Everything you need to know about CBD oil

CBD is almost everywhere today. Everyone from your anxious co-worker to your arthritis-suffering dad and sleep-deprived friend is eager to get their hands on CBD of some sort – whether it be oil, e-liquid, skincare, or edibles.

But what is CBD oil? Is it safe to consume? How will it make you feel, and how much should you take?

As one of the UK’s leading stockists of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products, we can assure you that all of our CBD oils are organically grown and contain legal THC traces – making them safe for consumption.

We also provide a selection of gluten-free products, perfect for those who are gluten intolerant. And no animal products are used or tested on, meaning they are vegan-friendly too.

Here Peak Organics explain everything you need to know about CBD oil.

What is CBD oil?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that, unlike its cousin – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – isn’t psychoactive.

THC is the major active ingredient in the marijuana plant that creates a sense of euphoria. CBD, on the other hand, is mainly derived from the flowers, leaves, and stems of hemp, so won’t get you high.

What should CBD oil do?

CBD oil has long been studied for its potential role in easing symptoms of common ailments, including:

  • Acne
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis pain
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Inflammation
  • Insomnia

Though more human evidence is required, CBD is believed to have a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Instead, it influences other receptors such as the opioid receptors, which regulate pain, and glycine receptors that produce the “feel good” hormone.

That means, when you take CBD oil, you should get the benefits associated with marijuana – minus the mind-altering effects.

It’s worth noting that the only CBD medication to be FDA-approved is Epidiolex, which is used to treat certain types of epilepsy and reduce seizures.

How does CBD oil make you feel?

Some people take CBD to help them feel calm and relaxed. Whilst this can feel a bit like a high, it’s not intoxicating.

CBD works by activating the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) indirectly within the central and peripheral nervous system in the brain, spinal cord, organs, and immune system. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and alter them, so you shouldn’t experience feelings of euphoria.

With that said, higher doses of CBD could make you feel lightheaded as it makes its way into your bloodstream and around the receptors in your body.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some people may experience mild side effects when taking CBD oil, particularly high concentrations. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea

How long does it take for CBD oil to work for joint pain?

CBD can take effect anywhere between a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the dosage and method of consumption.

For example, taking CBD oil for arthritis sublingually (i.e. adding a few drops under the tongue) is the fastest way to get CBD into your bloodstream. Though the taste may not be pleasant, the effects can be felt within 15 to 45 minutes.

If you’d prefer to mix CBD oil with your food or drink to improve the taste, absorption will be slower as the CBD will need to pass through the digestive tract first.

It’s important to note that everybody is different and reacts differently to CBD oil for joint pain. You can either take the full dose in one sitting or break it up throughout the day. The best thing to do is experiment with what works best for you. And always consult your doctor before you start using CBD oil for arthritis pain, especially if you’re already on medication.

How long does CBD oil last under the tongue?

When consumed sublingually by placing a few drops under your tongue and leaving it for 30 seconds to a minute before swallowing, the effects of CBD can be felt much sooner. This is because the mucous membranes in the mouth absorb the CBD – bypassing the digestive system and liver, allowing it to get into the bloodstream faster.

The effects should last between 1-2 hours. And the great thing about taking CBD oil sublingually is that you’ll get a second onset hours later when the CBD that wasn’t absorbed makes its way through your digestive system.

Is it safe to use CBD oil every day?

Taking CBD oil every day could reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, improve sleep, reduce your risk of epileptic seizures, help with nausea, and improve skin conditions – but we advise that you always double-check with a medical professional and read the recommended dosage on the label to make sure.

It’s also worth pointing out that everyone will have an amount that works for them, so be sure to have a play around with it and decide what feels best. We suggest starting with 5mg doses, 3 times a day, and increasing your dosage in small increments over several weeks. Just make sure you stay below 70mg each day.

Many studies have shown that CBD has no addictive potential. However, if you are currently on medications or using a higher concentration product, you may experience some side effects, such as fatigue and dry mouth.

How many drops of CBD oil should I take?

The right amount of CBD you should take can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Your body weight
  • The condition you want to treat
  • Your body chemistry
  • The strength of your CBD oil

The standard recommended CBD oil dosage is 1-2 drops twice a day but you can steadily increase to 15 drops per day if required.

If you’re taking a high number of drops each day, opting for a higher strength product can be more cost-effective – providing you with more CBD per drop.

Before you change your dosage, always give the CBD time to take effect. Allowing the CBD to absorb sublingually will produce effects within minutes, whilst it can take the digestive system up to 90 minutes to metabolise the CBD when ingested with food and drink.

Although it should say on the label of your CBD oil, if you’re unsure how many drops you should take, our team here at Peak Organics will be more than happy to help. It’s also worth seeking advice from your doctor to ensure your experience is as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible.

How long before going to sleep should you take CBD oil?

In most cases, it will take 20 minutes before you start to feel the effects after taking CBD oil. For some people, it may take even longer.

If you’re thinking about taking CBD oil to help you sleep, we’d recommend taking it up to an hour before bedtime. This way, you can start to wind down and relax, and the CBD has time to take effect.

Again, the delivery method you use can also influence when and how soon the body will absorb the CBD – with sublingual administration allowing it to kick in quicker.

If you’re looking to improve productivity and promote a healthy appetite, you’ll be better off taking CBD oil in the morning, as opposed to night-time. This could be on its own, with your morning meal, or lunch.

Which CBD oil is best?

Knowing which CBD oil is right for you can be tricky – especially when there are so many options to choose from.

The good news is, here at Peak Organics, we stock only the best CBD oils in the UK – including products that specifically target anxiety, arthritis, depression, pain, sex, and sleep. These are either:

  • Full-spectrum
  • Broad-spectrum
  • CBD isolate

Full-spectrum CBD oils contain CBD, THC, and various other naturally occurring cannabinoids, such as terpenes and essential oils. This type of CBD oil is ideal if you’re looking to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum CBD oils include the same cannabinoids and compounds as full-spectrum CBD, minus the THC. That means broad-spectrum CBD oil delivers the entourage effect without any undesirable psychoactive effects.

CBD isolate is mostly extracted from the hemp of the Cannabis plant and contains no terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids – just pure CBD. CBD isolate is the preferred choice for consumers who are concerned about THC and its associated ‘high’ sensation.

To determine which CBD oil is best for you, browse the extensive range of products we stock online and click through to find out more about their ingredients and uses. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Peak Organics or a medical expert.

Get in touch

The team at Peak Organics is always on hand to help, so feel free to give us a call on 0333 043 9975. If you prefer, you can drop us an email at [email protected] or complete the online enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, why not come and visit us in-store? We have branches in Wigan, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Chorley, Pemberton, Stoke, and Haydock. Here, you can take a closer look at the products we supply and discuss your requirements with our staff.