WHAT IS CBD & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD ?

Are you confused, yet curious about CBD? Are you asking: What is it? How will it make me feel? Will it make me high?

In this guide, we’ve collected all the hard questions you’re asking around CBD and answered them so that you have everything you need to know about CBD in one place.

The goal? To help you choose the high-quality CBD that best suits your needs with absolute confidence (Pssst! This article is about CBD in general, but we happen to offer all the good things referred to in this guide). From dosage guidelines to the health benefits of cbd oil, we’ve explored it all.

Interested? Let’s get started.

In short, CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa L. plant, otherwise known as hemp. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient we think of in marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive.

CBD as a plant medicine has been around for thousands of years (ancient cultures mixed it with other medicines to relieve pain and various ailments like rheumatism and nausea), but it’s resurged recently as we’ve rediscovered its many CBD health benefits and wellness in the modern day.

CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids from cannabis and hemp plants bind to our endocannabinoid receptors and alter their functions, such as metabolism, sleep, memory, and mood.

One of the benefits of CBD is that it contains the potentially advantageous properties of cannabis without being intoxicating or psychoactive.

CBD is classified as a Novel Food by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It's the subtle key to a well-balanced wellness routine, harmonising the body from morning through night.

CBD can effectively treat seizure disorders like epilepsy caused by tuberous sclerosis complex, Dravet syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The main ingredient of Epidiolex, a U.S. FDA-approved drug, is CBD. Whether or not other forms of CBD can treat seizures remains unclear.

Researchers are in the midst of uncovering more possible CBD oil benefits. Many CBD users report improved mood, quality of sleep, appetite regulation, and even pain relief.

That’s right. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are active cannabinoids in the cannabis or hemp plant, however, the way they interact with the body is different.

THC produces the euphoric or “high” effects associated with marijuana consumption, whereas CBD does not have any psychoactive properties and by itself will not cause a high so you can take it with ease. Read more: 'Is CBD safe?' 

A doctor can prescribe CBD, but you don't need a prescription to take it. It doesn't have any known harsh or intoxicating side effects. Though CBD occurs in the Cannabis Sativa plant, legal CBD comes from hemp plants and contains less than 0.2% THC.

Numerous studies have tested CBD for addictiveness; up to this point, none have found CBD to be habit-forming. One of the many CBD oil benefits is that people use it for a myriad of conditions without becoming dependent on it.

CBD is extracted from the flowering head of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, the part of the hemp plant that contains the richest source of CBD.

This can be done using several extraction techniques, two of the most common are ethanol and CO² , the former considered to be cleaner, more gentle and sustainable than other methods.

The CBD is then combined with a carrier oil, such as olive oil (or, in our case a higher quality medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil) that studies show could support metabolism. As the extract we use is full spectrum it doesn’t dissolve well in water, so we need a neutral tasting oil carrier to deliver it to you. Read more about MCT oil here after continuing to read about the potential CBD oil benefits below.

CBII CBD oil specifically is full spectrum. Our CBD is sourced from ethically and legally grown plants from the EU and extracted in Switzerland.

We collaborate exclusively with Bod Australia and their Swiss CBD producer Linnea SA to extract our CBD using a trademarked ethanol extraction method that’s gentle enough not to damage the plant’s natural compounds.

It is rigorously tested through each stage of the process to ensure consistent quality. We then go a step further and have it independently tested by Interlabor Belp AG in Switzerland for your peace of mind.

Did you know? Linnea recycles over 90% of the ethanol used during the process. When they’ve completed the extraction, they recycle any unused plant matter into renewable energy at their biogas facility in Switzerland, so nothing goes to waste.

Full spectrum CBD oil is an extract that contains all the natural compounds found in the plant, in addition to cannabidiol (CBD), such as the terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids that result in a high-quality oil as nature intended.

High-quality full spectrum oils tend to be very high in CBD and low in THC (usually less than 0.3%).

Full spectrum oils tend to be a different quality, colour and taste than other CBD oils due to the additional plant matter from the natural plant. The alternative to full spectrum CBD is isolate CBD which contains only the CBD and none of the additional plant matter. If you’re looking for a completely CBD and THC-free alternative, try our hemp seed oil capsules.

Think of your mind and body as an orchestra with instruments playing at different tunings and tempos. Individually they sound great, but the magic really happens when they all work together in harmony.

CBD plays a key role in maintaining the natural balance in our bodies when we’re feeling out of sync. With its anti-inflammatory properties and working as an immunomodulator, it maintains the body’s equilibrium that can otherwise be poorly impacted by stress, anxiety and lack of sleep to generally increase our quality of life.

Taking a CBD supplement every day is a great way to optimise our overall well being and restore balance in the body and mind.

The way the body maintains its own natural balance is through the endocannabinoid system (the ECS), a hugely complex part of our bodies that was only really discovered in the 1990s and to this day, is still not fully understood.

According to Doctor Julie Moltke, a medical doctor specialising in sleep and stress management, the ECS “helps to keep the haemostasis - the balance in the body.”

Preliminary research indicates that the ECS plays an important role in our central nervous systems. It contains a network of tiny receptors that may help regulate vital functions in the body, such as sleep, mood, appetite, inflammation, and memory – all the things we need working properly to feel our best.

Medical cannabis journalist, Mary Biles, describes the endocannabinoid system as “a conductor of the orchestra of our body, keeping everything in balance. It acts like a dimmer switch, so if there is too much activity it brings it back into equilibrium again by producing its own endocannabinoids.”

CBD is a fantastic health supplement that can make all facets of our lives more manageable. Whether it’s for everyday wellness or to support mental health, find out more about the benefits of CBD in our blog ‘Why should I take CBD?’

Experimental studies suggest potential neuroprotective characteristics in CBD. This is because CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system in numerous ways that can improve the functions correlated to endocannabinoid receptors.

More trials are needed to confirm these CBD oil uses, but the results thus far have been positive.

For years, our customers have told us that CBD is the only holistic approach to pain relief that works for them. Studies have shown Cannabidiol to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. These potential benefits of CBD are the reason many older people become loyal users.

As of now, more trials are needed to confirm CBD's effects on pain and proper dosing protocols.

Current research and user testimonies point to CBD being a helpful sleep agent. Because CBD can reduce stress and improve mood, many people find it provides a better night's sleep.

More trials are necessary to confirm CBD's sleep-enhancing effects. For example, small amounts of CBD may provide a slight energy boost. The proper dosage to help sleep is still undetermined.

Astoundingly, science also found that CBD could potentially reduce resting blood pressure and enhance blood flow. A 2020 study found CBD to have vasodilatory effects in humans and rats. What does this mean? Vasodilatory medicines dilate blood vessels, preventing high blood pressure and allowing the heart to rest. The data showed a single dose of CBD had antihypertensive effects.

Of course, we need more conclusive findings before knowing for certain whether CBD works to ease blood pressure and at what doses.

CBD gummies come in a variety of tasty flavours and convenient doses. They're very easy to take - one of the main CBD gummies benefits users love! You don't have to worry about spills or any extra equipment. All you need is the gummy!

CBII CBD gummies come in four delicious flavours: Watermelon, Raspberry, Tangerine & Lemon. All gummies are vegan and 100% natural to align with the holistic health goals of our customers.

Another CBD gummy benefit is that there's no guesswork when deciding how much you need -- gummies are pre-measured, and it's clear how much CBD you get with each one.

CBII gummies are 25mg each, containing full-spectrum cannabinoids for a well-rounded "entourage effect."

There's a reason gummies are the most popular method of taking CBD. For one, they're enjoyable and tasty. While CBD oils or vaporizers may work faster, they aren't as fun to administer. They're also handy. Simply chew, swallow, and enjoy.

Gummies are a delightful way to get the same benefits of CBD and have a sweet treat at the same time.

When administered properly, our bodies absorb CBD oil in two ways.

First, we absorb CBD directly into the bloodstream via our tongue's mucus membrane. This is why we suggest holding the oil under your tongue for one minute before swallowing. After swallowing, we digest the oil and break down the CBD as we would an edible.

This process allows the CBD benefits and effects to kick in faster than other forms like gummies and edibles.

Sublingually administering CBD oil is considered the most efficient technique. Because the body absorbs it directly, this method has the fastest absorption rate and the least waste.

What do we mean by waste? Not all CBD is bioavailable -- not all of it ends up in the bloodstream. An early study found that CBD was 30-50% more bioavailable when taken sublingually. Because of this and other benefits of CBD oil, many consistent users prefer it as their form of choice.

Another CBD oil benefit is that it is more versatile due to its liquid form. It gives consumers the freedom to choose how they want to ingest CBD. CBD oil can go in smoothies, coffee, tea, desserts - you name it. You can also use CBD oil in a vaporizer and inhale it, which is a more efficient method.

The most obvious asset of CBD is the ability to measure precisely how much you want to consume. You can adjust the dosage down to the drop. Other forms of CBD are pre-measured in doses, so you have to tailor the dosage by doubling the previous amount. With CBD oil, consumers can increase their dose by minuscule amounts if they want to.

Capsules are another popular way to access CBD benefits. They're less expensive than gummies and an accessible introduction to CBD for people who are used to taking pills and vitamins. Not to mention, there’s no flavour or taste to deal with.

CBD capsules contain CBD oil and come in various doses and sizes. They're widely favoured for their ease of use and simple dosage.

CBD capsules are small, discreet, and straightforward. Unlike CBD vapours that must be inhaled, capsules inconspicuously fit right in with other vitamins. You can even put them in your pocket to take when the time is right. Enjoy the benefits of CBD in peace with CBD capsules.

If you've ever taken a pill or vitamin, you can take CBD capsules. It's as easy as swallowing one with a sip of water. Experts suggest taking the capsules with or after a meal to increase their bioavailability and receive more CBD benefits. More specifically, you should take CBD with foods high in healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6.

With capsules, controlling your dose of CBD is effortless. You know what to expect every time, and there's no chance of human error. The packaging typically specifies how many milligrams of CBD are in each tablet. The most common amounts of CBD capsules are 5mg, 10mg, 25 mg, and 30mg.

Inhaling CBD is one of the more rapid ways to feel its effects. You can feel the benefits take hold in as little as 5 minutes. Smoking CBD flower is a natural alternative to vaping in which the CBD is rolled, lit, and inhaled.

Smoking CBD flower will not get you high. Legal CBD flower should have the same legal amount of THC as any other CBD product (0.2%).

It's important to note that smoking anything is harmful to the throat and lungs. Medical professionals promote other CBD forms above smoking to avoid potential lung damage.

When we inhale, special mechanisms in our lungs absorb CBD (among other things, like oxygen) directly into the bloodstream. There's no waiting for the drawn-out digestion and metabolization processes. You can feel its effects much more quickly than with gummies or edibles. This process is similar to that of sublingual administration, where CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream by way of the tongue.

No, smoking CBD does not get you "high." The euphoric feelings associated with cannabis come from the THC cannabinoid -- not CBD. That being said, some consumers report feelings of overall bodily well-being after smoking CBD flower. For this reason, those seeking the pain-relief capabilities of CBD may try smoking and vaping the product.

Yes, CBD oil is legal in the UK to those above the age of 18 as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. For more, read our blog about CBD law in the UK.

In the UK, a report by the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis found that six million people have used the cannabis compound in some form, while in the United States, consumer sales are expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022.

But with CBD-infused teas, oils, supplements and gummies (not to mention tampons and mattresses) springing up all over the place, it can get confusing to know which one to choose – where do you even start?

CBD tinctures are often confused with oils. Tinctures are processed using an alcohol extraction method. Though they contain 60-70% alcohol, tinctures have a longer shelf life than oils and may appeal to people trying to avoid oil-based products.

Tinctures can be administered the same way as oils -- sublingually or in a beverage.

Human skin actually has endocannabinoid receptors. We can absorb CBD through them using salves, lotions, balms, and ointments. CBD topicals are thought to alleviate pain, ease itchy skin, and even reduce irritation from certain skin conditions. Additionally, CBD has properties that support blood flow, which delivers important nutrients to the skin.

CBD gummies are a fun and delicious way to get your daily dose. The effects come on slowly and gently as opposed to the rapid onset from smoking and vaping. Remember to keep gummies out of children's reach. Children may be unable to spot the difference between CBD gummy packaging and candy packaging.

CBD is a personal journey. We’ve put together a premium range of products to suit you and help you find your natural rhythm, whether you prefer fast-acting CBD drops or convenient capsules.

With CBII, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD and feel confident that you're getting completely natural products of the highest possible quality.

It’s so important to do your research before choosing a high-quality CBD brand you can trust. For advice on what to look for in a quality brand, read our blog ‘What to look for in quality CBD’

Unflavoured CBD oil like CBII has an earthy, herbal taste that comes from the natural plant matter.

If you prefer to hide the taste, you can take neutral tasting capsules instead or mix a few drops of your CBD oil with a fatty or protein-rich food such as peanut butter or a high-protein smoothie.

However, adding CBD to food or drinks dilutes it. For best results and potential benefits of CBD oil, we recommend applying it directly under your tongue.

You should store CBD oil below 25°C. Do not use it if the tamper evidence seal is broken or missing. For the best before date, see base of carton. CBII CBD products are packaged in the UK with full spectrum CBD extracted in Switzerland.

Taking CBD is simple, but it’s personal and not prescriptive. There is no set guide for how much to take as what works for one person may not work for another – experimentation and consistency is key.

For more advice on how to take CBD, how much to take, and when to take CBD, read our blog ‘CBD and dosage – what you need to know’

CBD products are classified as food supplements that are safe for human usage in those over the age of 18 years. According to the Food Standards Agency, CBD is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more on whether CBD is safe for pets, CBD oil effects and medication, read our blog ‘Is CBD safe?'

Here at CBII, we’re committed to helping you tune in to your natural rhythm to live happier, healthier and more balanced lives – day in, day out.

Whether you’re completely new to CBD or looking for new ways to streamline a well-oiled routine, we’re here to help. Our range of high-quality full spectrum CBD oils and convenient capsules with added vitamins and nutrients are carefully crafted to help you achieve the epitome of wellness in the everyday.

Now you know a bit more about CBD oil uses and CBD benefits, we hope you feel more at ease choosing CBII CBD with confidence.

We know CBD oil benefits can be confusing, especially if you’re just starting out. Still have a question or need some advice around CBD? Our experts are here to help. Give us a call on 01793 374130, email us or get in touch via social with any questions.

And don’t just take our word for it. See what other CBII users are saying about their experience on Trust Pilot.