
There have been recent changes in the legal status of cannabis, with Canada and parts of the USA legalising both medicinal and recreational use of cannabis. In the UK, recent changes have followed publicity of the benefits of medicinal cannabis for reducing seizures in the treatment of epilepsy in children. Medicinal cannabis can now be legally prescribed on the NHS but only by specialists and after all other forms of treatment have been explored.
The cannabis drugs, marketed by pharmaceutical companies, are Epidiolex, a highly purified liquid containing CBD used in the treatment of epilepsy and Sativex, a cannabis-based medicine that is sprayed into the mouth to relieve muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
Cannabis contains over 500 different constituents of which about 100 are cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component, and cannabidiol (CBD) which does not have any psychoactive properties.
CBD oil is legal to buy in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. CBD oil is available at health stores and over the internet but these products can vary greatly in quality and may contain only small amounts of CBD. It is vital to have a good and reputable source of CBD oil.
Evidence is mounting to show the benefits of CBD oil to alleviate joint pain, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and for general well being.
CBD oil is usually taken orally, held under the tongue for a few seconds before swallowing, but can also be taken in a capsule or paste. Everyone responds differently to CBD so the dose required varies greatly between individuals. It is advisable to start with a low dose and increase gradually to attain the desired therapeutic effects.
CBD Brothers (now The Original Alternative) are very reputable producers of CBD. They provide a range of organic CBD products made from the two main species: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa which each has their own unique effects. A colour code system is used to distinguish the different strengths of CBD oil, capsule or paste.
CBD oil can only be sold as a food supplement so companies such as The Original Alternative cannot market medicinal benefits or give medical advice.
To obtain information about the medicinal benefits of CBD oil and how to take it visit a medical herbalist. As a medical herbalist, I can advise on the whether CBD oil would benefit you, the type of CBD that would be most beneficial and the dosage regime.