CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active compound that is extracted from cannabis plants to make oil. It isn’t psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you feel high – but it has been shown to help with a range of symptoms, from pain relief to helping with anxiety and sleep issues. It is used as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, particularly for conditions like back pain and arthritis. It is a safe supplement that is often used alongside other treatments and supplements, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before using CBD products.
As it isn’t licensed as a medicine, sellers of CBD products aren’t allowed to make explicit health claims. However, some brands are able to set themselves apart through quality and transparency. One such brand is Blessed CBD, who use vegan-friendly full-spectrum hemp to produce their CBD oils. They then test for a huge number of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids – as well as mycotoxins and heavy metals – and make these reports available to all their customers. This level of transparency is rare in the CBD market, and we love that Blessed CBD take it so seriously.
Their CBD oil is made using a supercritical CO2 extraction process to ensure every drop of CBD is pure and effective. It’s a great product for people who are looking for a simple way to get their daily dose of CBD. The oil comes in a small bottle with a dropper cap, so you can easily measure your dosage. It can be added to food or taken sublingually, underneath the tongue. It can also be used as a topical, to soothe skin inflammation or rashes.
This UK-based company uses organic, cold-pressed hemp to produce their CBD oils, and they’re very proud of their quality. They work to promote sustainable production of hemp and are at the forefront of campaigns to promote hemp as a valuable crop. Their oils are great for general use, but we really love the oil designed to support sleep, which has been found to be highly effective in promoting relaxation and alleviating the symptoms of long Covid.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD isn’t a controlled substance in the UK. CBD can be added to a wide variety of wellness and beauty products, including balms and creams, as well as oils. It can also be found in CBD vape e-liquids, but if you’re thinking of trying this form of consumption, it’s worth remembering that these can be high in THC and may not be suitable for all users.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently assessing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, to treat two severe forms of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome that don’t respond to standard antiepileptic drugs. If it is successful, the NHS could be able to prescribe it to patients for these conditions. However, the current law leaves a lot of grey area around CBD and many manufacturers aren’t following NICE guidelines to the letter. CBD Oils UK