There’s no question that CBD is everywhere at the moment. CBD seems to have gone from being something you might hear about from a colleague, to being advertised everywhere. Coffee shops are selling CBD lattes, spas are offering CBD facials and there are a whole plethora or oils and e liquids out on the market.

Even though it seems to be infiltrating every corner of existence, many people still find CBD a little confusing—especially when it comes to figuring out the right way to use it and how to make sure the stuff you’re buying is, actually good quality. Below, we are going to answer the most pressing questions about CBD.

First things first. What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabid sativa plant, which is also known as marijuana or hemp.

It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s found in the hemp plant . Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the major active ingredient in marijuana (and gets you high) , CBD is not psychoactive.

So you’re saying CBD won’t get me high?

Not at all. The cannabis plant is made up of two main players: CBD and THC. CBD is the non intoxicating compound, whereas THC is the one that will get you high, with CBD you won’t feel sedated or altered in any way.

There are of cause exceptions as with everything, and some people may feel a little intoxicated from CBD, however the people who do have this reaction tend to react to other pharmaceuticals too.

Where does hemp come in to all this?

You’ve probably heard the terms cannabis, marijuana, and hemp all tossed around in relation to CBD. The plant Cannabis sativa has two primary species, hemp and marijuana. Both contain CBD, but there’s a much higher percentage in hemp, which also has very low (less than 0.3%) levels of THC compared to marijuana.

When people or companies mention Hemp Oil, they are referring to oil made by pressing the seeds of the plant. The seeds themself contain no CBD. You may see “Hemp Oil” advertised for sale on the likes of Amazon or Ebay, however you will find these do not have any of the benefits that CBD do.

What are the health benefits of CBD?

There are many, and far to many to mention, benefits of CBD. It has been known to help everything from Sleeplessness and Anxiety, to treating pain and inflammation. In the UK it is illegal to make any solid health claims such as “CBD will cure xxx” as there haven’t been any extensive studies into its long term effects on the body. However, anecdotally our customers have said that it has helped them with many conditions and has even helped them stop taking SSRs and opiates. We would always recommend that anyone starting to use CBD speak to their Doctor first and do their own research.

Still, is CBD worth trying for pain management?

Figuring out if you should try CBD or even how much CBD to take can be a bit daunting. What might work for your friend who put you onto CBD may not work for you and with a range of different strengths and sizes, it can be extra confusing to know what to go for.

If you check out Google and TrustPilot reviews you will see a wealth of results directly from our customers. From my own personal experience, I can say that it certainly helped manage my lower back pain, it didn’t take it away but it certainly didn’t bother me as much as it did

What about my anxiety—can CBD help with that?

CBD tells your body to calm down and reminds you that you’re safe, It mellows out the nervous system so you’re not in a heightened ‘fight or flight’ response, so people with anxiety may find it helps them feel more relaxed.

Still, one of the biggest misconceptions about CBD is that it’s a wonder drug. “A lot of times people think CBD is a cure-all, and it’s not. You should also have a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and good nutrition—CBD is not going to fix everything.

What’s the best way to take CBD?

It really depends on what your goal is and why you’re taking CBD in the first place.

Some people prefer to ingest their CBD in the form of edibles or tinctures. These can take a few hours to kick in, but tend to last longer. Oils are taken sublingually and generally you will feel the effects within about half an hour.

People who vape, may prefer to vape CBD, however it is important to note that you should never vape CBD Oil, instead look for dedicated CBD E liquids. Vaping tends to be the fastest acting and you can normally feel the effects within around 10-15 minutes.

For those who would prefer not to ingest anything, then topicals such as skin balms and creams are the way to go.

Ultimately only you will know which way works best for you.

What should I look for when shopping for CBD products?

When looking at CBD products there are a few things to look for. Number 1 is where are you buying from. As I said further up, you will find Hemp Oil on amazon or ebay but these are not the same as CBD Oil. Any website you buy from always have a check of any reviews or social media. This will let you see customer feedback and if they are still actively trading.

Branding, this may seem like a trivial one to look at but generally speaking legit CBD brands have a good quality label and are professionally printed. Home made CBD products will have a lackluster and bad quality look to the branding.

Is the price too good to be true? A good quality CBD oil isn’t cheap, and whilst brands to have sales on their products the price is a good indicator of the quality

Lab tests. Most reputable brands will either have lab tests online or available for you should you ask. All of our products are independently lab tested for quality and consistency to make sure we only release products of the highest quality.

Can you travel with CBD?

Whilst CBD is legal in the UK, you should always check the country you are travelling as restrictions may vary depending on where you go

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

In theory, no. Although also, maybe. Here I’m talking more about the tests that jobs can make you take. It all comes down to the type of CBD you’re buying. Full Spectrum CBD has a wider range of cannabinoids in it, which includes less than 0.2% THC. Our Broad spectrum oils contain 0% THC however there is always the danger that even trace amounts can show up in a works drugs test. WIth regards to a roadside test, you should be fine as they are looking for a higher level than what would be residual in any CBD product

Last question: Can I give it to my dog?

As of writing this article, there are no products on the market that have been approved for Veterinary use. As such it is down to your discretion as to whether you give your dog CBD. With that out of the way, what I can say is that dogs do have an endocannabinoid system and our customers have used CBD oil and found it has helped with things like separation anxiety and joint pain in older dogs. Again we will never claim that is 100% safe for dogs as we are not vets, so would always recommend you consult with your vet first.