hemp extract Archives

Is CBD Non-Psychoactive?

Posted on May 17, 2019May 28, 2019 by Hempstil

When people talk about Cannabidiol, you have probably heard it said that ‘CBD is non-psychoactive’. After all, it does not give you any intoxicating effects. While the majority of people would agree with this view, not everyone does. You see, there are people, well respected in the Cannabis industry, who point out a different opinion. It could be argued that CBD is psychoactive in some respects. Obviously, this contradiction causes confusion with new and existing customers. Is CBD non-psychoactive? This article will cover both sides of the debate.

CBD Oil – Psychoactive or Non-Psychoactive?

A high-quality CBD oil like our own 5% Hemp Drops tincture, contains approximately 0.03% of THC. This is a trace amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol that is not large enough to cause any adverse effects. We are confident in saying our product is non-psychoactive. It will not impair our customers or leave them feeling intoxicated. They will still be able to function normally after taking CBD oil. This is because there is no ‘high’ normally associated with Marijuana and THC.

However, it could be argued that CBD is psychoactive in some respects. For example, the definition of psychoactive is: “drugs that affect your mind” (English). If you are taking CBD for depression and anxiety issues, the extract does indeed have an effect on the mind, albeit a positive rather than a negative one. Of course, CBD manufacturers could not market their products as psychoactive, this would cause even more problems than it would solve.

So who is right? Well, both sides of this argument could argue their point and claim to be in the right. The vast majority of people seem to understand and have no issue with what ‘non-psychoactive’ means. The term is used to explain that CBD will not get you ‘high’. It should be remembered that people who use Cannabidiol come from all ages and walks of life. The most important point is they receive the information required to find what they are looking for.

So, is CBD non-psychoactive or psychoactive? Well, technically in some respects, it is psychoactive, in a positive rather than negative sense. That said, CBD manufacturers do not want to confuse their customers for the sake of addressing a minor technicality. Many observers believe this argument is simply ‘splitting hairs’. The debate on this particular topic will continue throughout the Cannabis industry. At least, after reading this article, presented with all the facts you will be sufficiently informed to form your own opinion.

CBD, Hemp

Terpenes Found in CBD Oil and Their Effects

Posted on April 29, 2019June 14, 2019 by Hempstil

There are approximately 200 terpenes found in the Cannabis plant, but only a few of them are found in CBD products. In this article, we will cover some of the common terpenes found in CBD oil and their effects. When people talk about CBD, they often mention terpenes and the importance of them. Terpenes are oils that are secreted in the resin glands of the Hemp plant. When terpenes are combined with a number of Cannabinoids, a reaction occurs. This phenomenon is known as the ‘entourage effect’. In simple terms, it means the different elements combine and make the whole product even more effective.

List of Common Terpenes in CBD

Myrcene (Hops)

Aroma: musky, earthy.
Effects: relaxing, sedation, sleep, elevated mood.
Benefits: antioxidant, insomnia, anticarcinogenic.
Found in: mango, lemongrass, hops and thyme.

Linalool (Lavender)

Aroma: floral, sweet.
Effects: calming, relaxing, anaesthetic.
Benefits: anxiety relief, analgesic, sedating, anti-convulsant.
Found in: lavender, laurel and rosewood.

Caryophyllene (Black Pepper)

Aroma: wood, spice.
Effects: soothing, calming, anaesthetic.
Benefits: pain relief, antiseptic, anti-cancer, digestion.
Found in: Black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.

Pinene (Rosemary)

Aroma: pine, earthy.
Effects: creativity, energy, alertness, euphoria.
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic.
Found in: pine trees, basil, rosemary and sage.

Limonene (Lemon)

Aroma: citrus, lemon.
Effects: stress relief, elevated mood.
Benefits: anxiety relief, antidepressant.
Found in: citrus, juniper and peppermint.

Other terpenes of note include humulene and terpinolene which are found in hops and tea tree respectively. The terpenes in this article are the ones which usually feature in most reputable CBD oil products. This concludes the most common terpenes found in CBD extract and their effects. The next time you take a serving of your preferred Cannabidiol product, you will know the sort of terpenes it is likely to contain.

CBD, Education

The Difference Between Full Spectrum CBD and Isolate

Posted on April 12, 2019June 1, 2019 by Hempstil

Full Spectrum CBD - Isolate — Full Spectrum CBD – Isolate

The market for CBD seems to be expanding by the day. With this ever-increasing demand comes a growing number of queries. People do not always realise there are different types of CBD oil. It is fair to say there is a lot of confusion around certain CBD oil products. This mainly concerns the difference between full spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolate. The aim of this article is to clear up any confusion over the full spectrum and isolate oils. We will cover the positives and negatives of both tinctures. Hopefully, we will offer useful advice on which product would be more suited to your needs and why.

Full Range of Cannabinoids

Full spectrum CBD contains a wide range of cannabinoids. In short, this means that it contains nutrients from the whole plant. Furthermore, nothing of significant nutritional value is left out. This is when the entourage effect comes into play. The ingredients work in synergy and become more powerful. It is non-psychoactive and only contains trace amounts of THC. Full spectrum CBD oil has a reputation for being the most effective form of Cannabidiol. In particular, these extracts have the most impact when it comes to delivering improvements in health. Hempstil full spectrum tinctures are Gold in colour, potent and pure. They are the go-to product for people in need of relief for serious health issues.

THC-Free CBD Oil

In contrast, CBD isolate caters for a specific customer. Isolate is when everything apart from the compound Cannabidiol is removed. This means THC and a number of other beneficial compounds are not present in CBD isolate oils. There are pro’s and con’s when it comes to isolate tinctures. For a start, CBD isolate contains no THC. If you are subject to random drug testing in your job and cannot risk a false positive, isolate is a product that would meet those requirements. In those scenarios, a CBD isolate oil with zero THC, would tick all your boxes. Most of the CBD isolate oils range from pale yellow to transparent in colour.

The downside of CBD isolate oils are the effectiveness, especially in comparison to other forms of Cannabidiol. While isolate can boast it has zero THC content, it is also missing other key ingredients. In a side by side comparison, there is little doubt, isolate does not provide the same level of relief or improvements to health that full spectrum CBD can offer. Unfortunately, that is the trade-off customers are faced with.

In summary, there is a demand for both full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Indeed, they both cater to a specific customer. If drug testing is not an issue, our advice would be to choose a full spectrum oil tincture. That choice would provide the most health benefits. However, if your employer carries out random drug testing, you may be wise to use a CBD isolate oil instead. You may experience fewer health benefits, but you would have the peace of mind knowing your job and career would not be in jeopardy.

So there you have it, hopefully, you now have all the facts and are better informed about the difference between full spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate. Whichever product you choose, enjoy your CBD experience.

CBD, News

Flying with CBD Oil (Cannabidiol)

Posted on March 25, 2019June 14, 2019 by Hempstil

We hear a lot of questions from people about flying with CBD oil (Cannabidiol). Hemp extract is the perfect supplement for travellers to promote calm and relaxation. Not to mention its ability to fight pain, inflammation and anxiety. It stands to reason that people would want to take it with them on long journeys. There is a lot of uncertainty around airports and air travel and whether Cannabidiol is allowed or not. Regular users of CBD ask if it is legal to take their oil drops with them through the airport and on board a plane. Well, there is no simple answer to this question. It depends on where you are flying from and your destination.

Travelling with CBD Products

In some countries, Hemp CBD is legal. This means you are free to take Cannabidiol with you on internal flights. However, for international flights, some countries still prohibit the use of all forms of CBD extract. Hence, you could find yourself in a situation where you depart from a location where the CBD is legal and arrive in a country where you are breaking the law. Let’s say you are travelling from the UK to Dubai in the UAE. In this country, Cannabidiol is illegal and if you are in possession, you would be breaking their laws.

In the United States, CBD is now legal (as of December 2018) and can be taken through airports and on aircraft for internal flights. However, it must be derived from Hemp and contain less than 0.03% THC. Nevertheless, this is a welcome change for American citizens who are flying between states.

Check The Product Label

It cannot be stressed enough, always check the label of your CBD oil so you know exactly what the THC content is. This will give you peace of mind and confirm the legality or otherwise.

Check Laws Before Travelling

Do your research well in advance before embarking on your journey. Plenty of accurate information can be found online. If in doubt, please check with the local authorities before travelling to avoid any confusion or uncertainty.

Keep CBD in Carry-On Luggage

If you are clear to take CBD on your flight, the best practice is to keep it in your hand luggage with any liquids, oils or lotions you are allowed to take on board. This means it will be close at hand while negotiating the security process and you will be present to assist airport staff with any queries they may have.

Hemp-derived CBD is now legal in most countries. However, because Hemp is sometimes confused with Marijuana, there is still some stigma towards Cannabidiol. In time, we anticipate there will be more widespread acceptance of this natural substance and fewer restrictions on travellers. However, for the time being, we would urge caution and research before flying with CBD oil (Cannabidiol).

CBD, Pets

The Health Benefits of CBD Oil for Pets

Posted on March 7, 2019May 29, 2019 by Hempstil

Benefits CBD Oil Pets — Health Benefits of CBD Oil for Pets

The advantages of taking a Hemp CBD oil supplement are fast becoming common knowledge. However, not everyone is clear about the health benefits of CBD oil for pets. It is true to say that animals can experience the same positive effects that humans are enjoying. As long as the Cannabidiol extract is non-psychoactive, it is perfectly safe for animals. Indeed, some of our customers use our 5% CBD oil on their pets with increasingly positive results.

Pain Relief and Arthritis

Just like their owners, pets can see a reduction in pain relief. CBD has analgesic properties and will help to ease chronic pain and discomfort. It is good to know that whatever the problem, Cannabidiol will help animals and alleviate their suffering. As our furry friends get older, one common complaint is the issue of joint health. Arthritis can be particularly excruciating for older dogs. Treatment with a Cannabidiol supplement can promote joint health. It can reduce inflammation, swelling and soreness.

Stress and Anxiety

Many of our pets are known to suffer from anxiety issues. CBD is very effective at reducing stress and anxiety. This is great news for anyone with a pet who struggles with separation issues. Hemp extract works fast to calm, soothe and relax the animal. It can also help with other phobias. In addition to the aforementioned health benefits, expect your Cat or Dog to see a marked improvement in sleep.

Heart Health and Cancer

CBD can promote cardiovascular health in your pet by clearing arteries and blood vessels. It can also help reduce and regulate blood pressure. This would be a welcome improvement to the overall general health of your pet. While it is still early days, there are numerous instances where CBD oil has demonstrated the potential to combat cancer. These are backed up by serious examples of scientific research. Cannabidiol can help stop the growth of tumors and kill cancerous cells.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in cats and dogs. You may be surprised to learn that approximately 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. These are particularly difficult to treat and usually require specialist medication. Unfortunately, these medications can cause severe side effects. In contrast, CBD is a natural remedy and displays no negative effects. It can reduce the frequency of seizures and sometimes eradicate them altogether.

Diabetes Conditions

Middle-aged to senior animals are most likely to develop diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes is something that cannot be cured. However, when detected, it can be controlled with diet and exercise. CBD can be used to treat type 1 and 2 diabetes. It can fight inflammation and reduce insulin resistance. Cannabidiol activates the endocannabinoid system in animals and regulates the CB1, CB2 receptors. It has shown promise as an alternative remedy to traditional diabetes medications.

Now that CBD is becoming popular, we see a new range of pet-specific products. These are Cannabidiol products which have been specially formulated for animals. They use some ingredients and vitamins, which cater 100% for the health of your pet. That said, most CBD products are safe for use with animals (please check the label). You can share your Cannabidiol oil tincture with your cat or dog, or buy a custom CBD for pet supplement. Whatever your preference, you now have a better understanding of the health benefits of CBD oil for pets.

CBD, Education

Cannabidiol – the Correct CBD Oil Dosage

Posted on February 1, 2019June 16, 2019 by Hempstil

Cannabidiol CBD Oil Dosage — Cannabidiol – The Correct CBD Oil Dosage

When people first start taking CBD they usually have a number of queries. However, there is one question we get asked more than any other. That question relates to Cannabidiol and the correct CBD oil dosage. In this article, we will cover how much CBD you should be consuming. Furthermore, we will look at how dosage can differ according to specific factors such as the illness or health issue being treated. The duration of treatment depends on several factors.

Taking CBD Oil via the Sublingual Method

If you are taking CBD via the sublingual route (oral). Place the oil drops under your tongue and hold for 30 seconds. This method of delivery gives a high rate of absorption. We have included some dosage examples which can be used as a rough guide to get you started.

A Guide to CBD Oil Dosage

Low – A typical low dose of CBD would be 5mg to 25mg per day. This is recommended for general pain, sleep, headaches, nausea, stress and mood issues.

Medium – A medium dosage of Cannabidiol would be in the range of 25mg to 50mg. This would be recommended for chronic pain relief, inflammation, anxiety, depression and arthritis.

High – If a high dosage of CBD is required, the aim should be 50mg to 150mg. This amount of CBD would be for people with serious health conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

Start Low and Increase CBD Dosage as Required

We all have an endocannabinoid system. On average, a dose of 25mg CBD per day is effective for most people. However, everyone is different and what works for one person with a particular condition, may not work for someone else. Some people will find relief with a dosage of 10mg CBD per day while others will require 30mg. The golden rule for beginners or those new to Cannabidiol, is to start low. This method allows the user to make small adjustments until the ‘sweet spot’ is found. Once a consistent level of relief has been found, that becomes the maintenance dosage.

A good starting point is to consume 10mg Cannabidiol per serving. For example, Hempstil 5% CBD Oil Drops contain 2.5mg of CBD per drop. Hence, you would need 4 drops to consume 10mg of CBD extract. All manufacturers should provide details of how much Cannabidiol is in each drop of oil. This enables the user to administer a precise dosage. Ensure you spread out your servings evenly throughout the day.

The effects of CBD can be felt instantly. Users report experiencing a calming, relaxing and soothing feeling. In contrast, health issues like pain & inflammation can take 1 to 3 days to improve. Please be aware, the delivery method may also have an impact on the effectiveness of the CBD. Some people respond better with oil tincture compared to softgels and vice versa.

If you are taking additional medication, we would advise consulting a Doctor before taking CBD. This is to safeguard against any possible interactions. CBD provides natural, non-psychoactive relief for a range of health issues. It may require a little patience to find your preferred delivery method, strength and dosage. However, when this is complete, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits. We hope you are now better informed about Cannabidiol and the correct CBD oil dosage.

CBD, Sport

The Benefits of CBD for MMA Fighters

Posted on January 21, 2019May 31, 2019 by Hempstil

An increasing number of athletes are turning to the use of Cannabidiol to aid their recovery. The typical mixed martial artist trains hard and pushes their body to the limits. The benefits of CBD for MMA fighters are numerous. That is why it is the latest addition to their supplement regimen. After any MMA training session or contest, the body will be sore. It is not just the muscles that will ache, the body may be covered in cuts and/or bruises. CBD is known to enhance the recovery process and speed up the body’s ability to heal itself.

Pain Management for MMA Fighters

Pain relief is a huge benefit of taking CBD oil. Cannabidiol is known to be 20 times more powerful than aspirin. It is also a healthier long-term remedy compared to repeated use of Ibuprofen. CBD is also very effective at reducing inflammation. This is particularly useful when treating long-term niggling sports injuries. In effect, CBD has emerged as a serious alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory medication.

A Natural Solution for Pain Relief

CBD has little or no negative side effects. Certainly none that compares to those associated with opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is an antioxidant, neuroprotective and it has very low levels of toxicity. Indeed, it is a natural substance and a direct product of the hemp plant. It is often cited as ‘a gift from nature’.

Training hard in the gym is only one part of any sport or physical activity. Recovery and improving strength and fitness levels, come afterwards. A huge part of recovery is getting an adequate amount of rest. There is no point in punishing the body while, training if it does not get sufficient sleep. CBD oil has a reputation for treating sleep related issues. These include sleep deprivation and insomnia. Those who take a CBD supplement in an oil tincture form, are full of praise. They report it has an instant calming, soothing and relaxing effect on the body and mind. This delivers improved, quality sleep that helps the body recover.

Fast Recovery with CBD

Brain function is another benefit of taking CBD products. Some users have reported increased mental clarity and intense focus after taking CBD oil. This could assist concentration levels during training. Cannabidiol is also known to support bone growth. This is particularly useful for those athletes recovering from fractures or joint issues.

Mixed martial artists are now able to train even harder knowing they have a greater control over the recovery process. Whether it is used by BJJ experts or Muay Thai practitioners, we see a trend developing where using Cannabidiol is a common sight in any gym. These athletes know all about the benefits of CBD for MMA fighters. In one form or another, it is safe to assume that CBD is here to stay.

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