CBD products available in the UK market
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. However, to produce CBD products, this compound is extracted from a form of the cannabis plant called hemp. Hemp only contains very low levels of THC since this compound is the one that generates psychoactive effects. That is why CBD products must contain no THC or less than 0.2% of it. Nowadays, it has been proven that small amounts of THC can enhance the medicinal effects of CBD; this is called the “entourage effect.”
CBD is gaining more and more popularity due to its natural properties, which are very beneficial to health. The benefits of CBD have been reported consistently for decades, although formal medical studies are currently being conducted to help determine just how CBD works. Those studies have seen these benefits firsthand and have reported the anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-spasmodic effects, along with many other health-promoting properties. It has also been proven to be very effective at combating the symptoms generated by cancer treatment. Because of all these reasons, many people decide to buy CBD oil and give it a try to alleviate some of these symptoms.
There are many different types of CBD products, which enables different ways to consume them. In this article, we will detail the products available in the market and what makes each unique when it comes to the effects it produces.
Types of CBD products
As we mentioned before, another aspect to consider when it comes to consuming CBD is the type of product. Although the effects tend to be the same, some people may prefer one type of CBD over another, depending on how or when they plan to use it.
Oils and tinctures
CBD oil and tinctures are probably the most commonly used and popular of all CBD products. People can take these extracts on their own, or they can add them to food or drinks. However, it is better to consume it sublingually because that way the CBD is better absorbed by the organism; in fact, tinctures and oils are one of the fastest methods of absorbing CBD (the second fastest, being smoking the fastest method of all).
Oils and tinctures usually have a dropper so people can drop the necessary amount of CBD directly into their mouths. They come in different strengths and flavours. You can find 3%, 6%, and CBD 9% extracts, among many other strengths. Any oil below 10% is considered low strength, between 15% and 30% is a medium-strength, between 30% and 60% is a high strength, and above 60% is classified as a concentrate (ultra-high-strength). This is a very important aspect to understand. You must make sure to know what is the strength you need before you buy CBD oil products.
The CBD is diluted with a neutral oil, like coconut or sesame in order to preserve the cannabidiol. The best way to consume CBD oil or tinctures is to place a dose under your tongue and hold it there for a while (30 seconds approximately) before swallowing. This way, you make sure the CBD is absorbed by your mucous membranes accessing the bloodstream directly. Instead, if you swallow the oil immediately, it will go into the digestive tract, making the absorption take longer, as well as the desired effect.
If you want to learn more about CBD oil products, you can click here.
Edibles
There are several different edible CBD products available in the market. They contain CBD as well as oils and tinctures but in a food form. You can find CBD drinks, such as coffee and tea, or CBD food, such as chocolate, cookies, brownies and all kinds of pastry. There are also tons of different candies containing CBD, like gummy bears, which are the most popular ones among all the edible CBD products. These products are also available in various strengths and flavours.
The downside about edibles is that, as we mentioned before, the CBD is absorbed through the digestive system, and that means it will take more than an hour to reach the bloodstream and before you feel the effect. Besides, any of these products are often eaten along with other food or drinks too, and this can affect the absorption of the CBD and weaken its potential effect.
The same happens with CBD pills, although they are very practical in regards to dosage since the package indicates the exact dose of CBD per pill.
Topical products
There are several topical products, like creams and lotions, which are the most known and used. These products are mostly used to reduce pain and inflammation, and they have to be rubbed directly onto the affected area in the body. Topical products don´t enter the bloodstream, the CBD and the other ingredients only reach the local receptors generating relief, and hydrating and protecting the skin. These products tend to be expensive since they must contain large amounts of CBD in order to be effective.
There are also products like transdermal patches and suppositories, where the CBD penetrates the tissue and enters the bloodstream. Suppositories offer a really high absorption.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers deliver CBD extracts through inhalation, and that is the fastest way to absorb CBD (maybe as little as 1 minute). You can also smoke a cigarette of cannabis with a high percentage of CBD. However, this method affects the lungs, generating damage. That is why most people turn to oils since they are fast too.
Vaping provides more important benefits than smoking. For starters, vaporizers do not burn the substance consumed, reducing the risk of harmful compounds getting into your lungs.
A downside to inhaling CBD is that it is quite difficult to control the dosage of CBD you are consuming. The amount of CBD you absorb depends on how hard you inhale and for how long. Therefore, it is recommended to try the lowest dose first (a single inhalation) and wait a few minutes to see if you feel any effects. If not, you can inhale again.
