Whether you are single or coupled up this Valentine’s day, we have some are some simple ways to incorporate CBD into your celebrations this year.
CBD may be able to aid in numerous ways however you spend your time this holiday. Whether it’s reducing the feelings of anxiety, boosting the libido and blood flow or helping you to relax. Many of you will be familiar with many different ways to consume CBD, but we have some suggestions for how best to include it in your special day.
Here are some of our romantic CBD tips
Chocolate
Who doesn’t love Chocolate?
An chocolate can be the perfect place to start when it comes to romantic edible ideas. It can be simple to make at home, both with hemp flower and CBD oil. If you choose your CBD chocolate carefully you may find it even has health benefits.
Dark chocolate can provide an excellent source of fibre, minerals and anti-oxidants for the body. Who knew chocolate could be good for you? It also has a wealthy supply of potassium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Our bodies continue to break down and absorb nutrients into our system.
Anti-oxidants have been proven to be key for male sexual health, as they can help to reduce erectile dysfunction and improve sperm quality.
CBD and dark chocolate are both great sources of antioxidants and a tasty treat to enjoy this, Valentines Day. There are lots of different options of CBD chocolate available and the options are endless for ways to try it. Maybe a cooking or baking movie night in with your favourite CBD chocolate.
Massage
Enhance your massage with the luxurious sensation of CBD oil. Enrich the experience with the CBD oil ensuring you use a generous serving so when you massage each muscle group, your hands will glide effortlessly over them.
And don’t worry- you don’t need somebody else to give you a massage! Studies have shown that touch releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin while simultaneously reducing stress hormones. And guess what? Your brain actually can’t tell the difference between yourself and someone else touching you!
A simple yet extremely sensual Valentine’s touch.
A Bath
There is no better feeling than hoping into a long hot bath after a stressful day at work or at home with the kids, an it can be great for resetting your serotonin levels.
CBD can be added to your bath to make it that little bit more relaxing, by simply reducing stress and anxiety levels. It is available in lots of different products from salts to bath bombs. Even adding a few drops of CBD oil into your bath allowing it to seep into the pores on your skin can reap great benefits.
CBD is thought to interact with the receptors in the brain potentially sending signals to the neurotransmitter, serotonin. There is still a lot of research being undertaken in this area to understand completely how the two interact with one another.
A hot Valentine’s bath is perfect for those wanting to unwind and relax in blissful CBD heaven.
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The appeal for a healthier lifestyle and the versatility of vegan meals now., helps to make veganism one of the most popular dietary options in todays society.
Veganuary 2022 seen more than 629,000 people take part in the UK, with 2023 predicted to be the biggest year yet!
Throughout January/ Veganuary, we will be posting recipes for some of our favourite plant based and CBD infused dishes and treats for you to try.
Ingredients
You will need to infuse your vegan butter with CBD for this recipe. If you are new to cannabutter, follow these instructions.
1/2 cup (115 g) of vegan cannabutter (melted)
1 1/2 cups (300 g) of coconut sugar
1/3 cup (80 ml) of non-dairy milk (oat/almond milk recommended)
2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla
1 cup (150 g) of flour
3/4 cup (90 g) cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon (.75 g) of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (.50 g) of salt
1 cup (175 g) of vegan chocolate chips
Any non-dairy milk will work in this recipe but we recommend oat or almond milk. Some will come sweetened and unsweetened, so keep in mind they may alter the brownies’ flavour.
Equipment
You will need a baking tray and parchment paper for these vegan CBD brownies. Parchment paper is a must when making brownies—they can stick to the pan and prevent you from indulging in every last crumb.
Directions
Step 1: Prepping the pan
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Firstly coat the bottom and edges of the pan with some of the vegan butter. This helps the parchment paper stick to the pan. Cut a piece of parchment that fits in the pan. Now lightly butter the piece of parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients
In a mixing bowl whisk together the melted vegan cannabutter and sugar. Then add the milk and vanilla. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In an additional bowl combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Whisk to remove all lumps. Left with a smooth textured mix
Step 4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir well to combine. Ensure it is mixed well.
Step 5: Adding chocolate
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Add batter to pan
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 minutes.
And enjoy!
For an easy-to-make CBD mug brownie recipe, see our potent Gelato Strain description.
These CBD brownies should have a firm exterior with a gooey center. They will overcook if left in the oven for more than the time listed above.
Allow them to cool fully before cutting into the serving size of your choice.
Store in an airtight container.
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As recommended by DPD, we advise all orders to be placed by 4pm on the 21st of December to ensure delivery in time for Christmas. Affected postcodes will need to have placed their orders by 4pm on the 19th of December, please find postcodes affected by delays here https://www.dpdlocal.co.uk/pdf/lsd-pd-1.2.pdf
During this festive period our customer service team will be unavailable to answer your queries and requests, therefore please keep this in mind throughout. We will be back operating from January 3rd 2023.
We hope you take the time to relax, reflect, and indulge in the festivities. However you choose to celebrate, we wish you all the best this holiday season.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Natural Strains.
]]>But what are terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They are responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various types of vegetation. In terms of cannabis, terpenes are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others.
Below is a list of some of the most common terpenes found in the cannabis plant.
Terpene |
Aroma/Flavour |
Found In |
Familiar Names |
|||
Alp-Pinene |
Fresh & Piney |
Conifers, evergreen trees, rosemary, orange peel, turpentine, pine, dill, basil, parsley. |
Jack Herer, Dutch Treat, Romulan, Blue Dream, Island Sweet Kunk, OG Kush, Strawberry Cough
|
|||
Bisabolol/Levomenol |
chamomile, cannabis
|
chamomile flower and other plants.
|
ACDC, Pink Kush, OG Shark, Master Kush, Headband, Rockstar
|
|||
Caryophllene |
Spicy, peppery, woody tones |
black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, hops, rosemary, basil |
Bubba Kush, OG Kush, Chemdawg, Rockstar, Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG |
|||
Guaiol |
Piney |
cypress, pine, guaiacum, and cannabis
|
Chocolope, Blue Kush, Liberty Haze, Barbara Bud, White Widow, and Jean Guy.
|
|||
Humulene |
Subtle earthy, woody aroma with spicy herbal notes |
clove, hops, basil, coriander, and cannabis sativa
|
White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies, Headband, Pink Kush, Skywalker OG, and Sour Diesel. |
|||
Limonene |
Fruity & Citrusy |
fruit rinds, lemon
|
Strawberry Cough, Lemon G, White Fire OG, Strawberry Diesel, Purple Punch |
|||
Linalool |
Delicate floral aroma |
lavender, coriander, cannabis
|
Amnesia Haze, LA Confidential, Lavender, Master Kush, Pink Kush, OG Shark |
|||
Myrcene (or β-myrcene |
Musky, herbal, earthy |
mangoes, lemongrass, bay laurel leaves, basil, thyme, cloves, cardamom, cannabis. |
White Widow, Pure Kush, Himalayan Gold, Jack Herer, Pink Kush, and Warlock CBD.
|
|||
Ocimene |
Fragrant sweet, woody, herbacious |
botanicals like mint, pepper, parsley, mangoes, basil, kumquats, orchids, and cannabis
|
Strawberry Cough, Golden Goat, Space Queen, Elwyn, OG Kush, Lemon Sour Diesel, and Chernobyl
|
|||
Terpinolene |
Fresh, piney, herbal, floral & occasionally citrusy |
lilacs, nutmeg, tea tree, apples, conifers, cumin, and cannabis
|
Jack Herer and its derivatives (Pineapple Jack, Super Jack, and J1), Afghani, Jean Guy, and Lemon Sour Diesel
|
|||
Trans-Nerolidol |
floral scent with notes of fruity citrus, rose, and apple
|
jasmine, lemongrass, tea tree
|
Island Sweet Skunk, Skywalker OG, Jack Herrer
|
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid, one of more than 100 different chemical compounds that are found in the cannabis plant. The most well-known compounds found in the cannabis plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is a compound that has psychoactive effects, allowing for the ‘high’ that users will feel. THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
As there are low levels of THC found in CBD you won’t get that high feeling when you ingest it, and it’s now possible to even get a prescription oil made from CBD.
Does CBD get you high?
The short answer is that CBD won’t get you high. Even though it comes from cannabis, CBD products that you buy from reputable retailers are made with little to no THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that results in a euphoric feeling when ingested.
Whilst CBD won’t get you high, it boasts a whole other range of benefits which has made it a popular choice for boosting wellness.
How much CBD should I use?
It is recommended to take 60mg to 80mg per day depending on your weight. If you start with 60mg per day and are not satisfied then simply increase it by 20mg per day. If you feel this is too strong then decrease it by 20mg per day until you reach the level which suits your bodies needs.
What is the difference between
broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant including trace amounts of THC. Broad spectrum CBD also contains all the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant however the only difference is it has had the THC completely removed.
Find out more on our blog posts here - Full Spectrum / Broad Spectrum.
How do you know that your CBD is real?
We provide lab test reports for all of our products. We provide these for all of our products. Never buy CBD that has not been lab tested. Please visit our product pages to view our Certificates of Authenticity.
Will CBD or THC make me fail a drug test?
CBD is legal in the UK so you will not be tested for CBD in the UK. Drug tests will only look for THC and all of our full spectrum products on British CBD contain no more than 0.2% of THC which is legal in the UK.
Does CBD have side effects?
CBD and hemp are considered as being safe and will not produce side effects in most people, however if you are on prescribed medicine you should always check with your doctor before adding anything to your daily routine.
What is CBD Isolate?
Isolate CBD is the most basic, pure form of the chemical compound cannabidiol (otherwise known as CBD).
Cannabidiol is just one of over a hundred cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, but it is the most well known one and is used mostly commonly. Another well-known cannabinoid is THC, which is the psychoactive compound that gives you the feeling of being 'high'.
In CBD isolate, there are no other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavinoids. This is a difficult result to achieve because it requires several processes to separate the CBD from the other compounds in order to get pure cannabidiol.
With that being said, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, which is produced by removing all other compounds found in the plant including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids.
CBD Isolate is typically extracted from Hemp, due to its low to non-existent THC-content.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is extracted from the varieties of cannabis plants that have CBD occurring naturally in large amounts and THC in low amounts. To ensure a high concentration of CBD in the oil, a specialized process is used to extract the compound. The oil contains other compounds like terpenes, omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, and phytocannabinoids like cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidivarin, and cannabinol.
What is a CBD Topical?
Topical are creams, foams, lotions and balms that have been infused with CBD. Many Topical medications are epicutaneous, meaning that they are applied directly to the skin. Topicals are a good choice for those looking to treat localised pain. As well as pain relief, many use Topicals for other reasons such as skin care, acne treatment and pain relief.
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The essential part of any cannabis edibles (brownies, cupcakes, cookies etc.) is the cannabutter, which holds all the cannabinoids of the edible.
This easy-to-follow step by step cannabutter recipe is presented in an infographic form, helping you master the essential part of any cannabis/ CBD edible recipe.
Infographic courtesy of Choom Blog
]]>CBD and cannabinoids can be overwhelming to newcomers. There’s a range of terminology to learn and many questions to ask, one being “how long does CBD stay in the system?”, read on to find out more…
What is CBD?
CBD, which is the abbreviation of Cannabidiol, is one of the hundreds of biologically-active compounds that are naturally produced by the cannabis plant. It is typically extracted from low-THC strains of Cannabis that fall under the category of ‘Hemp’.
For those of you who don’t know already, the term Hemp is used to describe cannabis that is legal for industrial purposes. It tends to have high levels of CBD and only trace amounts of THC <0.2%.
In recent years, CBD has rapidly become extremely popular as a supplement due to customers experiencing it’s and wellbeing-boosting, recovery and calming potential.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?
In order to work this out, scientists would first calculate something called the ‘half-life‘. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for a compound’s levels in the bloodstream to reduce by half. Once this has been worked out, it’s then possible to estimate the length of time a compound stays in the body's system. The half life of CBD depends on the administration method. But current research suggest the half life is as follows:
· 2-5 days after regular oral administration
· 31 hours after smoking
· 24 hours after I.V (via injection)
As you can see from above, it seems that the quicker the CBD enters the bloodstream, the quicker it leaves the system. So, any product with higher bioavailability such as CBD vapes, will leave the system quicker after stopping.
Many people will consume their CBD orally, and therefore will see 2-5 days as the estimated half life. However, it is worth noting that this is highly likely to vary from person to person.
Based on this half-life, we can estimate that orally taken CBD stays in the system for approximately 4-10 days.
We hope this article answered your question, if you have any further doubts, please contact us via our live chat or drop us an email on care@naturalstrains.co.uk
]]>In recent years CBD has become increasingly popular among athletes as a wellness supplement.
Early research suggests that CBD may help to support pain relief, reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality, which could in turn support recovery and performance.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound found in cannabis and hemp, is growing in popularity among elite athletes and sports enthusiasts as a natural way to potentially support recovery. CBD is the only cannabinoid that is not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Recovery is an essential part of any athlete’s training regime. Rest and quality sleep are vitally important for allowing the body to repair itself after any intense exercise – increasing muscle tissue growth and reducing the risk of injury – while also helping athletes to stay mentally focused.
All athletes should be aware of the risks of using full- and broad-spectrum CBD, as they contain other cannabinoids that are prohibited by WADA.
As a precaution, Natural Strains does not recommend CBD for athletes who are subject to regular doping tests.
Recent research indicates that cannabinoids like CBD are the second most popular substance among contact sports athletes, and that one third of cyclists, runners and triathletes use or have used cannabinoids with the aim of supporting their recovery and performance.
In addition, more than one quarter of professional rugby players have used CBD as a natural alternative to painkillers, many of whom report it could help with recovery and sleep.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 100+ compounds known as cannabinoids found in the Cannabis/ Hemp plant. It is the main active ingredient in an ever-growing range of hemp-based products, from CBD oils, flowers, capsules, CBD gummies, balms, and beauty products.
Unlike the controlled cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-intoxicating and does not cause a “high”. Early research indicates that CBD offers lots of potential health benefits, and may be able to ease inflammation, support pain relief, aid with stress & anxiety, nourish and aid with various skin issues and help aid fatigue.
CBD products must contain non-detectable THC and be derived from hemp containing less than 0.2% or 0.3% THC in order to be legal in the UK, EU, USA and other countries.
What is CBD for athletes?
CBD influences the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a vast cell-signalling system found throughout the body that regulates many important processes, including sleep, mood, pain and appetite. The primary function of the ECS is to keep the body in a balanced internal state (or homeostasis).
When consumed, CBD is thought to support the function of the ECS indirectly. One way it does this is by preventing enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body that facilitate communication within the ECS). In doing so, CBD may be able to indirectly support a wide range of processes, including sleep and recovery, and potentially help the body to stay balanced and healthy.
Although there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence for CBD’s therapeutic potential among athletes and other users, clinical research is still in the early stages. However, preliminary studies suggest that CBD may contribute to supporting pain relief and aiding to reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality, all of which could in turn support recovery and athletic performance.
The safest option for competing athletes is CBD isolate, which is CBD in its purest form, with no other cannabinoids. However, the absence of minor cannabinoids means that CBD isolate does not offer the potential benefits of the entourage effect, a phenomenon whereby all the cannabinoids and other hemp compounds work together to enhance the oil’s natural properties.
To minimise any risk of a failed drug test, athletes and those looking to support their recovery with CBD should look always check the sellers Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on each product. These can be find in the description of all Natural Strains products.
Disclaimer: As of now, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of CBD in the condition(s) mentioned. Always seek the advice of your healthcare/medical professional if you are taking prescribed medication or are thinking of using CBD for your condition.
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How to calm your mind using quick and easy remedies.
Mental health affects a large proportion of our society in 2022. Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week, according to a survey taken by mind.org.uk.
While it is always encouraged to seek advice from your doctor is your feel you are suffering from any form of stress, anxiety or mental health, there are some naturally easy steps you can take to help calm and refocus your mind. This doesn’t usually take away whatever is causing your stress or anxiety, but it can help you come back at it with a new focus and a calmer outlook.
Incorporating time to relax your mind into your daily routine is known to have numerous benefits that could even help minimise stress and anxiety occurring in the first instance. These could include;
We have listed some tips and tricks for ways to help you calm and relax your mind quickly, that you can use not only when you feel like you really need them, but that you can introduce into your new daily routine and help contribute to your wider mental and physical wellbeing too.
Breathing exercises
Focus on your breath. Deep breathing can be very relaxing and can help calm down a busy mind.
Following breath work meditation sessions is something that a lot of people find helpful if needing some guidance and focus when it comes to concentrating on your breathing rate.
Exercise to relax (how ironic)
I know you might think exercise is definitely not what you’d usually do to relax, however its been proven that ‘active relaxation’ can help aid anxiety and restore calmness. Gentle exercise can be great to keep the mind and body feeling positive. You could try;
CBD Products
Many people say they felt calmer and more relaxed after consuming CBD products. Ongoing medical studies are being undertaken to help identify the correlation between CBD and the effects on the mind and body.
However, it is suggested that CBD could help aid consumers relaxation potentially helping them sleep better, focus more, and calm the mind.
Listen to music
What’s your favourite playlist? Most people have their go to songs that they love, or maybe its an album that reminds you of a specific time, place, or a person?
Listening to these songs can help your mind switch off from whatever you’re feeling stressed or worried about and take you to another place.
Sing, dance, lip sync or hum your favourite tune. Whatever you fancy to help your mind switch off. It can help you take a much-needed rain check on whatever it is that’s bothering you.
Read a book
Similar to listening to music, reading a book that provokes your thoughts whether it be a fabulous fiction that takes you to new worlds, or a factual novel that intrigues your deep thoughts, you can get lost between the pages.
It’s never too late to pick up a book, read at your own pace, and help calm and relax the mind. You may find it even helps you drift off to sleep.
If you’re finding that you’re unable to relax or switch off from what is bothering you or causing any type of anxiety, and it means you’re no longer able to carry on with normal daily life, you can find more help and support on the CALM website or you can speak to your GP.
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“After years of suffering in silence, my friend recommended CBD. At now 46 years old, I was a little apprehensive. I’ve tried prescriptions, doctor recommended solutions, healthy diets, exercise, meditation and even talking to friends but nothing seemed to work. For 15 years of my life I suffered with generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, agoraphobia, PTSD, health anxiety, eating disorders and a raft of physical and psychological ‘symptoms’ that rendered me, more or less, useless and incapable, in every way.”
Alexandra’s friend advised her to try CBD hemp tea. At first, she was hesitant to try the dubious remedy believing it was illegal to buy in the UK. She was not familiar with the extensive research surrounding CBD.
“I was at this point, willing to give anything a try but always thought hemp tea and cannabis oils were not allowed in the UK. I discovered that my best friends partner was already taking CBD for depression. She’s the one that told me about Natural Strains and recommended I contact you for help on which product to use”
Alexandra spoke with our lovely customer service team, and built a relationship with Jodie who helped find the ideal product for her.
“After using it for a few days I could really feel the difference in my mood, I felt a lot calmer and relaxed. I was able to organise thoughts in my head and deal with my challenges with a calmer mind. I’ve been having 2 cups of CBD hemp tea a day, 1 in the morning with breakfast and one before bed. I find it helps me start my day calm and relaxed and having a meal alongside sets my metabolism up for the day. And one at night- I tend to use a little more of a night to help me relax even further. I would like to say a huge thank you to you all at Natural Strains! The tasty tea strains have helped me get my life back. I was doubtful that it would do anything. But I am sleeping well, and in control I honestly thought I had wasted my money, but I’m so glad I took the chance. Thank you all so much, especially Jodie!”
However, we never make any medical claims on any of the products we sell. We are keen to share our customer experiences and information from the increasing number of medical studies that are being carried out on CBD. Receiving thank you messages like the one from Alexandra makes our efforts all that more rewarding.
What’s the evidence that CBD works for anxiety?
The truth is that the popularity of CBD products as potential anti-anxiety supplements is backed with plenty of solid research. Several clinical trials are currently underway, but there is already sufficient proof (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/) of CBD’s benefits for:
The link shared above is just one of many studies out there that have been carried out. We would advise all readers who are interested in taking CBD oil for anxiety to do their own research and if they have any questions to contact our fantastic care team at care@naturalstrains.co.uk.
Conclusion
Many would argue there is not enough evidence to tout CBD as an effective treatment for anxiety, and we would have to agree that more tests and scientific research has to be carried out. However, if we look at the studies that have already taken place the results are very promising. Medical studies paired with user testimonials leads us to believe there is real substance behind the hype.
]]>There are plenty of options when it comes to CBD with tinctures, edibles, teas and more to enjoy. Here we run through some of the best ways you can consume CBD oil and benefit from pain relief, help with insomnia, ease of menopause symptoms and more.
How to consume CBD oil?
Whilst there are many options on the market for you to choose from when it comes to taking CBD oil, an important factor you want to consider is the strength of the CBD product. If you’re new to CBD then it’s probably best that you start with one of the smaller strength CBD oils, such as 250mg, this way you can build up how much you’re taking daily.
Whether you plan on putting it under your tongue, dropping it into your morning coffee or eating it in your favourite snacks, consider the strength of the oil and how much you plan to take on a daily basis.
How to effectively take CBD oil in X different ways
Under your tongue
One of the most popular and easiest ways to take CBD oil is by doing sublingually, simply dropping it under your tongue. This is done because it’s a capillary-rich area, allowing the CBD to reach the bloodstream quicker. Simply put 1-3 drops under your tongue and hold it there for a minute before you swallow.
Pros of sublingual consumption
Cons of sublingual consumption
Vaping CBD
Inhaling CBD in your vape is the quickest way to feel the effects take place. The vape pen heats the CBD oil into a vapour which you then inhale. You’ll need a vape starter kit and a CBD oil cartridge to inhale it this way, but they’re readily available in vape shops and online too. The biggest downside to vaping your CBD is that the effects don’t last as long as with other methods.
Pros of vaping CBD
Cons of vaping CBD
Apply CBD topically
If you’d prefer not to ingest or inhale your CBD, there are topically applied products on the market now. You can use CBD balms, creams and ointments to apply them straight onto your skin and in the specific areas that you’re looking for relief. Applying CBD topically is best for those who are looking to treat skin conditions, sore muscles and even migraines.
Pros of topical CBD application
Cons of topical CBD application
Edibles
Edibles are a great way of casually adding CBD into your lifestyle, you simply enjoy the benefits in food form. There are so many products on the market that have been infused with CBD - chocolate, cookies, nut butter, so it’s easy to find something you enjoy. What’s more, you can make your own too, if you prefer to ingest your CBD in this way, this CBD brownie recipe is a firm favourite when it comes to eating your CBD dose.
When buying CBD edibles, you’ll need to check the dosage amount in the products to ensure that you’re getting what you need, or not too much CBD, when consuming the edibles.
Pros of CBD edibles
Cons of CBD edibles
Drinks
Similar to edibles, you can simply drink your CBD dose in the forms of smoothies, juices, tea or coffee. There are plenty of premade CBD drinks on the market, or you can add your desired dose into drinks you make yourself. Try this hemp flower tea recipe if you’re new to making your own CBD drinks.
Pros of drinking CBD
Cons of drinking CBD
Capsule
Taking CBD capsules is another easy and effective way to get your daily CBD dose. It’s easy to manage your dose and if you’re already taking daily supplements it can easily be added into your routine.
Taking CBD capsules allows you to accurately monitor your dose, which is great if you’re new to CBD. You can start small and increase your dose as needed. However, taking a capsule rather than taking it sublingually, will mean you’ll have to wait long for the effects to take place.
Pros of CBD capsules
Cons of CBD capsules
How to consume CBD oil - conclusion
We’ve outlined all of the ways you can get CBD into your daily routine, simply weigh out the pros and cons and decide which is the best option for you. Remember to consider the strength of the CBD product you’re taking, and always start with a small dosage, you can up it easily if you’re feeling any benefit, but give it time to kick in.
]]>If you’re still unsure whether CBD oil is right for you, despite learning about the benefits of taking it, then the answers to the following questions might be what you’re looking for.
Here we answer the most popular questions put to Google regarding CBD oil.
Which CBD oil is best for me?
The most important thing when choosing the right CBD oil for you is to pick a product from a reputable company. This will cost you more, but it guarantees that you’re getting a quality product from a company that has tested its CBD oil.
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the strength of the CBD oil, this is typically given to you in MG of CBD, with products ranging from 500MG to 6,000MG.
If you’re starting out with CBD oil it’s best to choose one of the lower strength CBD products, allowing you to build up a tolerance to it.
As well as the strength of the CBD oil you choose, you can also pick what sort of strain to take. Read all about the differences between the Indica and Sativa strains to get more of an idea of which is the best strain for you. But essentially the Indica is ideal for those looking to use CBD oil to help them relax, and Sativa strains can help you feel more energised as well as help with feelings of anxiety.
How much CBD to take?
How much CBD oil you should take, again, depends on how long you’ve been taking the product. If you’re new to CBD then it’s best to start in small doses, just one or two drops under your tongue, up to three times a day is a great starting point for any new users of CBD oil.
If you’re more seasoned in taking it, you’ll benefit from bigger doses of the oil. You may take it more frequently during the day, and take three or four drops at a time.
Again, it all comes down to personal use and preference. It’s a personal choice for the desired effect you want, and it affects us in all different ways depending on things like our height, weight and metabolism.
How long for CBD oil to work?
Another question we can’t give a definitive answer to, simply because it depends on the dosage you take and your body composition too.
If you take it sublingually, under the tongue, then you’re likely to feel the effects within 15 minutes of taking CBD oil. However, if you’re using the oil in edibles then it can take as long as an hour to kick in as your body needs time to digest the product and the food you’re eating.
Another quick way to feel the effects of CBD is by vaping it, however, the effects aren’t as long-lasting when you inhale it through a vape.
How long do the effects of CBD oil last?
Generally, the effects of CBD oil will last between two and six hours. But again this is hard to determine depending on how much you take, how you take it and your body too.
Will CBD oil show up on a drug test?
CBD shouldn’t really show up on a drug test, as there should only be trace amounts of THC in it. THC is the psychoactive compound of marijuana that gives you a high feeling.
However, it’s worth noting that whilst your quality CBD product should only contain trace amounts of THC, depending on the composition and the quality of the product, it could still possibly show up on a drug test.
If you’re concerned about this, it’s worth knowing about the different types of CBD products that you can choose to buy.
Full-spectrum CBD - CBD products that are full spectrum are made with all of the naturally-occurring compounds from the plant that they are extracted from, this includes THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD - This is a product similar to full-spectrum CBD, however, there is a product that eliminates THC from it.
CBD isolate - This will only contain CBD and no other naturally occurring compounds.
How long does CBD oil last once opened?
Typically a bottle of CBD oil will last from around 14 months to two years, however, this can vary depending on the quality of the product and how you store it.
Storing it with access to direct sunlight and excess heat can cause your CBD product to deteriorate at a more rapid rate.
Like all botanical products, CBD has an expiration date, which should be stated on your bottle or box. Over time it will lose potency, and then the product will go bad. If you continue to take it past its expiration, then you may get sick as a result.
Why is CBD oil so expensive?
If you’ve just begun looking into CBD oil and all its benefits, you might be shocked when you see the prices of some of the products. A popular question is, why is CBD oil so expensive? It all comes down to the long and labouring process of production. It starts with the cultivation of the marijuana plant which has to be grown and farmed. It’s likely that the CBD product that you’re taking will have been imported from a country where it is legal to grow marijuana, here you’ll need to factor in transportation too.
CBD also needs to be extracted from the cannabis plant too, which requires labour and equipment to do so, and then it needs to be purified.
Whilst you may think you’re paying a lot for your CBD product, the fact is, if you’re buying a quality oil then the cost is easily explained. If you’re thinking about buying a cheap CBD oil, then you should really think about what makes it so cheap, because it’s likely that you won’t get the same effect as a quality product.
]]>Quality hemp tea is made using the hemp plant, so you’ll benefit from the effects of CBD whilst enjoying a relaxing cup of tea.
With the rise of hemp and CBD in the wellness industry, there are plenty of questions to be answered, if you’re unsure of what exactly hemp tea is and the benefits it has, read on why you might want to consider it next time you sit down for a cuppa.
Hemp tea is in fact tea made with hemp, allowing you to benefit from the multiple benefits of CBD whilst enjoying a cup of tea at the same time.
CBD comes in many different forms these days, and hemp tea is just one of the ways to enjoy it. The ease of making a cup of hemp tea is another big benefit of it.
The hemp plant is a species of Cannabis Sativa, whilst they may be related to the marijuana plant, there is one notable difference, hemp contains little to no amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound.
Hemp tea is another type of herbal tea that is brewed from the hemp plant. There are many different flavour options to choose from.
There are numerous types of CBD tea on the market, made in different ways. Some you’ll find that hemp oil is extracted from the plant and then infused into the tea leaves.
Other ways you’ll find that hemp tea flowers, the flowers from the hemp plant, have been dried. This way you’ll get all of the rich terpenes and compounds from the plant in your tea. It’s harder to determine CBD levels using this product, as it’s a natural product, no two batches will be the same.
Hemp tea is another easy and convenient way to consume your daily dose of CBD. If oil tinctures, vaping or edibles aren’t to your taste, or you’d like another way of consuming CBD, then hemp tea might just be the option for you.
Hemp tea has a broad spectrum of cannabinoids, and people have reported multiple benefits after drinking it.
No, drinking hemp tea will not make get you high. Hemp contains less than 0.3% of THC, the psychoactive compound, so whilst you may feel more relaxed after drinking a cup of hemp tea, it won’t give you a ‘high’ feeling.
Yes, hemp tea is legal as it contains only trace amounts of THC in it. As always with CBD products, it is best to buy from a reputable seller to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that is grown legally and safely.
Hemp tea is free from caffeine and rich in antioxidants, making it a great choice for you to consume daily. Here are the different benefits to drinking hemp tea:
Reduce anxiety - Hemp tea with CBD has anxiolytic effects, helping to increase calmness whilst regulating your mood.
Alleviate chronic pain - Hemp tea produces endocannabinoids, these will help to reduce pain naturally.
Reduce inflammation - CBD has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.
Ease nausea - Thanks to the cannabinoids in hemp tea, drinking this will help to relieve nausea, as well as reduce muscle cramps in the stomach.
Boost heart health - thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp tea you can boost your heart health by drinking it.
Does hemp tea help you sleep?
There has been some research that suggests that CBD can help boost the quality of your sleep, and people have suggested that it activates the sleep hormone to help you fall asleep too. However, there is limited research in this area to definitively state that it will help you sleep.
Hemp tea is free from caffeine, however, so this can be beneficial to helping you get and stay asleep.
There are various ways to make and enjoy hemp tea at home, it all depends on the product you buy.
The important thing to remember is that you’ll need to use hot water to activate the CBD molecules. However, if ice tea is more to your taste, then you can simply leave it to cool after pouring in the hot water.
This recipe for CBD Flower Chai Latte is one of our favourite ways to enjoy hemp tea.
Hemp tea is readily available from a number of different retailers, however, it’s important that you take the time to ensure that they are a reputable seller with high-quality products. Take time to research and find the right product for you.
Can you smoke hemp tea?
It is possible to smoke or vaporise hemp tea, however, it’s not recommended that you do so.
]]>Hemp has been used for thousands of years for numerous uses including medicine, textiles and food. It was in around 2,700 BC that people in China began cultivating hemp. Then around 2,200 years ago it began to expand across Europe. Humans have used hemp in many different ways, and these days you’re most likely to see it used and marketed in the wellness industry.
Here we give you a simple guide to what hemp is and what it can be used for.
Hemp is cultivated for many different uses, with different parts of the part used for a variety of items. Hemp is used in fabric, foods, rope, health products and more.
Hemp seeds are edible, plus they offer a variety of nutritional benefits too. With high levels of fibre, both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein and other chemicals too. Fatty acids are great for heart health and skin health too.
Hemp is often confused with marijuana, simply because they’re both species of the cannabis plant. However, hemp only contains small trace amounts of THC, whereas marijuana contains higher levels which makes people ‘high’.
If a cannabis plant wants to be legally classified as a hemp plant, then it must contain no more than 0.3% THC when dried. Other cannabis plants will typically contain at least 5% THC but this can go up to 30% too.
The plant species Cannabis Sativa, of which hemp is part of, contains nearly 500 natural components, of which more than 100 are grouped together as compounds called cannabinoids.
The most widely known, and researched cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Whilst hemp contains trace amounts of THC, they contain high amounts of CBD.
Hemp oil isn’t the same thing as CBD oil. Hemp oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant, whereas CBD oil is made is extracted from the hemp plant.
Hemp seed oil can be used in cooking, as well as other things, and boasts a variety of nutritional benefits.
It depends on the hemp you’re taking about when it comes to benefits. The hemp seed boasts many nutritional benefits from the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, protein, fibre and magnesium.
However, in terms of the hemp plant being used in CBD products, there still isn’t enough research to conclusively prove that it is an effective treatment for medical conditions. There have been some small-scale trials that have suggested that hemp can be used as a remedy for different illnesses including:
Again this depends on the form that you’re taking it in, whether that’s the whole seed or through the use of hemp CBD products, but side effects may include:
For people who are pregnant and breastfeeding there hasn’t been enough research to suggest that it is safe for consumption, so please steer clear if you are either of the above. Also if you’re taking prescription medications then it is best to consult your doctor before you use CBD products to ensure that they don’t interfere with what you’re prescribed.
Industrial hemp is used in more than 25,000 products, proving that the fibres in the hemp stalk are used in many different ways.
Products that you’ll find that contain hemp include:
Hemp is used in a variety of different ways in the world, from cooking with it, to ingesting it in the form of CBD products. There has been limited research to indicate just how beneficial CBD products are to our health, but many anecdotal accounts of how it has helped with a variety of medical problems. The best advice if you’re looking to start taking CBD products is to buy from a reputable seller, buy high-quality products and start with small doses.
]]>Hemp and marijuana are often put together in the same category by unknowing people, and whilst they are both types of cannabis plants, they look different, are used for different things, and have very different effects on the body.
Hemp vs Marijuana - what is the difference? We’re here to lay out the facts of both so you know exactly what is you’re looking for when it comes to buying hemp or any other products created from the cannabis plant.
Hemp is from the species of plant Cannabis sativa, and this particular strain of the plant will always contain less than 0.3% of THC. THC, shortened for tetrahydrocannabinoil, is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis sativa plant.
Marijuana is any strain that contains more than 0.3% of THC by dried weight. Marijuana is often thought of as ‘weed’, basically, any cannabis that will get you high.
The THC levels in cannabis plants is different from plant to plant, with certain strains being bred to have higher levels of THC.
Cannabis plants mainly fall into three catergories, Sativa, Indica or Ruderalis.
You might be surprised to learn that historically industrial hemp has been used for things like shoes, clothing, carpets, rope and paper.
There are specially grown varieties of hemp that have been cultivated with low THC levels and high CBD levels in order to be used in the wellness industry and make a number of different CBD products.
This depends entirely on the setting it’s used in, recreational users of marijuana use it to gain the high that is so often associated with cannabis. Thanks the high levels of THC it’s relatively easy to gain the europhic feeling. And while it is used recreationally, it is also used medicinally too. In these cases it is often used for things like pain, epilepsy and glaucoma.
When you look at hemp and marijuana on first glance you’d think that it could be the same plant, however on closer inspection you’ll notice that there are some differences.
Hemp plants at slim and tall, and the leaves follow that same pattern with a slimmer look compared to marijuana leaves. The hemp plant colour varies too, with some in a light green shade, whilst others can have a grey tinge to them.
Hemp plants tend to have a concentrated amount of leaves at the top, with sparse branches near the bottom. What’s more they can grow to be up to 20 feet tall.
Marijuana plants look different to hemp as they tend to be short and bushy with a dense amount of leaves all over. The leaves themselves also have a broad body.
CBD, full name Cannabidiol, is found in both marijuana and hemp. However, it’s easier to extract CBD from the hemp plant.
It is possible to make tinctures and oils from either plant, and the important thing to note when you’re looking at purchasing these products is that mostly CBD products are made from hemp, whilst one made from marijuana will be labelled as cannabis oil/tincture.
It’s unlikely that you’ll find any of these products available to buy legally, as anything over the government’s guidelines of 0.3% of THC is not deemed a legal product in the UK.
Whilst hemp and marijuana may both come from cannabis plants, there’s little else that connects them. Though they may look the same, which is probably why there is so much confusion between the two, they work in very different ways. Know the difference is vital when you’re considering buying CBD products, ensuring that you get the right item for you and your needs.
]]>CBD, full name Cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds that are found in cannabis and hemp. CBD is just one of the hundreds of these compounds, another popular one that you’re likely to have heard of is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The short answer is that CBD won’t get you high. Even though it comes from cannabis, CBD products that you buy from reputable retailers are made with little to no THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that results in a euphoric feeling when ingested.
Whilst CBD won’t get you high, it boasts a whole other range of benefits which has made it a popular choice for boosting wellness.
There is little medical research detailing the effects of CBD, most of the feedback on the effects of it comes from users. But it’s pretty unanimous that CBD has a relaxing and calming effect when it is used.
Other effects that have been noted include reducing pain, helping people to sleep better, as well as easing symptoms related to anxiety and depression.
But these effects can’t be associated with every use. And whilst it may work for some, there are possible side effects that may effect others. These side effects include:
It’s also important to note that CBD should not be taken with some prescribed medications. So it’s vital you discuss this with your doctor before taking CBD if you are regularly taking medication.
CBD and THC work in different ways, despite the fact that they both impact the cannabinoid type 1 receptors in the brain. THC will bind with the receptorsm this activated them and results in a feeling of euphoria, sometimes also referred to as a high.
CBD will however barely bind with the receptors. This stops any kind of high from occurring. It’s likely that if you took THC and CBD together, you wouldn’t feel the high effect as much as if you were to take THC alone.
Whilst taking CBD won’t give you a high so to speak, if you are taking a good quality CBD that contains small amounts of THC it can be detected in urine or hair tests.
Full spectrum CBD products contain a wide range of molecules, rather than just CBD, and THC is likely to be one of these molecules. So if you’re concerned about failing a drug test for any reason, it might be worth considering alternative solutions to CBD.
There are many different types of CBD products on the market that you can purchase, here we run through them.
Oils and tinctures - CBD oils are probably one of the most popular forms of CBD. This is because they’re easy to take and they can be easily absorbed in the body. This means you’ll feel the effects more quickly.
Simply place the CBD oil or tincture under your tongue and let it sit for a minute or so and get to work.
Capsules - CBD capsules or pills are another form that you might like to try. They’re easily taken, just as you might with any other pill or supplement. The main thing to note is that you won’t feel the effects as quickly as you would with an oil as it takes longer for the body to absorb the CBD when its in this form.
Creams - CBD-infused creams are becoming increasingly popular. They’re designed to help as a topical relief for joint or muscle pain. It’s also claimed to help with skin issues like acne or eczema, however, there is little scientifc evidence to support this.
Edibles - CBD gummies are just one of the forms you might find CBD in an edible format, but there are even chocolates and cookies with CBD infused in them. CBD oil is an acquired taste, so it might take some time getting used to it, by ingesting it in your favourite snacks and drinks you’re enjoying the things you love whilst reaping the benefits of CBD.
Drinking it - Hemp tea is another great way to enjoy the effects of CBD, and also benefit from the enjoyment of a cup of tea too. There are even beers and wines on the market with CBD infused in them.
Final note
CBD doesn’t get you high, if you want to enjoy the benefits of CBD products without the worry of getting high then make sure you buy products that contain little to no THC in them, which is what all legal products in the UK must adhere to.
]]>Whilst some of these weed strains have been classics for many years with influence coming from Europe, there are some popular strains that have come from the US with innovative hybrids making waves in the industry.
Here we take a look at the best weed strains you’ll find in the UK today.
The Stardawg flower is a hybrid bud that offers an earthy taste. There are sour notes within the bud, most commonly coming through is diesel, sesame and pistachio.
This is a great option for use in the night, as feedback suggests it helps to relax you quickly.
With citrus notes and a real sweetness about it, Super Lemon Haze is a great choice for those who’d like to avoid more eathy tastes. This strain has been around for years and is a popular product for good reason. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for something a little different from their weed strain.
A hybrid strain that comes from California, and it’s become a staple strain in the UK because it’s easy to grow, quick to grow and is adaptable for different environments.
Gelato can have a smooth and creamy taste that often is compared to ice cream, hence the name.
The crystal-like leaves of the Gelato strain offer a sustained high when you use it.
The Biscotti strain is widely popular thanks to its notes of biscuit and walnut. The sweet and earthy strain typically is made with high levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, helping to deliver a relaxing effect that is said to help with minimising chronic pain as well as helping with insomnia too.
White Widow is a classic strain that has been around for years and is still a highly popular option. It’s incredibly popular as it’s easily grown. White Widow was created from a cross of a Brazilian Sativa Landrace and a South Indian Indica strain. Since the 90s it’s become a popular choice for both day and nighttime enjoyment.
White Widow is so named, as at the end of the flowering time, it develops a coating of white trichome crystals which give a beautiful effect.
Northern Lights is another strain that has been around for a while and is still much loved. Again, it’s quick and easy to grow, with the ability to grow it in both indoor and outdoor environments. It’s a strain you’ll need to watch closely as it grows though, because it has been known to develop mould.
Northern Lights is created from Afghanistan and Thai strains, so you can expect a fruity taste with spicy aromas coming through. The effects of this weed strain are calming making it a favourite amongst though looking to help ease stress and anxiety.
Girl Scout Cookies originated in California and is so named after the cookies that are sold by Girl Scouts all over America.
It takes around 14 weeks to grow Girl Scout Cookies and the strain offers a fresh flavour.
The effects are what make this strain such a popular choice, with a long-lasting joyful high.
Blue Cheese is a well-round Indica and Sativa strain, making it a great option for both morning and evening use. This strain has a fruity taste and is easily grown inside with crops available in just eight weeks.
Amnesia Haze is another one of the best weed strains in the UK. This weed strain gives off a lemony smell with an earthy taste that’s layered with sharp, tangy notes.
The effect of Amnesia Haze is an elated and energetic feeling, making it a great option for those looking to quell feelings of depression or anxiety.
Gorilla Glue is a weed strain that’s not designed for newcomers. It’s a strong strain that comes from America and has exported itself around the world.
This strain has a sour and earthy taste, with notes of chocolate and coffee peeking through.
Gorilla Glue has a happy and relaxing effect on the user, with people reporting it’s great for helping to alleviate pain and stress.
]]>We take a look into the ways that people claim CBD has benefitted them and take a look at what research backs this up.
CBD is a compound that is found in a hemp plant. CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is legal in the UK.
The hemp plant which is grown for use of CBD products will always be high in CBD and low in THC, another compound that gets you high. As THC is only present in very minuscule amounts, CBD products can be used and enjoyed without the intoxicating effects of THC.
CBD is marketed as a tool to help with a variety of medical conditions, but without having the effects you’d get from THC. There have been some small-scale studies carried out in recent years looking into the uses and effects of the compound, but there is stil so much work to do, especially with long-term studies.
It’s important to note that in the UK CBD is sold as a food supplement when ingested and not for medical use. Topically applied CBD products are labelled as cosmetic and will therefore have to meet the stringent rules set out by the cosmetics industry.
Some people have suggested that CBD effectiveness relates more to a placebo effect rather than actually having a direct impact on your health and wellbeing.
However, Yasmin Hurd, who is the director of Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai and led a double blind study, insists it is not a scam. The study of 42 recovering heroin addicts found that CBD helped to reduce cravings for the drug, as well as anxiety related to not taking it.
Good, quality sleep benefits our health in so many ways, but lots of people struggle to get a decent amount each night. The positive effects that CBD has on sleep could be linked to CBD regulating cortisol, a stress hormone which can impact the types of sleep cycles you go through.
A study in 2019 that investigated using CBD to treat anxiety found that 70% of the users reported that their sleep was improved in the first month, this study also found that for 80% of the users their anxiety had improved too.
The calming effect of CBD is one of the main reasons why it’s gained so much popularity over recent years. A study from 2017 in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry tested 57 men, some were given a placebo, whilst others were dosed different amounts and a public speaking event was simulated. Those who were dosed with 300mg of CBD before the test recorded reduced anxious feelings compared to those who got the placebo.
CBD has been shown to reduce chronic pain and inflammation in the body and it’s thought to be down to how CBD interacts with endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signalling system in the body. CBD helps endocannabinoids to react in the right way when it comes to pain and inflammation, allowing it to regulate certain processes in the body.
Rearch carried out on humans has found that CBD can help to lower cravings for heroin and tobacco. Further research carried out on animals also suggests that it can help with cravings for alcohol and other drugs, but research is yet to be done on humans for this.
A study of 177 people who didn’t get pain relief from medication for their cancer-related pain where given doses of CBD and THC to see the effect it would have. Those who were given doses with both compounds were found to have a less pain that those who were only given doses of THC.
However, other studies have had mixed results. It’s important to note that anyone with cancer looking to take CBD alongside their treatments, must speak to their doctor as it may interfere with medication you’re taking.
There has been numerous research studies to find out the effects that CBD has on heart health, including whether or not it’s beneficial in lowering high blood pressure.
A small study of just nine men found that those given a 600mg dose of CBD oil had a reduced resting blood pressure compared with those who were given the placebo.
]]>Brownies are the ultimate in indulgent treats, gooey, chocolatey and delicious, they’re hard to resist. Add in CBD and you’ve got yourself a snack that will work to benefit you in many different ways.
CBD boasts multiple benefits and by adding it to your brownie recipe you’ll get the mood-boosting effect that comes with enjoying the food you love.
Here we share the best CBD brownies recipe to allow you to reap the rewards of CBD in your lifestyle with the added deliciousness of rich brownies.
Cooking with CBD oil has many pros that you might want to consider. First up, they taste a million times better than simply ingesting CBD oil under your tongue. Whilst you do get used to the CBD taste after a while, you can’t deny that you’d enjoy it much more wrapped up in your favourite foods.
Cooking with CBD oil makes it much more convenient to take it whilst you’re on the go too. It can be easy to forget to drop the oil in your mouth when you’re busy. But in all likelihood you’re not going to forget to eat all day, so you’ll keep your CBD levels topped up throughout the day with CBD snacks.
What’s more, taking CBD in your food is a much more conspicuous way of ingesting it. If you’re at work or out and about, you might feel self-conscious dispensing oil under your tongue, but no one is going to look twice at you eating food.
It’s important to remember that you might not feel the effects of CBD by eating it in foods as quickly as you would by ingesting it. So keep this in mind when you’re eating food that contains CBD. Your metabolism may also play a part in reducing the effects of the CBD, so it might take some practice with getting the dosages right for you.
Cooking with CBD is relatively straightforward, meaning you can enjoy your favourite food and snacks whilst benefiting from the effects of CBD.
The most notable thing about cooking with CBD is finding the right dosage for you.
If you’re making a meal just for yourself, then simply add in the amount of CBD you would typically take in one dose.
If you’re making a batch of food, like these brownies, you’ll need to add in enough CBD to ensure that you get a full dose in each part of the food that you eat.
As an example, if you take 10mg of CBD each day and you’re making a batch of eight brownies, then you’ll need to add 80mg to the entire mixture and mix it around evenly. When you cut up the brownies into eight pieces there should roughly be 10mg in each piece.
Get the unsalted butter and dark chocolate into a bowl, break the chocolate up into small pieces, and cut the butter into cubes so it breaks down more easily.
Now use a saucepan of hot water on low heat and place the bowl so it rests on the pan, you’re aiming to melt the chocolate and butter together. You could melt them in the microwave, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Let the chocolate and butter mixture cool down. Get the oven on ready to warm up, you’ll place the pan on the middle shelf and you want the temperature set to 180C/160C Fan/gas mark 4. Line a shallow baking tin with baking paper.
Over another bowl sieve the plain flour and cocoa powder into it, ensuring you get rid of any lumps.
Chop the white chocolate and milk chocolate into small chunks.
In another bowl mix the eggs with the golden caster sugar. If you’re able to use an electric mixer to whisk together, it can take at least three minutes. Obviously much longer if you’re whisking by hand. When it’s ready it’ll be pale, thick and creamy and the volume of the mixture will have almost doubled in size.
When this mixture is ready, pour in the cooled chocolate mixture and fold together. Be slow and gentle with the mixture till you get a dark brown colour.
Next sieve in the cocoa and flour mixture and fold it together. It might take a while, but you’ll get a fudgy mixture. Here is where you’ll want to add in your CBD oil too. Make sure you take your time to spread it evenly throughout the mixture.
Stir in the milk and white chocolate chunks. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin.
It’s now ready for the oven, bake for 25 minutes.
Let the brownies cool completely before you try taking them out of the tin. Once out, cut them up into your desired sizes, making sure they roughly have your daily dose of CBD in them.
Once you’ve cut your brownies into the serving size, wrap them individually in tin foil. They will keep in the fridge for two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months.
If you want to jazz up the recipe, there are multiple add-ins you mix into the CBD brownies recipe, such as chopped hazelnuts or walnuts, a swirl of nut butter or jam, pieces of your favourite chocolate bars, the choice is endless.
The great thing about eating this CBD brownies recipe is that you can enjoy something delicious with the added benefit of supporting your wellness with CBD oil. They can help promote relaxation and give you the opportunity to sit back and relieve yourself from everyday life stresses.
]]>CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant. There are over one hundred chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, the most well known being CBD and THC. THC, also called tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound that has psychoactive effects, basically, it’s this part of the cannabis plant that gets you high.
CBD oil is used for many different things, and users have noted that it does offer a calming and relaxing effect, helping with things like anxiety and stress.
Yes, it’s legal for you to take CBD products onto a plane with you. That being said, it must meet the requirements set out by UK law to fall into the legal category. This means that it should not contain more than 1mg of THC and the CBD product is certified as a food supplement.
If you have been prescribed your CBD product by a doctor, then it’s best practice to carry your prescription for the CBD just to ensure that you have it with you if you come across any questions from authorities.
The choice is yours whether you opt to carry your CBD product in your hand luggage, some people prefer to have it with them to use throughout the flight if they’re nervous fliers or they have set times when they ingest the supplement.
It’s important to remember that you can’t carry liquids more than 100ml and they must be secured in a clear plastic bag.
So long as you buy your CBD product from a legal seller and it meets the UK law requirements it is legal to travel with CBD oil to the UK.
UK borders and domestic airport security don’t seem to have issues with bringing CBD oil back into the UK, however, the international destination you are travelling from might have different regulations and have restrictions in place. It’s important that you know the specific rules and laws that are in place for the country that you are travelling to or from.
When asking the question, can I travel with CBD oil, it all depends on the destination that you’re travelling to. Provided your products meet the UK requirements it’s fine for you to travel out and into the UK. However, the country you’re travelling to might have a completely different set of rules.
It’s important that you take the time to find out whether or not CBD is legal in the country you’re going to.
The places where CBD is illegal include: Belgium, China, Egypt, India, Russia and the United States - however, it is legal in some states in the US, so you’d have to check their particular laws in detail.
There are also some countries where CBD is legal, however, it requires a prescription so it’s best to ensure that you have this with you if you’re travelling to the following places: Australia, Denmark, New Zealand and Norway.
Other countries to take note of are those where CBD is legal, but it must not contain any THC, these are: Japan, Sweden and Ukraine.
If you’re planning on travelling with CBD products it’s always best to check with the country that you’re travelling to, you can speak to immigration or even the airline that you’re travelling with to get the most up to date information.
If you’re travelling with destination stops on the way, you’ll also have to take into consideration their rules and laws too, not just that of your final destination. You might well just be in the airport changing flights, but you will still have to adhere to their local laws.
Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are two different strains of cannabis, and whilst they share similarities there are some differences that can be found that relate to the effect they have on you.
When researching CBD, it’s benefits and uses, it’s important that you look into the two different strains and what that means you get from your CBD product.
When shopping for CBD products you’re likely to find items that contain either one of the two strains or a mixture of them both, a hybrid.
Here we take a look at the similarities and differences of these strains of cannabis, and help you determine which is the best for you - Indica or Sativa?
It’s easy to distinguish between the two plants as they look different from each other, with different heights, branch patterns and even the shape of the leaves.
The indica plant is shorter than the sativa, they’re short, bushy and have broad, dark green leaves. This plant grows more quickly compared to sativa plants.
The sativa plants have a longer stalk, with a slimmer look overall. The leaves are thinner compared to the indica and they have a lighter green colour, they take longer to mature compared with other cannabis plants too. Cannabis sativa plants have adapted to be grown in hot, dry climates and are usually found in Africa, Asia and Central America.
Both plants have big differences when it comes to their aroma, which is determined by the terpenes, a chemical compound in the plant. These terpenes determine the smell and taste of the plant. Sativas are often described as spicy, sweet and fruity, whilst indicas are associated with more earthy scents.
The cannabis plant is made up of more than 100 chemical compounds, the two most well-known compounds are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
When looking at the chemistry of the indica and sativa strains, the most noteworthy difference to make is that the CBD/THC ratio is higher in the sativa strain than it is in the indica strain. Typically, sativa strains of the plant will have higher levels of THC and lower amounts of CBD.
It has to be made clear that there is little scientific research to support the different effects of the two strains of the cannabis plant. A lot of this information is gathered from people sharing insights on the internet and other such things.
An internet survey, which only questioned 95 people, was put together by the Western University of Health Sciences, to look at the different effects of the indica and sativa strains. Below are some of the standout differences as noted by the marijuana users:
It needs pointing out that there is much research that needs to be done on the treatment of illnesses with cannabis and in the UK the use of CBD is only intended as a food supplement.
Here we take a further look into the indica strain of the cannabis plant. This plant originates from the Middle East and has adapted to the harsh and dry climate of the area, you’ll find it in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and Tibet.
The indica plant typically has a higher CBD level than the sativa plant. But looking at this plant on its own, the ratio of CBD to THC is very similar.
This plant is often described as a pain reliever, which offers users a relaxing high. Medical marijuana is often associated with hybrid forms of this strain. It’s also been said to be used to help to reduce nausea, as well as increase appetites.
Some users suggest that it's best to use an indica strain in the evening because of the relaxing effect it has.
The sativa plant can be found in warmer climates, with long sunny days. Typically the sativa plants will have more amounts of THC compared with the amount of CBD in them.
Generally, people perceive the sativa plants to be more energising and help to reduce anxiety. If you use a sativa dominant strain, you’re more likely to feel creative and productive, as opposed to the relaxed feeling you’d get from an indica plant. This is why it is suggested to use strains of sativa in the daytime as opposed to in the evening. Sativa is also said to help people who suffer from depression, nausea, headaches and even loss of appetite.
Hybrid strains are a combination of indica and sativa plants. They were created to help balance out the effects of the plant, as well as help them to grow more quickly and get a better crop too.
It’s common for cannabis growers to produce new strains of plants, giving them a unique selling point. These plants will of course look different and it will depend on which plant they have been produced from.
How will you choose the right product for you, will it be indica or sativa? Well, there are certain things you might want to consider before you make a decision.
Start easy - you’ll find when you’re shopping for CBD products that there are different amounts of CBD in the items. You’ll want to start small and build up a tolerance for it. If you go in with a high-strength product it might be too potent if you’ve never used CBD before.
What do you want to achieve? Are you trying to reduce your anxiety, treat insomnia or help boost your energy levels? When you determine what you want from the use of CBD you’ll be able to decide on indica or sativa.
Consider your health - If you’re taking any prescribed medication then you’ll need to speak with your GP as to whether or not they think CBD products would in fact help with your condition. It might be that they react with a medication that you’re already taking which would be counterproductive and a waste of money.
Different products - There are now numerous ways that you can take CBD, with different methods allowing you to feel the effects more quickly. Whether you’d like to ingest it orally under the tongue with an oil, drink it in a delicious tea, or apply it topically to areas of pain, each method should be considered to find the right one for you.
The choice of indica or sativa is completely up to you, hopefully, this will help you to determine which strain of the plant is the best for what you’d like to achieve through the use of CBD.
]]>CBD has become more mainstream with people arguing on both sides of the coin as to whether it’s actually beneficial to our health.
But never mind it benefitting our health, is CBD legal in the UK?
CBD is a cannabinoid, one of more than 100 different chemical compounds that are found in the cannabis plant. The most well-known compounds found in the cannabis plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is a compound that has psychoactive effects, allowing for the ‘high’ that users will feel. THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
As there are low levels of THC found in CBD you won’t get that high feeling when you ingest it, and it’s now possible to even get a prescription oil made from CBD.
In short, the answer is yes. CBD products must meet a very stringent set of requirements in order for them to legally be sold in the UK.
The Home Office will issue a license for those looking to cultivate hemp, which is the flower that you’ll find in CBD products. Hemp contains very little amounts of the psychoactive THC. To be issued a license from the Home Office you must only cultivate hemp with the use of the mature stalk, fibre or seeds of the plant. Whilst this might seem like plenty, in actual fact, there is little CBD in these parts of the plant. This is of course a problem for the industry, as most of the CBD can be found in the leaves and flowers of the plant. However, this part of the plant must be destroyed and it results in an uneconomical crop.
To get around this though, CBD can be imported from other countries where the cultivation of the whole plant is legal. This is why you might find that perfectly legal retailers of CBD will have used hemp farmers from France, Portugal, Guernsey and other select countries.
For CBD oil to be legal in the UK, the Home Office also states that THC must not be easily separated from the CBD.
In 2015 the first cannabis-based medicine was available under prescription. However, most of the CBD products we see on the market are classed as food supplements or skincare if applied topically.
The CBD products that are sold at Natural Strains are not medicines, and they’re not intended to treat or cure ailments or diseases.
For those who would like to use CBD as treatment or to help with the management of a health condition, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor who can advise as to whether it would be beneficial for you.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it’s not recommended that you use CBD. Also, if you’re already taking medication prescribed to you, then before taking CBD you must speak with your GP.
CBD has been used in many different ways for different reasons for multiple years now. Recently a report by the World Health Organisation in 2017 found that CBD could help with a number of different health conditions, these things included Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer symptoms, diabetes complications, pain, depression and anxiety too.
A recent study has even linked the use of CBD to healthy weight loss. The research published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry journal found that it could be linked to causes of ‘fat browning’ which turns dangerous white fat into hardworking brown fat cells. These brown fat cells produce heat in the body, which can burn extra calories to aid weight loss.
CBD products are not the same as medicinal cannabis. This is because it is illegal for brands to sell items with higher levels of THC. THC is a controlled substance, this is only available through prescription. It was only in 2015 that medicines containing cannabis were available in the UK through prescription.
Is CBD legal in the UK? It is and it’s important to know that CBD won’t get you high, and there aren’t any restrictions as to when you can use it, such as taking CBD and driving. It’s important however that you purchase your CBD products from high quality and reputable suppliers who adhere to the legal requirements to sell and produce CBD products.
As long as the CBD products you purchase and use meet the requirements set out by the Home Office then you can legally take CBD in the UK. There are numerous brands on the market with plenty of different product types to choose from, such as oils, tea, sprays and capsules.
The Food Standard Agency recommends that vulnerable groups should not take CBD and healthy adults should limit themselves to no more than 70mg each day. This amount should only be adjusted according to a doctor.
It’s important that you check the packaging of your CBD products to guarantee that you take the right dosage.
Is CBD legal in the UK? Yes, it is, so that means you’ll be fine to travel within the UK with CBD. However, if you’re travelling overseas then it’s best to check with the country that you’re travelling to as different countries will treat CBD products differently.
If you are travelling through multiple countries, then you’ll need to check with each of them as the legislation could be different for each and every one.
China and Russia have banned the use of CBD and in the US it can vary from state to state, look it up if you want to guarantee that you’re not breaking any laws.
CBD is legal in the UK, so there are many different retailers out there that you can purchase CBD from. But it’s important that you ensure you’re not buying from someone who is claiming to make miracles happen with their CBD products.
You want a reputable retailer, like Natural Strains, it’s important to look at the quality of the product ensuring that there are adequate amounts of CBD in the product otherwise you’ll be spending more to garner any effect.
CBD is classed as a food supplement for the products that you ingest, and skincare for those items that you apply topically. There are regulations that must be followed when CBD products are produced and sold in the UK. As CBD is not a medicine, it is not regulated as medicines are. However, there are quality control and processes that manufacturers must adhere to. When you’re buying a CBD, always look to a reputable company and ensure that if you’re taking any other medication that you speak to your GP before taking CBD.
]]>Hemp is a botanical herb that you’ll find in many different items including protein powder, CBD oil, dairy-free milk, clothing and much more. Today we’re looking at hemp flower tea, how to make it, the benefits of drinking it and much more.
Hemp flower products are making a powerful impact in the health and wellness industry with plenty of people touting the benefits of the hemp flower.
Whilst it can be used in many different forms, we’re here to look at drinking it by making a delicious tea that boasts not only physical benefits but mental benefits too - sipping a warming cup of tea is the best way to end a stressful day - right?!
THC is a cannabinoid that has psychoactive effects, by nature you’ll find that the hemp flower has very low levels of THC.
You’ll likely feel more calm and relaxed after drinking a cup of hemp tea, but if you were to drink a cup of tea with high levels of THC you’re likely to experience feelings of paranoia or anxiety.
Drinking tea alone boasts many benefits. There are plenty of different types of tea on the market that you can enjoy and thanks to their antioxidant properties, vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties you’ll also see health benefits.
When you add CBD hemp flower you’re boosting those health benefits with the therapeutic effects of the hemp flower.
CBD is also known for helping to alleviate anxiety, as well as lessening pain in certain ailments. This of course comes down to the person drinking the tea, and the amount of hemp that is found in the cup.
Drinking your CBD in a cup of tea is a great choice for those who don’t like the taste of CBD alone, with the addition of tea you’ll mask the taste of CBD and enjoy a cup of tea in the process.
Get a better night’s sleep - the relaxing benefits of CBD have been scientifically proven. A study from 2019 found that sleep had improved for more than 66% of patients in the study after a month of taking CBD. Drink your CBD with a chamomile or peppermint tea to help enhance the relaxing benefits of CBD.
Boost skin’s health - CBD has been found to have strong antioxidant properties, these antioxidants can help to fight the free radicals which can damage our skin’s health over time, causing wrinkles and ageing effects.
Typically there are two different methods to make your tea, you will either steep the hemp tea flower in water, much like you would a herbal tea. Or you can add your CBD oil or tincture to your favourite cups of tea and enjoy it that way.
Our Perfectly Ground Hemp Tea Flower is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the benefits of CBD tea. You can buy this tea flower in a selection of five different strains, White Widow, Gelato, Strawberry, OG Kush and Super lemon haze. Please note that they each come with different percentages of CBD.
To make your cup of hemp flower tea you’ll need a tea infuser and of course a kettle to boil the water. Measure your tea into the infuser, and once the water has boiled add to the cup with the infuser. It’s best to let the tea steep for at least three minutes.
Once you’ve allowed the flower to infuse the water the final step will help ensure that you get the benefits of the CBD flower. You can do this by adding a dose of fat to your tea, in the form of milk or coconut oil. CBD hemp flower is fat-soluble, so you’ll need the addition of fat to ensure that the body can absorb the CBD and benefit from the properties of the hemp flower.
It might take a little getting used to the taste, but there’s no need to keep it as it is. You can add in ingredients like honey, lemon, cinnamon or sugar to give your CBD tea an additional flavour. Play around with tastes and find out what your favourite way is.
If you already have a favourite CBD oil, but don’t like the taste, or want to try a new way of upping your intake, then you might simply want to add a few drops to your favourite cups of tea. Simply make the tea as you always do and add in your drops, how much depends on you and how long you’ve been taking the tincture.
When making your own hemp flower tea you’ll need hot water to activate CBD molecules. Using the tea flower in a cold brew infusion won’t garner the same effects. However, if hot tea really isn’t your cup of tea, then simply brew it with hot water and let it cool before you drink it.
Add lemon peel, without much white pith, or a cinnamon stick to your cup of tea and keep it in the cup to let the flavours slowly infuse, this method won’t overpower the taste of the tea.
Try different kinds of milk to offer different flavours to your tea, you might find that almond or coconut milk gives your hemp tea a completely different flavour than regular cow’s milk.
It’s unlikely that you’ll see any side effects when drinking hemp tea, however, it’s important to note that you stick with the recommended doses when making your tea. Whilst it isn’t toxic, it can interfere with some medication, so it’s important that if you’re taking regular, prescribed medication that you consult your doctor before starting to enjoy hemp flower tea.
You can drink your hemp flower tea anytime that you like. However, if you’re adding in oil to pre-bought shop teabags and they have caffeine, you’d be best avoiding these later on in the day.
Hemp flower tea is the perfect choice of drink when you’re not feeling your best, as the antioxidants can help boost your wellbeing, and the relaxing and comforting characteristics of a warm cup of tea can work wonders for you too.
There isn’t scientific evidence to support how long after you’ve drunk a cup of CBD tea that you’ll start to feel the effects. It’s likely that’ll take longer than if you were simply ingesting an oil under your tongue. Your liver will have to metabolise what you have ingested along with your hemp flower.
It’s likely that it will take roughly around 30 minutes to an hour for the effects to set it, but it could take up to two hours for some people.
It’s important that you enjoy your cups of hemp flower tea in moderation, even more so if you’re taking CBD in other methods alongside this too. It’s important to keep a record of how much CBD in milligrams you intake daily, and keep track of all of the ways you enjoy the hemp flower. If you’re only ingesting CBD in a cup of tea, then two or three cups a day should be plenty to get a decent dose of the hemp flower. But it’s important to build up how much CBD you intake, so start with just one cup a day and then build it up after a week or more.
]]>That being said, the market is still relatively new, and many customers are still learning the ins and outs of how CBD can work for them. Our guide to the strongest cbd oil in the UK can help anyone looking to learn more about this supplement and find the best option for them in the market.
The strength of the CBD oil you take will differ in terms of its effectiveness and how you feel after taking it. The concentration of the product you ingest is the main factor when it comes to physical effects in your body. So, choosing a 100mg product will give you a smaller dose than that of a 1000mg CBD product. The less CBD that you use the shorter time it will last in your body, and the effectiveness of said product will depend on your own personal tolerance.
Another factor in terms of CBD strength is the amount that you take. When it comes to CBD capsules, you can take a prescribed amount each time, however if you ingest oil through a dropper, you cannot note the exact amount unless you measure it each time. For many, controlling their intake of CBD oil is a way of adding to their supplement regime.
Depending on your tolerance level to CBD oil, you may want to try a stronger CBD oil for a number of reasons, such as upping your dose. The higher your dose, the stronger the effect from CBD will be.
When taking CBD oil you should listen to your body and pay attention to how it makes you feel. This will allow you to make an informed decision on whether or not you should try stronger CBD oil.
Many brands in the UK offer oils from 100mg, ranging up to 3000mg. However, at Natural Strains, we offer some of the strongest CBD oil in the UK at 4000mg. You can shop all of our oils here, and our strongest can be found here.
]]>As the legalization of CBD products in the UK has grown and interest in the supplement has almost tripled, consumers are becoming more and more curious about the origins of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - two compounds commonly found in cannabis plants. But what exactly is the difference between the two, and why is one now legal in the UK while the other remains illegal?
Both hemp and cannabis are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, and CBD can be extracted from both. Legal hemp in the UK must contain a minimal amount of THC in order to be sold, and CBD that has been extracted from the plant can be sold in the form of gels, oils, supplements, flowers and gummies. But what exactly is the main difference between THC and CBD?
Known as Cannabidiol, CBD is a natural compound found in cannabis plants. It’s non-psychoactive and cannot get you high. Many people use it as a supplement for a variety of conditions, but no definitive study has confirmed that CBD is an effective treatment.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also found in cannabis plants, and is the compound responsible for getting you “high”. This is illegal in the UK, and cannot be sold lawfully to anyone.
The main and obvious difference between THC and CBD is the psychoactive compound. Consumed when smoking or ingesting cannabis, this compound is what causes the “high” sensation, and is the THC element of the Cannabis plant. CBD doesn’t have this effect on the human body and brain.
Although both THC and CBD are built the same in terms of molecular structure, the way in which the atoms are arranged in each compound determines how they affect our bodies.
Although both compounds have an effect on our endocannabinoid system, they work differently in our bodies due to their atomic structure and how they bond with our cells. There is still ongoing research into why they have the same chemical structure yet such a different effect on us physically and psychologically.
There is little CBD in marijuana plants and up to 30% of THC. However, each cannabis plant is different in composition, which gives us varying effects when smoked or ingested. There are currently over 100 different variations of the cannabis plant and compounds found within them.
]]>Hemp plants need to be grown under certain conditions and must contain a very low amount of THC. Because of the small amount of THC, hemp is non-psychoactive.
Our CBD Oil is made from 100% organic hemp plants grown in organic soil and combined with a carrier oil (MCT), to ensure that you receive full-spectrum CBD Oil that utilises all of the natural compounds found in the plant.
The process of creating CBD Oil begins by planting the hemp plant. The soil is prepared and tested to ensure that it is organic before the seeds are planted, and the seeds can be planted close together to ensure a great yield with less land use.
Once the hemp is fully grown and it begins to flower, the cannabinoids (what we call CBD) are concatenated to the resin glands. This is when we harvest the plant, and flowers are tested to ensure that they meet the criteria in order to be processed and sold legally within the UK.
After the plants are harvested, they are cured or air-dried in a well-ventilated area to ensure that the process is done correctly. Once they are dried, the flowers (where the resin glands and CBD reside) are stripped for extraction.
This is the process of removing the CBD extract from the resin glands in the hemp plant, and turning it into an ingestible supplement, or a topical cream.
The extraction process can be done in a number of ways, but the end result will always achieve a thick dark oil that is almost black. One extraction method is called ethanol extraction and is achieved by soaking the plant in high grain alcohol.
Another method typically used is called CO2 extraction, which uses carbon dioxide to isolate the CBD at extremely low temperatures. This process requires high-end equipment but is rather effective. Another popular method for extracting CBD oil is oil extraction, and this is when a hemp plant is heated and cooked with a carrier oil that can extract the CBD oil safely.
Once we have the purest form of CBD, we can get to work on creating our products! Shop our products here, and find out more about us here.
]]>Many people swear by CBD Oil to help with their anxiety. One study even suggests that CBD can change the way your receptors in the brain respond to serotonin, which is a chemical that boosts your mood and mental health. If this is the case, then in theory CBD oil could have an effect on stress and anxiety levels. However, no official study has claimed that this is correct.
There have been reports that CBD can be used as treatment for those who suffer from epilepsy. A study conducted in 2016 found that from over 200 people who had 10mg of CBD oil a day, nearly 40% reported that they had fewer seizures per month. Although nearly half reported that the oil helped their condition, 60% of participants noted no change to their epilepsy seizures from taking CBD oil. No official study has concluded that CBD will work for those who suffer from seizures, so always consult your doctor before trying CBD oil as a supplement.
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, MS, and Parkinson’s disease, cause brain function to decrease over time. Depending on their severity, the amount of time degeneration takes can be between months and years. There are studies taking place in the UK and the US to report on the effectiveness of CBD on brain function.
There are current studies being conducted by the National Institutes of Health to confirm whether CBD can be used medically for the likes of pain relating to arthritis, muscle aches and other afflictions. For the time being, however, we’re still very much in the dark on this.
A 2017 study has shown that CBD can aid in lowering blood pressure and alleviating hypertension in certain people. However, you should consult your doctor before using CBD as a supplement alongside your current treatment plan, as this isn’t confirmed by the NHS or other leading health facilities.
As CBD oil is still relatively new to the UK market, there are studies being conducted on its role within our bodies when we take it as a supplement. CBD interacts with the receptors in our body and is non-intoxicating unlike THC, another chemical compound found in marijuana. Until we have an official answer from conclusive studies, we can only trial and error on a personal basis what CBD oil can do for us.
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Although there are many different ways in which you can take CBD oil, the strength of your dose should guide you on the method. A great starting point, especially when it comes to our CBD Oils, is to start with one or two drops under the tongue and hold the liquid for around a minute.
Probably the most well-known method of taking CBD supplements is the tincture. This is a dropper bottle that you can use to drop or spray the CBD oil directly into the mouth. With this method, you drop or spray the CBD oil directly under the tongue (where capillary-rich areas reside) and wait for around a minute for the CBD to reach your bloodstream. Once a minute is up, you swallow the oil and go about your day.
CBD capsules or soft gels are another great way to take CBD oil. Our soft gels are made with organic certified hemp and the glass containers are recyclable. This option is great for anyone looking to measure their doses exactly, but as the oil is ingested through the stomach you may be waiting upwards of 30 minutes in order to feel an effect.
Although e-liquids are not technically oils, this is one method worth mentioning if you vape. CBD liquids are made from hemp plants grown in certified organic soil and produced with a special process that extracts the lipids from the hemp. Shop our range of flavourful CBD e-liquids here.
For some, the taste of CBD Oil can be unappealing. For many, this means turning to vape pens to ingest their desired dosage.
We recommend starting small with your doses. 5mg 3 times a day is ideal for beginners, as you can up the dosage slowly over time to reach your desired intake. Always remember not to take over 70mg a day.
No. The best place to store your oil is in a shaded area away from extreme temperatures. For those wondering how to take CBD oil regularly, you should put your oil in the kitchen or on your bedside table so you can’t miss your dose.
No. There are a number of ways to use CBD Oil, from tinctures to topical balm, you can use this natural ingredient in a number of different ways. It’s best to experiment with different products in order to find out which one works best for you.
]]>Terpenes (often incorrectly referred to as terpinoids) are the compounds found in cannabis plants that dictate the flavour and aroma. They are produced by the same gland that creates cannabinoids and can affect the smell and taste of the individual buds.
Each cannabis strain can have a unique flavour and profile, which is down to the terpenes. When different terpenes work in combination with CBD, it results in a unique experience for the user.
The term 'terpinoids' refers to the compound that is created after terpenes are subjected to a chemical modification - like heating or drying.
Terpenes aren't just found in the cannabis plant, they are also found in some fruits and flowers. Like THC, terpenes are thought to be part of the natural defence of the plant, attracting or repelling insects and their predators with their aromatic properties.
Some of the most common terpenes are: