CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol, was made available in the UK at Holland & Barrett stores at the start of the year and proved popular among the general public.
According to the Cannabis Trades Association UK, the number of people using cannabidiol (CBD) oil in Britain has rocketed from 125,000 to 250,000 in the past 12 months.
Because of its success a number of other CBD and hemp products have emerged. Love Hemp Water launched CBD infused water last month.
Hemp capsules are also now available on the market. But with a multitude of different products on offer, what are the differences between CBD oil and hemp capsules and what are their benefits? Nutritionists Cassandra Barns explained to Express.co.uk.
She said: “There are several differences between hemp capsules on the market and CBD oil. First, let’s note that cannabidiol or CBD is just one of the phytocannabinoids – the primary active compounds – in cannabis sativa (hemp).
“Whereas most CBD oils focus solely on cannabidiol, there are hemp capsules that instead contain a full range of the active phytocannabinoids in hemp. This gives it the potential to have a more synergistic effect in the body – i.e. all the compounds working together.”
Cassandra explained that phytocannabinoids are natural substances found in cannabis sativa plants. When we absorb them, they interact with our nervous system, brain and immune system.
She added: “They do this by mimicking – or helping to increase – the activity of natural chemicals produced in our own body known as endocannabinoids (note that despite the name, endocannabinoids themselves are not from cannabis – they were simply named after it).”
Secondly, phytocannabinoids on their own can be difficult to absorb, according to Cassandra.
She said: “I’ve seen figures that say only around 20 per cent of CBD is absorbed in a standard form.
“In HempCeutix capsules, Natures Plus has added a natural absorption-boosting blend that includes lecithin and black pepper extract – which can mean you get more bang for your buck in your phytocannabinoid supplement.
“Also included in HempCeutix is a blend of botanicals such as rosemary and clove, which are thought to act as tonics to the endocannabinoid system in the body.
“This means they may work alongside the phytocannabinoids to boost their effects and benefits.”
Finally, Cassandra picks up on the convenience of capsules versus a liquid oil.
She said: “CBD oil can have an acquired taste that can put some people off, and oils or drops can be more difficult to remember to take regularly compared to capsules.”
But what medical advice should be given to patients thinking about taking CBD oil or hemp products?
Dr Andrew Thornier, chief medical officer at Now Patient, recommends taking them with caution. He said that because these aren’t prescribed by a GP or pharmacist at present, we still don’t know the full side-effects.
He added: “I would not personally recommend this as a medical practitioner.
“I would always recommend anyone wanting to take any medicine that isn’t registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council to do so with caution and almost always have a chat with your Pharmacist or GP at your next visit to take their advice.
“The individual needs of the patient vary and what works for one person, may not work for another and this is not currently classed as an official medication which can be prescribed.”