What Is CBD?
DEMYSTIFYING CBD
CBD is used everyday by millions of people to support their health and wellbeing. But with so many different products, strengths and formats available, we understand that starting out on your CBD journey can feel confusing. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD (short for Cannabidiol) is a safe and natural compound found in the stalk, leaves and flowers of the hemp or cannabis plant. Did you know that our bodies already produce cannabinoids to keep us balanced in times of stress, and to regulate our appetite, sleep and immune system? By using nature's plant-based version, we can help keep our levels topped up, restoring harmony and equilibrium.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
CBD promotes health and well-being, helping our bodies find their natural balance by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). By supporting our natural ECS processes, it can help to regulate brain function, hormone production and our immune response. CBD has powerful antioxidant and anti- inflammatory qualities, and many people use it as a daily health supplement to enhance their wellbeing.
IS IT LEGAL?
Yes! CBD is completely legal in the UK as long as it contains under 0.2% THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike its THC cousin, CBD is non-intoxicating, so you get all the therapeutic benefits without the high. All Wylde products are strictly tested and compliant.
WHY USE CBD?
CBD can help us to restore our sense of balance by supplementing the natural compounds we may lack due to the stresses and strains of daily life. It is known to help alleviate stress, improve sleep, boost focus and have an overall positive effect on our mood and general wellbeing. Think of it like a daily health supplement that’s good for body and mind! Many people choose to take CBD to help ease longer term conditions, including:
- Allergies and asthma
- Depression and anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Hormonal imbalance
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Pain and inflammation
- Skin disorders
HOW SHOULD I TAKE IT?
CBD is extracted in oil or powder form and can be added to almost anything, so you can find a product to suit your needs and lifestyle. Here are the most popular ways to incorporate CBD into your daily wellness routine:
- Under your tongue - Drops, sprays and pastes Eating or drinking - Capsules, gummies, sweets, tea and fizzy drinks
- Inhaling - inhaling CBD e-liquid using a vaporiser
- Skin application - Balms, ointments, creams and patches
At Wylde, we make and curate high quality products across all these categories. Speak to to us online or in store and we'll help you find the right product for you.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
There have been no cases of side effects involving human consumption and controlled application of CBD. The use of CBD can make the user feel relaxed (which is why it can be used as an aid to sleep). Cannabidiol may affect some enzymes in the liver (in same way as some foods will e.g. Grapefruit), which can interact with other medications. It is important to consult your doctor or physician for professional medical advice when starting any new health regime.
FULL-SPECTRUM CBD AND THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT
Full-spectrum CBD oil consists of multiple cannabinoids, though in much lesser proportion to CBD, including; CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDL, CBL, CBE, CBT as well as plant botanicals (most notably Terpenes). These Full Spectrum products will also have trace amounts of THC and reputable manufacturers test for Hemp strains presenting less than the legal maximum of 0.2% THC.
Consuming full-spectrum oil is favoured by some to promote what is called ‘the entourage effect’, demonstrated to be somewhat more effective than consuming the CBD cannabinoid in isolation.
See British Journal of Pharmacology study (2011)
Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug; 163(7): 1344–1364.
doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
PMCID: PMC3165946
PMID: 21749363
Taming THC: potential Cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects
Ethan B Russo
THE HISTORY OF CBD
The CBD compound was first isolated in the 1960s when a young Israeli researcher, Raphael Mechoulam, curious to know why the current literature on Cannabis at the time had not discovered the active component, studied what would be become known as cannabinoids. Mechoulam was able to isolate the CBD compound in 1963 and a year later, THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) the psychoactive component responsible for the "high". His team went on to be the first to isolate many other components of the plant. Subsequent research was slow, but with an opioid epidemic happening (in 2016 the equivalent of 66.5 opioid prescriptions issued per 100 adults in the US) and clinical proof Cannabis was helping people break opioid dependency, the Medicinal Cannabis industry was encouraged. This development funded further research and better understanding into which strains of the plant offered the most therapeutic benefit. With realisation that CBD is the single most important component in providing these benefits, many Medicinal Cannabis companies switched to growing Hemp to meet the needs of a more knowledgeable market with a preference for therapeutic benefits, without a high.
HEMP vs CANNABIS
Hemp and Cannabis share a common taxonomic family but diverge at species and genus. The legal definition of each species favours chemical analysis of the cannabinoid profile as cross breeding and hybridisation can make visual assessment inconclusive. For this reason, all producers and retailers should have 3rd party lab test results and make these available to you.
By legal definition, Hemp has a chemical makeup including no more than 0.2% THC and is therefore non-psychoactive.
Cannabis (also called Marijuana) has a chemical makeup including typically between 5%-20% THC and is likely to cause a psychoactive effect.
WILL CBD MAKE ME 'HIGH'?
CBD is non-psychoactive unlike the cannabinoid THC (delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol). Consuming CBD will not create a “high” or induce intoxicating effects. Infact, because CBD has anti-psychotic properties it’s impossible to consume enough to create a high.
WYLDE PRODUCTS
The team at Wylde have tried and tested products containing CBD since early 2015. We are proud to offer CBD products which include CBD at its maximum potential benefit, organically grown and free of any dangerous contaminants.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
The Hemp plant is a great Phyto-mediator which means it absorbs a variety of heavy metals and toxins from the soil. Industrial Hemp, which is commonly grown for industrial applications (like rope for example) can be used in some CBD products. It is possible that industrial Hemp can contain contaminants, and this is why it is important that you choose CBD products from trusted sources. At Wylde we only stock products that have quality assurance from organically grown Hemp, free of pesticides and from non-GMO soil so you can rest assured that you are only absorbing the finest natural ingredients.
CBD CONSUMPTION AND DOSAGE
The endocannabinoid system interlinks with several points around the brain and the body which means CBD absorption is available in a variety of methods including:
- Oral (Tinctures, Capsules, Mouth Spray)
- Body applications (Lotions, Soap, Bath Bombs, Roll-on)
- Vaping
- Edibles
CBD levels are typically measured in milligrams (mg). Everyone is different and it is advised that dosage is best sought by experimentation, starting low and increasing if required. Don't worry, you can't overdose on CBD, so you can start on high doses if preferred. We wrote an article as a guide to finding the right dosage.
*We advise you to seek advice of your physician before consuming CBD if you are currently taking other medications.
Updated: December 2020
CBD research is ongoing and the team at Wylde continually update all facts and information to provide you with the latest CBD news. Please sign up to our newsletter to hear about our community events, browse our blogs, or contact us for further information and discussion on CBD.
