Disclosure
CBD is offered as a dietary supplement. We advise you to be well informed about what CBD is and does, and in all cases always consult with your doctor or general practitioner about their use before you purchase a CBD product.
Until recently, 'CBD' was hardly available. Today, CBD is offered in a wide variety of products, oils, creams, ointments, capsules, tea, in cartridges especially for 'vaping' (evaporating), powder, e-liquids and in almost pure crystal form. The list of products is increasing daily; lip balm, candy, chocolate and many more, including CBD oils for pets*.
*Check the respective laws of your country before administering CBD to pets.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 120 cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Meaning that if you take CBD, you will not feel the psycho-active (trippy/high) effect that is associated with another cannabinoid called delta9 / tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Extensive research investigating the benefits of CBD has led the (World Health Organisation) to recognise CBD as a medicine and, anecdotally, the list of physical and mental ailments that CBD is thought to relieve/cure is ever-increasing.
CBD is legal to purchase and consume within the European Union without a prescription but it is advised that you contact a medical practitioner for advice before taking CBD.
For a number of years, CBD has been subject to extensive scientific research and as it stands, in contrast to other usually prescribed means of treating physical and mental ailments, there are currently no known negative side effects from using CBD.
Because of this and other aspects such as overwhelmingly positive anecdotal evidence, CBD in its many forms is being embraced by all sections of society en masse. In particular, there is an increasing number of consumers of CBD who would not usually be associated with hemp or cannabis and are now benefiting from CBD and are enjoying an improved standard of living as a result.
What is the difference between hemp and cannabis?
The hemp and cannabis plant are members of the same plant species, although there are no distinctive differences in appearance between the hemp and the cannabis plant and no significant genetic differences; there are practical differences. With Hemp, the THC content should be at a negligible level <0.2%, but with cannabis plants, there are THC levels of up to and in excess of >25%.
The majority of CBD hemp oil products such as oils, creams and gels are produced from industrially grown hemp. CBD hemp oil is not recorded on any controlled substances act and, therefore, it is legal to cultivate hemp, a fact that has allowed for an influx of CBD companies and innovative products.
Whereas you may associate the cannabis plant with 'stoner' or 'coffeeshop' culture and getting high or stoned.
Due to the THC (controlled substance) content they contain, cannabis plants are illegal in most countries. Although perceptions are changing and more emphasis is being placed on researching the medical benefits of THC as well as CBD, cannabis plants are usually associated with growing for recreational use.
How many CBD hemp oil products are there?
The list of CBD hemp oil products is increasing. The most common and best well-known form of CBD extracted from hemp is oil, but the list includes, although not exclusive, CBD paste, CBD creams and ointments, CBD capsules, CBD vape cartridges, water-soluble CBD, CBD e-liquid, CBD food products, CBD hemp oil shampoo and in addition, there is even CBD hemp oil that has been specially developed for pets.
CBD hemp oil products will contain varying levels of CBD and a variation of cannabinoids. An increasing number of CBD hemp oil based products entering the market focus on the full spectrum of cannabinoids and aim to achieve an entourage effect. If using CBD hemp oil for the first time, it is recommended to use a small dosage of <5%, but more experienced users may opt for a full spectrum product (8-10%) CBD with a full spectrum entourage effect.
How do you take CBD hemp oil?
Depending on your needs and the type of CBD product you use, the way you use CBD hemp oil may differ from one product to the next. Once the CBD has been extracted from the leaves and the flowers of the hemp plant, the raw product (paste/crystal) will go on to produce the CBD hemp oil products you see in the shops. CBD paste usually contains a high concentration of CBD; >30% and if it is necessary, the user can administer a small does under the tongue.
CBD hemp oil cream and ointments: CBD hemp oil products have become a popular option when treating a variety of skin conditions. These range from a rash or mild irritation, to eczema and psoriasis.
CBD capsules: CBD hemp oil can come in the form of capsules and many users find this convenient. Capsules are often dosed sufficiently for 24 hours and require the user to administer them 1 x per day.
CBD hemp oil water-soluble: Some producers of CBD hemp oil have developed a water-soluble CBD product. Because it is dissolved in water, the CBD is more easily absorbed by the body. For that reason, the effect is 3-4 times stronger compared to ingesting conventional raw CBD hemp oil. Water-soluble products can be sprayed into a drink or directly applied under the tongue.
The Use And Dosage Of CBD Hemp Oil
CBD hemp oil can be administrated in a number of ways depending on the CBD product you are using. CBD hemp oil is used by taking several drops and holding them under your tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. This is usually done 1 - 3 times a day. CBD capsules are taken orally once a day, like many of the food or health supplements you might find in a pharmacy. CBD hemp oil products are water soluble and therefore are consumed with liquid or sprayed directly into the user's mouth.
To ensure you are getting the most out of your food supplement, read the information provided with your CBD hemp products.
The correct dosage of CBD hemp oil will be influenced by various factors. The body mass of the user and the user's natural tolerance towards the product will help determine the correct dosage, but it will also depend on the concentration and composition of CBD/Cannabinoids in the CBD product you are using.
The concentration or strength of the CBD hemp oil products that are available ranges from 2% to 25%.
Determine the dosage of CBD:
For a first time user of CBD hemp oil, taking drops of a low concentration (2% -5%) twice a day should be sufficient. CBD hemp oil should be taken in the morning after breakfast and in the evening 1 hour before going to sleep.
After a period of sustained daily use (2 weeks) gradually increase the dose of your CBD hemp oil according to your needs. If you feel little or no benefit from the lower concentration of CBD, increase your dosage by using a product that contains a higher concentrate of CBD. Or increase the number of drops and times you take CBD containing a lower concentration.
Determining how many mg of CBD there are in a bottle of CBD hemp oil or in a capsule, for instance, can help track your daily intaking and determine your needs and adjust your intake accordingly. You might find, depending on the ailment you are treating, that another form of CBD hemp oil such as capsules, cream, or powder is a more effective form of taking CBD.
Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in controlling and influencing numerous body functions and processes, such as metabolism, the immune system, pain perception, learning processes, sleeping rhythm and the autonomous and non-autonomic nervous system to name a few.
The endocannabinoid system is present in all people and it is vitally important to ensure it is well balanced. The most effective way of doing that is by supplementing your diet with CBD.
Overview:
- Cannabinoid receptors are found on the surface of cells and communicate the conditions outside of the cell to the inside of the cell, so the correct cellular response can be elicited.
- EndoCannabinoids are small molecules that we naturally produce in our brains. They bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors.
- Metabolic enzymes are what destroy the endocannabinoids once they have been used. They act as a regulator, making sure endocannabinoids are used when they are needed and that they are used for the right amount of time.
CBD Terminology
It might be overwhelming when presented with all the different terms and names linked to cannabinoids and CBD hemp oil.
Entourage Effect: This a term that is often used to describe how substances present in the cannabis or hemp plant reinforce each others effect.
Full Spectrum: This term indicates that all cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids that occur naturally in the plant have been extracted and are present in the oil.
Terpenes: Terpenes are what gives the cannabis plant its smell, but research has shown that there are benefits to using terpenes such as reducing light sensitivity and headaches.
What is the difference between CBD oil and cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil is usually associated with THC and getting 'high' or 'stoned' which is illegal in most countries, but it's becoming increasingly more and mistakenly associated with CBD oil, which is legal and has no mind-altering or intoxicating effects.
A common misconception that adds to the confusion is that CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants opposed to the actual source, industrial hemp plants. However, if the right extraction equipment is available, then specific cannabinoids such as CBD can be extracted from cannabis; but the majority of products produced are from organic industrial hemp.
CBD oil: Must contain <0.2 THC to be considered industrial hemp and legal to cultivate.
Cannabis oil: Cannabis oil is a collective term for oils that have been extracted from raw marijuana material. In addition, cannabis oil commonly contains a high concentrate of THC as well as other cannabinoids. This would provide a great entourage effect, however, Cannabis oil containing THC >0.2% is illegal.
THC oil: Unless specifically extracted from raw cannabis material, THC oil will contain more cannabinoids than THC alone. Like cannabis oil, cannabinoids such as CBD and THC will occur in different proportions but there should always be a higher proportion of THC than any other cannabinoid.
Rick Simpson Oil: RSO is a cannabis oil and is known to have a high THC content. The man who manufactured the oil, Rick Simpson, is a Canadian cannabis activist. His oil is said to contain a higher percentage of THC than other cannabis oils. He claims the oil to be a cure for cancer and he is backed up by countless anecdotal evidence.
To ensure you are buying CBD hemp oil that contains the legal levels of CBD and is produced safely and organically, buy your products from a retailer and manufacturer with a good reputation. As you can see from the range of products that we stock on our website, we work only with trustworthy companies that provide safe and good quality CBD products. All of our CBD hemp products contain a maximum of <0.2% and despite what the most diligent hobbyist might say, homemade CBD oils almost always exceed >0.2%.
Which CBD hemp oil should I choose?
If you are using CBD hemp oil for the first time then choosing a CBD product can be overwhelming due to the amount of choice available. The first thing you should do is a little bit of research about the companies that manufacture CBD. There are a few things you will want to know before spending money on CBD hemp oil. Where is CBD produced? How is it produced? Is it only CBD? Does it come in another form? Is all CBD the same?
You might expect CBD hemp oil to be the same no matter which company has made it. That is not the case for a number of reasons, for instance, the taste of CBD varies depending on what has been used to make the composition; some manufacturers might use olive oil, herbs or hemp seed oil. This helps create an extensive entourage effect but it also considerably alters the state of the CBD.
Some companies pride themselves on producing all their products organically and sustainably or sell themselves based on their CBD hemp oil having the best entourage effect or on having the nicest tasting oil. Most companies sell a range of CBD hemp products that vary in concentration of CBD as well as other cannabinoids.
Many questions can be answered by a reliable and trustworthy retailer or through gaining a bit of knowledge about the producers of the products and the most effective way of consuming CBD. For instance, if you regularly take supplements in the form of capsules, then CBD is available in capsule form.
To begin with, a dose of CBD hemp oil is an effective way of consuming CBD oil. As you use CBD for a longer period of time, you may adjust the dosage of the concentration percentage of CBD. For further reading, see Determine the dosage.
Cannabinol is the most commonly occurring cannabinoid of over 120 that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. CBD, as it is more commonly known, is derived from a cannabis plant or industrial hemp plant in the form of oil. CBD oil is legal to take in most countries as it contains <0.2% THC, THC is a controlled substance and therefore illegal. Users of CBD hemp products of any form should experience no mind-altering/psychoactive or 'high' effects associated with THC. Not only that, extensive research has led to discovering many benefits of using CBD hemp oil.
Six positive effects of using CBD.
- Anti-seizure
Human studies have been conducted but it is a study on mice by an American university that has spike particular interest in treatments using CBD. The subject mice were given a seizure-inducing amount of alcohol before applying the high dosage of CBD. The CBD not only stopped the mice from having seizures, but the study also showed that the CBD began to repair and protect their livers. - Anti-inflammatory
Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that due to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, CBD can help treat acne, as well as a whole host of other ailments. Before considering using CBD has a treatment for anything, you should always consult the relevant medical professional for advice; in this case a dermatologist. - Anti-anxiety
CBD might be an effective way to treat your social anxiety, as a range of studies researching CBD have indicated that it is effective at reducing anxiety. Early animal studies indicated that CBD is effective at reducing stress and symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate and loss of sleep and a human study found that a 600mg dose of CBD, helped people with social anxiety give a speech. - Pain relief
CBD is said to bring relief to a number of pain ailments including arthritis, MS, chronic pain and spinal code injuries. Added to that, CBD is said to reduce light sensitivity and headaches greatly. - Cancer treatment
Early studies have suggested that CBD helps prevent the growth of cancer cells but the research is still in the formative stages. However, The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD may help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects; but they do not fully endorse it as a cancer treatment at this stage. - Neuroprotective
Extensive studies are required, but researchers are looking into how CBD can be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, MS and Parkinson’s disease.
Further human studies are required to fully understand the positive effects of CBD but there is a growing public awareness that there is a real potential to increase the quality of life for countless people. Before considering CBD hemp oil as a treatment, please consult your GP or a medical professional.
About us
The Amsterdam CBD Center strives to be the best source for all of your CBD needs. Whether you order online or visit our store in the center of Amsterdam, we can guarantee that we have the best products from the best producers at the best prices. Better yet, we have a friendly team of expertly trained staff that are on hand to give honest and independent advice. We work closely with all of the CBD producers we sell the products of and pride ourselves on providing our customers with a great selection of CBD hemp products. Get in touch with us or visit our store, either way, it will be our pleasure to advise and assist you in any way we can.