Your Guide To CBD products with Zen CBD

What is CBD and how does it work?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of many chemical compounds produced by the cannabis sativa plant. It is a natural, non-psychoactive extract with unique health benefits. In recent years it has generated a lot of interest with researchers looking at potential therapeutic uses for CBD.

CBD works within a biochemical communication system in the body. We have two types of cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2 which respond to CBD. CB1 receptors are found all around the body, with many in the brain, and they deal with co-ordination and movement, pain, mood and appetite, amongst other things. CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and affect inflammation and pain perception.

Is CBD Legal?

CBD products must meet strict standards to be legally bought and sold in the UK. Products must not contain more than 0.2% THC to be legally sold in the UK, it’s the THC present in the cannabis plant that causes a psychoactive effect. CBD oil does not have any psychoactive effects as it contains only trace amounts of THC, so it will not cause a ‘high’.  

How to choose a good quality product? 

With the influx of interest in this area of health, more products have arrived on the market. It’s difficult as a consumer to know the difference between products, but there are a few key things to look for: 

Organically certified - ensures the product and raw materials will be of the highest quality.

Extraction method - CBD extracted with heat or solvents may have damaged many of the plant actives. Ensure the product is batch tested for contaminants and cannabinoid levels to guarantee you are getting what you need.

Quality - Make sure the product is batch tested for contaminants and cannabinoid levels to guarantee you are getting the amount that is labelled on the bottle.

CBD comes from a different part of the hemp plant (typically stalks, leaves and flowers) than hemp oil which is extracted from the seeds. Hemp seed oil is a nutritious oil in its own right, however it contains no CBD or other cannabinoids so will not provide any of its therapeutic benefits. 

There are no set dosages for CBD, everyone metabolizes compounds such as CBD differently, so the dosage will vary for everyone. It is best to find the dosage that works for you by starting low and increasing slowly. 

CBD is used in a number of ways. Some products are applied topically, while others are ingested orally or placed sublingually (underneath the tongue). Sublingual forms are very effective as they bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism, going straight into the blood stream for better absorption and wider circulation throughout the body. 

The Zen CBD Difference

Hemp absorbs everything in the soil it is grown in. So, suppose there are even trace amounts of chemicals, pesticides, or any other toxic elements, they will end up in the supplement. Zen CBD is organically certified by the Soil Association which have stringent regulations and ensures the highest quality raw materials and product.

Zen CBD offer a full spectrum CBD which retains the benefits of all the other compounds alongside CBD and the synergy of the plant including its terpenes, antioxidants and nutrients. Isolated CBD is heavily processed, and can be synthetic, meaning it’s not even derived from the hemp plant. 

ZEN CBD offer a great range of naturally flavoured organic CBD sprays, the perfect choice if you find the pure CBD oil taste a little too earthy. The delicious natural flavours from coffee to peppermint mask this grassy flavour, and make using CBD a pleasant and enjoyable experience. The sprays are easy to pop in your handbag, gym bag, or keep in your desk drawer for when you need a zen moment. 

ZEN CBD sprays are preserved in MCT oil. This improves the durability and bioavailability of CBD. Hemp oil can be used as a carrier but it tends to go off quickly once opened (and doesn’t taste as good).

ZEN CBD use a superior supercritical CO₂ extraction method. This is regarded as the gold standard form of CBD oil. It produces a full spectrum oil, that is chemical free, so you benefit from the entourage effect of all the compounds working in synergy together.

Zen CBD test each batch for 14 Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC content. Each batch is also tested for pesticides/heavy metals and contaminants, guaranteeing no nasties, and all the full spectrum goodness to help you stay zen all day long. 

Shop the full range of Zen CBD products we stock here!