CBD FAQs

Think of CBD as a food supplement derived from a pure plant extract. Like many other plant-based remedies, it is incredibly effective. But unlike many, CBD can help regulate a vast array of physical and mental functions.

Even though it seems like CBD is something new, it has been used by humans since the dawn of civilisation. Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in hemp, aka Cannabis Sativa L, a plant that has been utilised for centuries for its health benefits.

The Tonic’s CBD is perfectly safe and legal. Ours is triple tested, grown organically and is only ever extracted using the most effective and safe method, using high pressure and low temperatures.

All our products, apart from the CBD Patches, are made from full spectrum CBD Oil.

There are three types of CBD on the market. Full spectrum is the highest quality and most effective. It’s made from the entire plant, tip to root, ensuring it contains as many beneficial compounds as the plant can provide. Not just the full array of cannabinoids*, but flavinoids and terpenes too – terpenes, like curcumin, which is also found in tumeric. All these cannabinoids, terpenes and flavinoids work together to provide a synergistic effect. Broad spectrum is the next next level down, made from parts of the plant and has certain cannabinoids like THC extracted. Then there is CBD isolate, also referred to as ‘pure’ CBD. The most prevalent cannabinoid, Cannabidiol, has been extracted from the CBD Oil, and is presented as a white powder. This is used in our CBD Patches and most CBD drinks available to buy today.

*the most common being CBD cannabidiol, CBG cannabigerol, CBN cannabinol and trace amounts of THC Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Cannabis is predominantly associated with the cannabinoid THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – it’s the one that gets you high. And it’s the one which is only seen in ‘trace’ amounts of hemp, unlike other cannabis strains. Because of its psychoactive properties, THC is a controlled substance and illegal in the UK. Full Spectrum CBD products in the UK must contain no more than 2mg of THC per container, no matter the size of the container. Non-Full Spectrum CBD products must contain no more than 1mg THC per container.

CBD is believed to be responsible for most of the wellbeing benefits of the cannabis plant, and new benefits are being discovered all the time.

It has been reported that CBD can help with lowering anxiety, deepening sleep, easing pain, clearing brain fog and help with focus, help with depression, addictive tendencies and much, much more. We do not promote CBD to do any of these things and we always recommend you search the internet for ‘specific issues + CBD’.

CBD is actually a very subtle worker, so quite often people do not realise there has been an effect on their system until they realise they haven’t noticed a particular pain for a while, or that their sleep has improved. Side effects are very rare and I have only witnessed two in five years of running the Tonic; over stimulation and active bowel movements. The former is eased very quickly by actually increasing the CBD intake temporarily and balance in the system will resume. The latter is due to the Herxing Effect, which is a detox and therefore isn’t a bad thing, but again will pass quickly and is helped along by increasing water intake.

Buying CBD online can be confusing as there are many different retailers and brands and it can be tricky knowing who to trust. Getting yourself clued up on the different grades (or quality) of CBD oil, the concentrations and varying formulas and types can help your decision making. And always ask to see Lab reports if they are not available on the website. If you want to know more about what is CBD all about, click the previous link.

Traditional CBD oil is taken sublingually. This means placing the oil under your tongue and holding it there for a minute or 2. The sublingual membrane allows the oil to pass through and into the bloodstream. CBD is absorbed at a rate of 50% to 80% this way. If you were to swallow traditional CBD oil directly or take in food or drink, the absorption rate is drastically reduced to around 4% to 20%. This is why we created the unique Full Spectrum Water Soluble CBD – no matter how you take it you always absorb the maximum CBD content. Learn more on how to take CBD.

Classic CBD Oil taken sublingually – it’s in your bloodstream anywhere between 20 minutes to 2 hours, and lasts around 6 to 8 hours depending on the individual.

The Tonic’s Water Soluble CBD – it’s in your bloodstream in 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 6 to 8 hours.

CBD Patches are transdermal and therefore slow releasing, so you’ll have a few mg of CBD supplied at a steady rate into your blood stream over a 24 to 36 hour period. These are the longest lasting forms of CBD.

Edibles like CBD Gummies are the slowest to reach your bloodstream, but again it’s different person to person – expect to feel effects after 1 to 3 hours.

CBD Vape is as fast as our Water Soluble CBD to enter the bloodstream via the lungs, but stays in your system for the shortest period, usually between 1 to 2 hours.

With this information in mind, you will then want to consider what you are taking it for and how fast and for how long you need the effect to last. Here are some examples; for deeper sleep, take an oral classic CBD Oil or Water Soluble CBD at the time you go to bed. This way the effects last through the night. To keep anxiety at bay throughout the day, either an oral CBD oil or CBD patches (stronger for higher stress or those less susceptible to CBD).

Here are some reviews on our CBD Products to see what our customers are saying:

“Amazing product! I would just like to say how amazing this product is…I’m 34 and I was diagnosed with cancer, it turned my world upside down. This oil is helping me mentally get through it. I couldn’t sleep or eat because of fear that I would either die in my sleep or eat something that would feed cancer (ridiculous but it was so real to me). Thanks to these lovely people speaking to us and listening, I now can watch commercials (mentioning cancer) without having panic attack.

I can now eat, sleep and function relatively normally (under the circumstances). I see now how precious life is and how short it could be, I hope the fact I’m taking time to rate this product shows how fabulous it really is. Thank you the tonic tribe. P.s it really helps menopause symptoms too” – LUCY about Classic CBD Oil

“You know when you’re blown away by product quality, tailored advice and unsurpassed customer service and you think, blimey, I’m going to write a review and then months go merrily by, possibly because the magical 25% CBD oil, the super chilling CBD Infused Tea and the luxurious CBD body face & body cream are doing their jobs and you think oh my god I still haven’t written that review?? No?? Just me then. Thank you Tonic Tribe xx” – REBECCA about Classic CBD Oil

“I use the 8% CBD oil from The Tonic Tribe. Love this CBD oil. Great company to deal with, always helpful and very friendly” – AMANDA

“I’ve been using CBD from The Tonic for over a year. First of all, you always get excellent customer service, they are friendly and personable and always happy to help if you have any questions. Products are always packaged beautifully.

I use CBD to help with IBS symptoms. I originally used the 8% Classic CBD Oil then changed to 8% Water Soluble as it has more anti inflammatory properties, I use it every day and along with dietary changes my symptoms are under control. I wouldn’t be without it now. Definitely recommend the tonic for the quality of their products along with excellent service” – REBECCA ABRAMS

For more reviews you can check our Trust Pilot page or contact us.

THC is a compound which resides in the Cannabis plant alongside many other compounds like CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBDA and all the terpenes and flavinoids – individually, they all have their special powers, but together is when the magic really happens. This is why we produce Full Spectrum CBD Oil and not CBD Isolate or Broad Spectrum.

“I have been really struggling with joint issues related to my cancer drugs. I phoned for advice which was really helpful as there are so many options you can purchase and I found it confusing. The chat I had was really informative. I felt a difference after 4 days of using the Classic CBD oil. My joint issues are reduced and I am not having to take so many painkillers” – HEATHER MATTHEWS about Classic CBD Oil

“CBD Oil that works and knowledgeable people” – TONI ROSE

“One delivery in and I love The Tonic and would highly recommend their products. I bought the 4% Water Soluble and the Cleansing Blossom CBD Infused Tea, which is delicious and soothing. Both products are helping take the edge off and helping me sleep better. Even my sceptical partner who has been very stressed out with work says that they are definitely helping him too. Everything about the Tonic, including their packaging and handwritten note, shows caring and quality, and I feel very lucky to have found them” – FIONA KOLEK

“WOW…These products are truly amazing, after suffering from anxiety for some years I was willing to try anything, along with the tools I learned from CBT, and a little shot of 8% Water Soluble CBD, my thoughts are definitely more realistic. The 2% Miracle Serum helps with my knees and I love to end my day with a cup of the CBD Tea. Such kind and honest people who are always on hand to help with any questions I may have, just can’t rate this company enough” – DEB WICKENS

You can find more on our Trust Pilot page

Traditional CBD oil is best taken ‘sublingually’, which means placing the oil beneath your tongue, holding it there for up to 2 minutes ideally, to allow the CBD to travel through the sublingual membrane and into the bloodstream.

But there are many different ways to take CBD – Transdermal CBD Patches, CBD Tea, CBD Cream and Balms, Edible CBD, so the way to use CBD differs.

No, CBD oil does not need THC to work, but it certainly helps! Good quality full spectrum CBD will contain trace amounts of THC and together with all the many cannabinoids, terpenes and flavinoids these compounds work in synergy for the best effect possible. The better the quality the less you need to take, so spending a little more actually goes a lot further than many of the cheap options, like CBD isolate infused oils and broad spectrums.

If you still have issues, please get in touch and we will arrange a replacement.

Tips for unblocking the CBD oils with spray tops:

When you first open your bottle, hold it over a sink and give it a few pumps/sprays. This gets it going. If the oil doesn’t come out at any point of using it, it could be due to the sediment in the oil blocking the nozzle or if it has got cold it can solidify.

This is why you should always shake the bottle before use and not store in a cold place. To free up the nozzle, unscrew the top and pump warm water through until it runs through OK. If solidified, get the bottle warm with hot water or on a radiator and this should get it going again.

Tips for using the 8% CBD Shots pen:

It will take a few pumps to push the CBD paste through to the exit nozzle, so when you first use it, do this with caution.

If the pen stops dispensing CBD and you know it’s still full, there could be an air bubble blocking the exit. You’ll need to draw the air bubble through by sucking on the exit end of the pen, while pumping the CBD through.

The Tonic CBD patches are a transdermal product, meaning they are developed in a way that CBD can penetrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. This targets deeper complaints rather than surface like a balm or cream. This is achieved by creating a formulation that contains ‘permeation enhancers’.

All transdermal patch drug delivery systems include a few basic components; backing, CBD isolate, membrane, adhesive and finally the liner.

Beyond the basics, things do become more complex, with the introduction of permeation enhancers, stabilisers, and packaging. To enable maximum transportation through the layers of the epidermis and into your bloodstream, we use CBD isolate rather than our usual full spectrum cbd oil. It’s our only product that is made from the 1 cannabinoid, cannabidiol – but that’s not to say it isn’t highly effective. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most prevalent and effective cannabinoid.

The Tonic CBD patches have a high absorption rate as it bypasses the digestive system and is directed straight into the bloodstream. There are many benefits to having a steady stream of CBD entering your system over a 24 to 48 hour period of time, as opposed to 1 intense dose taken orally once or twice a day.

As well as the CBD working its usual magic, you can also target specific areas of the body that may be experiencing discomfort, by positioning the patch directly on it.

We do 2 different strengths – 15mg CBD patches and high strength 30mg CBD patches. Each pack contains 30x 15mg or 30mg CBD topical patches. Each CBD patch contains CBD from organically cultivated hemp and 0% thc.

All our CBD is produced from organically grown Cannabis Sativa l plant, so the pure CBD isolate used in our patches is organic.

“I found the cbd patches amazing for a few reasons – they almost completely stopped my neuropathic pain; they reduced my anxiety, and I slept better than I have for ages. As someone with ms, effective pain management is vital for me, as is getting good sleep. and as someone who experiences a lot of anxiety, reducing this really improved my wellbeing. there was no grogginess, i felt calm, but focused. delighted to have been a guinea pig to try these out!” – Darleen

CBD has built up a reputation for being effective for deepening sleep. CBD patches are no different, as the CBD calms the nervous system and in turn calms a busy mind.

“After the first week, I asked my husband whether he had noticed any changes in me, and he bravely said he had thought I was calmer and seemed less stressed generally. And a friend told me I seemed more chilled, more fun! Could be a combination of circumstances changing, but I certainly feel more “me”. By the middle of the 2nd week, I felt more energised and alert, was sleeping better and had already ordered the patches once they are released! Thank you for the opportunity to review this exciting new product and I look forward to using them as part of my routine!” – Natalie

CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory as well as regulating pain percecption. “Most of my pain in my back was at night time when lying down, so I put the patch on around 9pm and would keep it on for 24-30 hours, it lessened my pain so much – sometimes completely, which is amazing! The great thing about the patches is you can put them most places on your body and they are very discreet. They last up to 48 hours and they work so well on muscular issues. I think the patches are a great product. I will definitely continue to use them!” – Terri Anne

You can buy CBD from our website here.

Taking CBD via this transdermal method is legal. The Tonic CBD patches contain no THC, the controlled substance in the uk.

We always recommend you speak with your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking other medication or have any health concerns. With non-prescription medicine like Ibuprofen, we suggest leaving a 2 hour window before taking your CBD. There are no reported contraindications, but please do talk with a medical expert first.

The former has a very grassy taste and carries a small amount of CBD and in some cases THC as well – it is a contentious issue as some brands are using CBD Tea as a way to sell weed for people to smoke, so do make sure you’re buying this type of tea from a respected and reliable source!

This is why we designed our Water Soluble Full Spectrum CBD – it is specially formulated to be absorbed through ingestion and the absorption rate is almost 100%, no matter how you take it – hot or cold food or drink.

There is one benefit to heating up CBD that is worth mentioning here, it can trigger a process called Decarboxylation, it’s like an ignition of the cannabinoids and can make them more effective!

We have 5 different flavours and they range from caffeine free (Fruit Explosion) to Intense Flavour with high caffeine content with Black Mango (black tea with real mango, lime and lemongrass). If you’re sensitive to caffeine and find it can over stimulate, and in turn increase a sense of anxiety, we suggest the Fruit Explosion or the Cleansing Blossom (a white tea, which is naturally low in caffeine). But because all our teas contain 5mg of Water Soluble Full Spectrum CBD, you’ll get the usual benefits of CBD in every cup – one of which is a calmer nervous system and steady mind

You can use an infuser too which is great for a 1 cup portion. Tea Pot Infusers are also perfect.

Each Tonic Tea product states how much you need for 1 portion, and there are 20 portions in a pouch. We ensure 5mg of CBD per portion, which sounds like a low amount, but because we are our Water Soluble Full Spectrum CBD the CBD absorption is almost 100%, unlike regular CBD oils, so 5mg of this is the equivalent of 10mg of regular CBD oil taken sublingually.

A 2020 study found that CBD may have vasodilatory effects in human and rat arteries showing CBD may improve flow because it widens blood vessels.

2017 study found that it lowered blood pressure in individuals at rest and those under stress.

The main reason it can help is by reducing stress. American Institute of Stress, stress may cause blood pressure to rise.

Grapes, Hibiscus, Banana*, Licorice, Orange Peel, Yellow Marigold, Cinnamon Sticks, Apricot, The Tonic’s Water-Soluble full spectrum hemp extract* (Water, Curcumin, Vegetable Glycerin, Triglycerides, Mycreen, Caryophyllene, Limolene, Pinene, Linalool, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate).

You can check out the ingredients of each CBD tea in every product page.

We cannot say for certain that CBD helps with any medical conditions, including migraine, but it is a very common reason that people take it. It could be that stress triggers a migraine, and so one will benefit from the calming effects of CBD. Migraines are still quite an unknown in the medical world and as ever, we will suggest you consult a doctor before embarking on CBD to treat a medical condition.

All our packages are sent out by Royal Mail tracked and signed service.

If you selected a Track and Sign option for delivery, your order completion email will carry the tracking number which you can click on. With Royal Mail, the tracking will only update once a delivery has been attempted or successfully delivered.

In the unlikely event that your order doesn’t arrive within 14 working days from despatch, please contact us via email or telephone and we will get straight on replacing your missing product.

Yes! The Tonic’s CBD comes from cannabis sativa L plants grown legally on farms in the European Union. CBD is legal to buy throughout most of Europe.

In other parts of the world the law can be less liberal.

We ship to all countries across the world, with exception to those countries that are yet to legalise CBD. We cannot process card payments online for countries outside the UK, but you can select to ‘pay by direct bank transfer’ at the checkout.