FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD

Do you have questions about CBD and our products? That's hardly surprising! The internet is short of reliable sources of information about cannabinoids, so we'll try our best to answer the most common questions here.

 

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of over 100 organic chemical compounds naturally found in all varieties of cannabis. It is one of the two most popular cannabinoids (alongside THC) and has gained wide recognition among consumers. If you're just starting your journey with CBD, we recommend reading our little compendium: 'What is CBD – Everything You Need to Know'. Should some aspects still remain unclear, feel free to contact us via email or Messenger. For a deeper understanding of why CBD works and how our bodies have receptors that interact with cannabinoids, check out our article explaining the endocannabinoid system.

 

Is CBD Just a Placebo?

It’s understandable to be skeptical and wonder if CBD is akin to a placebo. This substance doesn’t have a fixed, uniform effect on the body; everyone reacts differently to CBD and uses it for various purposes. However, the number of studies affirming the health benefits of this cannabinoid is constantly growing, broadening its scientific support. While CBD isn’t a cure-all for every ailment in the world, more and more people are finding relief for their problems and discomforts with it. Therefore, the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol are very real and in no way resemble a placebo.

 

What is THC?

Alongside CBD, THC is one of the most well-known cannabinoids (compounds produced by cannabis). It can be consumed primarily through smoking, as well as in the form of oils, capsules, or other orally administered products. However, unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive. Like cannabidiol, THC positively influences the endocannabinoid system, exhibiting a range of health benefits. The use of THC for its health benefits is only legal in certain quantities (e.g., in products containing a maximum of 0.2% THC).

 

How are Hemp and Marijuana Different?

The terms 'hemp' and 'marijuana' have been used in our culture for years, but they aren’t biologically accurate. Broadly speaking, hemp refers to plants containing up to 0.2% THC (0.3% in the USA) in dry weight, meaning they are less intoxicating. Marijuana, on the other hand, is a common term for cannabis strains containing more than 0.2% THC and are known for their strong psychoactive effects.

 

How Can CBD Help Me?

There are many conditions, both well and lesser researched, where patients report positive effects from CBD. A more comprehensive discussion on this subject can be found on external sites like the English-language Mydosage.com


 

Is CBD Safe?

According to a preliminary report by the WHO published in 2018, naturally occurring CBD is completely safe and well-tolerated by both humans and animals, with no consumption associated with any negative health effects.

 

How to Properly Use CBD Oil?

It’s quite straightforward, but we believe a video speaks more than a thousand words, so have a look here:

 

Does CBD Have Intoxicating Effects?

The answer is no. CBD products do not have intoxicating effects, nor do they induce anxiety or appetite spikes, which are mainly associated with THC. However, CBD enhances focus, creates a sense of relaxation, and reduces anxiety, while alleviating many troublesome symptoms of various conditions. CBD will undoubtedly help you relax and feel better, but this happens without the intoxication typical of THC.

 

Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?

Yes! Purchasing CBD oils online is legal. As in most European countries, the oils available for sale must not contain more than 0.2% THC (another cannabinoid). We’ve dedicated a separate article to this topic, which you can find here. Rest assured, Eir Health CBD oils meet all legal requirements, and their purchase and possession are no different from, say, buying Vitamin D tablets.

 

Which CBD Product Should I Choose?

Currently, there's no answer backed by sufficient research to this question. The dosage and type of product usually depend on the condition, symptoms, weight, age, genetic predispositions, and many other factors. For those starting with CBD, we recommend beginning with oils administered under the tongue and smaller doses, which should then be gradually increased. You can also read our article on what makes a good CBD oil.

 

What is the Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate?

Full-spectrum cannabinoids are characterized by containing all naturally occurring substances in cannabis plants: from cannabinoids (CBD, CBDa, CBC, CBG, THC below 0.2%, and others), through flavonoids and terpenes, to natural waxes. Broad spectrum, unlike full spectrum, is devoid of THC. However, all other compounds remain intact. Isolate, on the other hand, refers to a single specific cannabinoid, isolated from the rest. Thus, it is a product based solely on CBD. For general use, we highly recommend choosing full-spectrum products. However, if you are a professional athlete or work in uniformed services, an isolate should be your target product.

 

How to Choose the Right CBD Dosage?

As mentioned earlier, the suggested amount of CBD is very individual and depends on weight, age, genetic predispositions, and many other factors. The range of doses used is very wide, from 10mg daily as general support for the body to 1500-2000mg daily in the case of some patients with epilepsy and drug-resistant seizures. You can find more about taking CBD in the article 'Using and Administering CBD'. If you’re starting with CBD and looking for a starting point, we recommend using the Mydosage website, where you'll find a handy calculator that takes into account all important issues to help you determine the optimal dose.

 

Can I Safely Travel with CBD?

It depends on your destination. While CBD is completely legal in many countries, there are places where possession and consumption of CBD is prohibited. Remember, CBD as a compound produced by cannabis, which has many varieties, is not uniformly regulated by all countries. For example: you can confidently travel with your bottle of CBD oil across Europe (except Slovakia), but before heading to Qatar, Singapore, Indonesia, or generally Asian countries, it’s better to leave CBD at home. There are exceptions, such as Hong Kong or Japan, where only CBD isolates can be legally possessed and purchased.

 

Can I Drive After Taking CBD?

Since CBD does not have intoxicating effects, there are no legal restrictions against driving under its influence. Cannabidiol in the bloodstream does not impair the abilities needed for safe driving. However, if you don’t feel up to driving after consuming CBD, don’t do it! Be a responsible driver and choose public transportation or a taxi.

 

Can I Take CBD with Medications?

It all depends on the medications you take regularly. If the medicines you are using are metabolized by cytochrome p450, combining them with CBD must be consulted with a doctor, as CBD can affect the absorption of these drugs. Generally, CBD is completely safe and does not interact with pharmaceuticals. However, it's worth checking the list of medications metabolized by p450, which can be found here: mydosage.com.

 

Does CBD Cure Coronavirus?

No, and there is little to suggest that cannabis can be helpful in the face of this challenge. There is no evidence or research on the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating viral diseases. CBD may be useful in strengthening the body (the endocannabinoid system directly interacts with other systems) and in reducing stress related to the pandemic and changes in habits.

 

Dispelling Myths

 

There is No Scientific Evidence that CBD Works

The health benefits of cannabinoids have long been recognized in many comprehensive healthcare systems. Clinical research backing the efficacy of these substances led to the market introduction in 2018 of the first pharmaceutical drug containing only CBD, designed to combat epilepsy. However, it’s true that current knowledge about CBD and other cannabinoids is insufficient for their full utilization in medicine. Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that cannabis-derived substances in many cases can significantly improve users' quality of life.

 

CBD is Just Another Marketing Gimmick / Wellness Trend

CBD is primarily a medication. In the pharmaceutical market, it is mainly found in the form of a product named Epidiolex. Of course, many manufacturers promise miracles and claim CBD is a cure-all. However, it’s important to emphasize that cannabidiol is not a miraculous solution for all problems. It can, however, prove indispensable for specific diseases and ailments. If you want to learn more about the spectrum of uses for this substance, visit mydosage.com, where you will find reliable and factual articles about CBD usage, prepared by scientists and healthcare professionals.

 

All Oils are the Same, So It’s Best to Buy the Cheapest

Since CBD is treated as a dietary supplement, there are no clear legal regulations overseeing the composition of individual products. Therefore, the market is flooded with many low-quality products at very low prices. If you don’t want to waste your money, it’s worth primarily:

  • Choosing a company that grows its hemp in the European Union – this helps verify the quality, avoiding products from Chinese hemp or those involved in a suspicious distribution chain.
  • Paying attention to the extraction method – supercritical CO2 extraction is the best method for producing the purest and highest quality CBD extracts.
  • Looking into laboratory testing – since dietary supplements don’t have to be laboratory tested, many inferior companies simply skip this, denying their customers the chance to check what's really in the product. Only responsible manufacturers, such as Eir Health, send their products to external laboratories to obtain independent results regarding composition, cannabinoid profile, and product purity.
  • Avoiding companies that base their marketing on unfounded promises.

 

CBD Converts to THC in the Stomach

The notion that CBD turns into THC in the stomach is practically impossible. CBD and THC are two different, independent cannabinoids with completely opposite properties and effects.

 

Higher Doses of CBD Are Better Than Lower Ones

It depends. For some, 20 mg a day is sufficient, while others may need 50 mg or more. There is no general rule that more CBD is better. CBD dosing primarily depends on gender, weight, health status, activity of the endocannabinoid system, and several other factors. The worst thing you can do when dosing CBD is to believe in drop myths. Remember, don't follow myths about taking 2-3 drops a day, as such microdosing has no basis in any research. Eir Health recommends not exceeding a dose of 70mg CBD per day.

 

It Doesn’t Work. I Took It for a Week and Saw No Effects

Indeed, this situation can occur. There are several reasons for this:

  • CBD is not an effective solution for your specific condition.
  • You didn’t observe your body and simply took CBD without a specific reason. This is the 'ibuprofen paradox' - if your head doesn’t hurt, you won’t feel any difference after taking a pill. But this doesn’t mean ibuprofen doesn’t work; it simply means you don’t need it.
  • The amount used was too small to notice any health benefits.
  • You chose a low-quality or falsely labeled CBD product. It’s important to choose products based on reliable laboratory results that allow you to check their composition.