CBD Oil Guide
The Basics of CBD
CBD is a food supplement, containing a rich level of cannabinoids and terpenes, both of which help bring balance to our bodies and cognition, through interacting with our natural endocannabinoid system throughout our bodies. There are a broad variety of benefits in using CBD oil, which claims full legality in the UK, as a food supplement. CBD oil has been confirmed non-toxic, non-addictive and non-psychoactive by the World Health Organisation. Take a look at our collection of CBD oils here.
CBD is an acronym for “cannabidiol“, one of the primary compounds out of hundreds, known as cannabinoids. CBD is a confirmed non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning that users don’t receieve any “high” or associated sensations from use. This, combined with the medicinal benefits offered helps make CBD so great and appealing for those looking to take care of themselves.
CBD oil is extracted from a specific strain of cannabis plant, named hemp sativa. This hemp sativa naturally contains very low levels of THC, thus remains legal within the UK. This hemp further contains high level of CBD (cannabidiol), alongside over 100 different healthy cannabinoids. As previously mentioned, these cannabinoids are no psychoactive or physically addictive. Discover our range of CBD products here.
CBD & Your Body
In 1992, Israeli scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered that every human and majority of animals have a system present in their bodies; known as The Endogenous Cannabinoid System or Endocannabinoid System.
As expected, this system is activated by cannabinoids. Whilst our bodies create cannabinoids, used by the endocannbinoid system to maintain balance (homeostatis), we remain unable to create enough of our own cannabinoids.
Therefore, our endocannabinoid system may remain unbalanced, resulting in poor health. Some have described the endocannabinoid system as the most important system in the body, regarding maintenance of long-term health. Research further suggests that taking CBD oil aids your body in creating more cannabinoids required by this system; in turn maintaining balance and wellbeing throughout the body.
Feel free to discover our remarkable range of CBD oils here.
People benefitted from CBD for many thousands of years, until it was unfortunately prohibited in the 20th century; largely to it’s association with cannabis. However, these days CBD and hemp are fully legal in the UK and EU, however sellers of CBD oil cannot make medical claims regarding benefits.
After the legalisation of hemp and CBD, a number of people started taking CBD and other cannabinoids extracted from hemp plants, topping up their cannabinoid levels and bringing a greater balance to their endocannibinoid systems. Ingesting CBD oil aids your body in the creation of more cannabinoids required by your endocannabinoid system; in order to maintain balance and wellbeing throughout the body.
This system is of vital importance and needs to be working well, as it helps our immune systems, helps us manage stress, protects our brains and keeps our bodies balanced. Feel free to discover our remarkable range of CBD oils here.
Disclaimer: UK Home Office regulations prevent us from providing any medical claims in association with CBD its effectiveness. As such, we cannot recommend dosages for particular issues. However, thousands of studies remain published online regarding medicinal uses, alongside reviews and testimonials from users worldwide.
The result of this question typically varies from person to person. Some sleep well on CBD, whereas others don’t. Typically, this depends on the cause of troubled sleep. CBD can certainly help by relaxing the body and mind, aiding in a stress-free sleep.
On the flip side, others notice an uplifting & energising effect, which can make falling asleep difficult. Those noticing that falling asleep has become more difficult, we recommend raking your last drops of the day 2-3+ hours before sleeping. Lastly, studies show that the amount of CBD taken can affect whether the user feels tired or not. Typically, the more CBD you ingest, the more likely you are to feel sleep; due to the biphasic properties of CBD (discussed below).
Firstly, we always recommend checking with your doctor before using CBD oil, to ensure it remains right for you. This is especially the case if you intend to use it with other medication. According to the World Health Organisation, CBD oil is non-toxic, non addictive and non-psychoactive; with no reported cases of overdoses or serious side affects to this day.
Some studies show that certain doses of CBD can temporarily deactivate Cytochrome P450 (CYP450); a class of liver enzymes responsible in breaking down some clinically prescribed medications. This potentially leads to delayed breakdown and prolonged activity of prescription medications (alongside some OTC medications).
Whilst believed still safe and not life-threatening, we recommend paying attention to any changes in health whilst taking CBD alongside your medications. Always visit your GP and voice your concerns regarding any new symptoms. Worth noting, some people already have abnormalities in the CYP450 enzyme system, impacting the way CBD is metabolized; alongside certain medications. It’s typically recommended that these individuals evaluate their dosage of CBD.
We always recommend consulting your GP before consuming CBD oil when pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is our policy not to sell or supply CBD oil to children or those under the age of 18. Those thinking about giving CBD oil to someone under the age of 18 should always consult their doctor first.
How to take CBD correctly
For those new to taking CBD, we recommend starting off with a low or medium strength CBD oil, typically between 5-10%. We recommend more sensitive users start out with 3-5% CBD oils, however this is predominantly personal preference. It’s better safe than sorry, so we recommend starting out with the minimal suggested serving on any CBD product, before gradually increasing the amount.
This helps users reach the results they want, without taking too much. We always recommend starting with a low dose, with increasing gradually and at your own pace. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation cites that CBD is non-addictive, non-toxic and non-psychoactive; with no reports of serious side affects to date. However, those taking other medications should also consult with their GP or pharmacist for any contra-indications.
As we’ve mentioned, CBD affects everyone differently and is unique to the individual. Some of us might have much more sensitivity to CBD than others, and that’s okay. With CBD, it’s important to start small, and build up your doses slowly. We always recommend discovering how your body reacts to CBD first, before increasing dosage. For example, some people only need approx. 10 mg of CBD per day, whereas others require up to 75mg per day, the maximum recommended daily dose.
In terms of absorption, CBD Oil is twice as bio-available when used on the gums, rather than the gut. This results in much greater absorption when held in the mouth. Simply spray or drop the CBD oil into your mouth, close your lips before applying a slight suction. This aids in boosting absorption of active ingredients, via the mucous membrane within the mouth. After a minute or two of this, we recommend washing the oil down with your drink of choice.
CBD oil is absorbed most quickly through the gums. As it’s less bioavailable through the gut, some of the CBD is lost when swallowed immediately, or absorbed slower. As such, we recommend placing CBD oil or paste into the mouth, keeping it near or against the gums for 1-2 minutes before swallowing. Discover our range of edible CBD solutions here.
Broad and full-spectrum gold oils have very little taste. Some people dislike the bitter taste offered by whole plant CBD oils, which contain the dark-coloured plant waxes that cause said bitter taste. Those who dislike this flavour tend to use our ‘gold’ CBD oil. This gold CBD oil still contains the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids, however does not contain the dark & bitter plant waxes, resulting in a very mild taste.
Sometimes, people mix dark CBD oil with honey, cane sugar and other sweet liquids to give it a better flavour; whereas others place the oil onto a sweet or mint before ingesting. This best results are all down to personal taste & preference.
More about our products
All bottles of CBD we sell contain a measured amount of CBD in it. This content is calculated based on lab tests, which are undertaken to measure the strength of CBD in a batch of paste, oil, etc. Every labelled bottle contains an indicator of how much CBD content there is, in both total weight and as a percentage. For example, a 300mg CBD 10ml bottle contains 3% CBD; the result of 300 mg CBD content diluted in 10 ml of oil, with CBD taking up a net weight of 3%.
Simply put, 10ml contains 10,000mg of oil, 3% of that being CBD, equating to 300mg of CBD. Feel free to discover our range of CBD oils, or contact us with any questions.
Every CBD product sold within the EU must undergo laboratory testing. Those buying CBD oil without valid lab tests cannot ensure the actual amount of CBD within the tincture. As such, we always recommend checking for lab results for each brand. Look at our lab reports here.
We source all of our CBD oils and pastes from ethical farms within the US and EU. Our contacts work within a network of professionals, ensuring we always have access to a broad range of CBD oils, at varying strengths. Whilst some prefer gold oils more readily available in Northern Europe/US, others perfer darker whole-plant oils; most common in Southern or Eastern Europe. Whatever your preference, we hope to meet and exceed your expectations.
Yes – all of the CBD oils we stock are extracted from organic hemp sativa, grown far away from main roads and without using pesticides or chemicals. These growers only use natural methods, nurturing soil and hand-harvesting buds and flowers. After this, they carefully extract the CBD oil. Lastly, this CBD oil remains suitable for vegans, whilst also completely non-GMO and lactose free.
In the UK, the Cannabis Trade Association (CTA) works in conjunction with the Home Office. The CTA publish guidelines regarding CBD products, to which we comply and adhere to. The broad spectrum products we stock are novel food compliant, in line with novel food guidelines published in the UK by the Food Standards Agency. Our Full Spectrum CBD is from a supplier who is listed in the recently published Food Standards Agency list of allowed CBD products.
In order to meet everyone’s needs, we believe it important to offer a broad selection. Some people may want a smaller 10ml bottle, whereas others like to buy in bulk. Whilst some seek oral sprays and dropper pipettes, others enjoy other methods. We feel that offering this selection allows all of our customers to get the best of both worlds.
However, please remember that the size and type of bottle is less important than total CBD weight contained. For example, a 30ml bottle containing 500mg of CBD (0.5mg CBD per drop) will be weaker per drop than a 10ml bottle, containing 300 mg of CBD (1mg CBD per drop). Feel free to browse our range of CBD oils here.
Delivery will be a standard rate of £3.95 for all UK Orders.
We offer free delivery on all UK orders over £50.
Delivery worldwide will be charged at a higher rate 0f £8.95.
We will always endeavour to deliver your products to you as quickly as possible.
Please note all of our items will be sent “Signed For” and tracking numbers will be obtained
Yes – whilst we do ship out products to the EU, we usually charge between £2.99 and £4.99, depending on the destination country. Orders typically takes between 4-8 working days to arrive. Feel free to browse our range of CBD oils here.
The Science & Law behind CBD
There are various methods to extract CBD oil from hemp plants, including pure alcohol or butane extraction. Generally, CO2 extraction is used as it produces clean & purer oil, is safer & more environmentally sustainable.
These whole-plant CBD oils undergo high pressure (supercritical) CO2 extraction; creating a raw CBD extract with a cannabinoid profile representative of the hemp material used. This helps result in an organic, natural compound, alongside ensuring the full spectrum of cannabinoids; plus terpenes, flavonoids, omega-3s and other plant nutrients.
Gold CBD oils undergo extraction through a lower pressure (subcritical) CO2 extraction; filtered to create high purity CBD oil, golden in colour and claiming high cannabinoid potency. This method also ensures a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Broad spectrum oils are extracted via short-path distillation; creating high purity CBD oil, slightly golden in colour with a high CBD potency. Each product description specifies the extraction method used.
CBD oil is sold as either whole plant oil, broad spectrum oil, full-spectrum gold oil and finally, isolate CBD oil; often called ‘100%’ or ‘pure CBD’. Studies show that the effectiveness of CBD oil drastically improves with a range of cannabinoids and terpenes present. Working in unison, this full-spectrum of cannibinoids create the ‘entourage effect’.
Dr. Ethan Russo states that “Many of these ‘minor’ cannabinoids are seemingly inactive on their own, but together they make this beautiful music”. As such, we certainly recommend you ingest whole plant or full-spectrum gold CBD oils. Whilst CBD is certainly important, these oils contain the full range of over 100 other healthy cannabinoids.
Whilst all oils must contain less than 0.01% THC for legal sale in the UK, broad spectrum oils offer a THC-free option and a cheaper alternative. Whilst these broad spectrum oils offer high CBD potency, they also only contain a sparse selection of cannabinoids; alongside no terpenes, flavonoids or THC. This could potentially result in reduced efficacy compared to full spectrum oils. We recommend finding out what works best for you
All full spectrum CBD oils undergo supercritical or subcritical CO2 extraction, drawing out crucial cannabinoids from organic hemp. Supercritical CO2 extraction uses high pressure CO2, extracting all plant materials from the hemp including: terpenes, cannabinoids and dark plant waxes, known as ‘whole-plant extract’.
On the other hand, subcritical CO2 extraction uses lower pressure CO2 to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. However, this method avoids extracting heavier plant materials, including the dark & bitter-tasting plant wax. This results in a full spectrum CBD oil with a beautiful golden colour, without any bitter taste.
Whilst offering better results, subcritical CO2 extraction is less efficient than supercritical. As such, gold oil is typically more expensive than whole-plant alternatives. Feel free to discover our range of CBD oils here.
Put simply, no. Occasionally, people are recommended CBD from indica plants over sativa plants. Both plant strains often contain similar levels of flavinoids, terpenes and cannabinoids to extract. Alongside this, some companies charge higher prices for indica based CBD, to speculative benefits. However, it’s important to find a whole-plant extract offering a variety of cannabinoids and CBD potency to suit your needs.
No, CBD remains legal across the EU, alongside many other countries throughout the world. Furthermore, in the UK, it is sold legally as a food supplement. However, we always recommend buying from reputable companies that have provided lab reports, ensuring you know what you’re getting. We also recommend checking reviews and testimonials regarding the CBD supplier, in order to better ensure a high quality product.
Those planning on travelling with CBD products should first check the legal status regarding CBD in the country you will visit, due to remaining illegal in certain countries.
Yes. Whilst cannabis oil comes from high-THC cannabis plants, CBD oil comes from a hemp (cannabis sativa) plant, containing only trace amounts of THC. Due to containing higher levels of THC (over 0.01%), cannabis oil remains illegal within the UK. As such, cannabis oil is described as a psychoactive substance, due to the higher levels of THC.
Whilst hemp plants and CBD oils contain less than 0.01% THC. However, worth noting are the different benefits regarding each, with some appearing to greater benefit from higher levels of THC (epilepsy sufferers, for example). Although, these oils can only be taken if prescribed by a physician; with the UK government prescribing cannabis oil to patients undergoing extreme conditions, in October 2018.
THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, responsible for most psychological effects. THC acts similar to cannabinoid chemicals naturally made by the body. These cannabinoid receptors concentrate certain areas of the brain, commonly associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, time perception and co-ordination.
THC attaches onto these receptors, activating them and affecting memory, pleasure, concentration, co-ordination, thinking, movement and even sensory & time perception. However, CBD oil does not contain any THC levels higher than 0.2%, as such users will receive no such psychoactive affects.
CBD oil legally contains THC levels under 0.01%, resulting in no psychoactive affects and therefore, no “high” for the user.
CBD extracts from hemp plants typically form a very sticky paste often difficult to handle. These sticky extracts are suspended in a carrier oil, normally hemp seed oil/olive oil. It’s important not to confuse hemp seed oil with CBD oil, as they are not the same.
Occasionally, some CBD suppliers carry out laboratory testing in-house, producing their CBD extract and testing it all themselves. However, this can result in embellishment and conflicts of interest, as these suppliers are likely to claim their CBD oils are stronger than they really are. As such, the use of a third-party laboratory (one not controlled by the supplier) results in unbiased, untampered and trustworthy results.
Biphasic drugs are drugs that have different effects on the body at different blood concentration levels. A commonly used biphasic drug is alcohol, acting as a stimulant until blood alcohol levels hit 0.05%. From this point, continued consumption causes sedation and depression. However, when CBD interacts with endocannabinoid systems at low concentration, it’s shown to increase alertness, mindfulness, wakefulness and other elevating responses. Although at higher levels of concentration, CBD is known to have a sedating effect. Those who consume increased amounts of CBD may find themselves feeling sleepy and calm instead of alert & energetic.
CBD remains completely legal within the EU, so travelling through EU airports within Europe with CBD oil is legal. However outside of the EU, different laws may apply. As such, we always recommend checking online and finding out the rules & regulations regarding CBD in your planned destination.
