CBD – A Simple Guide

As CBD grows in popularity in the beauty and wellness space you may come across a range of unfamiliar terms in product descriptions. Here we’ll cover what CBD is, why it’s used and some of the terms you’ll come across when looking at CBD products.

 

What is CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol and is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. You’ll find CBD in several different forms such as oils, tinctures, capsules, gummies, creams, and patches. When looking at CBD products you may hear terms such as hemp derived, broad spectrum, full spectrum and THC. CBD has no psychoactive effects; it does not produce a high. In the UK Hemp derived CBD is legal and what you will come across in products.

 

Benefits

CBD supports our endocannabinoid system promoting balance. CBD is popular for its soothing and calming properties; taken orally it can help with sleep and stress relief; users also report it helping to ease discomfort and soreness. CBD is an antioxidant which can combat the damaging effects of free radicals on the body, applied topically it’s also a great moisturiser.

 

Our Endocannabinoid System

Many of us are not even aware that we have an endocannabinoid system let alone know what its responsible for. The Endocannabinoid system has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. Our mood, metabolism, immune function, sleep, inflammation and stress are all regulated by our endocannabinoid system, it holds our body in balance or homeostasis. Cannabis based products including CBD and Terpenes have been shown to promote health in our Endocannabinoid system.

 

Cannabis and Hemp, what’s the difference?

Both Cannabis (Marijuana) and Hemp come from the Cannabis sativa plant family. The difference between these two plants is the way they are grown and their chemical make-up. In the UK you will find beauty and wellness products containing CBD that is Hemp derived, our period patches contain CBD that is hemp derived and has no THC.

Hemp is primarily grown for industrial, medical and consumer use. Hemp contains very low levels of THC. To be classified as hemp and able to be utilised legally the THC content of the plant needs to be less than 0.3%.

Cannabis (Marijuana) is cultivated for high THC content. Used for recreational and medical purposes and has psychoactive properties.

 

Spectrum

Full Spectrum CBD contains compounds found in the cannabis plant such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and only trace amounts of THC.

Broad Spectrum CBD contains the most cannabis compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, but has THC completely removed.

CBD Isolate has all other compounds removed including THC, terpenes and flavonoids.

 

What is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and has psychoactive effects. THC is controlled and restricted under UK law. There are trace amounts of THC in Full Spectrum CBD, in the UK products must have less than 1mg of THC per container. The trace amounts allowed under UK law do not produce a high.

 

Is CBD safe?

You should always get your CBD products from trusted companies that comply with UK laws where the THC content is strictly controlled. Our period patches are independently tested to ensure there is no THC. CBD is only to be used by persons over 18 years, it has a good safety profile. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding on medication or under medical supervision you should consult your doctor before using CBD. 

CBD products:

CBD oil – usually taken under the tongue and absorbed quickly into the bloodstream

CBD oral sprays – administered onto the tongue where it then enters the bloodstream, these may contain other vitamins and nutrients.

CBD capsules – may also have other vitamins and nutrients added.

Edibles - Food and drink that contains CBD you may be familiar with gummies containing CBD.

Beauty Products – these are products that contain CBD and are absorbed through the skin such as moisturisers, balms, serums and facial oils.

Patches –CBD is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Learn more about the HER EIR Period Patch containing CBD here.