What is CBD oil?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of 104 chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive substance found in cannabis. Unlike cannabis oil, which often contains high levels of THC, CBD contains less than 0.2% of the psychoactive substance.
CBD is thought to have significant therapeutic properties but researchers are still working hard to understand the specifics of them.
What is CBD used to treat? Can it alleviate pain?
Last year, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency classed CBD as medicine, providing it meets a strict set of “safety, quality and efficiency standards”.
Roger G Pertwee, a professor at the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, said CBD is present in two medicines available in the UK – Sativex and Epidiolex.
He said: “Sativex is used to relieve cancer pain and treat multiple sclerosis, whilst Epidiolex is used to treat childhood epilepsy.”
Can CBD treat mental health problems or insomnia?
Professor Philip McGuire, head of department of psychosis studies at King’s College London, claims CBD has the potential to treat mental health problems.
He said: “CBD may be useful as a treatment for patients with psychotic symptoms like paranoia and anxiety, as well as depression. The effectiveness of CBD in this area is currently being evaluated in clinical trials at King’s College London.”
Can CBD help people who have cancer?
According to Professor Pertwee: “There is some published evidence that CBD has anti-cancer effects. Together with collaborators, we have also obtained preclinical evidence that CBD would reduce cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.”
Will CBD oil get you high?
No – CBD oil is missing a crucial component that gives cannabis its psychotic effects, THC.
Professor McGuire says: “Unless it contains significant amounts of THC, CBD won’t get you high.”
Is CBD legal in the UK?
CBD is legal in the UK as long as it does not contain THC, which is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
However, a CBD product with traces of psychoactive substances found in cannabis is considered to be a controlled substance under the 1971 Act and is therefore unlawful to possess and supply it unless it meets the “exempt product” criteria outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
What is the best way to use CBD oil?
CBD is usually taken orally by being held under the tongue for a few seconds before swallowing.
Are hemp oil and CBD oil the same thing?
Although both are made from the same plant, CBD oil is made from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the plant and not from its seeds like hemp oil.
Professor Pertwee elaborates: “CBD oil is oil that contains either pure CBD or a CBD-rich cannabis extract. Hemp oil could well contain a lot of cannabis that may or may not include small or larger amounts of CBD.”
Where can I get CBD oil?
CBD has become readily available in health stores. In 2018, CBD oil launched at Holland & Barrett, starting at £19.99.
However, Professor McGuire says it is easy to get confused about what exactly it is that you’re buying. “The products sold in health stores often contain very small amounts of CBD and may also be mixed with other compounds derived from cannabis. In contrast, the CBD that has been found to be effective in clinical trials is pure CBD, and has a much higher dose.”
Can my doctor prescribe CBD?
Medicinal cannabis oil has been available by doctor’s prescription in England, Scotland and Wales since November 2018. This meant that all conditions can be considered for cannabis-based treatment and doctors will no longer need to seek approval from an expert panel in order to prescribe CBD medicines.
What percentage of CBD should I look for?
This will depend on what you’re looking to get from the oil. Your doctor will be able to advise on what strength is most effective for your particular condition.
The CBD oils sold in Holland & Barrett and other health stores contain up to 5% CBD. This can be beneficial when used as a health supplement.
Other oils available online contain up to 20% CBD – the most famous being Charlotte’s Web. Claims have been made that products like these can alleviate mild to moderate mental health problems, such as anxiety, insomnia and depression.
For more information on CBD oil, read our article on the best CBD oils in the UK.