CBD oil is the undisputed heavyweight champ of the CBD world. It alone ushered in a new era of wellness, transforming from a niche curiosity into a staple of modern health routines (and is now joined by CBD gummies, topicals, patches – you name it, there’s probably a CBD-infused version of it available right now).
But with this literal meteoric rise in popularity comes a certain level of confusion, especially for those among us just beginning down the road to better health with CBD…
Is CBD oil legal? How do you take CBD oil? Will CBD oil make you high? Can you travel with CBD oil? Are there any side effects to taking CBD oil long-term?
Beneath the marketing malarkey that so often goes hand-in-hand with wellness options, there’s a fascinating amount of science, regulation, and real-world experience shaping the conversation.Â
So we thought it was time to cut through the fat with clear, evidence-based answers to the top 20 most asked questions about CBD oil in the UK (starting with the basics and working our way up to the slightly more in-depth).Â
5 Key TakeawaysÂ
- CBD Improves Anxiety and Sleep – Studies show CBD can reduce anxiety and improve sleep, with 66.7% reporting better sleep and 80% experiencing less anxiety within a month.Â
- A Natural Alternative – CBD is a natural option to conventional medications, often with fewer and milder side effects, appealing to those seeking holistic solutions.Â
- Expanding Research – Research on CBD continues to grow, revealing its potential for various wellness and clinical uses and how it works in the body.Â
- Shifting Cannabis Perceptions – The stigma around cannabis is fading as people learn the difference between psychoactive THC and non-psychoactive CBD and their benefits.
- Trusted Brands Matter – Picking the right CBD product is key. Here at cbdratings.co.uk, we provide reliable reviews and brand insights to help you find the best options for your wellness needs.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the 113 cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. plants (so far). Unlike THC, ingesting CBD doesn’t produce a ‘high’, but it has been shown to offer therapeutic benefits for a somewhat surprisingly wide range of conditions (more on that in a moment).
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD, usually from the hemp plants with very low THC content, and then mixing this extract with a carrier oil, often MCT oil.
How does CBD oil work?
We all have an endocannabinoid system, which is actually the largest neurochemical system in the human body. CBD is a cannabinoid, and has the ability to interact with the ECS receptors while also slowing the enzymatic breakdown of our own endocannabinoids.
CBD has also been shown to interact with other receptor pathways, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Is CBD oil legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD oil, and other CBD products, containing less than 0.2% THC or 1mg of THC ‘per container’ are fully legal for over the counter sale in the UK.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
As CBD interacts with not only the endocannabinoid system, but also other receptor pathways, it has been shown to offer a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits. It can help with stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep, and much more.
How do you take CBD oil properly?
CBD oil, and all medical cannabis oils, are most often prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Using the dropper, place the oil under your tongue and hold it there for at least 60 seconds before swallowing. This area is full of capillaries, allowing the therapeutic compounds to enter the bloodstream quickly and efficiently.
How much CBD oil should I take daily?
That really depends on why you are taking CBD oil, the CBD content of your CBD oil, your weight, and how your body responds to the CBD – but there are some loose guidelines to follow:
- Unless your doctor has given you clear guidelines, it is best to “start low and go slow”
- A dose of between 10 and 30 mg is a good starting point for most people
- You can slowly up the dose by 5 mg or so per week until you find your optimal dose (which may be higher or lower than the starting point)
Keep track of how much you are taking and how you feel, as everyone’s body responds differently.
How do I find the right dosage for CBD oil?
It is always best to chat with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including CBD oil. We advise reaching out to a doctor who has experience with prescribing medical cannabis treatment options. The broader medical community is still a little behind when it comes to cannabis-based treatment options, even one as widespread as CBD oil.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work?
When taken sublingually, the effects of CBD oil should begin within 10 to 15 minutes and last around 3 to 4 hours. When taken orally, the effects will take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in, but can last up to 6 hours. Vaporised CBD oil will take effect almost immediately, but may not last as long as sublingual or oral methods.
Are there any side effects of CBD oil?
Most people have zero issues when taking CBD oil, but some do report mild stomach discomfort when taken orally, and drowsiness when taken in higher doses. If you experience any side effects that you find distressing, discontinue use and speak to a doctor who has experience with medical cannabis.
Can CBD oil make you feel high?
No, CBD is totally non-intoxicating – but it is still classed as psychoactive due to its ability to affect and stabilise mood and stress levels.
Will CBD oil show up on a drug test?
No, CBD is very rarely screened on urine or mouth swab drug testes, but keep in mind that many CBD oil products do contain trace amounts of THC. If you are worried about drug tests, look for a CBD oil made with CBD isolate.
Is it possible to overdose on CBD oil?
Not in the classical sense. It is possible to take more CBD than your body reacts well too, but the risks are low, and the effects will usually pass in a few hours. If you have any concerns about your dosage or experience any negative side effects, firstly, don’t stress out. The more common side effects (like digestive issues and drowsiness) will only hang around for an hour or two.
Can you travel with CBD oil?
Yes, as long as the destination allows CBD. Be sure to do your research before travelling anywhere with CBD, as many countries still class it as a controlled substance. Also, keep in mind the airline’s rules for transporting liquids (no more than 100 ml bottles for carry-on luggage).
Can I bring CBD oil on a flight in the UK?
Yes, CBD is fully legal in the UK, so you can feel free to travel with it anywhere within the UK (as long as you follow the airline rules).
What’s the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?
CBD oil always contains a certain amount of CBD and is extracted from all parts of hemp (and sometimes cannabis) plants. Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds, and usually contains zero CBD content.
Where can I buy high-quality CBD oil in the UK?
CBD oil is sold both online and in high street stores, but not all products are created equal. It is always best to do your research and read reviews before purchasing CBD oil. Look for a reputable company with third-party lab testing and transparent sourcing and production methods. Check out our recent post, where we looked at all the most popular CBD products in the UK.
Does CBD oil actually work?
Yes, CBD oil is anything but your everyday snake oil. The overwhelming amount of scientific research now available supports the therapeutic potential of CBD, with studies showing its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions and symptoms.
Can CBD oil help with pain relief?
There are too many research papers focusing on the positive effects of CBD for pain reduction to list, but this systematic review of the currently available literature is a good starting point. The authors focused on 15 studies among 1,516 identified articles, finding that CBD alone caused a 42% – 66% pain reduction on average.
THC is thought to offer further pain relief, especially for chronic pain sufferers, but it is not legal in the UK for over-the-counter sale. Thankfully, medical cannabis treatment is legal, but products containing THC must be prescribed by a specialist doctor listed on the GMC specialist register.
Can CBD oil help improve sleep?
Yes, and there is a huge amount of emerging research to back this up. One study, titled “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series”, focuses on 72 adults with anxiety and/or poor sleep. They found that CBD improved sleep scores overall by 66.7% within one month of CBD application, and 79.2% of participants reported a reduction in anxiety.
CBD is here to stay
Research into this super interesting compound is only increasing, and with it, our understanding of the true potential CBD holds for wellness and clinical applications. The stigma long held against any and all things cannabis related is dying a slow but steady death, and for good reason. CBD and medical cannabis as a whole offer a natural alternative/complementary option to conventional treatment options, often with far fewer harsh side effects.
To find out more about the best CBD brands in the UK (with real, in-depth reviews for each brand and product), head back to cbdratings.co.uk – your one-stop shop for all things CBD.
