CBD Products: latest trends in the UK

What is CBD?

The cannabis plant is a powerful thing. It contains many different compounds, and many of them can be helpful. The two that are the most widely known are CBD and THC.

THC is famous for its psychoactive properties. That’s the “high” feeling that you get from using it. That’s the reason that it is illegal in so many places.

But there are many medical uses for THC beyond recreational use. Many people with eye problems like glaucoma have felt some relief from using it.

Chemotherapy patients have stated that it is the only thing that can settle their stomachs and allow them to eat after their treatments.

CBD does not have any of those properties. During a harvest, growers avoid as much cross-contamination with THC as possible.

CBD makes up nearly half of the contents of the cannabis plant. So even though it may not be the most psychoactive compound found within cannabis, it is the most abundant.

In this article, we will answer the following:

• Where does CBD come from?
• What is it used for?
• Is it legal?
• Can you get addicted?
• Who is using it?
• What are the side effects?
• Will it help you lose weight?
• Is it safe for your pets?
• Is it replacing traditional medicine?

Can I Get Addicted?

There are no harmful effects to using CBD. It does not impair you. The World Health Organization said in 2018 that there was no potential for abuse or dependence. While many people refrain from trying CBD because they fear becoming addicted to it, this is impossible.

What is CBD used for?

The list of uses for CBD is growing all of the time. There are a lot of claims made by manufacturers of products that have not been proven yet. Understandably, there remains a lot of misinformation about it which means that many consumers are skeptical.

Many benefits cannot be denied. CBD can help with the relief of some pain. It can ease tension and reduce anxiety.

It can be made into edible products for people who want to consume it that way. There are multiple types of oils, creams, and skin patches.

Many people who suffer from chronic pain swear that when they apply topical CBD, it reduces their soreness immediately.

If they have arthritis in their hands, it can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory that can be applied in the form of a CBD-infused lotion. It provides enough relief to increase their mobility and their quality of life. 

People who deal with anxiety also report that their symptoms are greatly reduced with CBD products. They say that regular use of oils or edibles helps keep them calm and ease their stress without the inhibition of using THC.

It also benefits those suffering from PTSD and epilepsy due to its physically soothing capabilities. It has become a game-changer in the world of alternative medicines and remedies.

Is It Legal?

CBD is legal in most parts of the world, including the UK. However, there may be some requirements to be sure that you don’t cross outside the scope of the law.

All parts of the UK accept CBD as a legal compound not listed as a controlled substance.

Some rules exist to ensure that what is bought and sold is legal CBD. It has to be liquid, and it cannot contain any THC. There are a few exceptions to this, such as a treatment for multiple sclerosis that is being developed.

But for the most part, this rule will apply to any product widely available to consumers.

The CBD sold in the UK must also be derived from an industrial hemp strain approved by the European Union.

Who is using it?

There are CBD users that had never considered THC a viable medical treatment. Since no special license or prescription is needed to obtain CBD, it has opened new avenues for people seeking treatment for their conditions.

In the UK, about 11% of the adult population uses CBD. That means up to six million people reported using a CBD product within the last year. It is a higher ratio among the younger members of the population.

15% of people in their mid-to-late twenties have used CBD, compared to only 7% in their fifties. A similar trend appears in those over 65, of which only 8% have tried CBD products.

One key factor in a person’s decision to try CBD depends on the product’s production method and other contents. People don’t want to buy something that could put them at odds with the law.

They also don’t want to inadvertently consume something with an overabundance of THC, as it may jeopardize their jobs.

So buying from a reputable store and having the products clearly labeled with their contents is key.

But the importance of an alternative treatment for many medical conditions is not lost on UK residents.

Even though only 11% of the adult population has used CBD, 65% said it is important for it to be legal and available to people.

They were split on whether it should be sold in pharmacies as an over-the-counter medicine or a supplement at health stores and supermarkets. 

17% of people thought users should need to have a prescription. 5% didn’t want it sold at all.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects? 

Most people don’t have any side effects from using CBD oils. But, as with any treatment, there can be exceptions.

Some people report experiencing dry mouth, changes in appetite, diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue when they use these products.

You must also speak with your doctor if you plan to start CBD since it may interact with certain medications. Have them look at the list of affected drugs and be sure that you aren’t on any of them or determine the seriousness of the interaction.

When you buy your CBD, don’t be afraid to ask questions. They deal with these products all the time and can tell you which ones have the most noticeable side effects.

They can also tell you which products are the most potent and effective.

Can CBD Help Me Lose Weight?

Some research says that using CBD can help in weight loss. Taking the oil can reduce your appetite, which may help in losing a few pounds, especially in the beginning.

Most proponents of this will tell you not to use CBD as what you completely depend on for your weight loss. Though using oils can help convert white fat to brown fat, which helps to burn calories.

It can also help reduce many weight-related issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Can I Give CBD To My Pets?

Yes, CBD is believed to be just as safe for your pet as it is for you. If your dog or cat has issues with chronic pain or anxiety, or if they have been known to have seizures, they may benefit from a CBD treatment.

You should talk to your vet about how effective it will be. And be careful when purchasing your products. The side effects on an animal shouldn’t be any greater than they are for a human.

However, discontinue it if it seems to put them a little out of sorts. Read labels carefully. Talk to the person you are buying your products from. And do a little online research.

What Is The Best Way To Consume CBD?

In the UK, CBD is only legal in liquid form, narrowing down the list of ways it can be consumed. Some people believe the best way to go is to put a drop of oil under their tongue.

It acts quickly, but it can be easy to get the dosage wrong. If you don’t consume or absorb enough, then you may not feel any ease in your discomfort.

It takes about fifteen minutes to feel the full effects, and they’ll last four to six hours.

If you are experiencing pain in a particular part of your body, like a sore muscle or joint, it might be more beneficial for you to use a topical cream or lotion.

You don’t use them any differently than the lotions that you have used in the past. Just put some in your hands and rub the area. 

It is also a little more discreet since it is not out of the ordinary to see someone applying lotion to their skin in public.

It usually takes about an hour to start fully feeling the effects, and they’ll last for four to six hours. If you are using CBD for mental issues such as anxiety, then this might not be as effective for you.

Is CBD Replacing Traditional Medicine?

There will always be a need for pharmaceuticals. It is undeniable that the advancement of medicine is crucial for the future of our society.

However, a lot of people in the UK believe that having additional choices in treating some of their conditions could be important for their mental and financial status.

Nearly half of the people asked recently said that they used CBD to improve their sleep, help manage their pain, and ease their anxiety.

Over 11 million UK citizens said they did not like taking prescription medication for things like depression and anxiety.

Many believe that the negative side effects associated with them could be worse than the symptoms they treat.

Since CBD oils and other products have been reported to treat a lot of those issues, it has become a viable alternative. 

Is CBD Really As Good As It Seems?

Some think that the benefits of CBD oil are exaggerated to create a new market for alternative medicine. They think that there needs to be more research to confirm the things that are being claimed.

Many people believe that CBD products should be available by prescription only until a lot of that research has been done. But others claim that the testimonials of the millions of users of these products are enough to show that they work.

What to Remember

The jury is still out on exactly how effective using CBD can be for treating various illnesses and disorders. Claims are being made that have not been proven, and the research on a lot of them is still ongoing. However, there are millions of people worldwide that use CBD regularly. Judging by their experiences, there is a lot more to CBD, and UK citizens can benefit from it.

If you have any questions about CBD and if it is an option for you talk to your doctor or visit your local retailer of CBD oil products. They can tell you everything you need to know about the benefits and risks of adding a CBD regimen to your daily life.