Nootropic profile
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant with significant anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. It modulates the endocannabinoid system, serotonin receptors, and GABA signalling to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and protect brain health.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive - it does not produce a "high" or impair cognitive function.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- For anxiety: 25–75 mg per day (clinical studies used 300–600 mg for acute anxiety, but lower daily doses show benefit)
- For sleep: 25–75 mg taken 30–60 minutes before bed
- For general wellness: 10–25 mg per day
- Bioavailability: Oral CBD has approximately 6–13% bioavailability. Sublingual oils improve absorption. Take with fatty food to enhance uptake.
- Onset: 30–90 minutes orally; 15–30 minutes sublingually
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Possible fatigue, diarrhoea, changes in appetite, or dry mouth.
- Drug interactions: CBD inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 liver enzymes, which can affect the metabolism of many medications. Consult a doctor if taking other...
- Liver: High doses (>300 mg/day) may elevate liver enzymes. Monitor liver function with long-term high-dose use.
- THC content: Full-spectrum products may contain trace THC (<0.2% in UK, <0.3% in US). Use broad-spectrum or isolate if drug-tested.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended - insufficient safety data.
The science, if you're curious.
- CBD directly activates serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, which mediate anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-nausea effects - this is likely the primary mechanism...
- Inhibits FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), the enzyme that breaks down anandamide - the body's own "bliss molecule." This elevates endocannabinoid tone...
- Acts as a positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A receptors, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission and contributing to calming effects.
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis (new neuron formation) through multiple signalling pathways, which may underlie its antidepressant and memory-supportive...
Where to find it
- Hemp plant: Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa with <0.2% THC in UK) is the primary source
- Product types: Full-spectrum (contains other cannabinoids + trace THC), broad-spectrum (THC removed), and CBD isolate (pure CBD)
- Delivery methods: Oils/tinctures (sublingual), capsules, gummies, topicals, and vape liquids. Sublingual oils offer the best balance of bioavailability and convenience.
The research
Frequently asked
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant with significant anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. It modulates the endocannabinoid system, serotonin receptors, and GABA signalling to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and protect brain health.
The main benefits people report from CBD (Cannabidiol) are: Anxiety & Calm, Focus, Longevity, Mood, Sleep, Stress Relief.
For anxiety: 25–75 mg per day (clinical studies used 300–600 mg for acute anxiety, but lower daily doses show benefit)For sleep: 25–75 mg taken 30–60 minutes before bedFor general wellness: 10–25 mg per dayBioavailability: Oral CBD has approximately 6–13% bioavailability. Sublingual oils improve abs...
Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Possible fatigue, diarrhoea, changes in appetite, or dry mouth.Drug interactions: CBD inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 liver enzymes, which can affect the metabolism of many medications. Consult a doctor if taking other...Liver: High doses (>300 mg/day) may elev...
CBD directly activates serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, which mediate anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-nausea effects - this is likely the primary mechanism...Inhibits FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), the enzyme that breaks down anandamide - the body's own "bliss molecule." This elev...
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