The Complete CBD Oil Product Guide 2019 - 2020

Welcome to our CBD Guide, this is the definitive user guide for CBD and is your one stop resource for all things related to CBD usage and information needed to make informed choices that not only save you money but can help effect real positive change in your daily life.

You may have read other so called complete guides to CBD etc but none of them come from the industry leader Quintessential Tips. We are one of the UK pillars of the Cannabis & Hemp Community and have been actively engaged in hemp and cannabis for a long time (since 1989). This is contrary to just about any other seller or re-seller of CBD products in the UK which means you can actually get information from people involved in the Hemp & Cannabis scene for more reasons than money. It's our life's passion.

From CBD oils, edibles and vaping to suppositories, we have all the required info on one page especially designed for beginners to be able to read through and hopefully this will aid you in deciding what to use or not to use when it comes to CBD products. With so much flooding the market you can be sure that not all CBD product are created equally and with so many tricksters, shysters and generally bad people around you can do yourself a large favor and let one of the most trusted UK cannabis companies do the hard work for you. From basic cannabis / hemp terminology to industry warnings and where to find them. Our aim is solely to provide you with information required to choose cannabis and hemp products in good faith, assured that you know enough to beat the chancers. Scroll down, read and share please, plus leave a comment to let others know about this great resource for CBD information. Lets start at the beginning shall we.

What is Hemp or Industrial hemp?

As you may of heard, hemp is the mother plant. More specifically though, hemp is a plant usually found in the northern hemisphere and is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It is known as one of the quickest growing plant species and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 10,000 years ago. It can be refined into a vast array of commercial items including textiles, paper clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, animal feed and natural food supplements or CBD oils. Although high THC cannabis which is used medically and recreation-ally worldwide and industrial hemp both derive from the species Cannabis sativa, they are distinct strains with totally unique phytochemical compositions and uses. Hemp has lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its effects. The legality of industrial hemp varies widely between countries. Some governments regulate the concentration of THC and permit only hemp that is bred with an especially low THC content. Check out this amazing testimonial from God regarding it, he knew even back in the day that hemp was for all. ”Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food"

What is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol to use its full name is just one of many cannabinoids found in hemp or cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phyto-cannabinoid first discovered in 1940. It is just one of some 113 identified cannabinoids found within cannabis plants, accounting for up to 40% of the plant's extract. It has shot to fame and has seen this humble cannabinoid put into the limelight and in some regards it has overtaken THC as this years most prolific cannabinoid.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are one of a class of diverse chemical compounds that acts on the cannabinoid receptorscells that alter neurotransmitter releasein the brain. Ligands for these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body by animals), the phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially). The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects and as more research is done and information becomes available, it is likely that we will see a rise in popularity of these other cannabinoids.

How is CBD Extracted?

There are a variety of different methods for extractions but for the safety and quality of products it's important to only purchase CBD products made via supercritical extraction methods. Supercritical CO2 extraction (a type of SFE – supercritical fluid extraction) is an interesting technology referred to as “green chemistry”, as it facilitates an extraction without the use of any potentially harmful chemicals or solvents. The uniqueness of the supercritical state (“fourth physical state”) make it possible to extract the needed ingredients only, without risking contaminating the extraction. This quality is vital as hemp is known to easily accumulate the heavy metals and other harmful compounds from soil. Unlike other, simpler extraction techniques, supercritical CO2 extraction guarantees that the final product is absolutely pure and safe. It is for this reason our own product is made using this method of extraction. Other methods include the following. Cannabis oil made with neuro-toxic solvents like butane and hexane may leave unsafe residues that compromise immune function and impede healing. You can also use:

Ethanol - High-grade grain alcohol can be used to create high-quality cannabis oil extracts appropriate for vape pen cartridges and other products. But this extraction method destroys the plant waxes, which may have health benefits that are favored by some product-makers.
Olive oil - Extra virgin or otherwise, olive oil can also be used to extract cannabis oil. You won’t blow yourself up making cannabis-infused olive oil as no solvents are used, however, cannabis-infused olive oil—whether CBD-rich or THC-dominant—is perishable and should be stored in a cool, dark place as olive oil can go rancid after a period of time.

What is a Hemp Extract?

The definition of hemp extracts: from Latin “extrahere” = draw out, remove) means any method that uses a (solid, liquid or gaseous) extraction agent to remove one or several components from a substance mixture (of solid, liquid or gaseous substance) extract.

Cannabidiol (CBD) - Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant cannabinoid naturally presents in the industrial hemp plant and their extracts are non psychotropic, non-intoxicating, not addictive and very well tolerated by humans even in large doses. Extracts can be left raw or decarboxylated and added to consumer products without further processing required. Extracts are also usually winterized in order to remove plant waxes.

How is the CBD Extract Used to Make Products?

Once CBD has been extracted it can be further distilled /rectified in order to remove unwanted elements such as chlorophyll. It is then utilized in a variety of ways to make the products you all know and love. For example, your CBD oil is made using a mixture of the CBD extract and predominately hemp seed oil as the base. It can be used in edibles or put into capsules and we could go on, it can be made into a huge variety of products and worked with in different methods.

What is CBD Used For?

CBD and cannabinoids have a range of uses and there is documented historical evidence which shows consumption of cannabis by humans dating back to at least the third millennium BCE. Modern day cannabinoid consumption has come back into the mainstream and today many people the world over consume cannabis and CBD products because of the perceived health benefits and the stimulating effect it has on a persons ECS system. Cannabinoid consumers often try to maintain “homeostasis” in challenging modern conditions which see consumers tending to seek out food supplements of botanical origin to supplement their ECS system.

What is the Endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

Cannabinoid receptors form part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a large matrix of receptor proteins with many functions. So many, that is has been described as “the greatest neurotransmitter system in the body", because it relates to important bodily functions such as immunity, appetite, mood, memory, inflammation, and pain. There is a vast body of research on the endocannabinoid system and the effects and benefits of CBD oil which we always recommend you look into in further detail.

CBD Oil benefits are particularly appealing because cannabidiol is:

non-toxic
non-psychoactive (unlike THC)
with no negative side effects (when taken responsibly)

What is CBD Sold For?

Unlike the section above, "what is CBD used for", this section is about what it sold for which is a very different thing. While people and consumers may trial it for a whole raft of reasons, it is only or should only be sold as a natural food supplement with no medical advice or promises of cures given, much like cod liver oil is sold. It is not right or moral for sellers to promote products in a way that would entice would be users to increase strength or increase dosage when it's not necessary at financial peril. When items are sold to you, you should not come away feeling up sold. If you feel any pressure or stress then don't buy it. We will cover more on this subject further down the guide in the scams and warnings section, but the answer to the question "what is CBD sold for" is money, please do not forget that.

CBD Oil for Beginners

We all start somewhere and there is no shame in not knowing something, that why this blog exists, so as to help you along on your journey into taking CBD and cannabinoids. Take your time, check stuff out and re read until you feel happy, even contact the supplier or seller but note most will not answer medical questions and those that do should not be trusted. Below are some questions to ask yourself when your thinking of purchasing a CBD oil for the first time or are looking to change to a new brand. Before buying CBD oil or products you may wish to confirm with your GP that they are okay for you to consume.

What CBD Oil to Buy

What you buy will often come down to the format you wish to take it in and the reasons why you wish to do so. Don't let the persuasive marketing sway you one way or another, do your homework and make a rational choice when buying. Its worth looking into how you evaluate CBD oils for consumption using the following criteria.

Does the CBD product you are looking at specify the total amount of CBD content in mg?

We are all different with quicker or slower metabolisms and there isn't one standard dose for any one consumer, knowing the exact amount per milligram ensures you can measure and manage your dose and figure out what is right for you in an informed and thought out manner. Products that display their content and their lab results will aid the consumer in trusting the brand and make your journey into trialing CBD oils a easier and less expensive one.

Is your chosen product free from toxins and is it certified organic?

Does the CBD product claim to be organic or is it in fact certified organic by a third party? How pure is the CBD oil you are thinking of buying, as cannabis sativa L. is considered a bio-accumulator which we spoke about in the section on extraction further up the page. So in order to bypass taking a harmful concoction of chemicals - which can include fertilizers, pesticides and heavy metals used in the growing stages - you must find out if it is lab tested before buying. It is essential to find a trust-worthy manufacturer as Organic product status is not easy to get as it involves a lot of different factors so buying cbd products made from an extract obtained through plants grown to organic principles is fine as long as it is lab tested. If a brand is claiming to be organic, it is very different from being a documented, certified organic producer. Look out for brands that can prove their organic claims (e.g. via an organic certification). Similarly, any good brand will provide full testing to show what exactly is in their product. This will include showing the absence of any pesticides and heavy metals. The majority of CBD oils claiming to be organic in the UK is at peak levels but if you ask further it will be highly likely they are not.getting certified organic hemp. It is not a cheap product and the entire process needs to be verified, not just the end product which means most are not organic. The lack of it being organic is not the worst thing as many good providers offer products made from hemp grown to organic principles, but that is not the same thing as certified organic so its worth familiarizing yourself with the differences and those that claim to be something they are not should be cause for concern, we will talk more about this in the marketing section which will impact how users buy products.

Is your CBD Oil Full Spectrum?

Is the CBD oil rich in terpenes and other Phyto - cannabinoids? Is it whole-plant? The higher quality the source and extraction method, the purer and more nutrient-dense the CBD oil you will be taking. Most people want to consume a CBD oil that also provides you with the many beneficial and synergistic active ingredients present in the whole Cannabis Sativa L. plant: cannabinoids like CBDa (Cannabidiol Acid), CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBGa (Cannabigerol Acid), the plant's lipids, waxes, chlorophyll, flavonoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients.

Every strain, variety and crop contains a different profile of these (compare lab certificates from different products, which here on for the Ageless are available on each product page). Ensure there is clear access to certificates of quality (source and extraction method). Do not let yourself be deceived by empty marketing claims or inferior products like CBD drops made from crystal isolates or from undisclosed sources. If they are not willing to show their info and what is in the product, do not buy it.

Certifications

It's very important that the supplier, brand or re-seller has or has available to them the certification which they can provide you if asked. displaying them on a website is all well and good but the certifications are by batch so often you will just have an outdated certificate available to you, a better way is to request the latest lab results which will let you know when the product was made etc. Dont forget that companies will buy in big batches so its not unusual to see certifications 6 months prior to buying in date

What CBD product format to buy?

As mentioned in the last section, what you buy will often come down to what you wish to take CBD for after doing research into it. Most people will try an oil for their first product but below is some information on the different CBD product formats available and why you may prefer it to other methods of cannabinoid ingestion.

CBD Oils

The traditional first method of ingestion for many, cbd oils are one of the easiest ways to begin a journey into taking cannabinoids, made popular in the news it is now even sold in high street shops like ours in Truro Cornwall direct to the public. CBD oils will come with varying strengths, sizes and also various base oils, with hemp seed, olive oil and MCT being the most popular. Often blends can see essential oils used in the production to enhance the finished item.
CBD Sprays

For those that don't get on with traditional CBD oils with their dropper lids some companies have made spray or pump applicators to make dosage and ingestion easier. While these can eradicate the dropper bottle they also come with their own issues so trialing both may be an option if you struggle with cbd application in oil format.
Water Soluble CBD

Stated to make the CBD more bio-available, water soluble CBD can be combined with food or drinks in a smaller amount to see the same intake of CBD as other traditionally ingested products. Essentially you can take less to receive more and the product is quite versatile in what you can add it to drinks for example.
CBD Capsules

Capsules are a great way to ingest CBD via oral administration that bypasses the often bad or bitter taste. The downside can be less cannabinoid absorption as a lot will burn out in the gut, however many people enjoy taking them and for those that can't take oil for various reasons, this is a viable alternative to oils and for people who struggle with swallowing oil.
CBD Paste

CBD Paste is a big seller and often seen as a more potent method of ingestion. it can taste bitter in many cases but nothing you dont get used to and the strengths go up high for people looking for a heavy hitting product to saturate the ECS system with CBD and other cannabinoids
CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are a great and popular method of ingestion for many people who want to ingest cbd oil but want it to taste good or be more discreet when administering CBD in public. From sweets to cakes and CBD lollipops to CBD gummy sweets this format is wonderful and exciting sector of the CBD industry and it has many options for the CBD user and potential DIY edible makers out there.
Topical CBD Products

From Cosmetic creams and anti ageing elixirs to balms and heavier duty salves the CBD cosmetic format is a wonderful way to apply CBD and cannabinoids topically to the outer skin. This style or format of product can be made easily at home combining hemp extract with your chosen ingredients.
CBD Drinks

From tea & coffee to water, CBD drinks are a thing, grab yourself some CBD tea bags and get making yourself a wickedly nice all day drink packed full of vital cannabinoids, many of our customers love it on the daily. One of the easiest methods of ingestion and one that consumers can get quite picky over. CBD tea is one of the best selling products in the UK and what we recommend to people to try first before taking oil or alongside one.
CBD E-liquids / Vaping / Dabbing

Vaping CBD remains one of the quickest methods of ingestion. Via mouth to lung inhalation of the vapor which is saturated among other ingredients, plus CBD from an Isolate. This is the only way to make CBD eliquids and despite combining different isolates you are still not getting a full spectrum product unfortunately in most cases unless buying Synergy Extracts pens. Recommended as an add on or all day accessory to the main item of your choosing like a traditional CBD oil. Dabbing, on the other hand, is a great, effective way to consume CBD with incredible flavour and potency available.
Combustible CBD

Flowers, Kief Hash are all combustible versions of CBD and are popular among younger CBD and cannabinoid enthusiast generally. worth trying but the application may make it awkward on a daily basis if in public, one of the oldest methods of ingestion and for good reason if you like inhaling smoke. You can even smoke the terpene infused CBD Crumbles and crystals by waxing them or adding them on to your mixture to burn, but you will lose flavour if this is done and its best to vape or dab the crumbles.
CBD Suppositories

Unless your French, suppositories are not something many people are used to when it comes to administering food supplements and medications. Rectal insertion may not be what you think of first when it comes to ingesting CBD and absorption but a suppository is just another way to deliver a drug or substance into your system. It's a small, round or cone-shaped object that you put in your body, often into your bottom. Once it's inside, it melts or dissolves and releases its contents. Suppositories may not be the most pleasant product you'll ever use butt (do you see what i did there) it will be one of the most bio-available methods of taking CBD and may be worth reading up on further.

Once you buy

Once you have done all your checks, finalized a format and have bitten the bullet and bought it, what then, the packaging is often vague with a small amount of dosage guidelines. Don't worry though like anything new you are thinking of ingesting, it should be done slowly, carefully and with thought to get the most out of the experience.

Usage and Trialing of CBD

We have covered this topic in more detail in the "How much CDB Oil Should I Take" post but the jist is this. Keep a diary, don't combine multiple products and start low and slow. You are trying to optimize the ingestion process which should see you get the most return on the cost of the item especially if you're thinking of taking it long term. It may seem like a pain but it will pay off in time and keep your costs down.

How to take it long term & save money

Now you have trialed your products and settled on what you like the most, it's time to start thinking of how you can cut down costs long term. Using CBD oil long term can be expensive so by getting militant with your regime of usage you can begin to cut costs down long term. for example once you have worked out what you require, the product can then be bought in greater amounts often with discounts and then you can elongate its use through regulation of its intake.

How to Increase or Decrease CBD Strength

Just like you regulate the intake, if you wish to go up or down in strength you will benefit from a usage diary and making the change over 1 week, so if increasing stick to that new dose for 7 days then re evaluate. You dont want to be taking some one day and more or less the next.

CBD Oil Scams and Warnings

Another tool for the CBD oil beginner is to know what to look for in terms of red flags when it comes to buying CBD oil in the UK. This industry is not filled with switched on people who want the best for you, it's filled with con men and woman who will do and say anything to make a sale. Some of the biggest companies, associations and clubs use underhand tactics to generate sales. As you will know companies are not meant to make medical statements or market their goods in that manner. But it does not stop them from using paid "brand ambassadors" or advocates who can push the products with the most heinous promises and fake testimonials, this gives the businesses distance and they can pretend it's not a practice they completely endorse. Companies that supposedly Love CBD should know better. This practice alongside a few others is one of the biggest problems with the CBD industry - on the surface it appears well meaning and gentle but in truth it has now been made a corporate affair by men (predominantly) in suites that only care about the bottom line, and not your well-being. This section will hopefully give you some idea of what to look out for and how to avoid the money trap pitfalls that plague the industry.

CBD Products Packaging

Firstly if the company does not use hemp in replacement of traditional materials for all it's packaging, i.e. outer boxes, inserts and where applicable, the company is making a statement of intent right off the bat. Its saying give me your money, we don't care about the hemp plant or sustainability. You, as as switched on hemp consumer can tell a companies intent from the smallest things. Now not every company can afford to do this and in that event you naturally would forgo packaging if your an ethical person or company. By bypassing hemp when you had a chance to use it, and then saying you love hemp is not the same thing. This one trait alone can often tell you who is and who is not interested in hemp at all.

CBD Oils in Bigger Bottles

Another common ploy of the money hungry is to produce bigger bottles usually 20ml or 30ml which say on them different percentages. So for example a 30ml 5% CBD oil for £49.99 which to the CBD consumer looks like good value as a 10ml bottle of 5% CBD oil can go from £24.99 up to £34.99 but when you check closer and compare the two items, it does not contain 3 x the amount of CBD as most people would expect when making the comparison to a 10ml 5%.bottle. The 30ml bottle will contain a 5% extract diluted down into lots of base oil, so you spent more money to essentially get the same strength as before. There is nothing wrong with taking less CBD oil more often if that suits you but this tactic often catches people out and many assume the 30ml bottle they bought contains the same CBD content as if they bought 3 x 10ml bottles which is not true. Always read the label and confirm total CBD content to avoid being sold something not in line with what you thought you were getting.

CBD Oil Sellers UK

CBD Sellers, who are they? What are their credentials. En mass most of them are not connected to hemp, cannabis or CBD in any way before they figured out they can make money off it. Now firstly some sellers both old and new are good and are ethical in the way they approach what they do and how they handle their business but would you be surprised to learn that some used to sell legal highs, some used to be involved with nicotine based eliquids and so on which means CBD is a product and you are a consumer nothing more or less. do not expect care or consideration when purchasing via these types of people unless it to get you to part with your money.

CBD Oil Marketing

This should be of particular interest as its one of the primary reasons that people often end up with products they dont need or require. Marketing is always going to be a thing but wouldn't it be great if the CBD / Cannabis industry did not use mainstream techniques to entice you. From creating fake scarcity on websites via countdown clocks to make you think a product is running out to fake reviews and testimonials to get you to trust them. Often the best products don't need shouting about and the worst scream their quality as loud as possible. Your an educated person, be the change you wish to see and support those who do things the right way. We have seen products on Amazon marketed as cures for Aids and Cancer and we urge you to be very careful on Amazon or Ebay when buying CBD oil.

Another ploy is Facebook Groups, some are run by people who sell CBD products, so if you want open, honest discussion you can be sure you will likely not get it there. Unfortunately these Facebook groups are not transparent and in many ways are just a tool to market you more products via well meaning consumers. Certain brand and products will be pushed and discussion on competitors etc will be shut down. Also from our experience many of the moderators, not all mind but many want free stuff so if you want reliable, honest discourse on CBD usage, we would suggest taking everything you read with a pinch of salt as its just marketing under a different guise

CBD Oil Scams

CBD Oil scams are prevalent as well, if all the other stuff was not enough to deal with and watch out for then you also have to face the reality some people won't even try and hide the fact they are just money grabbing shysters, something the cannabis community / industry has no shortage of sadly. Scams include faked lab reports or doctored lab reports for products made at home in a garage and will never see a lab. Our recommendation is always check the signatures on the lab reports and look if they have been forged with Photoshop, ie, colors do not look right or match and also dates, times and authorizing bodies signatures.. It has never been more important than now to buy CBD oil from legitimate sources in England for your own safety. Plenty of garage made and bottled stuff is on the market, steer clear by using reputable companies and brands.

Conclusion

We hope you have been able to get some info out of our CBD oil Guide and it has helped you. If so please share it on to let others read about CBD and hopefully they will pause before buying and do their homework into what is and what is not good, trusted CBD products worth spending money on.