A recent report by the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, which has been looking into CBD use in the UK has now classified it as ‘mainstream’.

The report, which was published in June 2019, has highlighted what we know about CBD scientifically, as well as giving information about consumers and the state of CBD in the UK at the moment, and talking about the future of CBD.

CBD – or cannabidiol – is one of the numerous compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC – or tetrahydrocannabinol – it won’t make you high when you take it, but it can have a number of therapeutic benefits for your body. According to the report, two studies which have been recently conducted in the UK (by Dynata and YouGov) suggest that between four and six million people in the UK have tried CBD, across all ages and social classes.

£300 Million per Year

The report has blown previous estimates out of the window, suggesting that the UK market is worth about £300 million a year – as compared to previous estimates of around £100 million. This easily puts it in front of other food supplements like Vitamin C (£119 million) in popularity.

This boom in CBD use shows an obvious change in attitudes to CBD in the UK and around the world, but why is it becoming so popular?

The CBD ‘Buzz’

CBD is a buzz word at the moment. It is as trendy as smashed avocado, but all of the signs suggest that unlike the fads, it is here to stay. So, why is that?

In the human body – in fact, in most mammals – we have a system called the endocannabinoid system. The system works through the interaction between cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids – cannabinoid molecules which are made naturally by the body. The endocannabinoid system is used to regulate a number of different aspects to the body, including mood, body temperature, the immune system and the central nervous system.

Scientists believe that some of the compounds in the cannabis plant – or cannabinoid – can interact in a similar way to the endocannabinoids in the body, which is especially useful if there is a deficiency in numbers of endocannabinoids, and CBD is one of these cannabinoids. However, although there is mounting evidence to suggest its medicinal benefits, more research needs to be done and the law stipulates that CBD can still only be sold as a food supplement to keep your body working properly. CBD is legal, non-addictive, safe to use and won’t get you high.

Taking and Buying CBD

One of the most exciting things about CBD is that there are so many ways that it can be taken. Some people like to vape it with an e-pen, whilst others prefer to eat it in CBD-infused food, rub it into the skin or take it in capsules. One of the most popular methods of taking CBD is by taking it under the tongue through CBD oil.

CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD (and often other compounds which are in the plant) and mixing it with a carrier oil – often coconut oil, olive oil or hemp seed oil – which is then dropped under the tongue for quick absorption.

One of the most important findings in the report, however, is regarding the lack of regulation of CBD. There is a large number of CBD products on the market with inaccurate labelling – only 11 out of 29 of the products that they looked at were within 10% of the level of CBD that was stated by the producer. This is worrying news for the industry and a sign that more and better regulation is needed.

To ensure that you are getting a legitimate CBD oil it is a good idea to do your research first. The following guide to best-selling CBD oils by CBD Shopy can give you good information about what is available in the UK. It is also important to check for an independent lab tested certificate of analysis which will tell you exactly what is in the product.

The world of CBD is a new and exciting one, but if you are thinking about taking it, it is important that you first do your research to ensure that you are getting a good product. You should also speak to your doctor as CBD can affect how certain medications affect the body. However, by proceeding with caution, there is no reason why you can’t join the now millions of people who are benefiting from its goodness.