CBD is one of the most popular ingredients of the last few years but is as fabulous as everyone says? We think so.
CBD has been on everyone’s lips since 2018. The molecule derived from the cannabis plant went from zero to hero in no time and all of a sudden it was added to everything we could possibly consume: from night creams and drops to drinks and even alcohol, everything seemed to be infused with cannabis.
If you are still not sure about what CBD actually is, you should know that CBD is a chemical compound from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It’s usually used in beauty and wellness products and can be ingested or applied directly onto the skin. It can do a lot of good to your body and your mind but no, it won’t get you high.
Even a report from the World Health Organization confirms that CBD is completely safe: “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” A few studies have been done in the last years and it seems clear that CBD is not only a safe ingredient, but a wonderful ally to fight small and big issues, from skin rashes to epilepsy, arthritis, chronic pains and anxiety.
Should you believe the hype? The answer is yes, but carefully.
CBD is a powerful molecule that can be incredibly good if used in the right way. The problem is not the ingredient, it’s the marketing. When CBD became popular, everyone wanted to try it so every brand created their own CBD products but not all of them are made equal.
In the sixth episode of our podcast, Pretty Good Business, we interviewed Paul Gurney, co-founder of Cerious, a hemp-based wellness brand based between London and California. During our chat, Paul highlighted that CBD products need to have a specific concentration to be effective.
“The molecule does work – the scientific evidence is there. The issue with the supply chain is that all CBD is not created equal, it can come from different sources, it can be processed differently or be mixed with different plant-based ingredients. There is a lot of disinformation unfortunately but that happens often when certain ingredients become popular.”
One thing to look for when shopping is the spectrum: “You want a broad spectrum CBD which means that the product includes other great parts of the plant that are just as useful for our body.” Also, having a full or broad-spectrum oil means that the product will be less processed.
As Paul Gurney says during our interview, “it’s not a quick fix, it’s a regime” so make sure you take it seriously if you decide to start your journey or you will only waste your time. Start with a low dose to make sure your body is happy with it – Paul suggests 20mg a day, ten in the morning and ten in the evening – and add more if and when you feel like it. The plant, being a natural product, can be more or less effective depending on the individual. CBD is like any other vitamins, you have to have patience to see the results.
