CBD Product Knowledge: Empowering Informed Consumer Choices

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted by OnePoll, indicated that 60% of respondents have used cannabidiol (CBD) products, with a significant proportion believing in their potential therapeutic benefits for sleep, anxiety, and pain management. However, a notable knowledge gap exists, as 33% of respondents reported a lack of understanding regarding the distinctions between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate formulations. While immediate access to CBD products may be appealing, consumers are advised to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the different CBD types and available delivery methods to make informed purchasing decisions.

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Current Evidence and Clinical Applications

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, has garnered significant interest within the medical community for its potential therapeutic applications. While research is ongoing and definitive conclusions regarding its efficacy for all conditions are yet to be established, several areas have demonstrated promising preliminary results.

  • Refractory Epilepsy: The most robust clinical evidence supporting CBD's therapeutic utility lies in the treatment of specific drug-resistant epilepsy syndromes, particularly Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical-grade CBD formulation, has received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for adjunctive therapy in these conditions, demonstrating significant reductions in seizure frequency in clinical trials.

  • Chronic Pain Management: Preclinical and some clinical studies suggest a potential role for CBD in managing chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain associated with arthritis, and pain related to multiple sclerosis. However, further rigorous clinical trials are needed to elucidate optimal dosing regimens, long-term efficacy, and the specific mechanisms of action involved.

  • Anxiety Disorders: Preliminary research indicates that CBD may possess anxiolytic properties, with potential benefits for individuals experiencing various anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder. Larger, well-controlled clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings and establish its role in anxiety management.

Important Considerations:

While preclinical and early clinical data suggest potential therapeutic avenues for CBD, it's crucial to emphasize that it is not a panacea. The efficacy and safety profile of CBD are still under investigation for many conditions. Patients considering using CBD for medical purposes should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. This consultation is essential to assess potential drug interactions, evaluate individual patient factors, and determine appropriate dosing strategies. Furthermore, it is vital to source CBD products from reputable manufacturers that adhere to quality control standards and provide transparent information regarding product composition and purity. The regulatory landscape surrounding CBD is evolving, and healthcare professionals should remain informed of current guidelines and best practices.

3 Types of CBD

CBD is largely derived from hemp, a type of cannabis sativa plant. CBD products can contain detectable amounts (no more than 0.3% by dry weight) of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in cannabis plants known for causing intoxicatingly psychoactive effects.

However, consuming CBD won’t get you "high." Instead, CBD interacts with receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, potentially calming the central nervous system, alleviating anxiety, improving sleep quality, and/or reducing inflammation and chronic pain symptoms.

Understanding the differences between the three types of CBD—full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate—can help you choose the best type for your specific needs and preferences.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD refers to a hemp extract that contains CBD and other compounds naturally present in the hemp plant, such as terpenes (compounds responsible for the way a plant smells) and minor amounts of THC.

CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils and other cannabinoids contained in full-spectrum CBD products can work synergistically to create what’s known as the “entourage effect,” which some research indicates may increase therapeutic benefits of CBD compared to when it’s used alone. 

 

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract similar to full-spectrum CBD, with the exception that it typically undergoes an additional extraction process to remove all THC while leaving the remaining compounds naturally present in the hemp plant intact. With that said, testing reveals that some broad-spectrum CBD products retain minimal traces of THC, so it’s safest to refer to them as "nearly THC-free."

 

CBD Isolate

As the name suggests, CBD isolates, or pure CBD, doesn’t contain any THC or other compounds from the hemp plant. Unlike full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate cannot create the entourage effect because the extraction method isolates CBD from all other terpenes, cannabinoids, and plant compounds naturally occurring in hemp.

 

 How to consume CBD

There are four main ways to consume CBD:

  • Sublingually (with an oil or tincture absorbed under the tongue)
  • Oral ingestion via edibles like gummies, candies, snacks, and beverages, as well as capsules
  • Vaping or smoke inhalation
  • Topical application of a CBD ointment, salve, lotion, or cream

Each way absorbs a different amount, has a  different time to the  onset of effects, and has different side effects.

Product Range

Oils and tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures typically come in bottle sizes from 1 ounce upwords. The bottle may have a dropper labelled with dose amounts as well, typically at.25-millilitre intervals. When applying CBD oil drops under the tongue, a consumer may feel the effects more quickly than with other forms of CBD. Also, more CBD may be absorbed into the bloodstream via sublingual consumption than with other administration methods.

"Tinctures and oils may be less convenient to take compared to edibles, gummies, and capsules since you could spill tincture fluid and you need to look at the amount of tincture in the dropper to determine your dose. On the other hand, tinctures may afford a more flexible way to dose.

Gummies and other edibles

CBD-infused gummies and other edibles, such as candies,chocolate, cookies, brownies, and other foods or beverages, don’t typically kick in as quickly as oils and tinctures.

When you eat gummies and edibles, they must first be processed by the digestive system, which means there is a delay in the onset of effects and less CBD ultimately enters your bloodstream.

 Soul CBD Gummies 

  • Helps soothe lingering discomfort. 
  • No THC, no fillers, just purely plant-powered 
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and third-party tested 
  • Available in six different flavours

 Capsules

CBD is also available in oral capsule form. As with gummies and other edibles, when you take CBD capsules, there is typically more of a delay in the onset of effects since they must be processed through the digestive system first.

Lotions, creams, and other topicals

Many people seeking potential relief for chronic pain and various skin conditions apply lotions, salves, ointments, and other CBD-infused topicals to the affected area.

"With topical forms of CBD, such as lotions or creams, only minimal amounts reach the bloodstream and thus may avoid some of the potential side effects of CBD that does reach the bloodstream, such as diarrhoea and lethargy," says Dr. Chen. However, consumers seeking relief for non-skin conditions like pain, insomnia, or anxiety tend to benefit more from CBD when it reaches the bloodstream and should use a non-topical product instead

CBD Export

We have partnered with the largest independently owned producer, manufacturer, and distributor of legal cannabis-derived products in the UK for export.

Established and built upon years of knowledge and understanding for both CBD and the wider cannabis compounds, allowing us to use techniques and craft products in ways that had never been attempted before.

Current UK  Legislation