The Facts

the important stuff
what is cbd?

CBD is an abbreviation of cannabidiol and is a compound extracted from the hemp plant. In 2016 it became legal in the UK to sell CBD, or products containing CBD and since then CBD has continued to rise in popularity with figures showing it continues to do so with an estimated 750,000 users in the UK.

Cannabis, Hemp and Marijuana are NOT the same thing.

Quite simply, CBD comes from the hemp plant. By hemp we mean varieties of the cannabis plant species that contain very low amounts of THC (the chemical that makes marijuana psychoactive).

how it works

In recent decades, scientists have discovered that cannabinoids are not only found in plants (phytocannabinoids), but also in humans (endocannabinoids).

Cannabinoids have been found to balance the body and mind, promoting a sense of wellness. CBD is the highest profile and most effective of these cannabinoids and has become increasingly popular in recent years. But how does it work?

It all comes down to the endocannabinoid system. Quite simply, the endocannabinoid system is a communications system within the brain and the rest of our body. Research has shown that endocannabinoids are involved in many important physical processes, like the regulation of appetite, energy, metabolism and sleep. Endocannabinoids also play a vital role in various psychological processes like those of stress, emotion, pain and memory.

The receptors in the endocannabinoid system are activated and influenced by CBD, as such, the body can benefit from its potential therapeutic properties.

market potential

The Cannabis Trades Association estimates that the market is growing at 10,000 – 15,000 new users a month.  With a predicted 750,000+ users by the end of 2019 and a 65% female bias, vapers were the early adopters of CBD and still lead the way, with the category diversifying into many different areas.  There are 20+ cannabis IPOS expected in Europe in 2019.  It is a dynamic, competitive and exciting market with some big household names investing in the category including the likes of Coca-Cola and Estee Lauder.

absorbing CBD

 The rate at which CBD is absorbed by the body, and therefore delivers its potential effectiveness, is called bio-availability.

The most efficient way of absorbing CBD is through a vapour.  Vaping liquid has a bio-availability level of 38%.  The CBD vaping liquid is heated in a vaping device (much like water in a kettle) and the vapour is then inhaled. The large surface area of the lungs means the CBD can enter the blood stream very quickly, particularly useful when the need is acute.

The second most effective way of absorbing CBD is through an oral tincture.  Drops are placed under the tongue for one to two minutes and then swallowed. The capillaries under the tongue allow for the CBD to go directly into the blood stream and avoid the slow process of digestion.

CBD can also be absorbed through the skin, if the oil is included in creams and lotions that are applied topically, or directly ingested when the active ingredient is included in food supplements.