Information
The science, regulation and facts behind cannabidiol and cannabinoid-based products.
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of a number of naturally occurring compounds known as cannabinoids that are found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
CBD can be derived from varieties of cannabis commonly referred to as industrial hemp and can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including topical gels, creams, oils and cosmetic formulations.
CBD should not be confused with hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is produced from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains little or no naturally occurring CBD, whereas CBD is obtained from other parts of the plant through specialist extraction and purification processes.
CBD is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid principally associated with the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
CBD itself does not produce the characteristic “high” associated with THC.
The cannabinoid composition and permitted THC content of commercial products are subject to different regulatory requirements depending upon the product type and the country in which they are supplied.
For this reason, CBD products should always be assessed according to the regulatory requirements of the relevant market.
The human body contains a biological signalling network known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS consists principally of:
The endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes and continues to be the subject of extensive scientific research.
CB1 receptors are particularly associated with the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found extensively within peripheral tissues and cells associated with the immune system.
CBD has a complex pharmacology and interacts with a number of biological pathways. Research into these mechanisms and their potential applications remains ongoing.
CBD does not simply act by directly activating the body's principal cannabinoid receptors.
Scientific research indicates that CBD interacts with multiple biological pathways and receptor systems, which is one reason it continues to attract considerable scientific interest.
Understanding these mechanisms, appropriate concentrations, methods of delivery and their relevance to different applications remains an active area of research.
At Healthcare International Research, we believe it is important to distinguish between established scientific evidence, emerging research and unsubstantiated claims.
CBD topicals are products containing cannabidiol that are designed to be applied externally to the skin.
They can include:
A topical formulation can combine CBD with other functional or cosmetic ingredients depending upon the intended purpose of the finished product.
Importantly, the regulatory classification of a product depends upon factors including its ingredients, intended purpose, claims and the market in which it is sold.
The presence of CBD alone does not determine whether a product is a cosmetic, medicine or another category of regulated product.
The rapid growth of the cannabinoid industry has resulted in significant variation in product quality, formulation, testing and regulatory compliance.
Consumers and professional purchasers should consider factors including:
These considerations are particularly important because two products described as containing CBD may differ considerably in their formulation, concentration and quality.
CBD isolate is a highly purified form of cannabidiol from which other cannabinoids and plant components have been substantially removed.
HIR uses carefully selected cannabinoid ingredients according to the requirements and formulation of individual products.
Where THC-free formulations are required, highly purified CBD ingredients can provide greater control over cannabinoid composition.
This is particularly relevant when developing products for markets or consumers where THC content is an important consideration.
Pure cannabidiol (CBD) is not specifically scheduled under the United Nations international drug control conventions and is not a controlled substance in its own right under UK drugs legislation.
The World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence concluded that pure CBD does not appear to have abuse or dependence potential and recommended that preparations considered to be pure CBD should not be placed under international drug control.
In 2020, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs also removed cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, recognising their potential therapeutic value. Cannabis and cannabis resin nevertheless remain controlled under Schedule I of the Convention.
It is important to distinguish CBD from THC and other controlled cannabinoids. The legal status of a finished CBD product can depend upon its composition, the presence and concentration of controlled cannabinoids, its intended use and the regulations of the country in which it is supplied.
In the United Kingdom, pure CBD as an isolated substance is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, CBD-containing products must still comply with all regulations applicable to their ingredients, composition, product category and intended use.
The legal and regulatory position of CBD varies according to country, product category, composition and intended use.
There is therefore no single global rule governing every CBD-containing product.
Regulatory requirements can also differ between topical products, cosmetics, foods, supplements and medicinal products.
Healthcare International Research develops and supplies products according to the regulatory requirements applicable to the particular product and market.
Consumers and commercial partners should always consider the current regulations applicable within their own jurisdiction.
CBD has been extensively investigated by researchers and regulatory authorities, but safety depends upon factors including the product, formulation, concentration, route of administration, individual circumstances and other substances or medicines being used.
The World Health Organization has previously concluded that pure CBD does not appear to have abuse or dependence potential. However, this should not be interpreted as meaning that every CBD-containing product is automatically suitable for every individual.
Anyone with concerns about using a CBD-containing product – particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding, when taking medication, or when managing an existing medical condition – should seek appropriate healthcare advice.
Healthcare International Research was established in part to address one of the fundamental challenges within the cannabinoid sector: inconsistency.
Our approach is built around three principles:
We work with experienced scientists, researchers and formulation specialists and draw upon decades of cannabinoid and healthcare research.
Products are developed for defined markets with consideration given to the relevant regulatory, manufacturing, testing and product-notification requirements.
We believe that incorporating a fashionable ingredient is not enough.
CBD is only one component within our formulations. Ingredient selection, concentration, delivery system and the interaction between ingredients are all important considerations when developing high-quality finished products.
Science. Compliance. Efficacy.
These principles underpin the way Healthcare International Research approaches cannabinoid research and product development.
Research into cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system continues to develop.
HIR supports an evidence-led approach and believes that cannabinoid products should be judged on the quality of their formulation, manufacturing, testing and supporting evidence rather than exaggerated claims.
Our objective is to contribute to the development of a more credible, scientifically rigorous and appropriately regulated cannabinoid industry.
For further information about the scientific research informing our work, visit our Research section.