What is CBD – the facts about CBD”
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the organic compounds secreted by hemp or cannabis plants that can affect the human body. They work by imitating our own body’s naturally occurring compounds called “endocannabinoids” that affect nerve, brain and immune cell activity.
Learn more here: “How CBD Works – a beginners guide”
Does CBD Oil Get You High?
No, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not cause the "high" feeling often associated with cannabis. The "high" feeling related to cannabis is produced by Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – one of the other 100 cannabinoids present in the plant.
At Infused Amphora CBD is extracted from cannabis and hemp in the form or isolate or distillate.
- The extraction process for distillate leaves only trace amounts of THC behind. Anything with <0.2% THC are legal for sale in the UK.
- Whereas the extraction process for isolate completely strips away all the other phytocannabinoids, including THC, and any plant matter, leaving 99% pure CBD.
Learn more here: “CBD Facts – the most frequently asked questions”
Is CBD Legal in the UK?
CBD products, including CBD oil, are legal in the UK if they have a THC content below 0.2%. THC is still listed as a controlled substance under the misuse of drugs act 1971.
Learn more here: “Is CBD Legal in the UK”?
How Does CBD Work?
CBD is thought to create therapeutic benefits by influencing the cannabinoid receptor activity and encouraging the production of our body's endocannabinoids in our naturally occurring Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Working as either an inhibitor, modulator, or activator, CBD impacts cannabinoid receptors found in parts of the brain that impact anxiety, stress, nausea, neuropathic and inflammatory pain, insomnia, appetite, cognition, and feelings of reward.
Learn more here: “How CBD works – a beginner’s guide to Amphora CBD Products
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
In the 1980s, scientists discovered endocannabinoids. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system naturally produced by the human body; the primary function of the ECS is to maintain bodily homeostasis. The ECS interacts primarily with our nervous and immune system and is responsible for balancing and optimizing functions such as sleep, relaxation, appetite moderation, controlling inflammatory and pain responses and enhancing cognitive abilities like mood and memory.
Typically, our endocannabinoid system is maintained by our healthy body's natural ability to produce endocannabinoids. When the body is deficient, it affects how we feel and function. Taking CBD may offset this deficiency and restore wellbeing.
Learn more here: “The ECS and Cannabis”
What Are the benefits of CBD oil?
While CBD is currently being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, previous research was limited, and more study in humans is needed to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents.
However, all the excitement around CBD research and individual user observations points to the potentially wide range of benefits from chronic illness to general health and wellbeing.
Learn more here: “CBD Benefits- How CBD Oil May Help You”
What is Full Spectrum CBD? What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD is unrefined hemp extract. This extract contains everything from the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids. Quality full-spectrum CBD products are typically considered more effective than other CBD products due to the different cannabinoids working synergistically and creating the “entourage effect”.
Broad Spectrum CBD is a slightly more refined hemp extract. Broad-spectrum is extracted similarly to full-spectrum; however additional refinements are made to remove all THC. Broad Spectrum CBD is the choice for those who want to use CBD without worrying about ingesting any intoxicating compounds.
Learn more about the entourage effect here: “CBD Oil Benefits – What is the Entourage Effect?”
What is CBD Distillate? What is CBD Isolate?
CBD distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract often derived from CBD hemp flower and biomass. CBD distillate is one of the purest forms of CBD. Unlike CBD isolate, CBD distillate contains all the benefits of the whole plant with a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, fatty acids and <0.2% THC to encourage the “entourage effect”.
CBD isolate is CBD at its purest form. During the process of extracting the cannabinoids, everything is filtered out of the hemp plant except for the Cannabidiol, including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts and other cannabinoids; leaving you with pure CBD. When consuming CBD isolate there is no need to worry about taking in THC and it’s intoxicating effects.
Learn more about the entourage effect here: “CBD Oil Benefits – What is the Entourage Effect”?
What is a Terpene?
Terpenes are all-natural, organic compounds found in plants and are the primary constituents of the essential oils that provide the plants' aroma and flavour. Terpenes interact with cannabinoids to enhance, activate, and in some cases, even subdue the effects of other cannabinoids like CBD.
Learn more here: “CBD Benefits and Terpenes”?
Learn more here: “What Are Terpenes? Your Guide to Aromas and More”
What is Hemp? The Differences between Hemp and Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana are from the same flowering plant species. Hemp is the plant that contains 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whereas marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC.
CBD is produced from both hemp and marijuana plants. The molecule itself is the same regardless of the source of the plant. However, because hemp plants contain almost no THC cannabinoid they are almost exclusively used for CBD extraction and have historically been used as an industrial crop for material, textiles and food.
Learn more here: “A Flower By Any Other Name: Cannabis Plant Varieties and Why We Use Hemp”
How is CBD absorbed? What is bioavailability?
The degree and rate that CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream are known as it's bioavailability. Bioavailability and absorption rate very greatly dependent on the method of administration. CBD can be absorbed through many different forms, including; intravenously, orally, sublingually, topically, or via inhalation.
CBD taken orally must pass through both the stomach and liver before being activated in the bloodstream; for example, it has low bioavailability, and it takes longer to feel the effects. Whereas sublingual CBD drops have high bioavailability because it is absorbed via the sublingual membrane under the tongue, and CBD enters directly into the bloodstream, having an almost instant effect.
CBD topicals do not enter your bloodstream and are alternately absorbed through your skin pores to your dermis to directly target the area you are using it in and may help alleviate pain and discomfort in those focused areas.
What to look for when buying CBD oil UK?
Choosing your CBD is exciting! There are just a few things to look for when you buy CBD oil online or from a store.
- Company reliability
- Type of CBD
- Certificates of Analysis – 3rd party testing
- Delivery Method – user experience
- CBD Formulation – user experience
Learn more here: " What to Look for When You Buy CBD Oil in the UK”
What is the entourage effect?
The “Entourage Effect” is the phenomenon of all the compounds in the hemp or cannabis plant working together for maximum health and wellness benefits.
At Infused Amphora, many of our products have terpenes additionally added for a wholesome and supportive plant experience.
Is CBD Safe?
Yes, in fact, the World Health Organization released a report stating that CBD is “well-tolerated and safe for human consumption", and it is not found to be addictive to humans.
Although there have been very few studies into any side effects of CBD, some scientific studies suggest that larger doses of CBD can affect the liver. As a precaution, Food Standards Agency (FSA), recommends a maximum daily dose for healthy adults of 70mg/day CBD, unless under a health practitioners guidance.
What is CBD vape oil?
CBD vape oil refers to any vape liquid or vape juice that contains CBD, as opposed to nicotine. Some CBD vape juice and CBD e-liquid have additives added for flavour, aroma or as a carrier for heavier oils.
Infused Amphora CBD vape oil contains only natural organic CBD distillate and all-natural flavoured and unflavored terpenes for added wellness benefits. Our CBD vape products do not have any harmful additives like Vitamin E Acetate, VG, PG, or MCT oil.
Learn more here: “CBD Oil vs. CBD Vapes: What Are the Differences and Which One is Right for Me?
What are Infused Amphora's CBD effects-based formulations?
Amphora is proud to offer CBD products containing different effects-based formulations, each of which is armed with a unique impact based on it’s exclusive CBD and terpene profile.
Let Amphora help you find rest, calm, muscle recovery, focus, or energy.
Shop for your experience today.
How does a vape pen work?
Vaporisers are made up of four parts:
- Battery: To power your vaping device.
- Atomiser: The heating element inside the device that speeds up the molecules inside the liquid you put in your vape to produce vapour.
- Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece provides the path for your vapour to travel from the chamber into your mouth.
- Chamber: The chamber is the area of the vape that holds your vaping material.
Each vape pen varies, but with most, you fill the chamber with your CBD vape oil or distillate and then press the button to activate it. The atomiser heats the oil to the point where it becomes a vapour for you to inhale it. This action of inhalation lets the CBD enter your bloodstream and start working immediately.
Learn more here: “Vaping 101: How to Use A CBD Vape Pen”
How to calculate CBD dose (mg count)?
The bottle size (in ml) and CBD content of the liquid should be taken into account initially (in mg). For instance, the label can state that a 30-milliliter bottle contains an average amount of 1,500 milligrammes of CBD. We can calculate the concentration of CBD by assuming that a single drop of CBD oil—not a whole dropper—has a capacity of 0.05 millilitres.
For Example:
30ml of CBD equals 600 drops.
Each drop will contain 10mg of CBD if the CBD is 6000mg. Therefore, 3 drops under the tongue would be required for a 30mg dose.
At Infused Amphora, we provide drops with a range of potencies. For instance, our Premium High Strength CBD oil dropsprovide 6000 milligrammes of CBD each 30-milliliter bottle. Each drop would contain 10 milligrammes of CBD, or 200 milligrammes in a full dropper. While our Everyday CBD Dosage 1000mg and 500mg CBD drops also come in 30ml bottles, each dropper would have roughly 32mg (1.6mg/drop) or 17mg (or 0.8mg/drop) of CBD, respectively.
How to use a vape pen or vape battery?
It's a simple technique. Once you've inserted your CBD oil vape cartridge into the vape pen, turn on your vape device battery and inhale by slowly drawing the vapour into your mouth in sip like breaths. Hold the vapour in your closed mouth for a second or two, open your mouth to breath in vapour and once the vapour is in your lungs, exhale.
How do I know how much CBD oil to take?
There are no 'official' guidelines for how much CBD you should take. The way your body interacts with CBD depends on many things, including;
- Concentration of CBD
- Age
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Height
- Genetic Predispositions
- Biochemistry
- Gender
- Overall Health
- Tolerance
- Medications you are taking
The great thing about taking CBD oil is that you can customize it just for you! Amphora recommends keeping track of your individual CBD use to track daily intake in a journal or diary to fine-tune your experience and reach your personal health targets.
Learn more here and take advantage of our downloadable material: “Journaling Your Way To Wellness”
Learn more here: “One Size Doesn’t fit all: The Complexities of Dosing CBD”
Maximum recommended dose by Food Standards Agency (FSA) is 70mg daily.
*Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have with undertaking a new health care regimen or concerns about drug interactions and never disregard professional medical advice.
Is supplementing with CBD drops daily safe?
Is CBD safe to take daily? Not only is it safe, but for the best results, you should take CBD every day because it is lipophilic (or fat-soluble), it builds up in your body over time for many potential health benefits.
A person with a weakened endocannabinoid system will benefit from regular CBD ingestions.
Infused Amphora offers a range of Everyday CBD Dosage - CBD drop flavors for supplementing your health daily.
To learn more about the benefits of supplementing with CBD, visit our blog: What Health and Performance Supplements Should You Be Taking?
How do I know what vape to buy?
With a vast new range of CBD products and devices on the market, the options can be challenging to navigate through. However, of utmost importance is making sure your product is safe, and you're getting what you're paying for.
For CBD products, you need to find the certificate of analysis (COA). A COA tells you that you’re getting what the brand says is in their CBD oil, and it has been certified by a third-party. At Amphora, our certificates of analysis are easy to find on our website.
When selecting a vaping device, it's essential to find one to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Learn more here: “The ABC of CBD Vapes: What to Know and Which One to Buy”!
Is vaping CBD oil legal in the UK?
YES! CBD oil and vaping CBD oil in the UK is completely legal. However, don’t forget to follow the general vape etiquette. This includes observing good manners in social scenarios and spotting and complying to changing policy and permissions to vape in places such as private businesses, restaurants and bars.
Learn more here: “Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK”?
Is vaping CBD safe?
Although CBD is considered safe, and the World Health Organization has released a report stating that CBD is “well-tolerated and safe for human consumption, you want to know if vaping is a safe delivery method for CBD. Vape has gotten a bad reputation, and unfortunately, it mostly has to do with low-quality, dangerous additives and product knockoffs.
The primary issue that the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) found with vaping is the use of vitamin E acetate to dilute vape liquid. Although Vitamin E acetate is safe for consumption, it has been proven to interfere with normal lung function when it’s heated up and inhaled. Other additives may pose the same danger as well.
At Amphora, we use only Natural-100% Organic CBD distillate and flavoured and unflavored terpenes. We eliminate the additives for you, giving you a pure CBD experience without the added worry.
The secondary issue with vaping is copycats, fakes and knockoffs. That is why it's essential to understand what you're vaping and to make sure you're purchasing from a trusted source that backs up what they claim with credible certificates of analysis from third-party labs.
Learn more here: “Is Using A CBD Oil Vape Pen Safe”
CBD lab testing: What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
A certificate of analysis (COA) is a report from a third-party lab with the content of a product. In Amphora’s case, our COAs provide peace of mind, by informing our customers of our products cannabinoid, terpene and contaminant profiles.
Find information on COAs and locating your product batch # on our website.
Does vape have nicotine?
No nicotine in Amphora CBD oil vape Cartridges!
Although one can use the same vape device for nicotine cartridges or CBD vape oil cartridges, CBD vape oil does not contain nicotine.
Another win for CBD oil vs nicotine is that CBD oil overall is considered to be safe. The World Health Organization released a report saying that CBD is ‘well-tolerated and safe for human consumption’ and that it’s not found to be addictive to humans. Whereas, nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant.
How does CBD make you feel?
CBD is non-intoxicating and is not felt the same way as THC. Many users and patients report numerous positive effects of CBD, including feelings of calm and relaxation to help with symptoms of anxiety, pain, or offer assistance for sleep and, in some cases helping to provoke feelings of wakefulness and focus.
The feelings consumers have are based on several factors, including; CBD product type, method of intake, dosage and individual user factors specific to them. This is why it’s essential to find your preferred user experience for taking CBD as a supplement and keeping track of your wellness journey by recording your targets, intake methods and dosage to optimize your personal experience.
Visit our blog “Journaling Your Way To Wellness” and take advantage of our downloadable “Wellness Journal – Guidance and Tips” to help guide you on your health and wellness journey.
How are CBD oil drops made?
CBD oil drops or, in some cases, CBD tincture, is made by extracting CBD from Hemp to its purest form and combining it with a carrier oil such as MCT oil. Some manufacturers also add flavours, terpenes and other ingredients to the CBD oil drops or tinctures.
At Infused Amphora, we provide CBD drops with a range of potencies, effects and flavors. See our range of CBD Drops here.
How To Take CBD Oil Drops?
Squeeze desired dose below your tongue and wait for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing to allow maximum absorption into the bloodstream.
Taking CBD under the tongue allows for quick absorption by your sublingual gland into your bloodstream, and effects can be felt in as quickly as 20 minutes.
Understanding Concentration. What Is Strong CBD Oil?
The strength of any CBD oil depends on the cannabidiol content and does not have anything to do with the type of CBD product.
For example: if you have a 30ml bottle of CBD oil drop tincture that shows 3000mg of CBD on the label and you have Amphora’s 30 ml bottle of Premium CBD oil drop tincture that has 6000mg of CBD. In this case, Amphora’s Premium bottle is twice as strong as the later, weaker CBD oil drops.
In other cases, brands label with a percentage instead of a total mg count. For example: 70% CBD. This will only tell you the potency of the CBD in the oil and not how strong the oil is by volume, making it difficult to understand how much you are dosing.
Are There CBD Side Effects?
A 2018 report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that CBD is generally well tolerated and does not appear to have substantial side effects even at high doses. However, in rare cases, minor side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue are observed.
Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) 2021 report suggests that some studies have found CBD to affect the liver if taken at higher doses. Admittedly they claim very few studies at this time, but as a precaution has advised healthy adults not to consume more than 70mg a day unless recommended by their health care practitioner. FSA has also advised vulnerable groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and those taking medication, to avoid taking CBD products unless under medical direction.
Does CBD show up on drug tests?
Workplace drug screenings are testing for THC, the intoxicating and illegal cannabinoid in cannabis. CBD oil in the UK is regulated to less than 0.2% THC in CBD products, so you should never test positive for THC after using CBD products.
This is also why brand compliance and consumer awareness are so important. Always make sure you’re purchasing from a compliant brand that clearly stats what is present in their products and have a corresponding Certificate of Analysis (COA) done by a third party lab to corroborate their claims. Unregulated brands have been found to contain up to 5% THC, meaning you could test positive on your drug test. Therefore, it is best to use only regulated CBD products purchased in the UK to avoid serious consequence.
Can I Travel With CBD?
Assuming you are purchasing compliant CBD products from the UK where CBD is legal, as long as it contains <0.2% THC, you should not have any issues travelling, including taking domestic flights within the UK.
However, for any international flights and due to the continual changing of laws in countries around the world, we recommend doing your research on CBD legalities in the area you’re travelling to and contacting your travel agency, provider or customs for legality and advice.
How To Store CBD Oil?
All CBD products degrade under extreme conditions and prolonged exposure to elements such as oxygen, hot or very cold temperatures and light. You can eliminate these issues by storing your CBD oils in cool and dark places and out of the sun; in fact, your refrigerator is ideal. You will also want to make sure you’re keeping your products in the original packaging so as to not compromise your CBD infusion integrity by exposing them to oxygen or light.
Aside from this, it is always important to understand the perishability of the other ingredients your CBD products contain and if they degrade or expire much sooner. Infused Amphora uses MCT oil in our CBD oil drop tinctures, and MCT typically has an unopened shelf life of two (2) years or one (1) year opened before MCT oil will start to go rancid. Always make sure to check “best before” or “manufacturer dates” on your packaging for perishable products.
Where To Buy CBD Oil UK?
Although CBD can be found virtually everywhere in the UK, both in stores and online, it’s important to do your research when purchasing wellness products. Here are some of the key items to research before buying CBD:
- Company reliability and reviews.
- What type of delivery method would you prefer?
- Bioavailability
- Ease of use
- Convenience
- Type of CBD you would you prefer?
- Isolate or distillate.
- Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum
- If the product has third-party lab testing with Certificates of Analysis (COA) of their products.
Amphora is currently working on our list of retailers, please check back for updates.
What Does CBD Oil Taste Like?
Most consumers find the natural taste of CBD to be “earthy” or “grassy” in flavour with a slightly bitter taste. With so many CBD products on the market today, it all depends on how its made and the flavour it takes on by what ingredients have been added.
Depending on what type of CBD extract is found in the product, the flavour can be tasteless to smooth and even earthy and peat-like. The CBD flavour will also change if a carrier oil, flavouring or flavoured terpenes have been added, and these can range from all-natural tastes to artificial in nature.
People love what CBD can do for them, but some hate the natural taste. The great part about CBD and its versatility is that consumers can find a taste to fit their pallet or combine their oils with something else they’re consuming that is palatable to them.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is taking very small amounts of your daily optimal CBD dose consistently throughout your day. Basically, not raising your total daily dosage but increasing the frequency of intake to reach your ideal dose.
There is growing evidence to suggest that feeding your system a steady amount of CBD can potentially produce additional internal cannabinoids over time by continually supporting your endocannabinoid system and increasing the benefits of CBD.
Where microdosing works best is for help in regulating your mood, assisting with focus and energy levels or mitigating pain throughout your workday or busy schedule, and not all at once.
CBD dosing is extremely individualized, and it’s best to find what works best for your user experience. Remember that the most critical factor is accuracy and consistency over time.
What Are CBD Topicals?
CBD topicals are cannabidiol-infused skin products such as lotions, creams, balms, and gels that can be applied to the skin. Topicals, which come from the Greek word for "of a place," are usually applied to a specific portion of the body for cosmetic or targeting muscle and joint pain. Topical CBD products are far more effective at providing focused treatment than other CBD products such as edibles and sublingual oils. This makes them an excellent choice for people who want to utilize CBD-infused products to treat symptoms in specific problem areas of the skin or muscle tissue, rather than seeing full body effects.
What To Look For When Buying CBD Lotion?
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CBD Count
- The more CBD, the more effective the your CBD cream is likely to be. Low levels of CBD may be a waste of your time, hopes and money. Check the products CBD content before making your purchase.
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Other Ingredients
- Do the other ingredients in the CBD cream improve or detract from it’s value and effectiveness? Combining CBD with other skin-friendly ingredients will make the CBD lotion more effective. Alternatively, if the product contains harmful ingredients or those that would counteract CBDs benefits it would not be beneficial to your skin.
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Quality
- Always make sure your CBD products are made from high-quality ingredients, free of harmful additives and chemicals, and has a third party lab test (Certificate of Analysis) available to you.
How To Use CBD Cream?
Before applying CBD oil, lotion, cream, or balm to your skin, cleanse the area with soap and water. This helps to eliminate any residue from other products, natural oils, or dirt that may interfere with the product's absorption.
When using CBD topical, massage the desired amount of the product into the targeted region before allowing it to absorb for a few minutes. After you've finished, wash your hands to avoid any active substances on your hands from being passed on.
How To Store CBD Lotion?
Keep out of direct light, away from heat and well sealed to prevent exposure to air. The optimal storage for your CBD products is somewhere dry, dark and cool.
Where Can I Educate Myself On CBD?
Check out our Blog section for in-depth content on everything related to CBD, to assist with your CBD research.