In the UK, you can find hemp oil and CBD oil on the open market. It is available in pharmacies or online stores. Many people think that hemp oil is the same as CBD oil, but this is not true. The names are a bit similar, and the packaging may be the same, but the products inside are completely different. They differ in composition, principle of action and final effect.
Hemp and CBD oil UK review
Before we look into the differences between these products, it is worth determining their legal status. In the UK, CBD and hemp oil are officially permitted. But the legal and regulatory status of each product is slightly different:
- CBD oil has the status of a food supplement. It can also sometimes be regulated as a medical drug. It can be prescribed for epilepsy and other diseases.
- Hemp oil is officially regulated as a food or cosmetic product. It does not contain CBD or THC.
Because they do not know the features of hemp oil and CBD, even more confusion arises. Therefore, you need to understand in more detail the principle of action and the effect of each. Especially if you need a product with a therapeutic effect, not just vegetable oil with positive properties.
What is CBD oil good for and how does it work?
First, we suggest figuring out what CBD oil is good for. This is a natural supplement that contains cannabidiol. This is an active substance that is extracted from hemp. It differs from THC in that it does not affect consciousness, and its regular use does not lead to addiction.
Cannabidiol directly affects the endocannabinoid system. It regulates key processes in the body: sleep, emotional state, appetite, pain, immune response and inflammatory processes. At the same time, CBD does not directly stimulate cannabinoid receptors. The substance indirectly affects their activity, helping the body to restore balance (homeostasis).
Does CBD oil work?
When considering the question, it is worth studying its main range of effects:
- Elimination of anxiety,
- Suppression of inflammatory processes in the body,
- Improvement of sleep quality,
- Potential pain relief.
CBD oil is prescribed for several problems:
- Insomnia and other sleep problems,
- Nervous tension and anxiety,
- Inflammatory processes,
- Anxiety and chronic stress,
- Joint and muscle pain,
- Hormonal imbalance.
In the UK, CBD oil can be purchased officially. This is a food supplement that is sold without a prescription. But the main condition is that the THC level in the composition should not be more than 0.2%. Also, the product should not be declared as a medical drug.
What is hemp oil and how is it different?
Hemp oil is a plant product obtained from hemp seeds. It does not contain the psychoactive substance THC. Industrial hemp is used in production. It is quite legally sold in the UK as a food supplement and cosmetic product. Hemp seed oil is excellent for external and internal use.
Hemp oil is produced by cold pressing hemp seeds (while for CBD oil, mainly flowers are used). It does not contain THC or CBD, but hemp oil is rich in:
- Vitamin E,
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,
- Antioxidants.
Hemp oil can be used for cooking, hair care and skin moisturising. In general, it has a wide range of effects on the body:
- Activation of metabolism,
- Reduction of inflammation,
- Improvement of immunity,
- Positive effect on brain function,
- Support of internal organs,
- Reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood,
- Protection of the heart and blood vessels,
- Prevention of acne and acne,
- Acceleration of wound healing,
- Fight against the first signs of ageing.
It is worth remembering that when using hemp oil, it will not be possible to obtain the therapeutic effect associated with CBD.
Is CBD oil safe for daily use?
Scientists have studied whether CBD oil is safe for humans and have concluded that it has a positive effect when used in moderation. In the UK, CBD is officially permitted as a food additive. The main condition is that there should be no THC at all or its concentration should not be more than 0.2%.
CBD is not addictive, but it can interact with certain medications (anti-epileptic, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics and others). Before starting to take it, you should consult a doctor, especially if you are taking prescription drugs.
How to take CBD oil correctly?
To achieve the desired effect, you must know how to take CBD oil. The effectiveness directly depends on the chosen method of administration:
- Under the tongue — the most effective, simple and fast method. You need to put the required number of drops under your tongue and wait up to 1 minute. Then you need to swallow everything.
- Adding drinks and food — a convenient option, though the effect comes more slowly.
- Capsules — the best option for an accurate dosage of the substance, but they are absorbed more slowly.
It is best to start with small doses of 5–10 mg daily. Then you can gradually increase it if necessary to achieve the desired effect. It is also worth constantly monitoring the body’s reaction.
How to choose the right bottle: hemp oil or CBD oil?
Similar names and packaging lead to the fact that buyers confuse hemp oil and CBD oil. But these products have different compositions, actions and purposes. In order not to make a mistake in choosing the right bottle, it is worth paying attention to several important points:
- Information on the packaging. If you need a product with CBD, then the composition on the packaging should indicate: CBD Oil, Cannabidiol or Hemp Extract. If you are looking for hemp oil, the packaging will indicate: Hemp Seed Oil or 100% Pure Hemp Oil.
- CBD concentration (often indicated in mg). The dosage of CBD is always indicated on the packaging. It can be 300 mg or more.
- Laboratory certificate (COA). Well-known companies often provide a certificate of analysis — an independent confirmation of the composition of the oil and the level of CBD.
- Specify the purpose of use. If you want to relieve pain, improve sleep and reduce anxiety/stress, then only CBD oil will do. If you want to add it to food as a source of fatty acids, then you should buy hemp oil.
Buy the presented product from trusted brands or pharmacies, especially if you need a CBD product.