Tell me about... CBD

Forget activated charcoal and goji berries, CBD is popular - but should you try it?

- RAE RITCHIE

Browse the beauty, wellness, food or drink shelves and you'll likely spot a CBD-based product. Holland & Barrett, for instance, stocks more than 200 different ones. But what is CBD and what are its benefits?

Cannabidiol, not cannabis

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It's an extract from the cannabis plant. While cannabis is illegal in the UK, cannabidiol is not. This is because cannabidiol contains less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the element that gets you high. This extremely low percentage means CBD is not addictive. Experts at the World Health Organisation, for example, report that pure cannabidiol 'was not found to have psychoactive properties and presents no potential for abuse or dependence.'

Skincare and stress relief