London: a city rich in history, great music, and culture overall.
And when you live in the Swinging City, it’s hard to miss out on trends in health and wellness, so at this point, you may be quite familiar with CBD. At the very least, you’ve probably seen it line the counters of dispensaries, coffee shops, bakeries, ice cream shops, and pubs.
When you’re shopping in a vast urban landscape like London, there’s no shortage of options in CBD. And while we always love to have choices, the endless supply of options can become daunting, especially for beginners.
But fear not, dear reader, because we’re here today to offer up some guidance.
Keep reading to learn more about shopping for CBD in London.
Best CBD Oil in London
As of 2022, CBD is continuing to boom in the UK, especially as more research about its potential benefits is underway.
And in the next 6 years, the CBD market is expected to increase by 21.2% in compound annual growth, making it a £9.72 billion industry.
While CBD continues to gain acclaim, British authorities are scrambling to revise laws in a way that supports the growing market.
Still, it’s important to understand what the CBD laws in the UK look like, and you may have even more questions on top of that.
But first, let’s answer the big question here: is CBD legal in London?
In short, yes.
While it’s important to always stay in the know and on the lookout for new laws, it is, as of 2022, legal to purchase, possess and use in the UK as long as it’s either THC-free, or has a THC content under 0.2%.
Also make sure that the CBD products are made using an EU-approved industrial hemp and are marketed in full compliance with existing regulations.
And whether you’re shopping in London or online, make sure to check for a certificate of analysis. A certificate of analysis (COA) proves that the company’s products have undergone third-party testing, and it will also show the cannabinoid levels, THC content, and the presence of pesticides in the soil.
Discover the Best CBD in London
In a cosmopolitan city such as London, there is no shortage of CBD oil options. And that applies whether you’re in the booming borough of Islington, the posh streets of Hampstead, or the trendy, bohemian boutiques of Notting Hill.
And due to the heavy competition within the industry, vendors are putting out something new every day, with some of the biggest staples, including the following:
CBD Edibles
This includes CBD gummies, CBD honey sticks, and even specialty items like CBD Cocoa Quinoa Bites. CBD edibles are ideal for those who like to enjoy their CBD with some sweetness, without having to taste that earthy, herbaceous hemp taste.
CBD Oils & Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures may be some of the most popular products in CBD. Not only are they versatile, but they’re also easy to take–squeeze a few drops under your tongue, or add it to your favourite foods and beverages.
CBD Topicals
Typically, CBD topicals are topical products like body lotions, pain creams, and even massage oils, all made with a mild infusion of CBD. The idea behind this is that CBD has a localized effect on the receptors it’s applied to, so you can target specific pain points.
CBD Vapes
Vapes are arguably the fastest way to consume CBD. This is because when CBD is inhaled, it’s delivered from the lungs straight to the bloodstream. CBD vapes use water vapours for a portable, smoke-free experience.
CBD Capsules
If you already take daily supplements or medication, CBD capsules may be especially easy to incorporate. CBD capsules are pre-dosed and pre-measured, and while they take a little while to kick in (40 minutes-2 hours), they’ll provide a slow, steady release of CBD throughout the day.
6 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil in London
It’s no secret that CBD is in demand, but it begs the question: “why should I buy CBD, anyway?
Here are 6 reasons why people are turning to CBD:
- Potential Pain Relief
Cannabis has been used in traditional pain remedies from as early as 2900 B.C., and in the modern era, scientists have found that CBD is one of the cannabinoids in cannabis that helps provide pain relief.
This is because of CBD’s relationship with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate functions like pain, appetite, immune response, and sleep.
Throughout this system, cannabinoids are created by the body to send signals, but cannabinoids in hemp can have a similar effect.
Further, there have been several studies focusing on CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, especially with their effects on disorders like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Calming Benefits
Mental health has become an increasingly relevant issue, and as cases of depression and anxiety continue to skyrocket, some are turning to CBD as a non-intoxicating way to wind down.
While the research on CBD’s mental health benefits is limited, one particular study suggested that CBD could be helpful for those with social anxiety or public speaking anxiety.
In the study, 57 men were administered either a placebo or CBD at a dosage of 150, 300, or 600mg, and would then undergo a public speaking test 90 minutes later. Researchers found that out of the three dosages, 300mg was the most effective for the subjects.
As studies on CBD for wellness continue to grow, we’ll develop a better understanding of its benefits for anxiety and depression. In the meantime, make sure to seek the assistance of a mental health professional when facing a condition or crisis.
- Neuroprotective Properties
While more research is still limited, CBD may have a future in neurological health.
Researchers have suggested that CBD’s relationship with the endocannabinoid system may make it helpful for neurological disorders.
As a matter of fact, CBD is especially studied for this benefit, especially noted by the research behind the first FDA-approved CBD medication, Epidiolex, which is used to treat severe epilepsy.
Although research is still ongoing, we may soon see CBD used for other neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. At this point, however, the research is not definitive.
- Heart Health Benefits
Though limited, there is some research suggesting that CBD may help support a healthy blood pressure.
Heart disease is a massive issue in the Western world, and doctors emphasize the importance of a low blood pressure through diet, exercise, and good sleep habits, but CBD may just be able to help.
In one small study from the University of Oxford, 9 adult men were given 600mg of CBD oil, and it was found at the end of the trial that the CBD reduced resting blood pressure, compared with a placebo.
- Better Night’s Sleep
If it wasn’t clear at this point, CBD can create a sense of calm, and it may even help promote relaxation in the muscles.
And while the connection between CBD and sleep is not fully understood, it makes sense that these effects can help provide a better night’s sleep, especially when taken with other natural sleep aids like melatonin.
- Skincare Benefits
CBD and cannabis have both made a major splash in the skincare world, and this is largely attributed to their anti-inflammatory benefits. Because of this property, CBD may be especially soothing for issues related to redness and itching, especially when it comes to issues like psoriasis, acne and eczema. Still, it’s worth noting that research at this point is limited.
I presently work as a GP in London. Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health – depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
[email protected]
- Comprehensive Review of the Top CBD Topicals - August 7, 2023
- Uncover Wholesome Water Soluble CBD: What It Is and Isn’t - February 1, 2023
- The benefits of CBD oil for skin - January 31, 2023
