Sponsored: ‘Lockdown anxiety’ creates surge in CBD demand in Preston and North West

Every single one of us has been forced to live with additional stress and worry during recent months. But according to research by investment specialists at HanEtf, the crisis has been a source of opportunity for businesses in the CBD sector. Demand has soared in Preston and across the north of England, as many find the cannabinoid helps counter what is becoming known as ‘lockdown anxiety’.

How does CBD help?

More than 100 cannabinoids naturally occur in the cannabis plant. However, most people are familiar with just two of them. THC is the psychotropic cannabinoid that has given cannabis its reputation and caused it to become a controlled substance. CBD will not get you high and is legal in the UK and most of Europe. If you research facts about cannabis oil, you will find that most CBD oil contains certain quantities of other cannabinoids. However, THC is closely controlled, and the trace amounts that might be present will have no effect.

Yet while CBD won’t send you into a fit of the giggles, it has still been found to help ease anxiety. This is because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. This is a network of receptors that trigger both psychological and physiological reactions. By triggering certain receptors. CBD can help us feel calmer and less stressed. Many people find it thereby eases associated problems such as insomnia, headaches and even IBS.

How to get CBD in Preston during lockdown

With government guidelines constantly changing, it is no longer so simple to just pop into Fishergate or St George’s and be sure we can get everything we need. CBD comes under the complementary medicines category, and is not typically found in pharmacies or on supermarket aisles. Many of the specialist shops that stock CBD products are closed under the higher lockdown tiers, but you can find CBD products in natural healthcare stores like Holland and Barrett.

However, as is the case with so many things today, most people choose to shop for CBD online. There are plenty of reputable online stores, but inevitably, this means there are also unscrupulous sellers looking to cash in by selling sub-standard products. Avoid the big marketplaces like Amazon and eBay when shopping for CBD. Instead, look for a well-known and established seller. Companies like Cibdol and Green Wellness are good examples here. As well as having a wide stock selection, they provide a wealth of background information on cannabis oil and other CBD products. When a business is looking to build relationships with clients by educating them, it is always a positive sign.

Panacea or placebo?

CBD has been steadily growing in popularity over recent years, and demand has surged since mid-2020. But is it really the cure-all that some people claim? Clinical research carried out to date has been positive, but it is still in its early stages and the MHRA has been guarded in its recommendations on the claims that CBD sellers can make. However, the anecdotal evidence is strong and there are now more than seven million people in the UK using CBD every day to help get them through these difficult times.