A complete guide to cannabidiol and how it can support you
CBD is no longer a niche product. It's found in pharmacies, health food shops and wellness routines around the world – but that doesn't mean everyone knows what it is, how it works or why it might be worth trying.
At Goodrays, we believe in making CBD simple, effective and accessible. This guide explains what CBD is, what it's used for and how you can build it into your day to support calm, clarity and better balance.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It's one of over 140 naturally occurring compounds known as cannabinoids, found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC – the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis – CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn't get you "high".
Instead, it works gently with your body's internal systems to promote balance, reduce tension and support overall wellbeing. That's why CBD has become a go-to for people looking to manage modern stresses, from restless sleep and racing thoughts to post-workout recovery and winding down.
How does CBD work?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a complex network of receptors that helps regulate mood, sleep, immune response, stress and pain perception. The ECS plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis, the body's state of internal balance.
CBD doesn't bind directly to receptors in the way that THC does. Instead, it's believed to influence the ECS indirectly, helping your body function more smoothly. It may also interact with serotonin receptors, which affect mood and TRPV1 receptors, which are linked to inflammation and discomfort.
What does CBD do? Benefits and understanding its effects on the body
CBD affects everyone a little differently, but many people find it helps with:
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Improved sleep
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Reduced anxiety and stress
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Calmer focus throughout the day
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Easier recovery after exercise or strain
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General emotional balance
A growing body of research supports CBD's calming and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential to reduce anxiety – known as its anxiolytic effect.
CBD and anxiety
Recent studies have demonstrated CBD's potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms. For instance, a 2023 study reported that individuals with moderate to severe anxiety experienced a 60 per cent to 70 per cent reduction in symptoms after four weeks of treatment with a high-CBD-content product.
CBD and sleep
CBD's role in sleep enhancement has been explored in various studies. An open-label study involving epilepsy patients found a 33 per cent improvement in sleep duration after 12 months of CBD treatment. Moreover, anecdotal and survey data suggest that CBD consumption may improve sleep latency, continuity and quality, particularly in individuals with sleep disturbances.
More research is underway, but many users already include CBD in their routine as a natural, non-addictive alternative to support their mental and physical wellbeing.
What is CBD good for? Everyday uses and why people take it
While research continues to expand, millions of people already use CBD as a reliable part of their wellbeing routine, not as a quick fix, but as daily support that fits into real lives.
Most people turn to CBD to help manage common issues that come with the demands of modern living. This includes stress, trouble sleeping, post-exercise recovery and mental focus. Unlike synthetic solutions that often come with side effects or dependencies, CBD offers a natural, non-intoxicating alternative.
It's also incredibly versatile. You might take CBD in the evening to support sleep, use it during the day to stay clear-headed through stressful meetings or add it to your recovery routine after the gym. Some use it regularly to stay on an even keel, while others reach for it when life feels overwhelming.
When you feel more balanced, everything else gets a little easier.
What does CBD feel like?
CBD isn't about escaping or zoning out. It's about tuning in. It doesn't blunt your senses or alter your mind. Instead, it helps take the edge off. You might notice:
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Fewer racing thoughts
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A more relaxed body
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Less tension in high-pressure moments
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A smoother transition into sleep
Think of it as a subtle shift. You're still you – just slightly more settled.
What types of CBD products are there?
CBD is available in several different formats, each offering its own benefits depending on how you want to feel and when you want to take it. At Goodrays, we focus on three carefully developed formats: oils, gummies and drinks – each designed to work with your routine, not against it.
CBD oil
CBD oil, also known as sublingual CBD or CBD drops, is one of the most efficient ways to take cannabidiol. You use a dropper to place the oil under your tongue, holding it there for about a minute before swallowing. This allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the tissue under the tongue, bypassing digestion for faster effects, often within 30 to 45 minutes.
The benefit of CBD oil lies in its flexibility. You can measure your dose precisely, take it at a time that suits you and adjust the amount based on your needs. Whether you're looking to reset before a busy day or support better sleep in the evening, Goodrays Zen Drops and Night Drops are made to fit into real routines, offering 33mg of CBD per full dropper and a clean, smooth flavour.
CBD gummies
CBD gummies offer a convenient and enjoyable way to take CBD, especially if you're looking for something that feels more like a daily supplement. Each gummy contains a fixed dose – 25mg in the case of Goodrays – making it easy to keep track of how much you're taking without any measuring or preparation.
Because gummies are absorbed through digestion, they take longer to kick in, usually around 45 minutes to an hour, but their effects tend to last longer. That makes them ideal for steady, all-day support, whether you're dealing with a long to-do list or trying to stay grounded through moments of pressure. They're discreet, easy to take on the go and can become a seamless part of your wellbeing routine.
CBD drinks
For a refreshing and ready-to-go option, CBD drinks are a simple and sociable way to enjoy your daily dose. Goodrays CBD drinks contain 30mg of CBD per can and are crafted using water-soluble CBD for consistent absorption and smooth flavour.
CBD drinks are perfect for those looking to take the edge off without alcohol, reset during a hectic afternoon or wind down after a full-on day. Many people find them helpful as part of a transition between work and evening or to create a calming ritual that signals it's time to relax. With functional ingredients and great taste, they fit naturally into modern life, whether you're socialising, working or simply taking a moment for yourself.
How much CBD should you take?
There's no single "right" dose – it depends on your body, lifestyle and reason for using it. We recommend starting with around 30mg per day and adjusting from there. Some take CBD once in the evening; others use it twice daily, spaced out for consistent support.
A few helpful tips:
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Start small and give it a few days
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Be consistent – effects often build over time
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Observe how your sleep, focus or stress levels change
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Combine formats if it suits your day (e.g. oil in the morning, gummies in the afternoon)
Is CBD legal in the UK?
Yes – CBD is legal in the UK as long as it is derived from approved industrial hemp and contains less than 1mg of THC per container.
At Goodrays, we go further. Our CBD is:
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Extracted from sustainably grown hemp
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Fully lab-tested for purity and safety
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Compliant with all UK regulations
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THC-free, non-intoxicating and safe for daily use
So you'll know exactly what you're putting in your body.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is considered safe for most adults. It's non-addictive, non-intoxicating and generally well tolerated. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medication, it's best to consult your GP before starting CBD. You should also always buy from reputable brands that publish lab results and source high-quality hemp. That's what we do at Goodrays – so you don't have to second-guess what's in the bottle, can or gummy.
Why choose Goodrays?
Goodrays was created to make premium CBD simple, effective and accessible – without the noise, the nonsense or the guesswork. We focus on:
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Science-backed calm: Real benefits, backed by research
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Effective formulas across all products
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Natural ingredients: No synthetics, just smart plant science
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Rigorous testing: Third-party lab reports available for every product
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Uncomplicated design: Products that slot into your life, not disrupt it
We've created CBD oils, drinks and gummies that deliver noticeable calm from morning commute to evening switch-off.
CBD FAQs
Will CBD get me high?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating and all Goodrays products contain 0% THC.
How long does CBD take to work?
CBD oil works within 30-45 minutes. Gummies and drinks may take up to one to two hours but the effects tend to last longer.
Is CBD addictive?
No. CBD is not addictive and doesn't create dependency.
Can I drive after taking CBD?
Yes, as long as your product contains no THC (which ours don't), you're safe to drive.
What's the best time to take CBD?
That depends on your goal. Try:
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Morning: for calm and clarity
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Afternoon: for a midday reset
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Evening: to unwind and support sleep
CBD made simple
CBD isn't a passing trend. It's a practical tool for people who want to feel more like themselves, more often. Whether you're managing stress, supporting better sleep or just aiming for a calmer kind of focus, CBD can help anchor your routine.
At Goodrays, we make it easy to get started with CBD – no confusion, no noise. Just high-quality CBD oils, drinks and gummies that work with your day, not against it.
Shop our CBD products and discover what calm feels like, your way.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.