What Is CBD? A Beginner’s Guide
If you are new to CBD, the jargon can be overwhelming. This beginner-friendly guide explains what CBD actually is, where it comes from, the different types you can buy, and how to choose your first product, all in plain English.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many natural compounds known as cannabinoids that are found in the hemp plant. It is extracted from hemp and used in products like oils, capsules and balms. Unlike THC, the compound most associated with cannabis, CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it will not get you high.
Is CBD the same as cannabis?
This is the question we hear most, and it is an important one. CBD is taken from hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant that is naturally very low in THC. It is THC that causes the high linked to cannabis, not CBD. UK CBD products are made to contain only a trace of THC, within the legal limits, so they are non-intoxicating and legal to buy.
Why is CBD so popular in the UK?
CBD has grown from a niche product into one of the largest wellbeing categories in the UK, with a huge range of oils, capsules and other products now on the shelves. People include it in their daily routines in all sorts of ways, and the market keeps growing year on year. With that growth has come a lot of marketing, which is exactly why it helps to understand the basics before you buy.
The different types of CBD
You will see three main terms used to describe CBD:
- Full spectrum: the complete range of hemp compounds, with a legal trace of THC. Read our full spectrum guide.
- Broad spectrum: a similar range, but with the THC removed.
- Isolate: pure CBD on its own. See how to use CBD isolate.
Common CBD products
CBD comes in a few main forms, so there is something to suit most preferences:
- Oils and tinctures: taken under the tongue, flexible and popular.
- Capsules: pre-measured and taste-free, covered in our capsule guide.
- Isolate and paste: for people who want pure CBD or a stronger, more concentrated product.
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How to choose your first CBD product
If you are just starting out, keep it simple. A standard-strength oil or a capsule is an easy first step. Whatever you pick, look for CBD that is lab-tested, buy from a transparent UK seller, and start with a low, sensible amount before building up slowly. Our guide to the best CBD for beginners walks through this in more detail.
Beginner CBD FAQs
Will CBD get me high?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating. It is THC that causes the high associated with cannabis, and UK CBD products contain only a legal trace of THC.
Is CBD legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD is legal to buy and use in the UK when it meets the rules on THC content and is sold in line with novel food requirements.
How much CBD should a beginner take?
Start low and build up slowly. The Food Standards Agency currently advises healthy adults to keep to around 10mg of CBD a day, down from 70mg until late 2023. We think that is very cautious next to real-world use; start low, build up gradually, and check with your GP first if you take prescription medication.
What is the difference between full spectrum and isolate?
Full spectrum keeps the whole hemp profile with a legal trace of THC. Isolate is pure CBD with everything else, including THC, removed.
Which type of product is easiest to start with?
Many beginners start with a standard-strength oil or a pre-measured capsule, as both are simple to use and easy to keep consistent.
Ready to give CBD a try?
Now you know the basics, choosing your first product is a lot less daunting. Our Full Spectrum CBD Oil is a popular starting point, made in the UK and lab-tested at source. If you have any questions at all, get in touch and we will be glad to help.
We are a husband-and-wife business making honest, lab-tested CBD in the UK since 2018. We pack every order by hand and answer every email ourselves. More about us.
