The Complete Guide to CBD

With the array of CBD products on the market, choosing the best possible option can be a little daunting. Whether you need some CBD oil, or just want some good, old-fashioned flower, we've put together a complete guide to CBD.

This is Fortune Flavours' ultimate guide to CBD.

Beginner's Guide to CBD Oil & Flower

What Is CBD?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a compound originating from the hemp plant. CBD also comes from the cannabis plant. However, sourcing it from hemp means that the CBD content is much higher, while the THC content is minimal.

As of late, CBD has rapidly gained popularity. More and more people add it to their wellness routines. If you're thinking of adding CBD to your wellness routine, we're here to help.

Our beginner's guide to cbd helps you choose the perfect CBD Oil & Flower. We'll also answer a number of CBD-related questions.

For more information, read our blog on: What is CBD?

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is one of the most popular products on the market -- and with good reason. It's incredibly convenient and discreet. It's also fairly versatile.

In fact, people take CBD oil in a variety of ways. CBD oil can be used sublingually or added to recipes for an added dose of CBD. While we're here to guide you on your CBD oil journey, the choice is entirely yours!

What Is CBD Flower?

CBD flower is one of the oldest, easiest ways to consume CBD. In flower form, it contains pure CBD. It also contains the other 113 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.

While this includes trace amounts of THC, it also means that people who smoke CBD flower should experience the entourage effect. Many people choose to smoke CBD flower. However, it can also be used to make your own CBD oil and tinctures!

What is Entourage effect?

The entourage effect can be understood like this: all the different elements of the cannabis plant work better together than they do alone. We often come across ‘extracts’ like CBD extract; this usually means this cannabinoid has been isolated and extracted. However, that same CBD would have a more potent effect, if it was working in tandem with the other elements of the cannabis plant.

As a general rule of thumb, most biological products are healthier when they are in their most natural state. Cannabis Terpenes and flavonoids are not hemp ingredients to be ignored. These healthful compounds bring a range of benefits. This is why consuming hemp that is less processed is becoming so popular. You get CBD and then some with the entourage effect. 

For more information, read our blog on: Terpenes & the Entourage effect

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa L plant. Communities have used hemp for thousands of years -- for a variety of reasons. For example, the high-fibre stems were turned into rope, paper, and clothing.

Additionally, hemp seeds are high in protein. For years, hemp seeds have added a dose of protein to meals or acted as a vegan-friendly protein supplement. Furthermore, hemp leaves and flowers make for popular smokables.

For more information, read our blog on: What is Hemp? Difference between Hemp & Marijuana

What Is Hemp Oil?

It's easy to get hemp oil and CBD oil confused. However, as this is the ultimate guide to CBD oil, we're here to tell you that this isn't the case.

Primarily, this comes down to the origins of these oils. Manufacturers source CBD oil from hemp flower.

Earlier in our CBD guide, we established that Cannabidiol is rich in CBD. It contains the full range of necessary cannabinoids and terpenes.

Hemp oil, on the other hand, is naturally low in CBD. It doesn't contain any THC, either. That being said, it's rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It's also rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and a selection of antioxidants.

Therefore, while hemp oil might not be the best possible high-CBD option, it has other uses.

How Is CBD Made?

CBD products are made in a variety of ways. It all depends on the product itself. However, each product contains a certain amount of CBD oil.

Manufacturers extract CBD from the hemp plant. To extract CBD from the hemp plant, manufacturers usually use a secure manufacturing facility. This helps ensure that every single product meets industry standards.

Then, manufacturers suspend the CBD in a carrier oil. Generally, the carrier oil is flavourless; popular options include vegetable oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. The carrier oil makes CBD much easier to consume. It helps to balance the CBD content, ensuring that users get a standard dose of CBD with every drop.

For more information, read our blog on: How is CBD Made?

Does CBD Get You High?

If you're just starting you're CBD journey, you'll probably want to know if CBD can get you high. Thankfully, our guide to CBD oil and more -- tailor-made for beginners -- is here to help.

We're happy to report that CBD doesn't get you high, because it isn't psychoactive. Therefore, you can use a multitude of CBD products without worrying about getting high.

However, you always want to check the THC content of a CBD product before making a purchase. This is because THC is psychoactive. In large doses, THC can get you high.

The good news is that THC is a controlled substance. In the UK, products can only contain up to 1 mg of THC. While this isn't enough to get you high, we'd recommend checking the lab reports before making a purchase.

For more information, read our blog on: Does CBD Get You High?

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) might sound a little complicated. However, our comprehensive guide to CBD oil is here to help. Your ECS is just another system in your body. It consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

Your ECS helps to regulate a selection of functions. The key functions are:

• Appetite: Your ECS can help determine when you feel hungry, and how hungry you feel.
• Mood: Your ECS can affect your mood. In fact, you could potentially attribute extreme feelings of elation or sadness to your ECS. It can also help regulate your mood.
• Pain: Your ECS has some bearing on how you experience pain. It could also determine how much pain you feel, and play a role in chronic pain.
• Sleep: Your ECS could play a part in your quality of sleep. Additionally, it can affect whether or not you feel tired or relaxed.

Research shows that CBD can interact with the ECS. Scientists believe that this interaction can potentially help increase the effect of endocannabinoids in your body.

For more information, read our blog on: The Endocannabinoid System

The History of CBD and Hemp

The hemp plant is extremely resilient; it grows in most climates. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that archaeologists have found traces of hemp-based products all over the world.

For example, archaeologists discovered remnants of hemp paper in China, dating back to 105 AD. Additionally, they also discovered traces of hemp-based fabric and rope in Egypt, dating back to ancient times.

The history of CBD is slightly more complicated. Scientists have experimented on CBD since the 1940s. However, communities have turned to CBD as a wellness aid from before those times.

In fact, The Ebers Papyrus -- an Egyptian medical document that dates back to 1550 BC -- touts hemp as a cure for a number of ailments.

For more information, read our blog on: The History of CBD & Hemp

What Is CBD Good For?

With an increasing number of people turning to CBD, the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. Additionally, scientific research seems to point to CBD having a host of benefits. These include:

• Anxiety: A 2019 study in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry concluded that CBD could help with anxiety. Participants were given either 300 mg of CBD, or a placebo. People who received doses of CBD reported a reduction in their levels of anxiety.
  
  For more information, read our blog on: Can CBD help with anxiety?
  
  
• Acne and skincare: A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD oil could prevent excess sebum. This reduces the risk of breakouts and reducing oil production. Therefore, CBD oil could help guide your skin towards clearer horizons.
  
  For more information, read our blog on: CBD For Acne
  
  
• Anti-seizure: In 2018, a research paper from Frontiers in Neurology concluded that CBD-rich products seem to effectively reduce the frequency of seizures.
  
  
• Better sleep: A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal reported that 66.7% of their participants reported better sleep, after taking 25 mg of CBD every day.
  
  

  For more information, read our blog on: The ultimate guide to CBD and sleep.
  
  

• Pain management: An animal study in the European Journal of Pain reported that regular doses of CBD reduced inflammation and pain-related behaviours in rats.
  
  For more information, read our blog on: CBD For Pain

Research shows that CBD could assist with a host of other issues, such as improving focus and concentration. Additionally, an animal study in the Journal of Surgical Research showed that CBD consumption could lead to the shrinking of cancerous tumours and could possibly even help with Diabetes.

However, more studies need to be done, before we can actively tout CBD's health benefits. That being said, research so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

How to Use CBD?

Earlier in our CBD guide, we established that CBD comes in different forms -- oils, smokables, and edibles, to name a few. Two of the most popular CBD products are CBD oil and CBD flower.

To use CBD flower, simply grind it up and smoke it. From rolling a blunt to packing a pipe -- the choice is yours.

When it comes to CBD oils, you have a little more wiggle-room. Choosing to take it sublingually helps to maintain a high bioavailability rate. However, adding it to food and drink is far more discreet. You can even add your CBD oil to recipes!

Whether you need a beginner's guide to buying CBD, or want to know how to use an oil or some flower -- look no further than Fortune Flavours.

We've put together some information on the best ways to take CBD.

Can You Smoke Hemp and CBD?

The short answer is yes, you can smoke hemp and CBD. In fact, it's one of the oldest methods of consuming CBD. The fact that it has only increased in popularity speaks for itself.

However, it really depends on your hemp or CBD product. For example, feel free to smoke CBD flower, or CBD-specific vape oils. Refrain from smoking other CBD products, unless manufacturing guidelines explicitly state that these products can be smoked.

For more information, read our blog on: Can you Smoke Hemp?

What do you mean by Full-Spectrum CBD?

Generally, full-spectrum CBD is a popular choice for a multitude of manufacturers. But what is it, exactly? Well, our CBD oil guide will tell you!

Full-spectrum CBD just means that the CBD contains all 113 cannabinoids and terpenes. This usually includes trace amounts of THC, too. Choosing a product made from full-spectrum CBD could ensure that you experience the entourage effect.

However, the THC content might be off-putting for some people. Thankfully, there are other options.

For more information, read our blog on: What is full spectrum CBD?

What exactly is Broad-Spectrum CBD?

Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabidiol -- without the THC. This makes it an excellent option for people who want a THC-free product, but still want to experience the entourage effect.

If you undergo regular drug testing, or have a sensitivity to THC, keep an eye out for products made from broad-spectrum CBD.

For more information, read our blog on:  What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

How Long Does It Take for CBD to Work?

Given that this is the comprehensive beginner's guide to CBD, we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about CBD usage, and how long it takes to work.

How long it takes to work entirely depends on a number of different factors. Two of the most important factors to consider are:

• Bioavailability: Products taken sublingually and smokables have a higher bioavailability rate. Edibles take a little longer to kick in, as they have to pass through the digestive system.
• Product strength: CBD products come in a selection of strengths. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that products with higher levels of CBD could work much faster.

What Is Hemp Used For?

Hemp, as a plant, is extremely versatile. Most of us know it for its CBD content. However, it can also be used to make hemp-based textiles, paper, and bioplastics.

As we move towards sustainability, a multitude of brands have hopped on the pro-hemp bandwagon. Now, hemp clothing, footwear, and furniture dominate the market.

For more information, read our blog on: What is Hemp Oil Used For?

CBD Facts

In our cbd guide to buying the best CBD products on the market, we wanted to include a few facts.

Earlier, we established that hemp has been around for years. However, we'll bet you didn't know that Queen Victoria reportedly used CBD oil to help with menstrual cramps!

You might also know that CBD skincare is taking the world by storm. But did you know that brands are experimenting with CBD make-up? That's right, we could see CBD-infused mascara and foundation on the high street pretty soon.

Additionally, animal studies show that your pets could benefit from CBD -- but we'll get into that a little later.

For more information, read our blog on: 5 Facts About CBD

Are their any CBD Side-Effects?

While reading this cbd guide, you might have wondered if there are any side-effects to taking CBD oil, or smoking CBD flower. There are a few minor side-effects associated with taking CBD.

• Dry mouth: Regular use of CBD could potentially lead to dry mouth. This side-effect is quite harmless, and can be remedied by staying hydrated.
  
  For more information, read our blog on: Can CBD cause Dry Mouth?
  
  
• Low blood pressure: A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology showed that CBD could lower blood pressure. However, if your blood pressure is already on the lower side of the scale, we'd consulting with a healthcare professional.
  
  For more information, read our blog on: Can CBD lower Blood Pressure?

• Nausea: While studies indicate that full-spectrum CBD can help with nausea and dizziness, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD can intensify feelings of nausea.
  
  For more information, read our blog on: Can CBD help with Nausea?

• Poor appetite: In 2017, an animal study in Frontiers in Neuroscience reported that CBD could act as an appetite suppressant. While this could help with weight loss, it could also encourage poor eating habits.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

If you're new to taking CBD, you'll want a general strength cbd guide. This can help establish just how much CBD to take. When it comes to CBD consumption, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

We'd recommend starting out with low doses of CBD, and working your way up from there. This eases you into the process, and you'll be able to figure out the perfect dose for you.

For more information, read our blog on: How much CBD should i take?

Types of CBD Products

We'd be remiss if we didn't include a guide to buying CBD in our list of things you should know! There are countless CBD products on the market and ways to take cbd, but how do you choose the best ones? Fear not -- we're here to help.

CBD Flowers

CBD flowers are an excellent way to consume CBD. Users can enjoy different flavour profiles and scents with every puff.

Browse Our selection of strains here.

CBD Oils & Tinctures

If you don't smoke, you might want to opt for a CBD oil or tincture. They come in a selection of strengths. CBD oils are also very discreet, and easy to use.

We have a wide variety of CBD Oils to choose from.

CBD Gummies

If you have a sweet tooth, consider replacing some snacks with CBD gummies. Available in a selection of flavours and strengths, they're an excellent treat for adults.

Check our range of CBD Gummies to satisfy your taste buds.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are a great way to introduce CBD to your wellness routine. They're extremely convenient, too. Just take them in the morning, alongside the rest of your supplements.

CBD Vape Oils & Vape Pens

CBD vape oils and pens are a fantastic choice for vape enthusiasts. Generally, CBD vape oils come in a selection of strengths and flavours -- there's something for everyone!

Do you love vaping? We have a wide range of CBD Vape Oils to choose from!

CBD Concentrates

If you need a higher dose of CBD, consider opting for a CBD concentrate instead. The concentrate comes in various forms; however, wax and shatter are two of the most popular.

CBD and Pets

Sure, CBD and hemp for pets is a novel idea. However, a tincture could have endless benefits on your furry friend's quality of life. Anecdotal evidence points to CBD reducing anxiety in animals.

In 2018, a study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science also indicated that CBD can significantly reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritic dogs.

For more information, read our blog on: CBD For Dogs

Is CBD Legal in the UK?

In the UK, cannabidiol isn't considered a controlled substance. In fact, it comes under the Novel Foods Act.

However, we should emphasise that THC is a controlled substance. CBD products can only contain up to 1 mg of THC, per product. Furthermore, large doses of THC can cause you to fail drug tests in the UK.

Read our related blog on: CBD Drug Tests in the UK

Where to Buy CBD Flower and Oil?

If you're looking to buy good-quality CBD flower and oil, we're here to guide you in the right direction. At Fortune Flavours, we stock premium-quality CBD flower. Browse our selection of strains, right here on our website.

Be sure to check out our Top 10 CBD Strains of all time.

We also carry a range of organic CBD oils -- available in two strengths. To buy CBD products with confidence, shop our collection today!