Research shows that CBD may have several health benefits and it is used by many people all over the world, but due to its association with cannabis, it can be misunderstood. Here are 25 CBD facts:
1. CBD doesn’t get you high
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of over 120 naturally occurring plant chemicals called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
CBD is non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive and won’t get you high. It’s also non-addictive.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is also naturally found in the cannabis, or marijuana plant.
THC is intoxicating and has a psychoactive effect - at the right dose, it will get you high and could become addictive.
CBD is extracted from strains of the cannabis plant, bred to contain no or very low levels of THC, so CBD products can be safely used without causing a high or a potential for addiction.
A report commissioned by the WHO (World Health Organisation) in 2018, summarised that CBD has no potential for abuse or addiction, and there’s currently no evidence that CBD products cause any public health-related problems.
Cannabidiol CBD products sold in the UK must contain either no THC or trace amounts of THC at such a low concentration that they’re unlikely to cause a high or have an intoxicating effect.
2. CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stems of the hemp plant
The cannabis plant is a type of flowering plant that can be bred into different strains, which contain different levels of CBD and THC.
Generally, a strain of the cannabis plant that’s been grown from a seed that contains very low levels of THC is known as a hemp plant (legally, in the UK, a hemp plant has to have a concentration of less than 0.2% THC).
CBD is extracted from different parts of the hemp plant, including the flowers, leaves and stems, so that it contains no or very low levels of THC.
Conversely, cannabis is extracted from a strain of the cannabis plant bred to contain levels of THC that will have an intoxicating effect.
3. CBD was first isolated from cannabis in 1940
It’s thought that nomadic humans moving through the Altai Mountains in Central Asia around 12,000 years ago first discovered cannabis, and brought the seeds with them as they travelled.
The medicinal use of cannabis is mentioned in records throughout ancient China, Egypt and Greece, and then later through the Roman empire. Later still, in the 19th Century, records show the introduction of medical cannabis use to Europeans from Western doctors who had travelled and met medics from Indian and Muslim cultures.
Skip forward, and in 1940, American chemist Roger Adams first isolated CBD from wild hemp plants and separated from THC, paving the way for extensive research and clinical trials into the health benefits of CBD.
4. The endocannabinoid system regulates balance
Research and subsequent clinical trials have found evidence that CBD has an effect on the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
The ECS is a network of receptors that runs from the brain throughout the body, maintaining balance, or homeostasis. It produces chemicals called endocannabinoids that regulate everything from sleep patterns, appetite and mood to how we perceive and manage pain and stress.
These naturally occurring endocannabinoids are very similar to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis and hemp plants, including CBD.
It’s thought that CBD interacts with the receptors of the ECS and prevents naturally occurring cannabinoids from breaking down. This enables the ECS to better regulate mood, sleep, pain management and stress. Research suggests that using CBD can help manage pain, boost mood, reduce anxiety and improve poor sleep.
5. Full-spectrum CBD contains trace THC
There are three different types of CBD available: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including low levels of THC. To comply with UK law, a CBD product has to contain CBD extracted from a strain of hemp plant grown from an approved seed type that contains less than 0.2% THC.
Less than 0.2% THC is considered a trace level that’s unlikely to cause a high or any psychoactive effects and isn’t addictive. However, with long-term use, there’s a very small possibility that THC may build up in your system and may show on a drug test.
6. Broad-spectrum and isolate contain no THC
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain CBD extracted from the same type of hemp seed as full-spectrum CBD, but the THC has been removed. These products may contain THC, but at non-detectable levels.
Cannabidiol CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. Products containing isolate are likely to contain the highest concentrations of CBD, and don’t contain THC.
7. CBD is legal in the UK if properly registered
CBD oil and other products are now widely available in health food stores and online. These products have to undergo a rigorous regulation process in order to be classed as a novel food and sold legally in the UK.
(See below, under CBD Products Are Regulated As Novel Foods, in our list of CBD facts for more on novel food classifications.)
8. The WHO considers CBD generally safe
The WHO (World Health Organisation) is an agency of the UN (United Nations) which promotes global health. In 2017, the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) concluded, “in its pure state, cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm”.
In other words, the WHO deems CBD generally safe and non-addictive. In the UK, it doesn’t need to be included in the Controlled Substances Act.
9. The use of CBD has been studied for pain relief
Research has shown that using CBD can help manage chronic pain, such as that caused by fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.
It’s thought that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by binding with receptors on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which affects their activity and reduces inflammation, which in turn helps to reduce pain.
10. Bioavailability varies by delivery method
Bioavailability describes the degree and rate at which an active ingredient, such as those found in nutritional supplements or a drug, is absorbed by the body. The higher the bioavailability, the higher the degree and rate at which an active ingredient is absorbed.
CBD is available in various forms, including CBD oil administered under the tongue as well as CBD-infused gummies, drinks and vapes.
Studies into the bioavailability of CBD continue, and as yet, there are no agreed-upon best or least best ways of using CBD to increase its bioavailability.
However, CBD oil used under the tongue is considered an effective way of taking it, as it enters the bloodstream directly. CBD-infused drinks and gummies need to enter the digestive system before passing into the bloodstream.
11. CBD is fat-soluble
Cannabidiol CBD is a lipophilic molecule, meaning that when in the body, it dissolves in oils and fats (lipids), rather than water.
This gives further backing to the theory that CBD oil is an effective way of using CBD (these products usually contain a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, infused with CBD).
Anecdotally, therefore, it may be beneficial to consume CBD with or after a meal containing healthy fats, to allow it to be dissolved in the fats and oils, increasing its absorption and bioavailability.
12. Your body weight and metabolism affect dosage
CBD dosing is affected by your body weight and composition. Those with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) may benefit from a higher dose to ensure the concentration in the bloodstream is high enough to have beneficial effects.
If you have a fast metabolism, CBD may leave your system more quickly, meaning that you may benefit from using CBD at a higher dose.
It may take time to get your dose right, but with the right CBD facts on dosage, you can start low and gradually increase until you find the right dose for you.
13. CBD takes time to build up in the system
Unlike some drugs that only need to be taken when we have symptoms (such as painkillers for an occasional headache), CBD has a cumulative effect and takes a while to build up in your body.
How long this takes will again depend on your body weight, composition and metabolism. It will also depend on how much you use it and when you use it. Taking your dose every day will help, and taking a higher dose will mean that it will stay in your system longer.
There’s evidence to suggest that using CBD on a full stomach will slow down the rate at which it reaches its peak in your bloodstream, but doing so also means that it’ll stay in your body longer than if you took CBD on an empty stomach.
14. CBD can interact with certain medications
CBD is non-intoxicating, non-addictive and generally considered safe. However, it can interact with certain medicines, in particular, medicines that manage seizures.
CBD can increase the level or effect of some seizure medication or reduce the anticonvulsant effects of others.
In some cases, taking CBD with certain medicines to manage seizures will decrease the level or effect of the CBD.
Certain antidepressant and immunosuppressant drugs may also be decreased in level or effect if taken with CBD.
If you’re taking any medicines or you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition, especially multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, speak to your GP or specialist doctor before taking any CBD products.
15. The entourage effect enhances benefits
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, and as we discussed during the CBD facts section on full-spectrum CBD, trace levels of THC can be present. But CBD and THC aren’t the only cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.
Other compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, are also present, which are thought to have beneficial effects.
The entourage effect is a theory that all of the compounds and cannabinoids work synergistically and together have enhanced health benefits.
Since CBD isolate only contains CBD, this combined effect cannot be attributed to using CBD isolate products.
However, the entourage effect isn’t yet conclusively proven, and clinical trials continue.
16. Lab reports (COAs) prove purity and potency
A COA, or Certificate of Analysis, is a type of laboratory report that details the concentration, or potency, of CBD in a product.
It also details the purity, including the presence of any pesticides or heavy metals in a CBD product and whether or not it also contains other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids.
17. Some CBD products are mislabeled
While CBD is generally considered safe and there’s evidence to suggest that it has numerous health benefits, it’s still advisable to do your own research when choosing which CBD products to buy and which brands to buy from.
In 2022 and 2023, the FSA (Food Standards Agency) analysed 100 CBD products purchased from a range of CBD brands.
Of these 100 products, only 49 were found to contain the level of CBD printed on the packaging. Eight contained more CBD than the label claimed, and the remaining 43 had less CBD than described on the label.
The same research also found that just under half of the samples also contained some level of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury.
Therefore, it’s critical to choose a brand that uses high-quality, cleanly-extracted, rigorously-tested CBD to ensure you’re taking what you think you’re taking.
18. CBD oil and hemp oil aren’t the same
Although CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stems of the hemp plant, it differs from hemp oil. Hemp oil, often also known as hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seed of the hemp plant.
CBD oil contains high concentrations of CBD and is used as a supplement in small but concentrated amounts.
Hemp seed oil contains little to no CBD and is generally used in cooking and as a salad dressing in larger amounts.
Hemp seed oil is a good source of fatty acids and can be consumed as part of a healthy diet, alongside CBD oil.
19. The UK CBD market is worth over £700 million
In the UK, CBD products are gaining popularity as health-conscious and research-curious consumers discover the health benefits of products containing CBD. So much so, the UK CBD market was valued at £700 million in 2021.
The same report on CBD facts and figures found that the most common reason for taking CBD products is to support better sleep, with 36% of people reporting that they used it to improve their sleep quality.
20. CBD became widely legal in the UK in 2016
Despite its popularity, here’s one of the most interesting CBD facts - it was only legalised in 2016.
Before then, buying CBD products wasn’t permitted, and the market wasn’t regulated. But once the distinction between CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) was made clear, CBD products became legal and commonplace.
Another CBD fact - medical cannabis became legal on prescription under some circumstances in November 2018. Some patients are now prescribed medical cannabis to help manage conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, insomnia and epilepsy.
Since then, clinical trials into the health benefits and potential side effects of CBD have exploded in number, and the UK market for products containing CBD is rising.
21. CBD products are regulated as novel foods
A Novel Food is described as a food, or a food ingredient, that has not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the EU or the UK before May 15 1997.
In 2019, CBD products were classified as Novel Foods. This means that any CBD product needs to be authorised as a Novel Food by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) before it can be legally sold in the UK.
According to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), it’s “very unlikely that plant-derived consumer CBD products would contain sufficient controlled phytocannabinoids” (such as THC) “to produce any pronounced psychoactive effects unless they were purposely added to the product”.
Therefore, buying CBD products from a reputable brand means buying safe, regulated, legal products without any formal drug administration rules.
22. Quality CBD is extracted using CO₂ or ethanol
CBD can be extracted using CO₂ or ethanol. CO₂ extraction uses pressurised carbon dioxide to separate the cannabinoids from the plant material.
Clean, non-toxic, safe and resulting in a high-purity CBD product, the downside of CO₂ extraction is that it’s expensive.
Ethanol is a solvent that hemp plants are soaked in to remove the cannabinoids. Faster and cheaper than CO₂ extraction, it results in a higher yield and more concentrated product, but may leave impurities behind.
23. Pets can safely use special CBD formulations
Surprising research conducted in 2021 found that 6% of respondents had given a CBD product to their pet, including dogs, cats and horses.
There are times when animals can safely take CBD products, in particular CBD oil, but it’s important to speak to a veterinarian first.
They may be able to recommend a human CBD product for your pet, or they may suggest a CBD oil that’s been specifically made for animal treatment.
It isn’t yet clear what the health benefits of CBD are for animals, but research continues.
24. CBD has been approved in the UK as a prescription medicine for certain forms of epilepsy
In the UK, some patients may be eligible for drugs that contain highly purified CBD extracts to help treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
For example, an oral solution called Epidyolex is now licensed to treat two rare but severe forms of epilepsy in children: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Epidyolex can currently only be prescribed for these rare forms of epilepsy, and only when other treatments have been ineffective or are unsuitable.
25. Over 8 million UK adults have tried CBD products
Taking control of our health is a habit many of us are embracing, particularly through the use of supplements, as research continues to discover nutrients and ingredients that support wellbeing.
A survey conducted by YouGov and Dynata in 2019 found that four to six million people in the UK had tried a CBD product in the past year - around 8 to 11% of the UK adult population.
In 2019, the CBD market in the UK was worth £314 million - in 2022, this had more than doubled to £700 million, suggesting that the CBD wellness trend is here to stay.
More information and research
If you’d like more clarity on these CBD facts and beyond, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has some helpful CBD guidance.
For more on the endocannabinoid system, Healthline is a good source of information, and the NHS has an informative guide to medical cannabis.
References
Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93
Consumer CBD products report (accessible version). (2023, October 24). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/acmd-advice-on-consumer-cannabidiol-cbd-products/consumer-cannabidiol-cbd-products-report-accessible-version
Ferguson, S. (2025a, January 31). Hemp vs. Cannabis: What’s the Difference? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
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