Creams & Oils

What is CBD?

CBD is short for Cannabidiol and is one of the hundreds of compounds found in Hemp which is actually part of the family of Marijuana plants. It is a phytocannobiniod as opposed to a tetracannabiniol (the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis) and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.

Hemp is generally used industrially including use for biofuel, paper, ink, soap and clothing. Flowers, stalks, seeds and leaves are used for CBD which has the active ingredient usually less than 0.3% THC which means it is legal for use in the UK as you cannot get ‘high’ from using it.

Hemp seeds and oil are used medicinally and have a rich nutritional profile of Omega 3 and Omega 6; they are used for general health benefits and are rich in antioxidants.

History and legality of Hemp and Cannabis

CBD is not a new discovery and like most medicine, has roots in history where our ancestors commonly passed down knowledge through the ages about the benefits of plants for treating ailments. Records show usage of hemp from many thousands of years ago in China and India and it was first recorded for medicinal use in China where cannabis tea was used for gout and malaria. Over to ancient Egypt, records illustrate usage as an anti-inflammatory and for pain relief. Closer to home, in medieval times, cannabis was used for cancer, coughs and jaundice. Benefits of hemp and cannabis spread to the US and South America where it was initially used in industry but soon news of its medical benefits became widespread as a ‘miracle’ treatment for widespread ailments. Cannabis became widely used and was extremely popular throughout the western world until misuse of this and other psychoactive drugs became widespread. Cannabis was eventually made illegal in many countries and only allowed for medicinal controlled use in some countries.

However, CBD with less than 3% THC is legal for use in most European countries, all US states, India, UK and South Africa (laws are uncertain in Africa). New Zealand and Australia allow medical use although it is still hard to purchase over-the counter at present. Many people now order home delivery of CBD for hassle-free use.

Uses of CBD

CBD is similar to cannabis and they have the same molecular structure but are just arranged slightly differently. It is thought that THC binds to endocannabinoid system receptors in the body. It is currently unclear exactly how CBD works, but it is thought by some that the receptor may not yet have been discovered. It is thought that CBD has many of the same benefits as THC without the ‘high’. CBD is currently used for a range of medical uses including reducing seizures, inflammation, pain, psychosis, IBD, depression and anxiety, associated cancer symptoms, nausea and migraine, relaxation and sleep.