Tag: CBD advice

Dropper of oil held by hand
06 Oct

Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?

Some substances, when taken over an extended time, can cause our bodies to begin to build a tolerance. We establish a tolerance to a chemical when more and more of it is required to produce the same effects. Tolerance can build up for simple daily items such as coffee and sugar.

Understandably, those who take CBD oil may wonder if they might begin to build a tolerance in a similar way. In this article, we take a closer look at what tolerance is, and whether it is related to CBD.


What is Tolerance?

To know whether our bodies can build a tolerance to CBD, we first need to understand how tolerance works. 

There are three different types of tolerance, cellular, metabolic and psychological, which can occur individually or in combination depending on the substance and how it reacts with the body.


Cellular Tolerance

Many substances work by binding to a receptor. Over time, receptors can become less responsive, causing a reduction in the effects.

Metabolic Tolerance

Metabolic tolerance occurs when the body becomes more efficient at metabolising or eliminating a substance. Prolonged consumption of a substance causes the body’s metabolism to ‘get used’ to something. The substance is broken down faster, and its effects are both diminished and less prolonged.

Psychological Tolerance

Users can become psychologically attuned to the effects of a substance, meaning they are less perceptive or conscious of its benefits.


Picture of ElleVance oil and coffee mug

Understanding How CBD Works

CBD works differently to most of the chemicals associated with the development of tolerance and, therefore, developing a tolerance is unlikely.

Scientists know that CBD doesn’t bind directly with receptors. Instead, it indirectly improves the efficacy of endocannabinoids and receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, cellular tolerance is less likely.


Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?

While tolerance is often more complicated than the simple mechanisms described, research suggests that CBD is not tolerance-forming and may even have the opposite effect.

Early studies indicate that due to the way CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, over time, lower amounts may be able to produce the same result.

In answer to the question ‘can you build up a tolerance to CBD?’ most scientists seem to agree that the answer is no.


Person jumping into blue sky

What Do I Do if CBD is No Longer Working for Me?

If you have been taking CBD regularly and are noticing a reduction in the effects, it may be a result of one (or more) of the following things.


CBD Oil From a Non-Reputable Source

Is the CBD you are taking from a reputable and quality-consistent source? Many companies do not independently test each batch of CBD, meaning that the concentration of active ingredients may vary from batch to batch.

Here at ElleVance, our CBD/CBDA oils are tested by an independent laboratory to ensure that they are of the highest quality and are safe and effective to use.


Using a Different Product

Have you changed your CBD oil brand or product from the one you started with? Not all CBD oils are the same – even when comparing two products’ labels that seem to be identical, several things can make them different. 

There are a few ways of taking CBD oil; for example, as a drop of oil or in a capsule. CBD oil dropped into the mouth is absorbed by your mucous membranes, whereas a capsule will be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. One of these methods may work better for you than another.

Take a Break

If you have not changed the product or the dose you were taking, some scientists suggest halting your CBD consumption for a couple of days. This can help to kickstart the effectiveness when you start taking the CBD again.


Reached Maximum Effectiveness

It is possible you could have reached the maximum effect you could achieve from enhancing your endocannabinoid system.

Remember that CBD and CBDA are not medicines. Therefore, they are not going to revert the course of a disease or cure it altogether.


Worsening of a Condition

If despite taking a CBD/CBDA product, you feel that your pain, stress or discomfort starts to come back, it may be that your condition is worsening. Consider consulting with a health professional.

At ElleVance, we have our CBD/CBDA oils tested by independent laboratories, so we know that all our full-spectrum CBD products are of the highest quality.

To explore our products as well as discover answers to more frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Stacks of newspapers with adverts
20 Aug

What to Look for in False CBD Advertising Claims

Everyone has warmly received the emergence of CBD as a product that can provide significant benefits to our lives. As our industry continues to grow and more research is conducted, we are getting more excited about the potential benefits that our products can provide.

However, as with any emerging market, there is still an element of confusion and misunderstanding when it comes to CBD. While we try to educate our consumers and the wider public as much as we can, this uncertainty, unfortunately, provides room for less scrupulous businesses to operate, taking advantage of lies and half-truths for profit.

There are a growing number of scams related to CBD products online. What’s worse is that many of these take on the guide of a reputable company to sell poor-quality and potentially dangerous products. Some even falsely use celebrities to promote their products – Clint Eastwood and Mary Berry are two of the more recent examples.

How to Spot a False CBD Advert

Here at ElleVance, we strive to educate all our customers about the reality of taking CBD products. Our CBD FAQs section is full of factual information backed by research, helping you to make the right choice about whether CBD is right for you and, if so, which product would be most suitable for your needs.

False CBD adverts are only concerned with selling you their product – often something that is of poor quality and won’t deliver the benefits you expect. Here are some tell-tale signs of fake CBD adverts.

Exaggerated Claims

One of the most dangerous things when it comes to CBD advertising is sellers overstating its effectiveness. CBD can be effective at helping your body deal with stress and anxiety, can promote better sleep and also support muscle recovery. However, it cannot eliminate stress or insomnia, and it’s not a miracle cure for your aching joints.

These exaggerated claims are designed to prey on people who are desperate for support and are more likely to make an emotional purchase. If you see a CBD advert making these extraordinary ‘miracle cure’ claims, this is a sign that the company is potentially malicious.

If you have a severe issue related to stress, insomnia or anything else, you should always get in contact with an independent medical professional before purchasing products.

A man walking in front of a red sale sign in a store

Pushy Tone

As mentioned above, these false CBD adverts rely on establishing an instant emotional connection with the reader. Once they have that, they’re eager to get you to commit your money before taking a moment to think. They achieve this by creating adverts filled with aggressive messaging, including:

  • Buy Now!
  • Sale Ending in 5 Minutes!
  • Low Stock!
  • Don’t Miss Out!

If you see a CBD advert that appears exaggerated and pushy, then you should take a moment to consider if you can trust this product or company.

Strange Pricing

Another way false CBD adverts get you is through creative pricing techniques, disguising the real cost behind other figures. Claims such as “only £XX per bottle” are common, as is subscription-based pricing. If an advert says “first purchase free” but then asks for your payment details, there’s a chance that they could be tying you into a costly subscription, so be aware.

A pile of British money

How to Avoid False CBD Advertising

Unfortunately, given the world of digital advertising today, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to avoid false CBD adverts entirely. However, you can arm yourself with the knowledge of how to distinguish them.

There are various other things beyond what’s listed above that you can do to help avoid CBD scams.

Do Your Research!

One of the most effective ways of avoiding being scammed is to research. If you’re interested in buying a CBD product, make sure it is from a legitimate company with an online, social media and physical presence (if in doubt, give them a call!).

Also, ensure that they’re not falsely using a reputable seller’s imagery – we’ve had many people contact us claiming to be scammed by people using ElleVance branding. The best way to avoid this is to get in touch with the company before purchasing. If you can’t contact the seller and confirm, then this should be a giveaway that the product may not be legitimate.

A woman researching on a laptop

Why You Should Only Choose a Reputable Seller

Unfortunately, those who do end up purchasing from bad actors tend to receive a sub-par product, if any at all. This experience can wrongly put people off CBD products. Buying from a recognised seller, like us, will allow you to experience the true potential of a high-potency, tried and tested product.

All of our CBD products are tested in third-party laboratories to ensure a high-potency and trustworthy product every time. If you want to learn more about the realities of CBD, why not check out our other blog post on CBD myths?

European Union flags outside the Commission building
28 Jul

Why the EC should not class CBD as a drug: a Q&A with ElleVance

Here at ElleVance, we’re proud of our position as a leading figure in the market of safe, healthy and high-performing CBD oils. Over the years, we’ve seen the benefits these products have delivered to millions of people around the world. As more evidence comes to light, people are becoming even more optimistic about what CBD, as part of a balanced diet, can do for your bodies and minds.

However, we are still at an early stage on this path towards understanding CBD. Even at the highest level, there are still preconceptions concerning these products. This need for broader education was evidenced earlier this month when the European Commission (EC) paused novel food applications for CBD products derived from industrial hemp to consider the question of whether they should be classed as a drug.

We at ElleVance are proud members of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), who are helping to educate policymakers in the UK and EU on the facts surrounding CBD.

In this article, we analyse what this sudden change in mind from the EC could mean for CBD products and why, with proper regulation and education, everybody can enjoy the benefits of CBD.

What Did the European Commission Decide on CBD?

The EC was advised to suspend novel food applications for products containing naturally-derived CBD and to consider whether this ingredient should be classed as a narcotic drug.

No final decision has been made, and the EC is inviting bodies to provide comment ahead of September. However, the EC has made a preliminary decision that non-synthetic CBD should be classed as a drug in the future.

What is a Novel Food?

Novel in this instance refers to something new or interesting. A novel food, therefore, is one that has not been widely consumed before and, as a result, requires regulation and checks regarding its safety for consumption.

Technically, novel foods in the EU and in the UK are those that have not been widely consumed in these territories before May 1997. A novel food can be anything, from the latest discoveries in plant-based nutrition to foods popular worldwide but without a history of local consumption, such as chia seeds.

Chia seeds

Is CBD a Drug?

This question is the crux of the debate that has started since this surprise decision by the EC. Again, it’s worth noting that no final decision has been made. However, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that naturally-derived CBD should remain as a novel food and not be regulated as a drug.

The Evidence

Firstly, it’s important to differentiate between non-psychoactive CBD from industrial hemp and THC, the psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. In all cases where this distinction is made, CBD is not considered a drug. You can learn more about this in our blog looking at can you get high from CBD products?

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), which classes CBD as a novel food, has indicated that it will retain that status regardless of the EC ruling. CBD also shares a similar status in the USA, Canada, China and Switzerland.

Whether a substance should be classed as a drug or not falls under two international conventions overseen by the United Nations (UN). Under these rules, CBD has never been considered a narcotic or psychotropic substance.

There is also evidence that CBD oil shouldn’t just be novel food, but should actually be classed as traditional food. Back in 1997, the EC made this ruling, before reclassing it as “Novel” in 2019. The argument supporting this position is that, whilst cold-pressed hemp-seed oils have been part of human diets for ages, high-quality hemp extracts were not widely consumed before 1997.

Hands holding a hemp plant

Why Has the EC Made This Decision?

Given the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the EC’s surprising decision is widely seen to be a politically-motivated one. The continued acceptance of synthetically-produced CBD as a novel food provides further confusion as to the direction of travel for Europe.

Again, it’s worth repeating that this is a preliminary decision. We remain hopeful that the EC will see the compelling evidence regarding CBD and reverse this announcement in due course.

Will the European Commission Decision Impact the UK?

As mentioned above, the UK’s FSA has shown no indication that it will reverse its own position towards CBD. However, while the UK has left the European Union, it is in a period of transition where it must follow Europe’s rules. Therefore, until the end of 2020, the EC decision has legal priority over that of the FSA. Moreover, if the EC goes forward with this and classifies naturally derived CBD as a drug, how the UK regulates CBD in the future might be impacted by the overarching agreement with the EU.

A Union Jack UK flag in London during sunset

Are CBD Products Still Safe?

As with many products, so long as you purchase from a reputable and trusted company, CBD products are safe and can be effective at helping us to live healthier lives. Proper regulation is vital when it comes to creating a reliable and trusted CBD industry, and the EC decision creates more uncertainty, not only for businesses but also for consumers.

We at ElleVance will be supporting the efforts of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) as they seek to educate politicians and lawmakers on the realities of CBD products.

Hemp plant saplings in pots

We are proud of the lengths we go to in ensuring you get a high-quality product. All our produce is tested at every stage of production, from farm to final product, by accredited third-party laboratories. Our scientific approach to natural ingredients allows us to create high-potency, effective products that you can trust time and time again.

If you want to know more about our CBD products, check out our CBD FAQs page or get in contact with our customer services team who will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Shop CBD oils, capsules and balms at ElleVance banner
A man looking stressed
21 Jul

Sleep and Stress: Why are They Linked?

The NHS website advises that adults should aim for eight hours of sleep per night. Of course, how much sleep is needed will vary on the individual. However, working out how much sleep your body and mind require to feel sufficiently rested is vital to your overall mental and physical health.

A whole host of reasons can cause lack of sleep, a prevalent one being stress. The connection between lack of sleep and stress is a strong one, and poor sleep can also affect your levels of stress, creating a cycle of one impacting the other.

A woman sat at laptop with head in hands

Why Does Stress Exist?

So what is stress and how do you know if it is impacting your life?

Stress originates from a fight or flight response that humans have used to survive from potential danger throughout our evolution.

The fight or flight response radically increases the autonomic nervous system to produce hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. The growth of these hormones causes the heart rate to increase to ensure enough blood reaches the vital organs, ready for action.

However, despite a decrease in these threats over time, this response remains, meaning that stress can prevail in less dangerous situations such as work, family or social interactions.

How to Identify Stress

Stress can affect people in a multitude of ways and can produce various mental and physical conditions depending on each person. These could include things such as a loss of appetite, eczema and being unable to sleep, as well as anxiety, racing thoughts and the inability to relax.

Most people will feel stress from time to time, and this cannot be helped. However, if this is how you feel the majority of the time you are awake, this is a cause for concern. An accumulation of stress can have a long term negative impact on your body and mind.

A white clock

The Cycle of Stress and Sleep

The web between body and mind is a complex one, and often when one is affected, so is the other. This strongly applies in the link between stress and sleep as one can impact the other.

For example, stress can cause you to lie awake at night, worrying about the preceding morning. In turn, the lack of sleep the next day will only enhance these feelings of anxiety about the future as your body and brain have not been able to sufficiently rest.

How Does Stress Cause A Lack of Sleep?

Stress reduces the quality of sleep as well as the length of a deep slumber. In extreme cases, stress can cause sleep deprivation through the intense level of alertness, meaning winding down to sleep can be prolonged. Troubling and racing thoughts can often overwhelm the individual and keep them awake with no solution of soothing their worried state.

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, you can read further information here.

How Does A Lack of Sleep Cause Stress?

As mentioned, an inadequate amount of sleep can cause you to feel an increased level of stress. Feeling tired can change the way you perceive situations and therefore have lasting impacts on you and those around you, which only elevates feelings of uncertainty and pressure.

Many mental health charities, including Mind.org, emphasise the importance of gaining enough sleep to reduce levels of stress.

The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Levels of Stress

With the potential of stress preventing reasonable levels of sleep and vice versa, knowing how to keep control of your levels of stress is integral to ensuring you are happy and healthy.

A white bath

Improving Your Lifestyle

If you can reduce your levels of stress in the evening, this could have a significant impact on how quickly and how well you fall asleep. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine is integral to winding down stress levels and preparing your body for sleep.

This could include a comforting hot drink, a warm bath, reading a book or listening to a podcast. Using meditation can also support you to let go of stressful thoughts and can be used throughout the day to keep on top of stress levels.

Taking CBD oil for sleep can support you in feeling more relaxed, which in turn, will help you to fall asleep. For more information about taking CBD oil, discover more about what happens when you first take CBD oil.

CTA Button

If you cannot improve your levels of sleep, it is vital you seek out the support of a medical practitioner who will be able to help you further.

Ensuring you are acquiring a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep is integral to your overall mental and physical health. By reducing stress levels, you can improve your sleep, and by ensuring you have enough sleep, you can gain a healthier perspective of stressful situations.

Illustration of hands reaching out
17 Jul

Can CBD Be Used in Addiction Therapy?

After early and promising studies, scientists are becoming increasingly interested in the use of CBD in addiction therapy. It is thought that CBD may help to reduce cravings both during addiction and while in recovery, potentially reducing the risk of relapse. While this research is in its infancy, it is interesting to look into these studies to find out more.

NB – The following text is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any concerns regarding addiction, please consult a GP or health professional.

What is Addiction Therapy?

Addiction therapy is used to help people who have become reliant on, or addicted to, a substance, commonly alcohol or drugs. Addiction is complicated as there are many contributing factors, including mental and physical reliance. There are also underlying problems that may have caused the user to become addicted in the first place, such as mental health issues.

Addiction therapy is a standard method used to help addicts recover and avoid relapse. There are many different methods used under this umbrella which vary depending on the addiction and the individual patient. Often treatment consists of a combination of medication, traditional therapy and, in more recent years, holistic therapy.

Doctor

Using CBD in Addiction Therapy

How could CBD be used to help people who are struggling with addiction? If CBD can help to reduce stress and anxiety, it may be particularly beneficial in reducing the chance of relapse by decreasing these levels caused by cravings and environmental factors.

CBD and Opioid Addiction

One study also found that cravings were reduced in people with a history of heroin abuse, who were abstaining from relapse, after taking regular doses of CBD.

CBD and Cocaine Addiction

Similarly, CBD may help to reduce the cravings associated with cocaine and amphetamine abuse, although research supporting this is limited.

CBD and Alcohol Addiction

A common side effect of alcohol withdrawal is insomnia. Many people use CBD to help regulate sleep patterns and improve their ability to fall asleep. Managing a severe side effect may help to reduce the risk of relapse for people recovering from alcohol addiction.

Group sat together in a study

CBD and Marijuana Addiction

Known as Marijuana Use Disorder, the heavy use of marijuana can result in dependence for the user, with side effects including mood swings, decreased appetite, sleep difficulties and restlessness. While CBD is present in cannabis, it is THC that seems to be responsible for these effects. CBD oil does not contain THC.

In one study published by NCBI, one individual who suffered from bi-polar disorder and a daily addiction to marijuana reported feeling less anxious and having a better sleep. He was also able to abstain from the use of marijuana.

Summary – Can CBD Be Used in Addiction Therapy?

Early studies suggest that there are promising indicators that CBD may be useful in treating addiction therapy, although much more research needs to be done to support these claims.

For more articles on CBD, take a look at our blog, including Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD? For high-potency, quality CBD oils and products, including CBD oils for sleep, please browse our website.

Woman feeling relaxed with hands in air
08 Jun

What Happens When I First Start Taking CBD?

There are still many who are wary about taking CBD for the first time; however, studies suggest that CBD / CBDA can help cope with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and insomnia.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Our recommended dosages are worked out based on the recipient’s weight. This will differ per product, whether you opt for the oil or capsules. It is essential to follow the advice given, as these are unique to each product due to different strengths.

How to Take It

There are several ways you can take CBD. Such as by applying creams, taking an oil which, you may swallow, place under the tongue, mix in food or drinks, or by taking capsules which are easily portable if you’re on the go. Everyone will differ in what works best for them. However, studies suggest that swallowing is the best way as you achieve effective concentrations in blood, and can control the dosage.

The Taste

Cannabinoids don’t taste or smell; however, terpenes do. Our oil is rich in essential terpenes, and therefore, the oil will taste ‘hempy’, often described as earthy or peppery. It has a strong flavour which isn’t to everyone’s taste; therefore, it does help to take the oil with food if you’re unsure of the taste.

Additionally, capsules are a useful alternative; our ElleVance COMPLETE Relief™ Capsules offer a smell and taste-free dose of our hemp + high terpenes oil.

When Should I Feel It Working?

CBD interacts with our bodies and brains in several ways. Once it’s in your system, the oil will cooperate with our endocannabinoid system, the system in our bodies that regulates situations such as pain, anxiety and stress. CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system to help make it more productive.

CBD will interact with everyone’s bodies slightly different, but generally, within an hour of taking, you should feel the effects.

Girl relaxing outside on a balcony

What Will I Feel?

Our CBD / CBDA oil doesn’t contain THC, so you will not feel ‘high’; some people who take CBD may feel instantly relaxed. In contrast, others may not feel anything; the effects you feel will differ from person to person.

How Long Does It Last?

Typically, the effects of taking one dosage of CBD should last between six and eight hours; this will be dependent on your body and how much you have taken.

However, to reap the benefits long term, CBD oil is best to be taken daily. This will help you to obtain more significant benefits and for a longer time. We recommend taking CBD twice daily, CBD has a half-life of around 18 – 32 hours. Therefore, regular dosing can help to maintain its effects.

How Long Does CBD Stay in My System?

Studies suggest that CBD can stay in our system for two to five days. However, other factors can impact how long it stays in our bodies such as how often you take CBD, the dosage and your body composition. If you are taking it twice daily, then CBD will stay in your system for a more extended period, stimulating the endocannabinoid system longer.

Woman sleeping relaxed in bed

If you’re thinking about taking CBD for the first time, it is vital to find the right product for you. Nowadays, there are many CBD products in the market, but it’s essential to find a high-quality product.

At ElleVance, we are dedicated to bringing the best quality CBD / CBDA products to the UK market, including our CBD oil. Each of our products goes through comprehensive testing to ensure each batch has the required profile of cannabinoids and terpenes, with the potency that works.

Browse our website for more details on our products, read our blogs for the latest updates in the CBD industry or read our testimonials to discover how our products have helped others.