The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to the Very Best CBD Oil in the UK
CBD is just taking off in the UK, so it’s only natural that users are not entirely familiar with its legal status, effects, and benefits.
Our insightful buyer’s guide has got all the answers to your CBD queries and more!
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many naturally-occurring compounds of the cannabis plant. Extracted from the flowers, leaves, stem, and stalks of the industrial hemp plant, the raw form of CBD is diluted with a carrier oil, usually coconut or hemp seed oil, to produce the best CBD oil.
Unlike THC, another component of the cannabis plant, CBD, does not have any psychoactive properties.
Instead, it is used to relieve pain and stress.
Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
CBD is not considered a controlled substance in the UK as long as the extract is derived from an EU-approved industrial hemp strain that has 0.2% THC content, or less, or the product contains under 1mg of THC per dose.
Under the law, CBD oil manufacturers aren’t allowed to make any medical claims on the packaging, while as of March 2021, cannabidiol products can only be labelled and sold as food supplements.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is still a controlled substance. In contrast, medical cannabis in the UK is only available for limited conditions (rare forms of epilepsy, chemotherapy side-effects, and MS-caused muscle spasms) via a prescription from a specialist hospital doctor.
What Is CBD Oil Good For?
CBD is a relatively new product in the medical industry, and additional research is currently underway to discover just how much it can benefit the human body.
Despite the lack of conclusive scientific research, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence testifying to the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil.
Some of the most common conditions CBD is said to treat or help with include:
- Chronic pain. CBD can alleviate pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. So, whether it’s a migraine, knee or joint, or the best CBD oil for back pain in question — there is a lot cannabis can help with.
- Acne. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is a common ingredient in cosmetic products.
- Cancer. Some studies indicate that CBD can slow down tumour growth, as well as alleviate some of the adverse effects of cancer treatment, such as vomiting, nausea, and pain.
- Stress and anxiety. Some of the best CBD products can be quite helpful with psychological disorders, including depression and PTSD due to their effect on serotonin receptors in the body.
- Neurological disorders, like MS, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. There are currently two CBD NHS-approved drugs — CBD-based Epidiolex for the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy in children, and Sativex, a mix of THC and CBD for the treatment of muscle stiffness and spasms in MS patients.
- Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies suggest that CBD could be helpful in managing agitation and aggression, some of the behavioural symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, more evidence is needed to determine whether CBD oil can be an effective treatment for this disease.
- Insomnia, or sleeplessness. Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effect of the best CBD oils on one’s sleep quality and quantity.
- Diabetes. There is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil has a positive effect on patients with type 2 diabetes, although more studies are needed to recommend it as a valid treatment option.
- Improve cardiovascular health and immunity by reducing high blood pressure and stress, thus contributing to overall health.
- Substance abuse. CBD oil is known to modify neural pathways in the brain, those that form around substance dependency in particular.
What Is the Best CBD Oil and How to Find It?
These are some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing CBD oil:
- Look for non-GMO and organic options. Organic CBD oils are free of solvents, pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals.
- Check the CBD & THC content. It’s best to start with a lower dose of CBD, especially if you are new to the world of cannabis. Check the cannabidiol content in the package to ensure that the potency is not too high (or too low) to find the very best CBD oil for your specific needs and requirements.
Don’t forget to check the THC percentage, as products with high THC content aren’t only illegal but potentially harmful as well.
- Extraction method. When comparing extraction methods, CO2 is second to none. Widely considered as the best and purest method, all hemp extracts derived with the supercritical CO2 extraction are free of solvents and toxins.
- Full Spectrum vs Isolate. Full-spectrum CBD includes other components of the plant in addition to cannabidiol, such as other cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Otherwise known as the entourage effect, these elements all work in unison to create the best full-spectrum CBD oil that delivers whole-plant benefits. This combination generally has better and longer-lasting results than pure CBD in most cases for people who are not sensitive to cannabinoids or terpenes. If even 0.2% of THC is too much, then broad spectrum CBD is perfect in such cases.
CBD isolate, on the other hand, contains hemp extract and nothing more.
- Find a reputable brand. All trustworthy companies display results from third-party labs, showing that their product is safe, non-toxic, and supports their claims of making the cleanest and best CBD oil on the market. Another sign that you are dealing with a transparent brand — look for companies that include both positive and negative reviews from users on their website.
Steer clear of too much hype. If the product sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most of the best CBD brands will let their product and users speak for them, so try to avoid CBD companies that offer unrealistic benefits, particularly at incredibly low prices