CBD (cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid found in the (ever-useful) Hemp plant.

When consumed, this natural compound interacts with receptors in our central nervous system named the ECS (Endocannabinoid System). If you haven’t heard of this system before, don't worry, until relevatively recently not much was understood about it’s role in maintaining homeostasis (balanced health). For more information on the ECS and CBD please read our article referencing the relevant clinical studies and results here.

Unlike other cannabinoids you may have heard of, CBD is not psychoactive, does not impair cognition or awareness and for many, encourages health and efficacy of the ECS, thus promoting well-being.

Most find CBD oil the most convenient way to consume CBD as it is quick and easy to measure how much CBD you are taking each time. With the choice of oils available, you are sure to find one that you like and many CBD oils also contain complimentary ingredients to encourage overall health e.g. turmeric, essential oils.

When using oils, always shake the bottle well before use, use the pipette (included in the bottle top) to draw oil from the bottle and then gently squeeze out the desired number of drops from the pipette, drops should be dripped underneath the tongue.

Hold the oil in place (under your tongue) for at least 2 minutes. This allows for absorption through the mouth membrane. Please read more on finding your correct dose of CBD.

Homeostasis is the key benefit people look for when taking CBD, in other words, equilibrium of well-being (not easily achieved in our busy lives). Many symptoms of this imbalance can be addressed (to varying degrees of success) by taking medicine, but, if you can successfully encourage homeostasis, it follows that medicine may not be needed. Clinical and Behavioral Studies on this topic are available to read, most originating from the US where CBD has been widely available since the 1990’s.

The three main reasons given by US consumers for taking CBD are;

Mental well-being (specifically, Stress and Anxiety); Insomnia; and Pain Management

Forbes magazine reported in one US survey that nearly half of CBD consumers surveyed, stopped using pharmaceutical medication.

Some people feel benefits from CBD within minutes. As an example, it’s common to get feedback in our shop of benefits felt almost immediately. Others take time to realise a benefit, and some, depending on what they hoped to address, may never get the result they hoped for. Our advice is to always buy good quality CBD products from a reputable supplier, start with a low dose (a few drops, morning and evening) and gradually build up to your ideal level. Think about keeping a diary to measure result vs dose with consideration to; Quality of Sleep, Mood, Conditions etc.

As well as being used to encourage homeostasis (please see above; What does CBD oil help with?), CBD is often applied as an aide to skin health via topical lotion, body oil, or balm, and can also be useful due to it's anti-inflammatory properties.

If CBD helps with the efficacy of your ECS, then the short answer is yes. Before you try CBD, we recommend learning more (from our blogs for example) about why people take CBD and what conditions cannabinoids are shown to help with. It’s important to state that medicines are incredibly important and a blessing of modern times, CBD is not a replacement for medicines. If, however, you feel you might benefit from addressing symptoms of system imbalance, CBD is worth your attention.

CBD products are widely marketed and used in many parts of the world for pets (companions). All mammals have an ECS therefore CBD has the same potential benefit.

The UK’s VMD (Veterinary Medicine Directorate) ruled that veterinary products containing CBD fulfil their definition of a medicine and as a result can only be prescribed by a Veterinary Surgeon. The problem here in the UK is that no CBD product has, at time of writing, been given approval to be marketed in the UK.

To quote the VMD’s advice on CBD; ‘As there are currently no CBD products authorised in the UK for veterinary use, a veterinary surgeon may prescribe a legally obtained human CBD product under the provisions of the prescribing cascade.’

Yes and No! The amount of CBD would need to comply with the usual security restrictions on maximum volume of liquids allowed, further though, the country of destination is a consideration. Most countries operate a very tolerant view on CBD products (given there are is no known downsides to it's use), we do however recommend reading our guide on how official policy can vary by country.

Insomnia is one of the top 3 reasons cited by people choosing to consume CBD in the more established US CBD market. The other top reasons being Mental well-being (including Stress and Anxiety) and Pain Management.

CBD is an abbreviation of Cannabidiol, a compound found in the Hemp plant.