CBD All your questions answered
Millions of Britons are turning to a compound found in cannabis plants in a bid to improve their general wellbeing. Wondering if it works – or worried that you’ll get high? Here’s the lowdown from Dr Dani Gordon
MORE than six million Britons have tried CBD since it became available in over-the-counter products in the UK in 2016. About 1.3million of us use it regularly, says the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis.
An abbreviation of cannabidiol, CBD can be found in everything from skin cream and coffee to protein powders and even intimate lubricants.
During the coronavirus pandemic, interest in it has grown, with more than 400,000 people searching for CBD oil on Google each month, hoping to find help for everything from insomnia and stress to skin breakouts.
But it seems many of us remain wary, unsure what it does, how to use it or whether it is addictive.
Here, renowned CBD expert Dr Dani Gordon answers some commonly asked questions.
What’s the difference between CBD and medical cannabis?
CBD is one of about 100 natural compounds that make up the cannabis plant. Hemp plants have a large amount of CBD but a low proportion of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical compound which exists in higher levels in non-hemp strains of the plant and is responsible in larger amounts for the high people get from “street”cannabis.
Medical cannabis became legal in the UK in 2018, requiring a specialist doctor’s prescription for severe pain conditions, some forms of seizures and other conditions where other drugs failed.
Is CBD legal?
CBD oil is legal in the UK and can be sold on the high street provided it contains virtually no THC, as this is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It must be properly labelled and from a hemp source, which means it has been tested and found to contain less than 0.2 per cent THC.
What do people use CBD oil for?
The oil is used for wellbeing support and more specific issues, ranging from inflammation and pain to anxiety and stress. Clinical trials have shown benefits for a range of health problems, from epilepsy to MS.
Will I feel high?
CBD products you can buy over the counter cannot make you feel high as they are either THC-free or contain less than 0.2 per cent THC. So you are safe to try them without worrying about feeling intoxicated.
Could I become addicted?
The World Health Organisation has declared it non-addictive.
Do CBD skin creams really have benefits?
CBD has been shown in pre-clinical research to have anti-acne effects and it is anti-inflammatory. That means it may be useful for acneprone skin and sensitive or dry skin.
Will it help me sleep?
CBD may help reduce stress by acting on the brain areas involved in anxiety, so if that’s keeping you awake, the answer is probably yes.
Can CBD help with joint pain?
As CBD is an anti-inflammatory, many people find it helpful for joint and muscle pains, used topically to the areas in need.
Could I take CBD instead of HRT to treat symptoms of menopause?
Many women find CBD can help with the feelings of stress, sleep and anxiety that can happen in the perimenopausal age range, although no large research studies have been done so far specifically on menopausal symptoms for CBD wellness products.
I heard CBD will help with Covid-19. Is that true?
There are some very early studies in a petri-dish (not in humans or animals yet) looking at possible anti-viral effects of CBD, but there are no conclusive results. It is therefore not currently an effective anti-Covid-19 strategy.
How do I know what product to choose?
Select one that has a Certificate of Analysis, which is a special lab report that tells you there are no toxins in the product, such as heavy metals or pesticide residues.
Can I take my CBD oil on holiday?
While it is legal in the UK, every country has different rules on whether CBD can be sold, so it’s best to check with both the airline and your destination – as well as any stop-over countries – before packing the oil in your wash bag or checked-in baggage.
In general, it is safest to leave the CBD products at home if you are travelling internationally and you are unsure. Better safe than sorry.