Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Holistic Herb, we are proud to offer our customers an extensive and diverse range of CBD oils in a variety of different strengths and flavours. While many people who visit our website will already know what CBD is, many others are hoping to learn a little more about it and where it comes from as well as its different uses. This page will allow you to find out everything you need to know about CBD so that you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it could benefit you.

CBD, which is short for Cannabidiol, is found within the cannabis plant. It is the second most abundant constituent in hemp and typically represents up to 40% of its extracts. It is also one of 144+ known compounds that are known as Cannabinoids, which the cannabis plant exudes onto its leaves and flowers as a response to sunlight and pests.

In the human body, it is thought that the Endo-Cannabinoid system could be responsible for regulating and balancing an array of different essential processes, including our immune response, communication between the cells, metabolism, appetite, memory and more. It has also been suggested that this system is designed to interact with cannabinoid molecules. Endo-cannabinoids are thought to be internal cannabinoid molecules that our bodies produce, which trigger the ECS receptors. However, it is believed that certain environmental factors may inhibit our production of these endocannabinoids over time. While the mechanisms are not well understood, CBD is thought to interact with a range of cell receptors, causing subsequent physiological responses.

What are the effects of CBD?

There is often a high level of confusion surrounding the effects of CBD and how it could make an individual feel, as it is ultimately derived from the cannabis plant. THC, short for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling that one could experience when consumed. Therefore, as a controlled substance it is illegal if the product’s THC content exceeds 0.2%. CBD, however, is a completely different compound and does not cause any psychoactive effects at all, meaning that all CBD products are legal in the UK, providing that there is no THC present.

While the potential effects of CBD are likely to differ for every individual, it has been reported that it could bring about a variety of positive effects such as the promotion of a sense of relaxation and calm, relief from stress and anxiety, an improvement in quality of sleep, a reduction in pain and the promotion of relaxation of the muscles. For this reason, it is added to a range of products on today’s market, such as edibles, topical creams and vaping products.

CBD Oil at Holistic Herb

For many people, one of the simplest and most effective ways to take this is orally, which is why premium CBD oils such as the ones we offer here at Holistic Herb are so highly favoured and account for the majority of the market. Available in a selection of doses and concentrations, you can choose from our CBD oil drops as well as CBD oil sprays, making it easier than ever to find out what works best for you.

To allow any CBD product to be at its most effective, it needs to have a high level of bioavailability in order for it to reach systemic circulation and travel to different parts of the body. While oral CBD has the lowest bioavailability of all delivery forms, the pros outweigh the cons. The low absorption rate of oral CBD can be offset by the fact that its duration can be longer than other delivery methods. It is thought that the average amount of time that an orally consumed CBD molecule stays in the body is 4.2 hours, compared to 3.3 hours for injected CBD.

Here at Holistic Herb, we offer uniquely micro-emulsified CBD oils which have a vastly superior Total Bioavailability compared to many other products on the market. With significantly more of the active CBD in our products scientifically desiged to be fully absorbed by the body, you can be confident that our level of bioavailability is helping to bring a more efficient product to the table. Find out more about CBD as well as the products that we offer by visiting our blog.

CBD is short for Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is the second most common cannabinoid present in the different varieties of Cannabis plants. 

CBD is not a harmful substance and has been proven to have an extremely low risk profile. There are no records to date of any individual having an adverse reaction to CBD and it is tolerated well by the body.

Currently CBD Is legal in the U.K. if sold as a food supplement and produced from Cannabis Sativa L. (Hemp) and contains a maximum of 0.2% THC. You can rest assured that all Holistic Herb products are THC free! 

NO! CBD is 100% non-psychoactive, this means that there are no changes in an individual’s perception, mood or consciousness having consumed CBD. 

This is one of the most commonly asked questions surrounding CBD. Most genetic variations of Cannabis Sativa L. carry some amount of both THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol), and therefore in a full spectrum natural plant extract, THC will be present.  

However Holistic Herb products are manufactured using refined extracts, and as a result are THC free, meaning you don’t need to worry about THC consumption with Holistic Herb CBD products.

The one major and important difference between CBD and THC is that CBD (Cannabidiol) is entirely non-psychoactive, this means that there are no changes in an individual’s consciousness or perception of their environment having consumed CBD, as there is with THC consumption. 

NO! All Holistic Herb CBD oils & sprays are guaranteed THC free. 

Holistic Herb’s unique formulation and encapsulation means that there is no need for our oil to be left under the tongue but would not do any harm if you did. With over 98% of the active CBD in the Holistic Herb product being fully absorbed into the bloodstream, you can be confident that our Total Bioavailability™ is helping to bring you a more efficient product and value for money.

No. Currently the majority of CBD sold in the UK is in the form of Food Supplements and therefore does not require a prescription.

You can now purchase Holistic Herb products here on our own website or alternatively all Holistic Herb products can be purchased from over 700 Holland & Barrett high street retail stores.

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/brands/holistic-herb/

Holistic Herb premium CBD oil has a two-year shelf life from the date of manufacture, and this is reflected in the Best Before date which is printed on both the bottle and the box. 

It is recommended to store your CBD in a cool dark place to maintain optimum performance of the active ingredients. 

Bioavailability is the proportion of a substance that enters into circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect. Holistic Herb products include technology that increases bioavailability, meaning there is a greater proportion of the CBD available to have an active effect in your body. 

Holistic Herb’s uniquely micro-emulsified Premium CBD has vastly superior Total Bioavailability™, which means it is more efficient, entering the bloodstream faster and remaining there in higher quantities for longer after application.

Regular CBD products are not as efficiently absorbed and are not protected, and as a result they can lose as much as 95% of the active CBD through destruction by the digestive system on their way to the bloodstream. As a result, only a small fraction of active CBD from regular products makes it to the bloodstream.

It is actually scientifically unclear as to how CBD interacts with the body. It plays a role in increasing the body’s production of its own natural endocannabinoids and clears the cannabinoid receptor sites to enable increased uptake of these internally produced cannabinoids.    

CB1 and CB2 receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that are found in the walls of the cells in various organs in our body.  

These receptors form what has been termed the endocannabinoid system, which is a network that form a signalling pathways to impact a wide range of physiological processes. 

CBD can have either a calming or an uplifting effect, depending on how your body interacts with the substance. Start with a low dose initially to understand how your own personal reaction to CBD and build up the dosage if required. 

Cannabinoids are a type of organic compound produced by the cannabis plant and were named as such as they were thought to be unique to the plant. There are currently 144 known Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, of which two are found in high quantities, THC and CBD. Other more prevalent compounds are CBC and CBG.  

When consumed by humans, Cannabinoids interact with receptors found in the walls of cells in certain organs in our body.  

Activation of these receptors seems to trigger chain reactions that alter chemical processes and neural signalling in humans.  

While not clinically proven, the leading scientific researchers in the Cannabis field have coined the term to describe the synergistic manner in which cannabinoids and terpenes work together to produce the effects that Cannabis Sativa L induces.
This is reinforced by research on individual compounds such as CBD and THC that do not produce effective results in treating conditions such as pain, inflammation and appetite individually.

CBD and hemp oil are made from different parts of the plant. Typically, hemp oils are made from pressing hemp seeds whilst CBD is extracted from hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.), flowers and leaves. 

CBD should not impair your ability to drive. If you are taking CBD to assist in sleep or relaxation take care with application time and dosing. 

CBD is not tested for in any drugs tests. As of January 2018 the World Anti- Doping agency removed CBD from the banned substances list.  

CBD can be applied in multiple ways, depending on the purpose of use.  

Sublingual application results in absorption through the many blood vessels under the tongue and around the mouth, which results in relatively high absorption. 

Ingestion will generally have lower levels of absorption but will tend to have a slower onset and longer lasting effect. 

Inhalation offers higher absorption rates, and is generally faster acting, but does not last as long.   

Holistic Herb’s unique formulation and encapsulation means that there is no need for our oil to be left under the tongue but would not do any harm if you did. With over 98% of the active CBD in the Holistic Herb product being fully absorbed into the bloodstream, you can be confident that our Total Bioavailability™ is helping to bring you a more efficient product and value for money.

There is no ‘perfect’ or ‘optimal’ time to take CBD as every individual is different and many report differing effects. Some individuals report that CBD has an awakening effect for them and therefore take it in the morning, others whom CBD has this awakening effect prefer to take it at lunchtime or early afternoon when their energy levels may be reducing. 

On the other hand, some individuals report that CBD has a relaxing effect and prefer to take it in the evening or before bed. 

It may be best to see how CBD works for you and adjust the time you take CBD accordingly. 

This varies significantly depending on the mode of application. Inhalation will result in CBD entering the blood stream within a matter of minutes. 

Sublingual application may take a little longer. 

Ingestion can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on when you have eaten, how hydrated you are, and your metabolic rate. 

CBD will behave differently depending on the mode of application, as well as for each individual, so the amount of time it takes to leave your system will vary. 

Ingested CBD will remain in your system for longer, whereas inhaled CBD tends to be used up quicker. Sublingual application is somewhere between the two. 

CBD does have a tendency to build up in your system, which is why it is important for each individual to find the right daily dose for themselves.   

The only robust clinical evidence for CBD treating a medical condition is for Dravets Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. While there are lots of animal trials showing potential benefits for CBD treatment in humans, none of these have been clinically verified. 

Anecdotally CBD does seem to offer benefit in helping people cope with stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and relaxation.  

CBD has anecdotally been shown to be beneficial for relieving stress, and aiding relaxation and sleep. There are also anecdotal reports and trials on CBD treating conditions such as anxiety, inflammation, and pain, but these reports are not supported by full clinical trials and should be treated with CBD without consulting your GP or specialist physician. 

It is best to check with your GP or specialist physician if you are on long term medication for a chronic condition. CBD does interact with the CP450 enzymes in the liver that are responsible for activating most ingested medications. 

Each person must find their own daily dose to suit their own needs. Start low and build it up as required. If you are taking long term medication, please check with your GP or specialist physician for any potential interactions that may be problematic.

All different genetic varieties of cannabis (including hemp) produce a different Phyto complex (mix of active compounds driven by light) therefore there isn’t any difference in CBD itself, but a full spectrum oil from a cannabis variety may have a wider array of cannabinoids and terpenes, and therefore may be more effective for a wider range of people. 

There is no indication that CBD effects appetite. While there is anecdotal evidence of CBD having a positive effect on dietary conditions such as diabetes, there are no clinical trials to support this. 

There are no known side effects of CBD to date. We do recommend that you speak to your GP or Specialist physician if you are talking CBD alongside any other regular medication for a long-term condition as interactions may occur. 

There aren’t any known cases of large doses of CBD producing negative effects on individuals. We advise you start with a low dose and build up slowly to find an effective daily dose that works for you. 

GW Pharmaceuticals have achieved a Marketing Authorisation for a CBD based medicine to treat Dravets Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. The clinical trial process for this authorisation will have included safety testing.  

However, this product is produced under strictly controlled conditions, to the medical highest standards of safety and consistency.  

No other CBD products have undergone this testing, and few are produced to GMP pharmaceutical standard. 

Production of industrial hemp/cannabis is controlled under license by all governments globally. As a result, it is produced in small volumes relative to many other food-based plants. As volume of cultivation and production grows product prices are likely to decrease. 

CBD is not known to have addictive qualities.

CBD is not known to reduce addictive behavioural tendencies.

It is not recommended to take CBD whilst pregnant as there is currently not enough research to determine the safety of taking CBD whilst pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. 

It is not recommended to fly or travel internationally in the procession of CBD products as it may potentially be an illegal product in your destination country or territory. It is always best to err on the side of caution as many countries have very stringent controls and penalties for procession of Cannabis in any form.

CBD has been shown to be beneficial for many mammal pets, in similar ways to that for humans. As mammals we share similar physiological and biochemical systems, therefore it is natural that CBD will have similar benefits for animals. 

The UK Veterinary medicines authority has recently announced that CBD will be classed as a medicine for animals, which underlines a clear indication of benefit for animals. 

There are a large number of both animal and human trials studying the mechanisms and benefits of CBD. While these trials cover the potential treatment of a wide scope of conditions, there are not many full-scale clinical trials, therefore these indications are clearly just that for now. 

GW pharmaceuticals have recently secured a marketing authorisation for a CBD based product called Epidiolex, for the treatment of Dravets Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy in children.