What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant with enormous therapeutic potential. Researchers are currently studying the effects of CBD on a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia and more.
Extensive preclinical research and some clinical studies have shown that CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective qualities.

Source: Fasinu PS, Phillips S, ElSohly MA, Walker LA. Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy 2016;36(7):781-96.
Campos AC, Fogaça MV, Scarante FF, Joca SRL, Sales AJ, Gomes FV, Sonego AB, Rodrigues NS, Galve-Roperh I, Guimarães FS. Plastic and Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2017 May 23;8:269. 

 

What is Cannabinoids? 

Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that can affect the human body. They work by imitating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, that affect nerve, brain and immune cell activity.
Currently, there are two known primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, and in some peripheral tissues. They affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, and our stress response. CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells, and at a lower density in the central nervous system. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain. Although these two cannabinoid receptors have been studied relatively extensively, there are more cannabinoid receptors being examined.

Source: Szaflarski JP, Bebin EM, Cannabis, cannabidiol, and epilepsy--from receptors to clinical response. Epilepsy Behav. 2014;41:277-82 

What will CBD oil help me with? 

Cannabidiol is one of 85+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and much of the ongoing research has found it to be a promising potential therapy for many illnesses that medical professionals have previously thought to be untreatable, including:

  • Pain (Neuropathic, Chronic, Cancer-Related, Etc.)
  • Epilepsy
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s
  • Inflammation
  • Acne
  • Dyskinesia
  • Psoriasis
  • Broken Bones
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Depression
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance Abuse/Withdrawal
  • Heart Disease
  • Alzheimers
  •  

     

    How doeos CBD work & how can it help me? 

    The Human Body produces Cannabinoids, and CBD Oil can help:
    Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids derived from plants. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced naturally in the human body.
    One example of an endocannabinoid is anandamide, or ‘the bliss molecule.’ This molecule activates the CB1 receptor.
    Benefits of activating the CB1 receptor include:

      • Relieving depression [Source]
      • Increasing myelin formation [Source]
      • Lowering intestinal inflammation [Source]
      • Decreasing intestinal permeability (Leaky Gut Syndrome) [Source]
      • Lowering blood pressure [Source]
      • Lowering anxiety [Source]
      • Reducing fear and paranoia [Source]
      • Increasing BDNF levels [Source]
      • Increasing PPARy expression [Source]
      • Reducing GPR55 signaling [Source]
      • Lowering prolactin [Source]

    An enzyme in the body known as FAAH is responsible for breaking down anandamide. CBD is an inhibitor of FAAH, meaning more anandamide to be available to the CB1 receptors.
    Anandamide has been shown to stop the proliferation of breast cancer cells, promote anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, and increases neurogenesis. Anandamide plays a role in memory and forgetting, creating a potential natural value for individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    All our products are sold as food supplements only to help promote everyday wellbeing. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.   

     

    Is CBD Oil legal? 

    Yes, CBD oil is legal in the UK as it is not a controlled substance. There are strict restrictions over its THC content and CBD oil that isn't medically prescribed can only have a maximum THC content of 0.2%. 

     

    Are CBD & THC the same thing? 

    As the two main ingredients in the cannabis plant, CBD and THC are easily confused. But other than both being called cannabinoids, they are not the same thing. High levels of THC are commonly found in the popular plant but less so in the case of CBD. It makes sense, then, that THC can send you soaring on a high while CBD is reassuringly non-psychoactive.

     

    Will I get 'High'?

    Unlike THC, the dominant marijuana compound that does cause a high, CBD does not contain the same psychoactive properties. For you, that means the safe and secure use of CBD, able to harness its benefits while being in complete control.

     

    Is taking CBD Oil safe? 

    You should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional If you're considering using CBD oil to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so.

    This is particularly important  if you have any pre-existing conditions or if you are taking any medications including statins, blood thinning medication and calcium channel blockers.

    CBD Oil is only intended for use as a food supplement. Please consult a medical professional if in doubt.

    Like some other plant compounds (such as those found in grapefruit, watercress and St John’s Wort) CBD oil may affect the metabolization of certain prescribed medicines. Remember to consult your doctor if you are taking any form of prescribed medication. 

     

    What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?

    The difference is that hemp plants contain no more than 0.3 percent (by dry weight) of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance found in marijuana. By comparison, marijuana typically contains 5 to 20 percent THC. You can't get high on hemp." ... Cannabis plants with more than 0.3 percent THC are marijuana

     

    How can CBD help? 

    How can CBD help with so many conditions? It seems too good to be true. The short answer is Because CBD interacts with and supplements the body's own Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which regulates numerous biological functions. The primary function of the ECS is to promote balance, or homeostasis, in these systems. Regular use of CBD supplements the ECS and helps keep the body’s ECS receptors and endocannabinoids working at optimal capacity. CBD is classified as a supplement so we can’t make any medical claims about it or our products. But the animal and human studies showing CBD’s efficacy for a variety of illnesses and diseases are extensive and more are being done every day. Here at Absolute Best we encourage you to do your own research, and to help we have provided some key points and links to some important CBD studies. We will be updating this list as new studies are published so keep coming back to find out how CBD could help you.