CBD (Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid which has been shown to have medical benefits. It is non-psychoactive and can be taken as a dietary supplement. It is available in a variety of forms including edibles, drinks, gummies and topical creams.
In the UK, products containing CBD are legal to sell, buy and possess as long as they do not contain THC. However, it is illegal to import or sell THC oil in the UK without a government licence.
THC is a psychoactive compound, and can cause feelings of euphoria, but it also has medicinal properties that may help people with specific conditions such as anxiety or epilepsy. Medicinal cannabis is only legally prescribed by specialist healthcare professionals when other therapies have proved ineffective.
The most common form of CBD in the UK is oil derived from hemp seeds or a variety of other plants. Hemp oil is often a natural product and should not contain any detectable THC.
Alternatively, you can purchase hemp-derived CBD isolate which is pure CBD and is often found in a crystalline solid or loose powder. It is usually sold in health food shops or online.
As with all dietary supplements, it is important to make sure that the product you choose has been properly tested and meets any legal requirements. You should always check the label to ensure that it has been authorised by the FSA and that it contains no other ingredients which could be harmful.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product, you should contact the supplier or the manufacturer before purchasing it. You should also take your health, weight and age into account when choosing a product.
You can find out more about the safety of CBD from the FSA website: Opens in a new window.
Until there is a clear legislative framework, Trading Standards will be the authority responsible for testing and overseeing the market. They will be able to investigate any concerns and will have the power to seize any non-compliant or unsafe products from retailers.
The UK has a long history of research into the potential health benefits of cannabinoids, which include THC and CBD. It is believed that CBD has a range of medicinal effects which can help with certain conditions such as inflammation, pain and anxiety.
CBD is also believed to have a positive effect on the heart. It is believed that it has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with the symptoms of chronic heart disease, such as high blood pressure and stroke.
Consumers should be aware that CBD can interact with prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements. For example, if you are taking an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, CBD can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
It is important to read the label before buying any products containing CBD as some contain other ingredients which can be dangerous. For example, some products may be contaminated with pesticides.
There are currently no statutory limits on the amount of CBD that can be consumed in one serving. This is because it is difficult to determine the actual concentration of 9-THC in different products. Buy CBD Oil UK