Table of Contents
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found, in the highest levels, within the resinous flower of the cannabis plant. Cannabis flowers and their extracts have been used as medicine for thousands of years.
Today, scientists and doctors are testing its therapeutic properties with the World Health Organization (WHO), confirming that CBD is non-toxic and non-addictive, i.e. safe for human consumption.
Cannabidiol is one of over a hundred “phytocannabinoids,” which are naturally occurring molecules in cannabis and give the plant its robust therapeutic profile.
CBD is closely related to another medicinally active ingredient called THC, which is responsible for the plant’s infamous “high” effect.
However, CBD is entirely non-intoxicating, making it a great natural alternative to many prescription medications that often come with an extensive list of unwanted side effects.
These molecularly similar components of cannabis are currently the most researched, with well documented yet different effects from each other play a significant role in what makes cannabis’ potential so extensive!
The fact that CBD is so therapeutically potent with a long list of potential health benefits, as well as non-intoxicating, makes it such an appealing option for those who are looking for cannabis-derived products to add to their health and wellbeing routine.
Types of CBD products
There are three main types of CBD products, these include:
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD products contain the widest range of cannabinoids possible, including trace, yet legal amounts of THC (the compound responsible for cannabis’ “high” effect). These products are often referred to as “whole-plant extracts”
- Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain all of the above, however, the extract has been through additional refining to ensure all trace of THC has been removed to an undetectable level in an independent laboratory test.
One of our best-selling products is this broad-spectrum 1000mg CBD Oil UK due to its high-strength yet more subtle flavour compared to our full-spectrum CBD oil. The flavour is milder as a result of the extra refinement
- CBD Isolate
CBD isolate has been refined even further to remove all other impurities and compounds to leave a 99% pure white powder or crystal. This has its advantages of virtually no-taste making it a great option for adding to food and drinks!
How Does CBD Work?
CBD interacts with our bodies in a variety of ways. One way is by mimicking the effects of naturally produced compounds inside us, called endocannabinoids – named because they work similarly to those found in the cannabis plant.
These compounds interact with neuroreceptors throughout our body that make up our endocannabinoid system. CBD works in a similar way to our body’s endocannabinoids, supplementing their effects.
What Are The Health Benefits Of CBD?
Due to the prohibition of cannabis and associated research restrictions, studies that research the medical benefits of cannabis and cannabidiol products are currently low in number.
However, in recent years, scientists have paid increasing attention to what can be learned from the study of cannabinoid receptors and how those findings may apply to improving human health.
Below is a list of potential health benefits associated with CBD:
Anti-Anxiety
CBD may be able to help you manage anxiety. Researchers think it changes how your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked with mental health.
Receptors are tiny proteins that receive messages from chemicals and relay them back in order for cells to work correctly; most notably, they play an essential part when nerve responses occur, which is what happens during mood swings and triggering bouts of depression or panic attacks due to too high levels of serotonin being released in response to anxiety-inducing stimuli such as stress, fear, trauma, etc.
A study of 72 adults with anxiety found that 79% had reduced anxiety within the first month and remained decreased for the duration of the study.
Anti-Depressive
Animal studies have shown that CBD, the main active component of cannabis or hemp plants, positively affects serotonin levels in the brain.
Low levels of serotonin are thought to play a crucial role in mood as well as pain.
Research is still being conducted and is looking at how this affects animals, so we don’t know if it helps human depression symptoms yet, but animal research suggests some benefit for those with low-serotonin conditions such as chronic stress disorders.
By balancing serotonin levels in the brain, CBD may improve mood-disorder symptoms.
Anti-Seizure – Epilepsy
Cannabidiol oil has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, with some studies suggesting that it might be beneficial in the management of conditions such as epilepsy.
The first evidence to support this claim comes from research commissioned by GW Pharmaceuticals. They manufacture one variety of CBD-based medication called Epidiolex – an oral prescription drug recently approved by the FDA for two rare types of childhood forms of epilepsy (Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome).
CBD is prescribed to treat and reduce seizures in these medical conditions, with life-changing benefits reported by patients and their families.
Anti-Acne
The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body.
Cannabidiol is listed as an approved active ingredient in the EU cosmetic register, designated safe for use in skincare products.
It possesses anti-sebum & anti-inflammatory qualities, both of which may help treat acne.
Chronic Pain Relief
There are approved medicines in the UK that are prescribed to treat pain containing CBD. It is thought that CBD interacts with receptors in our brains and bodies may be responsible for the relief being reported in scientific studies and anecdotal evidence from across the world.
Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of THC and CBD, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada to treat spasticity, neuropathic pain, and other symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis.
This medicine contains both THC & CBD; researchers feel that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties play an essential role in aiding pain relief by reducing patients’ swelling, which may be why so many report relief from other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Clinical trials with CBD have shown promise but need further research and evidence as there has been only one study conducted on humans.
Improved Sleep
CBD has been shown above to have the potential to improve pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. As a result, it may also help to provide relief from your sleep disorder!
A study looking at the effects of cannabidiol showed that 67% of participants reported improved sleep scores in one month.
Researchers are looking into a receptor located in the brain, the CB1 receptor, to learn how CBD could potentially help people with neurodegenerative disorders. These diseases cause nerve cells and tissues to deteriorate over time.
Researchers have been looking at the potential use of Cannabidiol oil for treating:
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Neuroprotective
Is CBD Safe?
It has been widely reported as safe by health bodies, including the World Health Organization, as long as it is taken as prescribed or advised by your country’s relevant food safety agency.
In the UK, we follow the Food Standards Agency’s recommendation of no more than 70mg CBD in 24 hours. More information can be found on their website here.
At Beliebis, we are fully compliant with the Novel Food Regulations governing all new foods that were not considered widely consumed before 1997.
Our extracts come from reputable farms that have ensured they meet the highest standards, including testing for heavy metals and pesticides.
This means all of our products have undergone extensive safety testing to ensure the extraction method used is safe or the product is exempt from regulation due to the traditional extraction method used.
These exempt products were either widely consumed before 1997, such as cold-pressed oils or are cosmetic products, which are not governed by UK/EU food regulations.
No matter which method of extraction is used, all of our products have been extensively tested by an independent UK laboratory.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a thorough report into cannabidiol in 2017 based on the scientific evidence available and contained a long list of potential therapeutic benefits.
In summary, the report states that CBD is safe for human consumption and that it is non-toxic & non-addictive.
Since goods containing CBD were legalized in the UK, there has been an explosion of gummies, tinctures, and balms available for sale.
While some people are sceptical about how well these products work, others are willing to swear by their effectiveness at solving numerous issues, from depression and PTSD to muscle pain.
There is much debate among the scientific community about the benefits of CBD, for treating mental ailments like anxiety and depression, but also physical problems such as sore muscles and joint pain.
While a consensus has yet to be reached, many people will happily attest to the benefits and relief that CBD products have offered them.
There are numerous CBD balms available to buy online or in pharmacies across the UK. These creams are completely legal and may offer relief for those afflicted by dry skin conditions like eczema or muscle pain.
If you want to try CBD, but are not sure where to start, here is a selection of a few of the most trusted brands selling the best CBD balms in the UK for you to compare.
Beliebis CBD Muscle Balm
Once again, this product displays Beliebis’ dedication to providing high-quality CBD products that are free from paraben and animal products. This muscle balm has been independently tested by a laboratory in Somerset to ensure it is pure CBD with no THC content.
The cannabidiol is mixed with eucalyptus, camphor and menthol for a product that offers effective relief for aching muscles. This balm provides both an invigorating and soothing experience, which will make you feel very relaxed. It is the perfect thing after a hard day of work or a particularly energetic day at the gym.
This 50ml jar contains 1000mg of CBD, which is one of the higher strength balms on the market. You can also save more when you choose one of our multi-buy options, whereby you pay less for buying more!
Pros:
- Lab Tested – This product has been tested by a third party laboratory to ensure it contains pure CBD.
- Zero THC – This balm will not negatively affect the result of drug test.
- Soothes Muscle Pain – With camphor, eucalyptus and menthol, this balm is very effective at dealing with deep tissue and muscle pain.
Cons:
- Contains Camphor: Since this product contains camphor oil, it is not recommended to apply it to broken skin.
Beliebis CBD Massage Oil
This CBD infused massage oil is just the thing you need after a long day of working out. It contains 2300mg of CBD along with essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, both of which are well known for their ability to soothe aching muscles.
Beliebis rigorously test all of their product to ensure they are in line with both medical and legal guidelines. All the different types of THC in the broad spectrum CBD used for this oil are well below the 0.2% limit.
As such, this product is perfectly legal to buy in the UK as well as in many states across the USA.
There are no paraben or animal products in this massage oil, which makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin and vegans.
It has a light flowering scent that is very relaxing, and this product is equally good for relieving stress as it is for muscle pain. You will love this balm as a soothing way to unwind after a hard day at work or an intense session at the gym.
Pros:
- Contains Peppermint and Eucaplytus oil – For fast-acting deep tissue pain relief
- Great for athletes – Made from a formula is designed to soothe aching muscles and as such is great for anyone doing regular, vigorous exercise.
- Aromatic scent – This massage oil has a lovely scent that is great for relieving stress after a difficult day.
- Fully tested – This product has been tested by an independent lab, ensuring you get precisely what it says on the bottle.
Cons:
- Trace amounts of THC – While the amount of THC in this product is well below the legal limit, it is not certain whether there is enough to affect the results of a drug test.
Endoca CBD Salve
The skin is the body’s largest organ and as such, it is very important to keep it well maintained and healthy.
Endoca has filled this hemp-based salve with vitamin E and coconut oil to provide all the benefits of CBD combined with an excellent moisturizing cream.
However, there is enough cannabidiol content for you to reap the benefit of its antioxidant properties, which can alleviate dry skin conditions such as eczema or cracked heels.
Since they are made from hemp, many CBD products will contain minuscule amounts of THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis.
Pros:
- Contains vitamin E and Coconut oil – This cream is a great moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling soft and healthy.
- 100% natural food-based ingredients – The company’s tagline promises that each jar is ‘So pure you could eat it.’
- Lab-tested – The product is tested in a laboratory to ensure it is safe and that all of the ingredients meet the necessary standards.
Cons:
- Very Expensive – 750mg/30ml = £59
- 0.2% THC – This product may not be suitable for anyone who is expecting to be drug tested.
- Not guaranteed to soothe muscle ache – The lack of ingredients like Camphor or peppermint oil means this cream may be less capable of relieving muscle ache or other forms of localized pain.
BlessedCBD 750mg CBD Cream
This 50ml jar from Blessed CBD contains 750mg of full-spectrum CBD and zero THC.
Made from organically grown hemp combined with shea butter and Jojoba oil and Candelilla Cera wax, this salve promises to relieve deep muscle pain and soothe aching joints.
If you are tired from a long day working out then massaging just a small amount of this topical cream into the affected area should provide swift pain relief.
This product is independently lab tested to ensure it complies with UK health and safety regulations as well as is suitable for vegans.
Pros:
- Shea butter and Jojoba oil – Make this cream pull double duty as a deep tissue pain balm and a moisturizer.
- Independently lab tested – This product is tested by a 3rd party laboratory to ensure it meets all the necessary criteria for a CBD product.
Cons:
Expensive – This salve costs a fair bit more than other brands for the amount of CBD at £55.
Buyers Guide
Given how much CBD has taken off in the last few years, it is unsurprising that the market has already been flooded with numerous imitators and fake products. Many people may be uncertain as to whether they can take these products if they work jobs that require them to be regularly drug tested.
To put your fears to rest and answer some of your burning questions, here is a breakdown of what to look for when buying a CBD balm.
THC content
Cannabis is still a Class B drug in the UK and as such, it is easy to get confused when wondering if CBD products are also banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Surprisingly, cannabidiols are not included under cannabis and this law only applies to the main psychoactive component of the plant THC.
As long as a balm, capsule, or edible contains less than 1mg of this chemical, it is completely legal regardless of how much CBD it contains.
We must highlight how important it is to make sure the CBD product you buy is from a reputable company that carries out independent laboratory testing on all of their CBD products.
Broad Spectrum vs Full spectrum
Many salves and creams you will find use language like CBD isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD when describing their product. This is nothing to worry about and usually just indicates how much of the hemp plant has been used in the final product.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains most of the essential oils and cannabidiols but will be refined to remove any remaining THC content.
Full-spectrum on the other hand contains all of the terpenes, cannabidiol, and oils from the hemp plant, making it rich in essential vitamins such as Omega 3, omega 6, and vitamin E.
Full-spectrum products may contain more residual THC than other products, though they should never be above 1mg THC per unit.
Moisturizers vs Deep Tissue Balms
If you want your CBD cream to have the desired effect, you will need to buy one that contains the right ingredients. CBD can be great for promoting healthy skin as part of a moisturising cream, but could also provide pain relief for aching muscle and sore joints.
Generally, products that contain shea, and cocoa butter will be better applied to dry skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. On the other hand, creams with peppermint and wintergreen oil will have a cooling effect on the skin that will help with pain relief.
Most products should say what they can and can’t do but watch out for applying deep tissue salves to broken skin as they may sting and make things worse.
Frequently Asked Questions Beliebis
Are CBD balms legal in the UK?
Yes, provided they contain less than 1mg THC per container and meet Trading Standards, all CBD products are perfectly legal in the United Kingdom.
How do CBD balms work?
Our skin contains hundreds of natural cannabinoid receptors, that works like the chemical receptors in our brains.
The CBD in creams and salves binds with these receptors to block chemical signals to the brain that are associated with muscle pain or soreness.
Because of this, CBD creams and balms will only work on the area they are applied to, unlike capsules and edibles. These salves can also help to hydrate dry skin and reduce inflammation.
Are there any side effects?
As with most pharmaceuticals, it is possible to have a negative reaction to some CBD balms, especially if you are allergic to any of the other ingredients.
One side effect associated with CBD itself is vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) which is only a problem if you already suffer from low blood pressure.