Legislation on the use of CBD
Before buying CBD, you should know and understand the current legislation on products with cannabinoids, so that you will better understand your responsibilities and rights as a consumer.

Until 2018, CBD was considered a food supplement in Spain, but a change in legislation removed cannabis oil from this category.

Until this date, its use had always been oral, the sublingual route being considered the most effective method, putting the corresponding drops under the tongue, although it was also common to mix it with drinks such as coffee or juice.

The new regulation, from 2018, forces OKT GLOBAL to warn that CBD cannot be used as a supplement for human consumption. However, it is still possible to buy CBD in Spain, as long as it is for topical use. For example, following current Spanish legislation, CBD oil should be used by putting the necessary drops on the affected area and massaging to improve its absorption.

In countries like Canada, the United States, their legislation considers CBD as a food supplement, so at a legal level it can be used for human consumption, so sublingual CBD oil can legally be taken.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

In no case do CBD products replace medications or therapies prescribed by professional doctors.

The information on the properties of cannabidiol is based on studies that in many cases show proof of its potential but cannot be understood as conclusive or supported by official health administrations.

Most of the information on the forms of use and the effectiveness of CBD products is based on the experience of users and professionals who study medical cannabis.

CBD should not be used by pregnant women or minors without an appropriate professional medical prescription.

What is the most effective method of using CBD?
There is no single answer, as CBD comes in many forms. In addition, the concentration or amount of CBD in the product that is being used also has an influence.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the milligrams (mg) or percentage (%) of CBD that the product that we are going to use contains.

There is a third element that intervenes in the use and effect of CBD: ourselves. Depending on our complexion and our bio-availability, CBD can have a greater or lesser effect, and that is why we should always start with lower amounts and gradually learn how cannabidiol has an effect on us.

These 3 elements (presentation of CBD, concentration of CBD and person who uses it) are what could define the amount of CBD suitable for each person, that is, how to use it, how often, in what quantity and what type of product it is. what works best for us.

First of all, we must remember that CBD is a product that according to the WHO does not have serious side effects and that its use is safe. In addition, the WHO in its 2019 statement highlights its potential therapeutic benefits.

How is CBD used?
There are a variety of ways that CBD can be used.

Let's see according to the different legislations how we can make use of cannabidiol:

Spanish legislation since 2018:

Topical use on the skin
Vape liquids with CBD
Use of drops in pets

According to the legislation in countries such as the United States or Canada, in addition, the use of cannabidiol can be done through:

Sublingual CBD Oil
smoking cbd
CBD Edibles

Topical use of CBD
Topical CBD works primarily on the skin. By not reaching the bloodstream, it does not act on any other part of our body.

It is documented that this way of applying CBD through creams, ointments, lotions, ointments or balms has very nourishing effects on the skin.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has receptors in the skin with which CBD interacts, so it is possible to take advantage of the benefits that various studies attribute to it.

What are the potential benefits of applying CBD to the skin?

pain relief
reduction of inflammation
Helps with acne, psoriasis treatment and eczema.
chafing relief
Neck and back pain relief.
Although there are several that confirm evidence of its beneficial potential, there is still much to learn.

It is important to note that we should not use CBD creams or balms as a medicine as a substitute for any professional treatment.

If you want to know more, go to our guide on the use of CBD on the skin, or visit our selection of CBD health and cosmetic products.

Vape liquids with CBD
Vaping CBD liquids is one of the most common methods of using cannabidiol in Spain.

CBD vaporization is healthier and more efficient than smoking, and smoking cbd flowers is currently not legal in Spain.

It is important to point out that the inhalation of CBD through electronic cigarettes or CBD vapers does not cause psychotropic effects (the feeling of being high), since the THC content is always less than 0.2% legal.

CBD drops for pets
CBD or Cannabidiol has been proven in various studies as a supplement with great potential to help improve the quality of life of dogs and cats.

CBD oil drops for pets should always be 100% THC free.

The use of CBD drops in pets can be:

Topic:

Intended to reduce pain related to skin conditions. in this case we must put a few drops on the affected area in the animal and massage gently to facilitate its absorption

Sublingual

This is only allowed in those countries where cannabidiol is considered a food supplement and allowed for ingested consumption.

CBD, thanks to the properties attributed to it in various studies, is normally used by pet owners to try to help dogs and cats reduce anxiety states, improve their appetite, or simply to improve their quality of life.

Take CBD sublingually
Normally when talking about sublingual cbd, users usually associate it with cbd oil, but it is important to take into account some legislative aspects in order to correctly understand the situation regarding this type of use.

According to Spanish legislation, since January 2018, cannabidiol cannot be marketed as a food supplement and is not considered fit for human consumption.

In other countries such as the United States or Canada, the legislation allows taking CBD oil sublingually or as a food supplement. The users and brands of these countries move in a different legal framework even though the products are the same.

The confusion regarding the indications for use arises from the legislative differences between the different countries. Many brands can explain both uses of cbd, both topical and for human consumption.

Instructions for use according to legislation

a) Topical use of CBD (Regulated in Spain since 2018)

Step 1: Apply the necessary drops on the affected area

Step 2: Gently massage to improve absorption. Users looking for a relaxing and/or sleep aid effect usually put the necessary drops on the chest and solar plexus and massage gently to enhance absorption.

Tip: Mix with other skin or hair products to combine benefits

Usual use:

Skin care, care of skin conditions, reduction of localized pain and muscle relaxation.

The endocannabinoid system also has receptors on the skin, so topical use could also allow you to benefit from the properties attributed to CBD.

Absorption:

The absorption of CBD oil through the skin will depend on where it is used and the concentration of the product.

Duration:

The duration of topically applied CBD oil is usually between 2 and 4 hours depending on the product.

Advantages:

Possibility of localized use of CBD oil on the affected area.

Disadvantages:

Low level of absorption and low potential for interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

b) Sublingual use in countries where the regulation allows it (Not legal in Spain since 2018)

Step 1: Place the necessary drops under the tongue

Step 2: Keep the drops under the tongue for 60-90 seconds

Step 3: Swallow the CBD oil drops

Usual use:

Search for help to improve the capacity for relaxation and well-being, relief of nervous conditions, help with rest and help in reducing physical pain or pain caused by diseases.

Absorption:

The absorption of CBD oil through the sublingual method is rapid through the sublingual membrane.

Duration:

The duration of CBD oil sublingually is usually between 6 and 8 hours.

Advantages:

Ability to fully benefit from the properties of CBD.

Disadvantages:

Need for continuous and organized use to optimally benefit from the properties of CBD.

Mode of non-legal use in various countries.

OKT GLOBAL notice and user responsibility

OKT GLOBAL is a manufacturer and marketer of products with CBD based in Spain, so we are forced to warn that the use of CBD should only be topical on the skin.

We warn that some brands may not comply in some section with the Spanish legislation on the use of CBD in the instructions for use in their original packaging.

The Spanish user must understand and be informed of his responsibility as a consumer in the Spanish legal framework.

In case of using CBD as a product for human consumption, the user must understand that in Spain it will be considered that he is making an incorrect use of the product, for which he may be losing his rights to claim as a consumer.

OKT GLOBAL is not responsible for the use outside the current Spanish legal framework of any product sold on the website www.oktglobal.com.

Smoking CBD

Normally when talking about smoking cannabidiol, users think directly of cbd flowers, but we must take into account some legal aspects to understand the framework of the country where this type of product is marketed to understand what is the legal use and the responsibility of the consumer regarding the manner of use.

CBD flowers in Spain, according to the current legal framework, are intended solely for decorative, aromatic and/or collecting use.

To enjoy the experience of cbd resins and flowers, according to the Spanish legislative framework, they must be opened from their original packaging and allow their aromas to be detectable by the olfactory sense. Its aromas potentially generate pleasant and relaxing sensations.

In other countries such as the United States and Canada, the sale of CBD marijuana for smoking is allowed, so today there are many users who use this form of cannabidiol consumption to take advantage of the benefits attributed to it without obtaining the psychotropic effects. of the THC provided by traditional marijuana for recreational use.

In countries where smoking CBD is legal, they state that this way of using CBD has as its main benefit the speed when it comes to experiencing sensations, but on the contrary, it is difficult to correctly measure the amounts of cannabidiol that is absorbed and its effect is normally less durable.

It is important to point out that smoking CBD, according to the accepted legal use in certain countries (not Spain), does not cause psychotropic effects, the feeling of being high that marijuana with THC causes.

At OKT GLOBAL we are obliged to warn that, in Spain, any use made of CBD flowers, outside of decoration and collecting, which do not involve human consumption, is the full responsibility of the user.

CBD Edibles

As we have already seen, according to Spanish legislation, as of 2018 the sale and consumption of products with CBD is not legal in Spain.

In countries where the legislation allows the human consumption of cannabidiol, it is common to find food products with CBD, which users consume on a daily basis in order to take advantage of the properties that various studies attribute to it.

You can eat foods with CBD in various forms such as.

CBD gummies
CBD cakes and brownies
CBD drinks
CBD chewing gum
CBD pills
CBD Bars
CBD supplements

In countries where foods with CBD are legal, users make the decision to consume it this way since the control of the amounts of cannabidiol is more detailed.

Although its effect takes longer to appear, since the body has to metabolize the CBD (1 and 2 hours to notice the full effects), its effect is usually one of the longest lasting.

If we are going to buy CBD edible products in countries where it is legal, it is very important to take into account the concentration of CBD and also the presence and amount of THC, because some foods can combine it. If we do not want to have the effects of THC, we should look for a THC concentration of less than 0.2%

Another element to take into account is that the interaction of CBD with some foods can affect the effect we are looking for. Therefore, if you really want to control the amounts and the effect, the sublingual or capsule method is probably better.

How much CBD should be used?
As we have already mentioned, there are 3 factors that intervene in the decision of how much CBD we should use: gender, height and weight, and age.

As a main note, let us remember that the World Health Organization has determined that CBD does not have the potential to generate addiction and dependence. Nor has any case of abuse of this substance that has caused serious problems been documented. Even so, it is important to try to establish an appropriate amount to use for each person and symptom.

So how much CBD can be used? It is recommended to start with a relatively low amount and increase until the desired effect is obtained, keeping in mind that a suitable amount to start with can be between 10 and 15 mg/day.

It may not be easy to tell at a glance how many milligrams are being used. There are many products and manufacturers in which the CBD is indicated in milligrams, which makes it easier, but sometimes what is specified is the percentage of CBD according to the concentration.

In any case, always go to the detailed description until you find out the milligrams that you are going to use in each application.

Important recommendations for using CBD
Although CBD has not been credited with serious negative side effects, it is important that it is used responsibly. It should be used in a scaled way starting with relatively low amounts (10mg-20mg per day) and increasing if a more remarkable experience is sought.

We must bear in mind that interactions with various medications are attributed to CBD. Whenever any type of medical treatment is being carried out, it is recommended to ask a healthcare professional about the intentions of using cannabidiol

References:
World Health Organization (WHO). Excerpt from the Report of the 41st Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: Cannabis and Cannabis-Related Substances https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/Spanish_Annex_1_41_ECDD_Recommendations_cannabis.pdf

MedLinePlus. (August 31, 2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/natural/1439.html

British Journal of Pharmacology. June 2010. How important are sex differences in cannabinoid action? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2931555/

A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/