The Complete CBD FAQ
CBD for Beginners: Answering Common Questions About CBD
A recent survey found that 29% of folks have already given CBD a whirl. Meanwhile, others hesitate, pondering if there are any perks, curious about unexpected side effects, or worried it could pop up on a drug test.
So, what would you answer to someone thinking about taking CBD but who is wondering about it?
Let’s start with the obvious features of CBD. It is legal in the UK as long as it’s produced from industrial hemp. It is thought to help with pain management, anxiety, and depression. It is well-tolerated by the human body and is not addictive.
Now that we have covered the most common questions and concerns CBD beginners might have, let’s move on to more complex ones.
What if I don’t like the taste of CBD?
Admittedly, CBD oil has an earthy and musky smell and taste that some people find less than appealing. Some CBD beginners have said that taking CBD oil tastes like eating something grass-like as they can feel the chlorophyll undertones.
If you don’t like the taste of CBD you can try CBD pills and capsules which are odourless and tasteless. You are getting the benefits of CBD without the sometimes unpleasant taste.
You can also cook with CBD oil to mask its grass-like aroma or mix it in your smoothie or with yogurt. If you like to improvise, it’s good to remember that CBD is lipophilic and likes fatty compounds: mix it with avocado or cream cheese to create a dish you like without experiencing the undesirable, to some, taste of CBD.
Can I take CBD and drive?
Generally, you can take CBD and drive. CBD is non-addictive and doesn’t cause any high. But sometimes its side effects include drowsiness. If this is the case with you, you may prefer to avoid driving. Drowsiness usually occurs with high doses of CBD, so it’s best to start with a low dose and assess how your body reacts to it. If you feel dozy, leave the driving part to someone else.
CBD has become very common nowadays and you will find it in drinks and cocktails, including alcoholic cocktails. When you take CBD mixed with alcohol, it’s best if you avoid driving as its effects get amped with alcohol. As a result, there’s a high chance it will make you drowsy and unfit to drive.
Will CBD show up in a drug test?
CBD will not show up in a drug test as long as you buy from a reputable and trusted brand. Drug tests do not check for CBD metabolites but they do check for marijuana ones—mainly THC.
A quality brand will produce CBD products without any THC trace, which means you won’t fail your drug test. But if you buy from less-than-established brands, they might not test their products thoroughly, in which case there might be traces of THC which will show up in a random drug test.
Do I feel something right away?
You probably won’t feel something right away. CBD is subtle and works progressively, so you might want to give it time to act.
The body adjusts to CBD; CBD builds up in the body and works in tandem with your endocannabinoid system, where it targets any area where there might be an unbalance. Give it time and observe whether you reach your expected health goals.
You can increase the dosage slowly until you perceive the desired effects. Lower the dosage if you feel uneasy.
Speaking of dosage, how much should I get?
There is no recommended dosage for CBD and the NHS hasn’t issued any dosage plan as CBD is categorised as a food supplement and not a medicine.
The general rule is to start low: a low CBD dosage for an adult is around 10 to 15 mg per day. Start with that and notice how you feel about yourself. Increase the dosage slowly if the initial dose doesn’t seem to have an effect or if you feel you are not achieving your health expectations.
Keep in mind that CBD is biphasic: it’s uplifting and stimulating in small doses and calming in larger ones. If you take a large dose at once, you will probably feel relaxed and calm, which makes CBD perfect for the night, before you go to bed. Conversely, if you are looking for a botanical compound to start your day full of energy, opt for a lower dosage.
Can I take smaller doses to keep me energized throughout the day?
Many people have chosen to take smaller doses of CBD, spread throughout the day. They have divided their daily intake into smaller quantities. This is called micro-dosing and keeps the levels of CBD in the bloodstream constant. Micro-dosing may also help the body achieve balance and harmony in a smooth and sustained way.
Which CBD consumption method is the best?
To answer this question, you really need to assess your expectations from CBD and your lifestyle.
CBD edibles are easy to take and you can measure how much CBD you are taking throughout the day. However, their effect takes time to materialize as all edibles have to pass through the liver and be metabolized before they reach the bloodstream. So, you should expect an edible to start taking effect two to three hours after eating it.
CBD vapes are more straightforward because they bypass the digestive system and they reach the bloodstream through the lungs. You will feel the effects quickly—around half an hour after vaping.
There are so many CBD products on the market that it’s easy to find the one that best fits your needs. If you want something discreet and easy to take with you, then CBD pills, capsules, and edibles are probably a match. If you like to unwind at home and enjoy CBD vaping at your own time, then a CBD vape might work best for you.
Can I stop CBD any time I want?
Yes, CBD is non-addictive and you won’t feel any withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. You can’t overdose on CBD and can always stop taking it whenever you feel like it.
Should I give CBD to my pet?
There are specialised CBD products for pets. The dosage is different for pets because they have a different metabolism than humans. Also, some CBD products contain ingredients that might be harmful to pets.
Pets, especially dogs, are sensitive to THC. Full-spectrum CBD products for humans might contain traces of THC which can be potentially harmful to dogs. It’s best to choose pet-specific CBD products.
CBD has the same effects on pets: it’s calming and soothing and may help pets with anxieties—for example, separation anxiety, or fear of loud noises—to manage them better. You can find specialised CBD products for dogs, cats, and other animals. It has also been assessed that CBD may help pets with joint problems recover their mobility and flexibility.
Should I talk with my GP before taking CBD?
Definitely, yes. You can buy CBD without a prescription, which makes people feel that they can take it as a food supplement anytime and anywhere. However, CBD may interact with other medicines you might be taking, such as antidepressants, some antibiotics, blood thinners, blood pressure medicine, heart medication, and cholesterol medication.
Talk with your GP and tell them about any over-the-counter medicines you might be taking. You can then get a professional opinion about how and when you can take CBD and include it in your daily routine.
CBD for beginners
About two-thirds of people in the UK haven’t taken CBD. They are typically concerned about the cost and the effects. They are also unsure about the benefits and sometimes they don’t know how and when to take it. Finally, they may not know how to choose the right brand and what to expect.
Almost three-quarters of people who do take CBD in the UK do so for pain management purposes. The rest take it for anxiety and depression and for better mental health.
CBD is produced from hemp and is a botanical compound, but that doesn’t mean that it should be taken lightly. It may interact with some medicines, which means it’s good to talk with your GP before taking it.While this article gives you answers to the most common questions and concerns people have regarding CBD, you may want to talk to a medical professional and take advice that matches your needs and health situation if you’re interested in trying it out for yourself. Also, check out CBD oil reviews and our list of the best UK CBD stores.
Nicholas Rossis, PhD is a specialized, NSF-trained writer who has written hundreds of posts on CBD and nutritional supplements. His work combines critical acclaim with the analysis of the latest news, studies, research, and legal developments in the world of CBD, providing readers with valuable data and insights.
