While you might have heard of CBD, there are many discrepancies over what it actually is and its effects on the body. That’s why we’re here to set the record straight on everything you need to know about CBD oil before trying it, and to bust the myths you may have heard.

Read on to find out everything people from Suffolk need to know about CBD oil.

CBD won’t get you high

The reason six million people in the UK can regularly use CBD products is that they don’t get you high. CBD comes from the hemp plant and cannot contain more than 0.3% THC – the chemical responsible for the ‘high’ feeling in marijuana products.

We understand why people may be cautious about taking a product that comes from the cannabis plant, but for most people, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. It is recommended, however, that you slowly introduce your body to CBD by micro-dosing – a method that Virgin Radio host Chris Evans has shared as his method to fixing pain in his right shoulder.

It could be beneficial for pregnant women

Although more research is needed, CBD oil could prove very useful for pregnant women suffering from nausea and pain. That’s because  CBD influences the serotonin receptors, which decreases the release of the chemical so that the body will be stimulated less to vomit.

CBD is also a natural pain killer – Daily CBD Mag claims pregnant women would only need to take a small amount to feel the effects. Of course, you should always consult your doctor before starting to take CBD – especially if you’re pregnant.

It can help with mental health

Millions swear by CBD for its ability to help users with their mental health. Many claim that products can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even help to cure insomnia. That’s because CBD aids the body in the production of its own natural cannabinoids and dopamine to relax the mind.

Users may find that they feel calmer throughout the day, have fewer panic attacks, and experience much longer and deeper sleep. Speaking to The Guardian, Professor of psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience at King’s College London Philip McGuire said: “It’s the hottest new medicine in mental health by some margin. There’s a huge interest in it as a potential new treatment.”

Improves the skin

While many of the top benefits of CBD focus on how the mind and body work, CBD can also be beneficial for aesthetic reasons. The hemp product contains antioxidant properties which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles and help to hydrate the skin, and anti-inflammatory products to reduce redness and swelling from acne. It can also work to reduce the production of sebum – a type of oil responsible for breakouts on the face and neck.

Helps to quit smoking

Though many turn to patches and chewing gum to try to quit the habit, CBD is the newest kid on the block when it comes to stopping smoking. A PubMed study conducted in 2013 found that smokers treated with CBD saw a drop of 40% in the number of cigarettes they were smoking.

Using a CBD vape is a good way to kickstart the process as it still gives the user the feeling of smoking. Those who take CBD even claim that it has the same effect on the body as smoking a cigarette thanks to its ability to reduce anxiety. Back in July, two NHS hospitals in the Midlands opened vape shops to prevent smoking – but there’s no mention of CBD products just yet.

Improves focus

CBD has become particularly popular among students in a bid to help them focus more on the work at hand. That’s all comes back to CBD’s effect on the body’s serotonin levels and how it helps with anxiety – as an anxious mind can often struggle to stay on the straight and narrow. Studies have even shown that hemp products could help with ADHD sufferers, enabling them to sit still for longer and be more productive overall.

Some people give it to their pets

It sounds strange when you first hear it, but CBD for pets is quickly becoming a phenomenon across the world. Cannabinoids found in CBD can interact with receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems of dogs, which in turn can help maintain their main functions.

It’s thought that CBD can help pets both in the body and mind: keeping them calm, pain-free, and generally healthy. It is advised that you look into specific CBD pet products, or make sure that any product you give to your pet does not contain other ingredients that are toxic to animals.

You don’t have to directly consume the oil

Many people are put off by the thought of using tinctures as it can seem like a little too much all at once for the body. Fortunately, there are many other ways to take the hemp derivative – a popular method is CBD vaping. Vaping is actually considered a very efficient way to take CBD as it can increase the rate of absorption. 

It also feels much more comfortable to do in public than taking out a bottle of oil and pouring a few drops into your mouth. You can also buy CBD edibles, creams, sprays, patches, and even water. If you are looking for oil, however, Gift Wits has selected the very best to buy in 2020.

It could be used to reduce a high

The funny thing is that while many out there believe CBD is a psychoactive drug, it could actually be used for the very opposite. CBD has been shown to relieve symptoms of paranoia, anxiety and other constricting emotions experienced after smoking too much cannabis.

That’s right- CBD could actually work to reduce a high. It’s also considered to be much safer than eating way too much food or taking a cold bath.

A small note

Although there are studies and CBD users out there to back up every claim on this list, you should still see your doctor before deciding to take CBD- especially if you are planning to give it to your children.

Author bio: Marina Turea is a CBD oil enthusiast and has authored over 500 articles on CBD over the last decade. During her day job, she is a content manager at Digital Authority Partners.