A love letter to CBD

There seem to be lots of myths and prejudice around you, but that’s unfair, and we get you. Just because your pal, THC, is popular for its recreational, ‘high’ effects, that shouldn’t blow back to you, as, let’s be honest, you are way too innocent to cause a psychoactive effect. This is exactly why we are writing this appreciation letter to you; to destigmatise your name from THC’s naughty actions and make it clear that you are so much more than just a cohabitant to the sativa plant with THC.  

What are you?

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, you are the second most abundant and active ingredient in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. While you are an ingredient in medical marijuana, you are extracted directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or produced in a laboratory and, of course, you are non-psychoactive!

Can you make me high?

No, you can't! You do not cause intoxication - responsible for the ‘high’ sensation. It is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the second most well known compound isolated from cannabis that produces the "high” feeling that people associate with cannabis use. 

Are you safe?

According to a World Health Organization report, in humans, you do not exhibit effects suggestive of abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of health problems associated with the use of pure CBD. 

Are you illegal?

No, you are neither illegal, nor a drug! Since you are legal in the UK, any adult can buy you from any certified store or online shop without a prescription. Of course, as with any dietary supplement or herbal product, there are differences in quality between different suppliers. 

It is important that anyone who is looking to try you makes sure they buy you from trusted brands (like Vitl!) so that they know you have been tested by a third party (e.g. a lab that has no stake in the product).

Will you be responsible for a failed drug test?

No, you will not show up on a drug test, but unregulated CBD products that contain THC can potentially fail a drug test. Cannabidiol is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of banned substances, so professional athletes can use CBD in any competition - including the Olympics or Commonwealth Games. 

Can I drive if I have taken you?

New research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology on May 30 2022, found that you are not likely to cause issues with driving, even at relatively high doses (up to 1500mg). Still, we do encourage our customers to stay below the 70mg of CBD daily as per the Food Standard Agency guidelines. 

What should one look for when buying a CBD product?

In a saturated market of CBD products and brands with varying degrees of integrity, it's difficult to know what to look for when buying a product. 

Here are our top tips:

1. Look for a product that has been tested by a third party that confirms it contains exactly what is stated on the label. For example, the correct CBD content and the absence of THC (less than 0.2%) and potentially harmful substances. 

2. Understand the label: if a product states 500 mg, that is the amount of CBD contained in the entire product. Pay attention to the amount of CBD per serving and make sure you are not taking more than 70 mg per day. 

3. Not all capsules and gummy bears are vegetarian. If this is important to you, look for clarity and certification on the label. 

CBD, you are an exciting new ingredient that has begun to shatter the myths and prejudices surrounding cannabis and you have evolved into a natural dietary supplement that is being widely used around the world. So thank you for being the star ingredient in our Vitl’s CBD gummies, infused with 25mg of THC-free* CBD. We're super excited that our trusted customers will get the chance to try you!

Get yours here!

*the THC-free claim can be used on all products with a non-detectable level of THC which generally amounts to 0.2%

You might also be interested in:

All you need to know about CBD

How can CBD help with stress & anxiety?

Getting a good night's sleep