What is CBD? Your Burning Questions Answered
by Cannaray Wellness Editor, Zara Kenyon
If you’ve ever asked, ‘what is CBD?’, you’ve come to the right place. At Cannaray, we’re not just committed to bringing you the most premium CBD products; we’re pioneering better CBD education, too.
That’s why – with insight from Cannaray’s Chief Science Officer, Gregor Zorn – we’re answering your most pressing CBD questions, covering what it is, where it comes from and how to use it.
Here's what you need to know...
What is CBD?
CBD is a safe and natural food supplement that has grown in popularity hugely in recent years.
It's derived from a natural compound found in hemp plants and is associated with the positive properties of hemp, and none of the more negative properties that can cause intoxicating or psychoactive effects.
Get Started with CBD
Discover our CBD products curated for CBD beginners.
How Do You Know How Much CBD to Take?
This is one of the first questions many people ask about CBD. And the answer? It’s up to you. The right amount of CBD to take is unique to everyone; you just have to listen to your body.
As a general rule, Gregor recommends "you should start low with CBD and gradually adjust your dosage, building up to find a level that works perfectly for you.
That means applying just one full dropper of the CBD Oil Drops underneath your tongue, or taking two CBD Capsules until you feel ready to increase.
Gregor adds, That ‘perfect’ level is the dose that gives you the effects you’re looking for. Just remember to stay within the guidance of a maximum of 70mg per day.
How to Get Started with CBD
With so many ways to use CBD, which one should you try first?
The best way to get started with CBD is by shopping our ready-made CBD Kits or Discovery sized products. Our discovery products are small in size, small in price but big on benefits, they give you a taste of what to expect from your CBD ritual. Here’s the CBD products all beginners need to try...
Discovery CBD Kit: The ultimate CBD oil products for beginners, our CBD Discovery Kit pairs our Bright Days CBD Oil Drops and Night-Time CBD Oil Drops together - both in a handy 10ml trial size.
CBD Starter Kit: Another great option for beginners is our CBD Starter Kit which pairs our Bright Days CBD Oil Drops and juicy CBD Gummies together for a delicious introduction to CBD.
Shop Claudia's CBD Favourites
Not sure where to start with CBD? Discover Claudia Winkleman's current favourite Cannaray CBD products. Shop now.
How Do You Take CBD Oil?
The best way to take CBD oil is to apply it sublingually, which means you squeeze it directly underneath your tongue. Hold it there for around 90 seconds before swallowing, giving time for the CBD oil to absorb as much as possible. Sublingual application allows the CBD to pass through the mucous membrane underneath your tongue, where the CBD can fast-track its way into your bloodstream.
Whilst CBD oils are the most popular way to take CBD supplements, CBD gummies and CBD capsules are a great alternative for easy, pre-measured dosage.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
“Taking CBD doesn't change your consciousness,” explains Gregor.
"This is why CBD has been rising in popularity as a natural supplement across the globe. At present, there is little evidence to date of any unwanted side effects and no evidence of addictions. Therefore if taking CBD can help you as an individual — even though it's effects are still being studied — then you have very little to lose by giving it a try"
How Long Does CBD Stay in the System?
One of the many benefits of CBD is that its long-lasting, namely because it takes a while for the enzymes in your body to metabolise it. There are a number of factors that affect how long CBD stays in your system, including the amount of food you eat, how much CBD you use, how often you use it and, of course, your genetic make-up.
What is CBD Oil Made From?
In a CBD oil, you have the processed CBD extract (taken from hemp plants) and a carrier oil to make it quick and easy to ingest. In the CBD Oil Drops, we use coconut oil – and it is delicious. Plus, because coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, it allows for increased bioavailability. What is CBD bioavailability, you ask? This is the rate at which cannabidiol is absorbed. It plays a key role in delivering the strength and timings you want. The higher the bioavailability, the higher the potency, which is what makes that dose of coconut oil all the more important.
What Does CBD Stand For?
CBD is Short for ‘Cannabidiol’ - but, let’s be honest, CBD is quicker to say. CBD is just one of over 100 naturally occuring compounds called cannabinoids found in the plant, but it's fast becoming the most popular feature of this powerful leafy green.
What's the Difference Between CBD and THC?
When people hear about a compound derived from hemp, some can mistakenly assume that CBD may make them feel ‘high’, but this is only true when THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is involved. THC is responsible for the psychoactive states associated with consuming cannabis, but Cannaray’s CBD is THC-free – meaning our products are all non-psychoactive.
Is CBD Legal?
Yes, CBD is legal in the UK. Without THC, it is not a drug, but rather a natural food supplement you can take as a CBD oil, CBD capsule, CBD gummy, CBD cream or balm form. Our products are THC-free, which makes them suitable for use in professional sports and other industries that may have this requirement.
In fact, Cannaray CBD is part of the European Specialist Sport Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA), which means each product we blend is suitable for athletes.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp's leaves are abundant in CBD, so it’s a great natural source for CBD. However, its seeds are not, meaning if you see ‘hemp oil’ or ‘hemp seed oil’ for sale, you shouldn't confuse it with CBD oil.
Looking for a CBD product with added hemp oil? Our CBD Night-Time Drops pair our premium CBD with added hemp oil and peppermint for a perfect bedtime blend.
Know your CBDs from your THCs - Our FAQs should help with any questions you have about CBD
