6 of the Most Commonly Asked CBD Questions, Answered

There are lots of questions people tend to have surrounding CBD, and although we’ve answered many throughout our blog posts, not all of them are long enough for a dedicated article. So, in this post, let’s run through a few of those more commonly asked questions that will hopefully help you understand CBD a little better.

Is CBD legal?

A: Yes, CBD is perfectly legal in the UK, provided the THC content is less than 1 milligram (often quoted as 0.2% concentration or lower). Provided a product comes with a lab report, you can easily determine CBD and THC levels and be confident that it falls within acceptable levels. Remember, if you can’t find the lab reports, you can’t be completely sure that it is legal. 

But what if I am travelling elsewhere with CBD? Good question. Although CBD is legal in many countries, there are some places where you could face some difficulties if you try and take CBD with you. In many cases, this is because specific laws for CBD have not been established yet, and instead are categorised under blanket cannabis/ controlled substance laws. If you want to know more about travelling and CBD, we've got you covered - here is an earlier blog post we've written up on exactly that topic.

Can CBD get you high?

A: It’s an understandable speculation, given CBD’s close association with Cannabis and THC. However, these two chemicals are completely different compounds with different effects, and therefore have independent effects within the body. Whereas THC can disrupt cognition and cause an altered state of perception, CBD simply cannot cause these psychotropic effects and is considered to be very safe.

Can CBD make you tired?

A: In the same way coffee can provide a stimulating, awakening boost, many use CBD for the opposite effect - to calm themselves down, or alongside bedtime. That being said, in smaller doses many report that CBD can actually make them more alert and keep them going through the morning; each person is different, and the dosage size can vary the experience for each individual too.

We have also had questions about whether or not it’s sensible to drive after consuming CBD. If you feel drowsy or tired (with or without CBD) it’s generally not recommended to get behind the wheel, but otherwise there is no reason to be concerned about driving. There are no laws in the UK restricting driving alongside CBD.

How long does CBD oil take to work?

A: CBD is not an instant miracle cure, and also can vary in results greatly from person to person. Many claim that it takes only minutes to notice a difference, whereas others say they only experience effects when CBD is implemented as part of a longer term routine. Everyone’s physiology is different; consistency and patience may well be the key to getting the best results for you.

If you are concerned about how long CBD stays in your system, and if it might show up on a drug test - don’t worry; drug tests don’t test for CBD as it is perfectly legal. You can read more on how long you can expect CBD to stay in the body here.

Is CBD oil the same as hemp oil?

A: No, Hemp oil is definitely not the same as CBD oil - and this is a very important one to watch out for. Hemp oil (or hempseed oil) is an oil extracted from the hemp plant, but via completely different methods and parts of the plant compared to CBD oil. Hemp oil is cheap to produce, and contains little-to-no CBD. Despite this, retailers will often try and market cheap Hemp oil products as CBD oil, in an effort to make a quick profit from those who may not realise the difference. If a product looks too good to be true, then make this your first check.

Why take CBD oil under the tongue?

A: This is generally considered to be the easiest way to take CBD oil; taking a tincture orally and allowing it to absorb through the soft tissue in the mouth is quick, efficient, and can be easily done on the go.

However, if you aren’t confident with this or would like to take your CBD oil using another method, then there are alternate ways you can implement it into your routine. Take it alongside other essential oils, add some drops into a smoothie or tea, even apply topically to the skin; there are plenty of ways you can make the most of your CBD oil.