Finding CBD in London

Cannabis has had a makeover.

20:22 29 May 2019

Just a few years ago this plant was associated with a certain kind of lifestyle, an illicit drug smoked in a clandestine dark haze. These connotations are a world away from where cannabis has found itself today in bright, open coffee shops, endorsed by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian.

Thanks to mounting testimonials and research, people are starting to undo the work which gave cannabis such a bad reputation, and whilst the movement is strongest on the West Coast, the UK is not far behind. The health benefits of cannabis are not a new revelation, in fact medicinal uses of the plant date back to 4000BC in China. However, in the 20th century marijuana was classified as a narcotic drug with no medicinal value and was subsequently prohibited.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound which is highly present in hemp, which is a part of the cannabis family, but different to marijuana. Marijuana contains high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the psychoactive ingredient which gives the ‘high’ effect. It is a common misconception that CBD can get you high. CBD is completely legal in the UK, provided that it is derived from one of the 63 hemp strains approved by the EU, and that it contains less than 0.3% THC.

Whilst legislations and regulations regarding cannabis are constantly changing around the world today, people have tapped into the benefits of CBD. As this is a legal substance, available on the British highstreet, people of all demographics have begun to incorporate it into their lifestyles. Everyday more and more research is being collated on this plant, and in particular this chemical, and it has been heavily suggested that CBD can be used as an anti-stressant, a muscle relaxant and an anti-inflammatory amongst many other accounts and success stories.

Although CBD can be ingested via vape or in a refined paste form, one of the preferred methods in London is CBD oil which is available on highstreet stores such as Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic, but some London businesses have been getting a little more creative with their CBD oil. Indie Beer, which can be found on Holloway Road, will serve you up a CBD infused pint, Mortimer House in Fitzrovia will add a CBD turmeric shot to any hot drink for £1, and London start-up Daye have developed a CBD infused tampon to relieve period pains, naturally.

The CBD market in London is taking off so quickly one is almost spoilt for choice, but honestly, nothing beats being able to buy a product from the comfort of your own home. Reakiro Europe’s online shop has a wide selection of CBD products along with all the information needed to begin your CBD education. The European company is based around a core value of reintroducing hemp and supporting millions of people around the world to enjoy a healthier life, the way mother nature intended. All CBD products are organically grown with full traceability from farm to shelf and EU approved.