The year 2019 has already seen various proliferations where food is concerned; ‘bleeding’ vegan burgers, crossushi and orange wine being just three of many. It’s wholly apparent that we’re moving in a new direction with CBD leading the way. But what exactly is it?
Well, aside from being a $1 billion dollar business already, CBD (an abbreviation for cannabidiol) is a cannabis product that won’t get you high, but the “it” drug has gained quite the rep, most notably due to more recent legalisations of marijuana – holla Canada!
CBD is found in cannabis, alongside other chemical compounds, and the oil is said to act as a natural treatment for epilepsy, depression and anxiety – without the buzzy side effects! In following with the trend, a handful of London restaurants are incorporating CBD oil-infused food and drink into their menus, and it’s sure lit-up our curiosity.
We’ve delved deeper to get to the bottom of what CBD oil really is. Hopefully by the end you’ll be saying yes we can-abbis to CBD oil…oh, and if you don’t like weed puns, you’re going to have a bud time.
What on earth is it?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known by its ‘street’ name, CBD is a naturally occurring substance that can be extracted and mixed with either hemp seed or coconut oil. Though it has been around for ages, CBD is quickly turning mainstream- from adding a few drops to your morning brew to spiking a fancy cocktail, you are certain to reap the benefits of this popular product.
So, how is it used?
There’s no funny business when it comes to CBD- no pesticides, no herbicides, and no harmful contaminants. Additionally, there are multiple different ways that you can ingest this substance to experience relief. CBD oil via sublingual application is absorbed directly into the bloodstream under the tongue.
This method is popular due to its consistent measurability and because it is the quickest way to relaxation. However where edibles are concerned, which is where we’ve seen it most used in London, it’s inserted into baked goods, candies, gummies, you name it.
Using this method, you will achieve a lengthy period of time where your mind and body are at complete ease. Finally, it’s used in topicals – a variety of ointments, balms, and lotions are on the market and can be applied to select areas that are causing pain and inflammation
Big in the beauty industry
In addition to the comfort CBD provides, it slathering it on your skin using this method may improve pesky skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Beauty brands such as MGC Beauty only use the highest quality of cannabidiol in their range of masks, toners, and creams.
Why is it beneficial?
From providing general pain relief to fighting cancer, CBD has many celebrated health benefits. The substance has shown to have an antitumor effect that causes the death of tumor cells in both leukemia and colon cancer.
There is additional research that shows that CBD is a promising treatment for those who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases such as, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.
Additionally, CBD is widely used to combat anxiety- related to the effect that it has on limbic and paralimbic brain areas. The substance is a monumental discovery in treating mental health and its calming effects are praised by many.
You can also wave goodbye to your restless nights by using CBD oil to treat your sleep issues. The substance has proven to reduce insomnia, especially those who suffer from insomnia due to chronic pain or anxiety.
Where can you get it?
Quality CBD oil in the UK is sold by numerous companies both online and on the High Street. The products are more accepted in stores due to the advertising tactic of labeling the substance as nutritional additives and food supplements rather than a medication. One popular health store that sells CBD oil is Holland & Barrett, which sells Jacob Hooy’s product.
Since the product has hit the shelves sales have increased dramatically, which has encouraged even more stores and sites to listen to the needs of the people and sell CBD oil. You can also get it in restaurants and cafe’s across London as more and more people begin to inject it into their food.
Branding and credibility
The significant growth in popularity of CBD oil over the years has contributed to there being more CBD sellers than ever before. The top five brands were voted based on their quality, safety, effectiveness, and overall more bounce for your ounce.
Provacan– Voted the best CBD oil in 2019 for its additional levels of cannabinoids and the fact that they are full-spectrum oils, meaning they maintain a more active presence in your body.
Love Hemp– The brand’s slogan, “Just Hemp and Love” is a favorite among customers for its high quality and compact packaging.
Aura– One of the best things about this brand is that it has a vast realm of potency options and the product is available across any price range.
Good Hemp– For all of you gym junkies, this brand sells shakes and protein powders that are certain to enhance your workout sesh.
Love CBD– Unlike many other brands, Love’s products uses a spray rather than a dropper. This product is not only more convenient, but is completely natural- meaning you get an ideal relaxing sensation without the sticky aftertaste.
How much should you take?
If you are mulling over the possibility of incorporating CBD products into your daily lifestyle, then you may be thinking about the proper amount that your body should be taking in. How to get the maximum usage? Can you take too much? Or what about too little? Since CBD is not THC, there are no adverse side-effects from frequent or excessive usage.
What you should keep in mind when using CBD is that it is a cannabis compound and just like all other cannabis compounds it has biphasic properties. This means that small and large doses often have reciprocal effects, and it is best to apply the ‘less is more’ technique when gauging how much you should be using. Good news because with their rise in popularity CBD products aren’t cheap, and it is best for you to stretch their usage out.
Why you aren’t getting high?
CBD is therapeutic, not psychoactive. It is not a recreational replacement and does not garner the connotations of its cannabis cousins. The reason for this is it does not connect the neutral receptors in your body.
Unlike THC, CBD only stimulates and enhances the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for the system in our body that helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and our immune system. While this makes it effective in treating anxiety and inflammation, it makes it ineffective in causing the munchies and increased tolerance of jam band music.
Is it legal?
Cannabis has been classified as a Schedule 1 controlled drug by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its follow up legislation, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations Act 2001, which states that it is an illegal substance with no medical value. The Home Office has also made a distinction between THC and CBD, which allows for hemp to be grown and used so long as it contains less than 0.2% of THC and that THC cannot easily be separated from it. This leaves CBD as a legal cannabinoid, which can be grown and extracted for medical use.
Are there any health risks?
CBD is generally regarded as an extremely safe substance, which does not have any major adverse effects. The main side-effects that are expressed by users are fatigue, diarrhea, and change in appetite. There are also concerns regarding the effects that CBD has on other medicines that are taken in conjunction with it, and people are advised to conference with their physician about how it will affect any regularly taken prescriptions.
The biggest risk to watch out for with CBD is ineffectiveness. Brands that tout the presence of the ingredient in their product often proclaim the marvelous effects it has. Many of these claims to do not have sufficient scientific evidence and many professionals see the study of CBD as ongoing and currently inconclusive. While you may observe positive effects on inflammation, it is a bit early to declare it a cure for cancer.
What is the future of CBD?
There is no denying CBD’s rise to prominence, when you can replace all of your nutritional and cosmetic products, as well as your dog’s, with CBD based products. And it appears that you should get used to its presence because it is predicted that the hemp-CBD market could reach as high as $20 billion by 2020 and $22 billion by 2022. Marijuana-based pharmaceuticals are listed as one of the top types of stocks to invest in and are seen to be at a frontier of a medical breakthrough.
The distinction between THC and CBD, which granted legality to CBD products, has ushered CBD out of a legal twilight zone and encouraged companies to embrace its potential. This compounded with the medical research and people’s willingness to move towards natural alternatives for medical treatment has made CBD the newest hot commodity. If you aren’t currently caught up in the cannabinoid craze, then it looks like you soon will be.
Check out all of the London joints using CBD oil here
