Our Guide to CBD
The Hemp Engine CBD Guide
New to CBD? You're in the right place. CBD can seem complicated when you're first looking into it, with different strengths, extracts, formats and ingredients to understand.
We've created this guide to explain the basics of CBD in straightforward, easy-to-understand language, so you can make a more informed decision about the products you choose.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, which is a variety of Cannabis sativa.
Unlike THC, CBD is not the intoxicating compound associated with the "high" commonly associated with cannabis.
CBD products are available in a variety of formats, including oils, capsules, gummies, creams and other preparations. The appropriate rules and requirements can vary depending on the type of product.
In simple terms: CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp. CBD products are made by extracting CBD from hemp and incorporating it into a suitable product formulation.
How Is CBD Made?
CBD starts with hemp plants that are cultivated and harvested. The plant material can then undergo an extraction process designed to separate desirable compounds from the plant material.
Depending on the product and manufacturer, further processing can be used to refine the extract and produce different types of CBD ingredients.
1. Hemp Cultivation
Hemp plants are grown and harvested before the plant material is prepared for extraction.
2. Extraction
The CBD and other naturally occurring compounds are separated from the plant material using an appropriate extraction method.
3. Processing & Refinement
The resulting extract can be processed further depending on the desired specification and final product.
4. Formulation
The CBD ingredient is then incorporated into the finished product alongside other ingredients appropriate for that formulation.
5. Testing
Responsible CBD manufacturers should have appropriate testing and quality controls in place to verify the composition and quality of their products.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil generally refers to a product where CBD has been incorporated into a carrier oil. Common carrier oils can include olive oil, MCT oil or other suitable oils depending on the formulation.
The amount of CBD in a bottle can vary considerably between products, so it's important to look at the actual CBD content rather than relying only on the percentage shown on the label.
Tip: Always check how much CBD the entire bottle contains and how much CBD is present per recommended serving.
What Does CBD Strength Mean?
CBD products are commonly described using terms such as 5%, 10%, 20% or a number of milligrams of CBD.
These numbers can be confusing because different brands may present their information in different ways.
For example, a product may state the total amount of CBD in milligrams while another may prominently display a percentage. The most useful thing to establish is the total CBD content and the amount of CBD per serving.
Why Milligrams Matter
Milligrams provide a direct measurement of the quantity of CBD contained in a product. Checking the total milligrams can make it easier to compare products from different brands.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD products are made using extracts that contain CBD along with other naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, subject to the product's formulation and applicable regulatory requirements.
Because full-spectrum extracts can contain a range of naturally occurring compounds, it's important to check the manufacturer's product information and laboratory testing rather than assuming every full-spectrum product has exactly the same composition.
What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD generally refers to a hemp extract containing CBD and other hemp-derived compounds, with THC removed or reduced to the relevant specification.
As with all CBD products, the exact composition depends on the formulation and manufacturing process. Checking the product's laboratory information is the best way to understand what is actually present.
What Is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a highly refined form of CBD that is separated from the other compounds found in hemp.
Because it is designed to contain CBD as the primary component, CBD isolate products can be useful when a manufacturer wants a formulation centred around CBD rather than a broader hemp extract.
How Do I Choose a CBD Product?
Choosing a CBD product doesn't have to be complicated. Start by looking at the information provided by the manufacturer rather than simply choosing the product with the highest strength.
1. Check the CBD Content
Look at the total amount of CBD in the product and, where applicable, the amount per serving.
2. Check the Ingredients
Read the complete ingredient list so you know exactly what is included in the product.
3. Look for Testing Information
A reputable manufacturer should be able to provide appropriate information about product testing and quality control.
4. Understand the Product Type
CBD oil, capsules, gummies, cosmetics and other CBD products are not necessarily regulated in exactly the same way. Make sure you understand what type of product you are purchasing.
5. Don't Automatically Choose the Strongest Product
A higher number on the label doesn't automatically mean a product is better suited to you. Compare the actual CBD content, ingredients, formulation and testing information.
What Should I Look For In a CBD Brand?
Transparency is one of the most useful things to look for when comparing CBD brands.
- Clear product descriptions
- Complete ingredient information
- Clearly stated CBD content
- Accessible testing or laboratory information where applicable
- Clear contact details
- Transparent company information
- Clear delivery and returns information
- Accurate product labelling
Be cautious of websites making extraordinary promises or suggesting that CBD is a cure or treatment for medical conditions.
How Do I Read a CBD Lab Report?
Laboratory reports, sometimes called Certificates of Analysis or COAs, can provide useful information about the composition of a particular product or batch.
Depending on the test, a report may contain information about cannabinoid content and other quality or safety parameters.
When looking at a report, check that the product or batch information can be connected clearly to the product you are buying.
Our approach: At The Hemp Engine, we believe customers should have access to clear product information and should never have to rely on exaggerated promises to understand what they're buying.
Is CBD Legal in the UK?
The answer depends on the type of CBD product.
CBD food products, including certain oils, gummies and other ingestible products, fall under the UK's novel food framework. The Food Standards Agency states that CBD food products must be authorised before they are placed on the market, and it maintains a register relating to products linked to novel-food applications.
Other CBD products can be subject to different rules depending on their intended use, ingredients and formulation.
Important: CBD regulations can change and different product categories can have different legal requirements. Always check the requirements that apply to the specific product you are purchasing.
Can CBD Products Make Medical Claims?
CBD businesses need to be particularly careful with health and medical claims.
CBD should not be marketed as a treatment or cure for a medical condition unless the relevant legal requirements and authorised claims permit the specific statement.
This is why you may see responsible CBD brands focusing their product information on ingredients, composition, manufacturing, testing and product specifications rather than promising medical outcomes.
Who Should Avoid CBD Food Products?
The Food Standards Agency advises that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming CBD, and advises people taking prescription medication to avoid CBD consumption unless they have discussed it with a medical professional.
The FSA also identifies other groups for whom there are remaining safety uncertainties, including children and people who are immunosuppressed.
If you take regular medication or have questions about whether CBD is appropriate for you, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before consuming a CBD food product.
What Is the Difference Between CBD Oil and CBD Gummies?
Both can contain CBD, but they are different product formats.
CBD oil is typically a liquid formulation containing CBD and a carrier oil, while gummies are formulated as an edible product with CBD alongside other ingredients.
The amount of CBD per serving can differ significantly, so always check the product label rather than assuming two products contain the same amount.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
There isn't one universal amount that is appropriate for every person or every CBD product.
If you are considering consuming a CBD food product, follow the product's labelling and relevant guidance. The FSA currently advises a provisional acceptable daily intake of no more than 10mg of CBD per day for healthy adults, while also highlighting important safety considerations and uncertainties for certain groups.
If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have another health-related concern, speak to a healthcare professional before consuming CBD.
Does More CBD Mean Better?
Not necessarily.
CBD products come in a wide range of strengths and formulations, but a higher CBD content doesn't automatically make one product better than another.
When comparing products, consider the CBD content, ingredients, product format, testing information, manufacturer transparency and the instructions provided with the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
CBD is a compound found naturally in cannabis plants, including hemp. However, CBD itself is not the same thing as the cannabis plant or a finished cannabis product.
CBD itself is not the intoxicating compound associated with the "high" commonly associated with cannabis. Product composition can vary, so always check the ingredients and testing information.
Questions around CBD and dependence should be considered separately from products containing intoxicating cannabis compounds. If you have concerns about CBD or dependence, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
Follow the storage instructions provided on the product packaging. Generally, products should be kept in appropriate conditions and away from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
Look for transparent ingredients, clear CBD quantities, appropriate testing information, company contact details and accurate product information. Be cautious of brands making unrealistic health promises.
Different products are formulated with different concentrations of CBD. Always compare the actual amount of CBD rather than relying solely on percentage figures.
Why Choose The Hemp Engine?
At The Hemp Engine, our goal is simple: make CBD easier to understand.
We believe customers should be able to understand what they're buying without confusing terminology, exaggerated promises or unnecessary complexity.
That's why we focus on clear product information, transparent ingredients and straightforward answers to the questions customers actually ask.
CBD should not be complicated.
Understand the product. Check the ingredients. Look for transparency.
Then make an informed choice.
Still Have Questions?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our team is happy to help with questions about our products, ingredients and ordering.
The Hemp Engine Support
support@thehempengine.co.uk