Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is CBD?

What is CBD?

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound naturally occurring in the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. It can be taken orally (as a tablet, capsule or gummy), sublingually (under the tongue as a tincture) or topically (applied to the skin as a cream) to deliver a wide range of benefits.

It does not currently need a prescription and people are using it to self-treat a wide range of issues. A 2017 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that CBD could provide relief for a variety of conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as general pain, anxiety and depression.

Is CBD legal?

CBD is legal here in Ireland, provided it comes from an industrial hemp strain that is EU approved and contains no THC, but you need to make sure you are getting it from a trusted source. Hemp Well organically grown CBD comes from EU certified hemp grown at our own farm, processed and lab tested to make sure it is pure and contains accurate dosages. We control the process from seed to shelf so that you can be confident you are getting a high quality, fully traceable product.

Does it get you high?

There are over a hundred chemical compounds which are naturally occurring in hemp plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known thanks to its psychoactive properties but CBD is non-psychoactive and won’t get you “high”. It allows you to get many of the same benefits, such as feeling relaxed, without any of the negative effects that come from THC.

2. Is CBD addictive?

Is CBD addictive?

This is one of the most-Googled questions about CBD, so we are happy to be able to help put your mind at ease: No CBD is not addictive. It is currently sold as a food supplement, not a drug, here in Ireland .

According to an independent 2017 report, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that “evidence from well-controlled human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential.” In simple terms, there is currently no evidence to suggest that CBD is addictive. This is because CBD doesn’t get you ‘high’, so there is little to no abuse potential.

Not only is CBD not addictive, but it may even help treat drug addiction.

Preliminary evidence from this report suggests that CBD could lower the likelihood of developing cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders and it may even help prevent relapse after a period of sobriety. And the authors of this 2015 review found evidence that CBD could potentially be used to help treat nicotine and cannabis addiction.

3. Is CBD legal in Ireland?

Short answer: If you’re buying from a reputable brand, Yes!

Long Answer:

As Ireland and the UK used to have relatively vague legislation surrounding cannabis, they are still quite reluctant to talk about it. However, this is not the case for other European countries.

Today, most of them recognize that CBD is harmless and authorize the marketing of products that contain it.

This is, for example, the case in Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia. In contrast, CBD is illegal in Slovakia!

If you’re wondering about the legality of CBD in Ireland, typically, in the event of a conflict, EU law (i.e. less than 0.2% THC) takes precedence.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland acknowledges this 0.2% THC threshold as the differentiator between permitted and illegal CBD products. As long as you’re buying from a reputable brand with quality products, CBD is perfectly legal to buy and take!

Note that Europe has the second-largest market for CBD products globally and that the Irish market is opening up to greater commercialization and distribution of CBD.

4. Where do we get our CBD from?

A lot of our customers ask where does our CBD come from and we are very proud of cultivating our own hemp and being able to trace it from seed to shelf. Here we made a short video of Lisa, one of our founders, visiting our hemp cultivation farm in Bulgaria.

In the video you can see the farm where are hemp is grown, and you can even see the baby plants!

5. What dosage should I take?

What dosage is right for you depends on a number of factors including; your body weight, how you consume the CBD, what strength of CBD you take and what conditions you are hoping to treat.

We have written a comprehensive guide on dosage to help you figure out how much to take for your specific needs.

6. How do I take CBD?

How Do I take CBD?

One of the most common questions about CBD is how to take it. Fortunately, CBD comes in many different forms to suit individual preferences. Popular delivery methods include oils, tablets, gummies, capsules, and creams. Each format has its benefits.

CBD oils are a popular choice because they offer easy dosage adjustments. You can easily increase or decrease your dosage in small increments. CBD oils come with a graduated pipette to help with easy dosing. The sublingual method of taking CBD oil is also popular. You can put it directly under your tongue, where it quickly enters your bloodstream due to the capillary-rich area. Alternatively, you can add CBD oil to your food, especially to fat-soluble foods such as smoothies, salad dressings, or porridge oats. It’s important not to cook with CBD oil, as high temperatures can degrade it.

CBD capsules, tablets, and gummies are another option. These are ideal for those who want to maintain a consistent amount of CBD in their system. With CBD gummies, for example, you can easily monitor and adjust your intake in 10mg increments. It’s important to note that when ingested, CBD passes through the digestive tract, meaning you might have to wait up to 30 minutes before experiencing any effects.

CBD creams and balms are often blended with other natural ingredients, making it easy to apply to the skin. When used topically, CBD can target specific areas such as sore muscles and joints. CBD creams often come with additional benefits, such as moisturizing effects from added Vitamin E.

No, CBD (cannabidiol) does not get you high. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects. In fact, CBD is known for its non-intoxicating properties and is often used to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they have different effects on the body. While THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain to produce a high, CBD does not bind with these receptors and instead interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system in different ways.

CBD is often derived from hemp, a variety of cannabis that contains low levels of THC. In many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legal.

Overall, CBD is a safe and non-intoxicating compound that can provide a range of potential health benefits without the risk of getting high. However, it’s important to note that the quality and effectiveness of CBD products can vary, so it’s important to do your research and purchase from reputable sources.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its well-known counterpart THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various physiological processes.

The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance within the body, and it plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, immune response, and pain sensation. CBD interacts with two types of receptors in the ECS, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

When CBD interacts with these receptors, it can help modulate the activity of the ECS, which in turn can have various effects on the body. For example, CBD can help reduce inflammation and pain by binding to CB2 receptors in the immune system, which can help regulate immune function and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

In addition, CBD can also indirectly affect the levels of other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and emotions. By increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters, CBD may help promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Overall, while the exact mechanisms of how CBD works are still being studied, it is clear that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate various physiological processes and promote balance and wellness.

CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD are two different forms of CBD that are commonly available on the market. CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that has been extracted from the hemp plant and isolated from all other compounds. This means that it only contains CBD and no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.

On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD is a form of CBD that contains all the beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant except for THC. This means that it contains a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which work together in what is known as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect refers to the synergistic relationship between all the compounds in the hemp plant, which work together to enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD can offer many of the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, which contains THC, without the risk of psychoactive effects associated with THC.

CBD isolate may be preferred by individuals who are sensitive to other compounds found in the hemp plant or those who require a high dose of CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD may be preferred by those who want to benefit from the entourage effect and other compounds found in the hemp plant without consuming THC. Ultimately, the choice between CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD will depend on individual preferences and desired therapeutic outcomes.

The entourage effect is a concept in cannabis and hemp products that refers to the synergistic interaction between different compounds in the plant, specifically between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural plant chemicals. This effect suggests that when all the compounds in the plant work together, they enhance each other’s benefits and create a more significant effect than any one compound could have on its own.

For example, when CBD and THC work together with other compounds like terpenes, they may create a more powerful therapeutic effect for conditions such as pain, anxiety, or inflammation than either cannabinoid could produce alone. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants that contribute to the flavor and aroma of cannabis and hemp products, and research suggests they may have therapeutic benefits of their own, including anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.

It’s important to note that the entourage effect is still a theory and requires further research to fully understand how the various compounds in cannabis and hemp interact with each other. However, many people believe in the potential benefits of using full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products that contain multiple compounds instead of just isolated CBD, as they may provide a more holistic approach to wellness.

Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, is a legal compound found in hemp plants. It is often confused with an illegal cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this is the compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with cannabis. If you consume CBD oil, you will not test positive for cannabis or any other drug on a workplace drug test.

CBD is not currently listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List. As a result, it is permitted to use in sport.

Although studies are still ongoing to determine potential interactions between CBD and specific medications, there’s one rule of thumb that can help consumers in the meantime: avoid CBD if your medications have a grapefruit warning on the label. This warning indicates that people taking the medication should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. According to the Food and Drug Administration, consuming grapefruit while on one of these medications can lead to a higher concentration of the medication in the bloodstream and adverse side effects or even an overdose. More than 85 drugs interact with grapefruit and some closely related citrus juices — like Seville oranges, pomelos, and tangelos. That’s because chemicals in grapefruit known as furanocoumarins inhibit CYP3A4, CBD works in a similar way. The result is a slowed metabolization of medications. Grapefruit warnings are common in several types of medications, but not all medications within a category will require the avoidance of grapefruit. Check your medication’s insert information or ask your doctor.

Research is still ongoing into the benefits of CBD oil for a range of conditions, including diabetes. A 2016 study by Nottingham University researchers found that CBD in combination with another cannabinoid compound, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) was effective in lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin production.

There is currently no official Irish government guideline on the maximum amount of CBD one can take. However, it is generally recommended to start with a low dosage and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. Additionally, it is important to note that CBD can interact with other medications, so it is advisable to consult a health professional before consuming large amounts of CBD or combining it with other drugs. As with any supplement or medication, it is important to use CBD responsibly and according to recommended dosages.

The Food Standards Agency in the UK recommends the maximum daily CBD dosage is no more than 1mg per KG or 70mg while the FSAI in Ireland doesn’t make a recommendation.

How CBD makes you feel is highly subjective, each person might have a slightly different experience. Various factors can also affect the outcome including the dosage you take, how the product is consumed, the quality of the CBD and what other ingredients included, all make for unique experiences. As a very simple explanation, you can think of the core effect of CBD as being similar to that you experience when you take something like Paracetamol. When it takes effect you experience the absence of negative symptoms and a return back to a more ‘normal’ state – more ‘you’. Our customers also regularly report feelings of a clear mind and a general feeling of relaxation.

CBD has a good reputation for helping people sleep, but that doesn’t mean it makes you sleepy during the day. There is some evidence to suggest that CBD helps people sleep because CBD helps relieve anxiety and pain, both issues that can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Therefore, it doesn’t cause drowsiness or make people feel sleepy.

While CBD is legal in many places all over the world, travelling with CBD isn’t always straightforward. The surest way to find out if CBD oil is legal in the country you are travelling to is by speaking to a customs agent or an embassy official. You may also be able to receive assistance from airline or airport officials. In most cases, CBD oil should be safe to carry within Europe as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC, in the United States it must contain less than 0.3% THC. If you are travelling with CBD it might be useful to bring proof that your CBD is hemp-derived with lab analysis showing the THC content in case of being challenged, whilst also making sure you understand local regulations and adhere to rules regarding travelling with liquids.

CBD is not a medicine, it is classified as a Food Supplement in Ireland. CBD is regulated by the FSAI and should be taken as part of a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

If you would like any more information, feel free to check out our support resources for assistance. This is where we regularly publish news, information and the latest scientific research on CBD.