There’s been lots of talk lately about the benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) and whether it is legal or not etc.

CBD can help anxiety, sleep, depression, Crohn’s, chronic fatigue, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes to name a few. I’ve done a lot of research on CBD so I’ve detailed below what you need to know before purchasing any type of CBD, as it can get really confusing and takes a lot of time to research:

First of all what is CBD (cannabidiol)?

It is a compound found in cannabis/marijuana/hemp plants. It is rich in cannabinoids and is usually refined as an oil or extract.

What are cannabinoids?

These are chemicals extracted from the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are not psychoactive.

What is hemp?

This is the strain of cannabis plant most commonly used for CBD production. It is low in THC but high in cannabinoids.

What is THC?

This means delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the compound found in cannabis plants that causes the “high” in marijuana. THC is the psychoactive part of the marijuana plant. The positive effects of cannabidiol are not dependent on the presence of THC, so you can still take advantage of the health benefits of CBD. CBD products are legal in England if there is no THC in the product. You cannot get high with no THC.

What is a strain?

A strain is a variety of plant like a breed of dog. Some of the names you may see are Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, Indica. Different strains are good for different people, so it’s best to experiment and find what works for you. Also refer to the Facebook groups which I mention below for advice.

What is Endocannabinoid?

This is a cannabinoid produced by the human body.

How does CBD work?

Cannabinoid receptors are involved in a series of processes inside the human body, including the regulation of mood, pain sensation, appetite and memory. These receptors can be activated by endocannabinoid as well as by plant cannabinoids (hemp/cannabis). These are grouped into two main categories CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors

These can be found in the central nervous system and in smaller numbers in the liver, kidneys and lungs.

CB2 receptors

These are part of the immune system and found in the hematapoietic blood cells as well.

CBD does not stimulate these two receptors, instead it activates other receptors like the adenosine and serotonin receptors.

Let me explain what these other receptors are:

Adenosine – the CBD activates this receptor which then gives the anti-anxiety, pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects to the body.

Serotonin – when the CBD activates this receptor this exerts anti-depressant effects, can help with appetite, nausea, anxiety, sleep and addiction mechanisms.

How to take CBD

CBD can be taken in a variety of forms such as oil, capsules, paste.

Facebook Groups

So once I got my head around the above terminology (which took a while, must be my age!) I joined a few Facebook groups to hear other people’s stories and what has worked for them. Some of the groups I recommend are:

CBD Users UK

CBD oil facts (anxiety, depression, pain management, epilepsy, diabetes)

M.E. & Benefits of CBD

You can also search for other groups by typing CBD and then the particular ailment you have or topic you are interested in.

My own experience so far

After researching on the FB groups I tried the green CBD oil (sample size) from CBD Brothers, which has 14% CBD content, for the first month. I’m now taking the blue CBD oil 25% two drops during day, and then purple oil 16% two drops at night.

CBD Brothers come highly recommended on the FB groups and their website is easy to follow.

If you start with too high a CBD content you can get headaches so start slowly.

There is no THC in the CBD Brothers products so they are legal and made in the UK.

I’ve been on the CBD oil for two months, it’s early days but I have definitely noticed an improvement in my sleep, anxiety, stomach pain and joint pain.

Disclaimer

Please note that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for you. I recommend reading through people’s comments on the FB groups mentioned above.

Please note that if you are on any medications please do check with your pharmacist or GP that it is safe to take CBD products (without the THC obviously!!). 😁