The beginner’s guide to CBD

24 October | Daniel Hollyman

Better known as CBD, cannabidiol is all the rage at the moment. But do you really know what it is, and how it works? Find out everything you need to know about CBD, its benefits and how to use it in our beginner’s guide to CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the active compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant. Contrary to THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, another active compound found in marijuana, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive properties. That means it won’t get you high, but will still provide many other benefits associated with the hemp plant. Being non-psychoactive, CBD products such as Cali Greens are completely legal in the UK.

Benefits of CBD

Cannabidiol has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy to soothe body and mind. It offers many benefits to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle. When it comes to the benefits of CBD, it may be effective in providing natural relief from:

● Anxiety & stress
● Chronic pain
● Inflammation
● Sleep

CBD can also be prescribed by doctors to reduce the number of seizures in children suffering from certain forms of epilepsy, treat patients with multiple sclerosis and manage vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy. For more information on CBD benefits for health, please visit Harvard Medical School or NHS England.

Are there any side effects?

Most CBD users don’t experience any side effects, but some may experience symptoms such as low blood pressure, dry mouth, light-headedness and drowsiness. These side effects can depend on the amount of CBD you take. If you are taking medication for blood pressure or diabetes or you suffer from heart disease, please ask your doctor for advice before using cannabidiol.

As cannabidiol is legal and non-psychoactive, you can drive after taking CBD. However, if you’re a newcomer, wait until you’ve found the perfect dosage for you before driving, as some users experience dizziness when they start.

What are the different types of CBD products?

You can purchase and use non-medical CBD in the following forms:

● CBD vapes. E-liquids are designed to be vaporised by an e-cigarette device, allowing CBD to be absorbed into your lungs.
● CBD oil drops. Liquid drops are designed to be taken orally, or for best results, placed under your tongue for 2 minutes to increase the absorption rate.
● CBD creams and lotions. Topical creams are designed for your skin and allow you to target a specific area of your body.
● CBD edibles. Usually in the form of gummies, CBD edibles are an alternative to drops and offer a variety of flavours.
● CBD capsules & pills. Like edibles, they are quite convenient when you’re on the go as you simply need to swallow them with a gulp of water.

The recommended dosage of cannabidiol will vary depending on your age, gender, weight and symptoms. Start off at a lower amount and increase your dosage progressively if needed.

Now you know more about cannabidiol, its benefits and the different types of CBD products, discover our full range here.