CBD LEGISLATION AROUND THE WORLD
The use of CBD is on an upward trajectory. With its increasing popularity, the wellness industry has welcomed CBD with open arms. Healthcare systems are now, too, beginning to acknowledge the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant – but, for many prospective CBD users, one uncertainty remains:
Is CBD legal? We’re here to set the record straight about the legality of CBD. How does CBD differ from cannabis, where around the world is CBD illegal, and where are you legally allowed to travel with your favourite CBD products?
What is CBD? Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of over 100 natural cannabinoids found in hemp – or the Cannabis sativa plant. Firstly, it’s important to establish the key differences between CBD and THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the molecule that gives the cannabis plant its intoxicating properties, whereas CBD is non-psychoactive; it does not get you high. In recent years, CBD has become a go-to wellness supplement for those seeking some of the health benefits of cannabis, but without the buzz. Nearly half of current CBD users do so to help them sleep, and roughly one-third find that it helps them to unwind. Even the latest scientific research suggests that CBD could be used to relieve stress and anxiety, reduce pain and inflammation, and provide therapeutic relief in countless other mental and physical health conditions.
Is CBD legal in the UK? As a UK brand, it’s important to us that our UK customers feel comfortable with the legal status of our products. Being a psychoactive substance, THC – and cannabis-based products that contain over 1mg of THC – are Class B controlled substances in the UK, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. They are only legally available on prescription. CBD is legal in the UK, so long as the product contains less than 1mg of THC per container or 0.2% THC. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it is not a controlled substance and can therefore be sold and used legally in the UK. It is, however, important to buy from a trustworthy brand. With the rapid growth of the CBD industry, unregulated products are all too accessible. As published in a report by the Centre of Medicinal Cannabis (CMC), 45% of commercial CBD products in 2019 contained measurable levels of THC. If a product contains THC levels above the legal threshold, this could have significant legal implications for the user. At Goodrays UK, our CBD drink, oil and edibles products contain 0% THC. How do we know this? We use registered laboratories to conduct third-party testing on each of our products so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body – that is, all-natural, Colorado-grown CBD.