What is CBD? The Grass & Co. CBD Guide
CBD products are increasing in popularity in the UK and many people have seen their lives improved by CBD. But, what exactly is CBD, and why is it so popular?
CBD stands for cannabidiol (can-na-bid-i-ol). A natural extract of the hemp plant that is legal in the UK and doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. CBD is derived from legally grown hemp and contains no trace of THC which is the psychoactive component associated with marijuana. CBD won’t get you high, but may provide a number of helpful benefits.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Even though research is ongoing to fully understand the endocannabinoid system, it is believed to play a significant role in maintaining the stability of your body’s internal environment. If an outside source such as pain from an injury throws off this stability, your endocannabinoid system kicks in to help your body return to its ideal state.
The endocannabinoid system comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors throughout our bodies. Cannabinoid receptors are embedded in cell membranes and are believed to be more numerous than any other receptor system. Currently, there are two known kinds of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain, but are also present in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The other type of cannabinoid receptor is referred to as a ‘CB2 receptor’, which exists mostly in our immune tissues. This receptor is critical in helping control how our immune system functions.
Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids to stimulate these receptors. It is interesting to note that these endocannabinoids have a similar structure to cannabinoids, the molecules found in the cannabis plant. The supposed link between certain conditions and a lack of endocannabinoids is one of the main theories guiding recent research. While experts are yet to fully understand exactly how they work, it is believed that they may help to manage functions such as sleep, mood, and our body’s response to pain.
Though still just a hypothesis and not yet considered a scientific fact, there have been indications that CBD either attaches itself to our body’s endocannabinoid receptors or prevents endocannabinoids from breaking down which allows them to be more effective. Although experts aren’t completely sure how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, they do know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does. This is generally considered as the reason why CBD doesn’t give you a ‘high’.
Read more about CBD and the Endocannabinoid system.
How is CBD Oil Made?
First, the CBD Oil must be extracted from hemp plants that are grown and nurtured to contain high levels of CBD. Generally, any commercial CBD extraction technique requires the use of solvents which separates the CBD molecule and then evaporates leaving behind only the pure CBD Oil.
The most common method of extracting CBD Oil is ‘CO2 extraction’ where the hemp is placed in a chamber filled with carbon dioxide. By applying pressure to the chamber, the carbon dioxide is turned to liquid, which then absorbs the hemp’s oils and flavours. The liquid is then pumped into a final chamber where the carbon dioxide is turned into gas. However, with ‘CO2 extraction’, the CBD Oil typically needs to be further refined with an alcohol solvent to create CBD isolate or distillate.
Another viable way of extracting CBD Oil is by using liquid solvents such as ethanol, butane, or isopropyl alcohol. As a plant-based solvent, ethanol helps to maintain the hemp’s natural chemical properties during extraction. However, when using natural solvents such as ethanol, the solvent residue isn’t always fully eliminated during the evaporation step and chlorophyll may also be extracted which can give the resulting oil an unpleasant taste.
Grass & Co. uses alcohol (IPA) for extracting CBD Oil, as we believe it is the most effective solvent to ensure complete consistency during the extraction and purification process.
Read more about how CBD Oil is made.
The Difference Between CBD Distillate and Full Spectrum CBD
CBD distillate (Narrow-Spectrum) and Full-Spectrum CBD are both extracts of the hemp plant, but they contain different compounds. Whilst Full-spectrum CBD contains varying levels of CBD, it also contains traces of THC. CBD distillate, on the other hand, contains negligible levels of THC and high levels of pure, refined CBD.
CBD distillate also has a more delicate flavour than Full-Spectrum CBD. The flavonoids and terpenes contained in Full-Spectrum CBD can often create an unpleasant bitter taste. Without these compounds, CBD distillate can easily be combined with choice botanicals and vitamins to create a more delicious blend that delivers specific health benefits.
Read more about the difference between CBD Distillate and Full Spectrum CBD.
The Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil
Whilst both are derived from the same plant, the main difference between them is that Hemp Seed Oil does not contain CBD and CBD Oil does. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound of the hemp plant and is both legal and non-intoxicating.
Hemp Seed Oil doesn’t contain any CBD and is made from the seeds of the hemp plant rather than the leaves, stalks, or flowers. Whilst it can’t provide the same soothing effects of CBD, its rich fatty-acid profile makes it suitable as a dietary supplement, skincare ingredient, or for use in cooking.
To ensure that you are buying a product that contains actual CBD, it is important to check the ingredients. Hemp Seed Oil will be listed as cannabis sativa oil or simply Hemp Seed Oil, whilst CBD Oil is usually labelled as cannabidiol, or CBD Hemp Oil. We also recommend checking for independent lab reports that will detail the oil’s chemical composition, including how much CBD and other cannabinoids it contains.
Read more about the difference between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil.
What Does CBD Do?
Unlike THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis), CBD does not give a ‘high’ or alter your perceptions. Many users of CBD claim that it provides a gentle calming and restorative effect on the mind and body. This effect can be further enhanced by combining it with botanicals and vitamins such as Ashwagandha, Chamomile, Ginger, Turmeric, Lavender, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12.
Read more about what CBD does.
What is CBD Used For?
CBD is used for a wide variety of reasons. Research shows that many people use CBD when looking for help with pain, stress and anxiety incorporate CBD into their daily wellness routine. It can also be a useful addition to your bedtime routine to help calm your body and mind. The following are some of the specific reasons why people are using CBD.
Menopause – Many women are incorporating CBD into their daily routine to manage the wide-ranging symptoms of menopause. For women experiencing poor sleep quality due to menopause, CBD can be a great addition to their bedtime routine to help them unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Feeling overwhelmed or worried is also often one of the symptoms of menopause and women can combine CBD with other wellness routines to help calm their body and mind. CBD Oil may also assist in easing and supporting the joints of women experiencing the menopause.
Read more about CBD and Menopause.
Migraines – There is currently no scientific evidence that proves conclusively that CBD is an effective treatment for migraines, but this may be due to a general lack of formal research into CBD. One of the areas of research that does show promise is the link between the lack of endocannabinoids in the body and pain conditions such as migraines. People suffering from the physical effects of migraines may find it beneficial to incorporate CBD into their daily routine to help relax their bodies and minds and calm the noise of everyday life.
Read more about CBD and Migraines.
Arthritis – Many people suffering from arthritis are turning to CBD to help ease tension and discomfort. While studies are yet to provide robust evidence as to how CBD can help with joints, it is believed that CBD may help to ease stiffness in the joints. People living with arthritis often struggle to gain a good night’s sleep and may benefit from adding CBD to their bedtime routine.
Read more about CBD and Arthritis.
Fibromyalgia – Although there is not enough current evidence to consider CBD as a way of helping to manage fibromyalgia, many suffering from this condition find benefit in including CBD within their daily rituals. CBD Balms and Body Oils can be used to ease tension when incorporated into a daily massage and stretching routine; two common self-care techniques for people with fibromyalgia.
Read more about CBD and Fibromyalgia.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – Due to its calming and uplifting properties, CBD could offer some relief to those experiencing RLS and, there are numerous ways in which it can help those living with the condition. For instance, RLS often leaves people feeling stiff and physically worn out. A CBD massage could help specific areas of the body to unwind, whilst also allowing the mind to enter a deep state of rest.
Read more about CBD and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
Sciatica – While studies are yet to provide robust evidence in support of CBD Oil for those living with Sciatica, people experiencing stiffness and discomfort can use CBD Oil as part of their daily routine to help ease and relax the body. CBD can also be used as part of a bedtime ritual to maintain a healthy and restful sleep cycle, often disturbed by painful conditions such as Sciatica.
Read more about CBD and Sciatica.
Skincare – CBD is believed to be a powerful antioxidant providing anti-inflammatory benefits which makes it ideal for topical skincare. Although more research is required, early research does seem to indicate that CBD may assist in regulating the oil production of our skin, reducing skin inflammation, and hydrating dry skin. For skincare, beauty products containing CBD Oil can be applied directly to the skin. CBD Oil can also be mixed in with your moisturiser to boost hydration for more radiant, glowing skin.
Exercising – Taking a few drops of CBD Oil pre-exercise can ease the body and mind into a blissful state, allowing deeper concentration, heightened endorphins, and a stronger workout. Following physical activity with a programme of gentle stretching can help the body to recover faster and avoid prolonged aches and pains. A soothing CBD Oil Balm, massaged into tired muscles and limbs, will also help to restore the body to a natural sense of balance.
Read more about CBD and exercising.
Parkinson's Disease – As more individuals living with Parkinson’s look for natural alternatives alongside traditional treatment options, many are trying CBD as a potential supplement for managing some of the symptoms. From insomnia and anxiety, to tremors and pain, people with Parkinson’s are already turning to using CBD in various forms to help with the daily impact of the condition. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of using CBD for Parkinson’s, it’s a promising avenue worth exploring for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Read more about CBD and Parkinson's Disease.
ADHD – Although there is not enough scientific evidence to actively support the use of CBD as a treatment for ADHD, many people choose to use CBD to help them manage some of the symptoms associated with ADHD. Treatment for ADHD can include strong medication, and natural options like CBD are increasingly being explored alongside. People diagnosed with ADHD can often report experiencing anxiety and sleeplessness. Even though UK’s regulatory bodies don’t currently recognise CBD as a treatment for anxiety, there is growing evidence from reputable sources which suggests that CBD Oil may have a beneficial effect on the condition.
How to use CBD
There are various ways that CBD can be taken. CBD Oil drops can be ingested by placing them under the tongue using a tincture or in the form of edibles such as CBD Gummies. It can also be taken as CBD Capsules or used topically by rubbing CBD Balm or CBD Body Oil into your skin.
Ingesting CBD Oil drops by placing them under your tongue, will generally give you the most fast-acting and direct results as the capillaries under your tongue provide a direct route to the bloodstream. Dosage is measured in drops, making it easy to give yourself the right amount. To help maximise the absorption of the CBD we recommend you hold the drop under your tongue for up to 90 seconds.
CBD Topical Balms and Body Oils are perfect for when you want to focus on a particular area of your body as the CBD is directly absorbed through the skin. CBD topicals are also used for skincare where beauty products containing CBD Oil are applied directly to the skin. Since topical CBD Oil doesn’t enter the bloodstream, there’s no need to be concerned about the dosage. When CBD is ingested, we do advise that you start low and go slow. As you become more experienced at taking CBD and want to increase your daily dose, we advise that you try higher-strength CBD Oil instead of increasing the quantity of lower-strength CBD Oil.
Whichever way you choose to use CBD, enjoy it as a regular part of your daily routine, and listen to your body’s reaction. CBD can be used before relaxing activities such as yoga and nature walks, or to help enhance your workout.
Read more about how to use CBD.
CBD and Sustainability
CBD is a natural extract of the hemp plant which is considered as having an extremely low environmental impact. The seeds, stalks, roots and leaves of the Hemp plant can all be used in a number of ways, leading to minimal waste. Because it is a highly robust and hardy plant it also does not require pesticides or herbicides.
Hemp grows at an exceptionally fast rate, making it an ideal rotation crop. Crop rotation is an organic farming practice that increases biodiversity, interrupts the lifecycle and habitat of pests, and acts as a natural way to place nutrients back into the soil. This rapid growth rate also makes the hemp plant incredibly efficient at converting CO2 to biomass.
While the cultivation and extraction of CBD is a relatively sustainable manufacturing process, the environmental impact of getting CBD products onto shelves must also be considered. At Grass & Co. we want to do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint. We’re committed to using ethically sourced materials which include recyclable outer packaging, glass bottles for our CBD Oil, and compostable labels.
Read more about CBD and Sustainability.
How to Find the Best Quality CBD Oil
As with all essential oils, the source of CBD Oil impacts its quality. The best quality CBD Oil comes from hemp plants that have been specifically developed to contain high levels of beneficial CBD and negligibly low levels of THC (less than <0.2%), the active compound found in marijuana. High-quality CBD Oil should be accompanied by independent lab reports that give a breakdown of the different cannabinoids and levels within the oil.
The process used to extract CBD Oil from the hemp plant can also affect its quality. To ensure the best possible quality CBD Oil, Grass & Co. uses alcohol (IPA) in the extraction process. There are numerous benefits to using IPA, the most significant being that it consistently delivers pure CBD of the finest quality within high-calibre production standards.
Whilst solvent selection is a significant part of the extraction process, at Grass & Co. our efforts to create CBD Oil of the highest quality are supported by extraction machines that are unique to our dedicated production facility. Following extraction, our CBD Oil goes through a precise, multi-stage refinement and distillation process until all that is left is pure CBD Oil.
Read more about finding the best quality CBD Oil.
Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented on this site are not intended for medical use nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes.
