CBD or cannabidiol has gained significant traction in the field of health and wellness across the globe. In the UK alone, around 1.3 million people are using this natural-occurring compound in oil form to relieve inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and a lot more. Getting a prescription to buy and use CBD oil is legal and easy in the UK as long as it is made from European-approved hemp strains. With a variety of CBD Oil UK offering an array of CBD products, it is crucial to find the very best to ensure maximum benefits that support your physical and mental wellbeing.
A Glimpse In History
During the time of King Henry VIII, growing hemp was compulsory in the United Kingdom. The farmers were fined when they failed to grow hemp in a portion of their land. They also used hemp to pay for their taxes. Hemp was regarded then as a treasure because of its versatility and multiple uses in making fabrics, nets, ropes, sails, and fibres.
During the 20th century, the growing and usage of hemp were banned due to its similarity to marijuana plants. After years of studies and debates, Britain re-allowed hemp cultivation and made it one of their industrial crop in 1993. However, only licensed farmers can grow hemp on their lands. Interested parties need to obtain a license and have to be commercial enterprises.
EU-Approved Hemp Strains
Hemp cultivators in the UK are required to supply information about the kind of hemp seeds they want to grow, the verification that they are on the list of approved seed types, and their THC content (below 0.2%).
Currently, there are about 66 hemp strains that are listed for commercial use. But for this guide, we are going to take a look at the popular strains that top CBD oil UK use to produce their quality CBD oils.
Finola
This hemp variety is originally bred in Finland and has become a favourite among farmers in the UK because of its auto-flowering ability. Finola can produce up to 15% CBD while the THC content is 0.2% only. Each seed offers 30-35% oil, and the fibre content of the stem is about 35 to 40%. With a shorter vegetative cycle of 100-120 days and 1000 to 1,200 kg/ha seed yield, Finola is one of the most popular hemp strains.
Futura 75
This strain has 2.0 to 2.0% CBD content and has only 0.12% THC content. The size of the seeds of this strain is 16-18 grams and can produce 28 to 30% pure oil that benefits users. Futura 75 is a French hemp strain that is bred as monoecious to enhance its seed output. It takes 140 days to grow this type of hemp but scores high in terms of height (250-350 cm), biomass yield (10-12 t/ha), and seed yield (800-1000 kg/ha). It contains 30-35% fibre in the stem.
Ferimon
Ferimon is another French hemp strain that is popular among farmers in the UK because of its shorter vegetative cycle of 125 days and higher oil content which is about 30-32%. It contains 1.0 to 1.50% CBD and 0.12% THC. Like Futura 75, this variety can yield 800 to 1000 kg/hectare, and each seed grow to 16-18 grams. The Ferimon’s seeds grow up to 18 grams, and the stem has 30 to 35% fibre content.
Why Should Brands Support Local Hemp Growers?
Buying hemp strains close to home is beneficial to the economy and the environment, not to mention the elimination of import tax when opting for strains coming from America and other parts of the world. It shows support to local farmers as well as CBD companies that produce quality raw materials for producing CBD oil. In its end, sourcing out from local hemp farmers helps in the development of sustainable industry in the UK and the whole of Europe.
How Do Brands Benefit From Locally-Produced Hemp Strains?
First and foremost, raw materials in the production of premium CBD oils meet the quality criteria, which include sustainably sourced, independently tested, and pre-approved by the regulatory authority. It gives assurance that the hemp strain they use has a low level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical that is responsible for the ‘high’ effects of marijuana.
Sourcing out from well-known locally produced strains can truly deliver CBD oil that brings ‘entourage effect’ or where all beneficial cannabis compounds work together to produce greater effects. Also, commercial brands that grow their own hemp strains guarantees their clients that their CBD oils have only the finest ingredients.
Takeaway
When choosing the best CBD oil for your wellness and health journey, it is vital to look for quality and safety at every level of growing, manufacturing, and blending of cannabidiol. Look for a brand that offers full-spectrum CBD oil that supports the endocannabinoid system and provides holistic well-being.
*collaborative post