Is CBD a CWOT (Complete Waste of Time)?

Is CBD good for sleep and anxiety?

Many claim that CBD reduces anxiety and promotes sound sleep. However, the focus group involved was small. To add to this, the doses in the study were significantly higher than the recommended levels set by the government.

This means that there were not enough people taking part to show a clear benefit pattern. Also, a consumer is not likely to take CBD at the level given to the participants in the study. Therefore, the benefits may not be significant if a person takes lower doses of CBD.

I found that CBD oil had the highest level of CBD. Some CBD gummies had a high concentration of CBD, but you have to check. Not all of them have the same concentration. 

Is CBD good for skin?

CBD skincare is already a multimillion-pound industry. Manufacturers claim that CBD oil in beauty products acts as an antioxidant, skin conditioning and skin protecting. That definitely sounds like CBD is good for skin. 

Though I am not going to rely too much on what manufacturers claim.

I will do some research and make my mind up. 

Now for the sciency bit. 

CBD oil contains terpenes and amino acids. Terpenes are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and amino acids are the building blocks for all life. This means that CBD does have potential to be good for the skin.

Though let us not forget that CBD oil is mixed with carrier oils. Carrier oils are used to dilute the CBD oil. Carrier oils have many benefits for skin, so it is not necessary to mix them with CBD to achieve better looking skin.

You might even say that many natural ingredients have beneficial properties, such as turmeric for example. Turmeric being a spice does not need to be regulated, is easily available and budget-friendly.

There are no known side effects of taking turmeric, which leads us to the next point.

Is CBD safe to use?

The government suggests that CBD does is not harmful if people consume it in the recommended doses.

 Fair enough.

Only you’ll find that CBD is not regulated so there is no way of knowing who follows to these recommendations. Equally, there is no guarantee people read these recommendations or are aware of any limits on CBD intake.

Potential side effects of CBD include:

• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness
• Changes in weight and appetite

Although, the study was based on people taking high doses of CBD, it is possible for you to consume high doses if they are not aware of the limits. This is important because there needs to be clear labelling and information on products containing CBD.

Should I have any concerns about taking CBD?

The UK government states that “Currently the methods for extraction, separation and quantification of controlled phytocannabinoids in consumer CBD products are not sufficiently robust with regards to sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility.” In other words, there are no checks and balances on how CBD is made.

Laboratories that produce CBD are not regulated or certified. There are no measures in place to control quality.

The absence of quality control means that CBD in one shop, might be completely different to CBD in another shop. This is important because you do expect that a product you buy is of a certain quality. Products containing CBD can be quite pricey and so you should have certain expectations as to its quality.

However, CBD products may not be of a quality you expect. They may be. There is just no way of knowing for the consumer. And since CBD is not regulated by anyone, you might do more harm than good. 

I would be very careful about using CBD tampons. My research suggests that that tampons are the least safe period product.

I found that period products are not properly regulated or labelled. CBD is yet another unregulated ingredient that I don't think should be used around your intimate areas. 

 So, it might be worth waiting a while until some checks are put in place.

You can of course apply CBD oil to your skin as it is less invasive. But there are many oils that don’t need regulation, are cheaper and just as effective.

Conclusion: CBD products are not regulated by anyone

I do understand that you may be looking for a natural way to relieve stress and anxiety. You want to naturally improve sleep, and CBD seems like the most effective natural product to achieve that. 

I am not so sure. 

I would not be comfortable paying a lot of money for a product that may or may not work. Where the product's quality is not regulated. Where there may be some unwanted side effects. 

I would like to see more research on CBD and its effects. I would like CBD to be regulated and quality guaranteed, before I am convinced to try it. 

Perhaps just stick to what you know for the time being?

If you have used CBD before, please share your experience in the comments below!