CBD UK or cannabidiol, is the latest health craze to hit the high street. It is found in a range of products including oils, capsules, sprays and even beer.
However, consumers should be aware that CBD is derived from the hemp variety of the cannabis plant, which is grown for fibre. As such, it contains very little of the psychoactive compound THC.
Legality
CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant, and when used as a dietary supplement interacts with the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid system, which maintains balance within the body by binding to receptor pathways. Many people use CBD for anxiety and sleep disorders, while others prefer its anti-inflammatory properties or for its ability to combat depression and nausea. In the UK, it is legal to produce and sell CBD products as long as they are derived from industrial hemp, have less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) and don’t claim to have medicinal benefits.
However, the low quality CBD oil sold in high street shops remains illegal, and any product claiming to have medicinal benefits must be approved by the MHRA, the UK’s medicines authority. Until that happens, only reputable companies will be happy to provide their full list of ingredients and lab reports for you to verify their claims.
As a result of the high levels of poor quality CBD products on the market, in 2019 the government decided to treat CBD extracts as a novel food and regulate them like any other food product, requiring manufacturers to submit an application with the FSA. Once authorised, CBD ingredients can be added to a wide range of branded CBD e-liquids, oil tinctures and topical skin creams.
Availability
As the CBD industry grows, more people are turning to the natural compound for relief from a range of symptoms. The popularity of CBD has led to it being found in a variety of high street products, including sweets, creams and even sexual lubricants. However, some people remain sceptical of its benefits and the potential risks involved with using it.
CBD is made from the cannabis plant and can contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a controlled substance. It is important to distinguish between medicinal CBD (available by prescription only) and high-end CBD supplements that are sold as health food items. Medicinal CBD is only available on the NHS for certain conditions and has to be prescribed by a doctor. High-end CBD supplements are made from hemp, which is a legal source of CBD, and have a low THC content of less than 0.2%.
To be sold legally in the UK, CBD oil and other products must be authorised as a novel food by the FSA. This means they must be produced from an approved strain of hemp and have undergone a detailed scientific assessment of their safety and efficacy. This includes third-party lab tests to verify the CBD and cannabinoid levels in their products. Any reputable company selling CBD will be happy to show you their certificates and lab reports.
Safety
CBD is legal to buy in the UK provided that it is sourced from approved strains of hemp plants which contain low levels of THC. It is also important that any CBD products on sale are independently lab tested to ensure they contain what they claim to. This is a key step in keeping consumers safe as some companies are claiming benefits for their products that may not be true.
Many of the gimmicky CBD wellness products available on the high street have been made using unregulated and potentially unsafe extraction methods. They are often contaminated with other compounds, including phthalates and heavy metals. As a result, they can have dangerous side effects.
The current laws governing medical cannabis and over the counter CBD wellness products were developed before these products entered the market, so they have not yet been updated to take into account the risks that these newer products pose. The laws need to be changed in order to better protect the consumer and to allow for independent testing of these products.
All CBD oils & sprays, capsules, and gummies sold in the UK must be Novel Food authorised in order to be on the market (UK regulations, 2023). This process can be very expensive for businesses and it is important that consumers only purchase from a company who takes the time to submit their products for approval. Blessed CBD is a trusted UK CBD brand who has been approved by the Novel Food authorities and use third-party lab testing to verify the quality of their products.
Travel
Millions of people travel for work or holiday each year and the last thing they want is a hold-up at the airport. So, it’s no wonder that CBD is a popular option for those looking to ease the discomfort of travel.
Thankfully, CBD is legal to take on flights within the UK provided it meets the conditions of the regulations set out by the government. Specifically, all CBD products must be under 1mg of THC in any finished product. This means that the best CBD products for travelling are either broad spectrum or CBD isolate as these are less likely to contain any detectable THC.
If you’re flying internationally, then the rules are a little more complicated. This is because individual countries have different rules about the THC content allowed in their CBD products. So, it’s a good idea to double-check the laws of both your destination and any layover countries before you fly.
With this in mind, most CBD brands are offering a selection of travel-friendly products. For example, TRIP has a range of CBD oils and gummies that are designed to fit seamlessly into your travel routine. The same goes for their Bright Days CBD capsules and balms. So, you can enjoy your flight while getting the most out of your CBD. Just remember, the rules about liquids apply when traveling outside of the EU so you’ll need to keep your CBD products in your carry-on bags.