5 of the Most Searched CBD Questions

At the beginning of this year, it was revealed that ‘What is CBD?’ is the UK’s most googled question, with approximately 2,900 searches per month. With questions surrounding CBD being the most searched, it is clear that there is still confusion surrounding the cannabinoid, while interest in the cannabinoid is also growing, especially surrounding its legality and effectiveness. To help ease the confusion we thought we would answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you understand all-things CBD.

1. What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound produced in the cannabis plant. It is a type of cannabinoid, and although it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD does not create the ‘high’ effect that is sometimes associated with cannabis. However, the cannabinoid that does produce the ‘high’ effect is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, and this system helps to maintain balance to ensure health and wellness.

2. How is CBD Oil Made?

CBD Oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant (crude), then purifying it (filter), and mixing it with other ingredients. There are three main extraction methods which include the use of CO2, ethanol or hydrocarbons. After the cannabinoids have been separated, the extracted CBD is then blended with natural oils, such as hemp seed oil, olive oil, or MCT oil.

3. Can CBD Get You High?

CBD is not an intoxicating substance; therefore the cannabinoid does not get you ‘high’. Whereas THC does have an intoxicating effect, and some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, however, it would be very hard to consume enough to feel altered in a psychoactive way. If a person did consume enough to feel altered, it would not be the same euphoric high that is associated with recreational cannabis use, due to higher CBD levels balancing out the trace amounts of THC.

4. Will CBD Cause Me to Fail a Drug Test?

In the UK, CBD is legal and is not a controlled substance unlike THC. Therefore if the CBD oil you are using is legal it will have no trace of THC; defined in the industry as non-detectable. However, as the CBD industry is not currently regulated to a high standard, the best thing to do is to research the company and look for the third-party lab tests of their products to ensure that you are using products with zero THC. When consumed, CBD can stay present within your bloodstream for between 3-5 days. Although any immediate effects from CBD will only last for a few hours, however, it is important to note that results will differ from person to person.

5. Is CBD Addictive?

Research has been and continues to be carried out on CBD as a cannabinoid, however, so far, the research seems to suggest that CBD is not addictive. There have been findings that seem to point to CBD being low-risk when it comes to abuse or addiction. The WHO revealed in 2017 that CBD in its pure condition does not appear to cause harm or have the potential for abuse.