What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant.

The chemical has gained major popularity in recent years, due to its supposed medical benefits, coupled with its lack of psychoactive properties.

Whilst the chemical was first isolated in 1942, its use did not gain real public attention until recent years. Due to both legislation and stigma surrounding the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, THC, research surrounding CBD has historically been difficult.

Whilst we know that CBD works on the Endocannabinoid System, which is a naturally occurring molecular system within our bodies, the true mechanism of action for its effects have not yet been truly determined.

The real breakthrough in regards to CBD research came in the form of epilepsy treatment. Children suffering from severe seizures could be treated with CBD oil, with the positive seizure stopping effects being visually apparent almost immediately.

In 2018 both the UK government and the FDA in the United States approved Epidolex, a UK created CBD drug, for the effective treatment of epileptic seizures. This major breakthrough opened the floodgates for a wave of CBD products to encapsulate health and wellness marketplaces throughout the world. We now see an array of CBD products, ranging from isolates and tinctures to beauty creams, fragrances and pet products.

Deciding which CBD product is best suited for you can often be a difficult process, largely due to the vast amounts of different companies and products now available.

In our future articles we will give you more information about the different types of CBD, whilst giving you the low down on the most exciting and innovative products currently on the market, offering you a truly informed experience.