CBD Ban — CBD Oil Is it Legal in the UK?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active component naturally found in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active psychoactive ingredient in cannabis , CBD does not make you high. CBD oil is manufactured by mixing CBD with a natural carrier oil. During the manufacturing process, the percentage of CBD that is contained in CBD oil and products is required by law.
Is CBD Oil Legalised in the UK?
Many people are now asking, is CBD oil legalised in the UK? The answer is yes; CBD products can still be legally bought in the UK in 2022. The confusion about the legal status of CBD products is due to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) statement. The FSA set out new regulations for CBD products on 13th February 2020. This meant companies had until 31st March 2021 to submit a novel- food application to be able to continue selling CBD products in the UK. CBD products from the US and other countries that do not prohibit cannabinoids may be illegal in the UK. Ingredients in CBD products such as delta-8/9 THC can result in customs seizing important CBD products. When purchasing CBD products from outside of the UK, it is important to check the ingredients first to avoid any problems with UK customs.
CBD Oil Effects
CBD oil has various benefits and has gained popularity as an alternative health-food supplement that may help with certain medical conditions. CBD oil works by changing the way the brain perceives pain signals from the body, thus reducing pain — and unlike many prescription drugs, CBD oil does not have strong side effects. Research into CBD has indicated it helps alleviate chronic pain and a range of other conditions such as epilepsy and digestive disorders . The effects of CBD oil and products have also been studied for the use of CBD in the treatment of anxiety , depression, and other mental health disorders. People with common complaints such as backache and arthritis may find CBD oil particularly helpful for their symptoms, as it has been indicated that CBD oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties .
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CBD Oil With Other Medications
CBD is still legal in the UK, and research has shown that products containing CBD are well tolerated and are not psychoactive. CBD oil is generally considered very safe for most people. However, CBD can interact with prescription medicine , other supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. If you are on any prescription medication or regularly take supplements or OTC medications, such as painkillers, you should discuss the safety of using CBD products with your doctor. THC is the reason some people experience side effects from CBD oil and products. In the rare case that you cannot tolerate THC, alternative cannabinoids, including CBDa, are available, which do not contain THC.
Is CBD Oil Safe When Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
The FSA has advised, due to a lack of research not to use CBD oil or products when pregnant or breastfeeding . Although it is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, it is recommended to abstain from CBD oil and products while pregnant or when breastfeeding.
Can You Use CBD Oil When Drinking Alcohol?
CBD and Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Studies regarding treatment for alcohol addiction with CBD are promising. CBD may have a use for reducing cravings for alcohol during addiction treatments but to date, all research is based on animal studies.
What Are the Different Types of CBD?
Before purchasing a product containing CBD, it is important to understand the different types of CBD sold in the UK.
- CBD isolate is pure CBD containing no other cannabinoids and comes in either a crystalline solid or a loose powder.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids and extracts, such as terpenes from the cannabis plant.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains several cannabinoids but does not contain THC and is available in the same range of products as full-spectrum CBD.
Products with CBD that are legal to sell, buy and possess in the UK can only contain a maximum of 1mg of THC. This minimal-trace amount of the psychoactive ingredient means that CBD-positive properties can be provided without the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis, weed, and skunk.
Full and broad-spectrum CBD is available in a wide range of products, including:
- CBD capsules containing CBD oil
- CBD topicals, which come in the form of creams, balms, and gels for external application
- CBD vapes. CBD vape oil in e-liquids come in different flavours and is designed to be used in a vape device
- CBD edibles, including CBD gummies, chocolate, and drinks.
The general consensus is that CBD oil and CBD products may help relieve the symptoms of various medical conditions and are not addictive.
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