What is CBD?

CBD has been growing in popularity recently, so what is CBD and why might you want to use it?

CBD basics

CBD is a generally safe and natural product. It is derived from industrial hemp.

CBD is short for Cannabidiol which sounds a lot like cannabis. This is because there is a connection (albeit a slight one).

CBD is an extract of the hemp plant - a close relative of the cannabis plant. Unlike cannabis, most industrial hemp is low in THC (the stuff people use to get high) but high in CBD. CBD is the part that many people report as having beneficial health effects.

CBD can be taken internally in multiple ways. Popular methods of use include vaping, drinks, and edibles.

While THC is illegal in the UK, CBD is not. See "is CBD legal?" for a more detailed look at CBD and the law.

Uses of CBD

Early tests and testimonials, suggest great promise for CBD to treat a number of symptoms. As there have been so few studies, it would be unwise of us to make any definitive recommendations at this time.

Published articles and papers suggest CBD may be helpful for anxiety, depression, epilepsy, PTSD, pain, diabetic complications, arthritis. It seems hopeful that CBD might prove to be the answer to some or all of these in the future. However, that has not been fully proven yet.

See our FAQ "What is CBD good for?" for a more comprehensive examination of CBD health claims.

The science of CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and accounts for up to 40% of the plant's extract.

It may be supplied as CBD oil containing only CBD as the active ingredient (excluding tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] or terpenes), CBD-dominant hemp extract oil, capsules, dried cannabis, or prescription liquid solution. CBD does not have the same psychoactivity as THC, and may change the effects of THC on the body if both are present.

As of 2018, the mechanism of action for CBD's biological effects has not been determined.

At time of writing, there was insufficient research into the claims of helpful or beneficial effects of CBD use. For this reason, it is unwise to make claims about the effectiveness of CBD. There is, however, strong anecdotal evidence to warrant further study. See "What is CBD good for?" for a deeper look into CBD uses.

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