CBD oil is the must-have product that everyone's raving about – but what is it, and can it improve your health? Most importantly, is it legal to purchase and consume?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but unlike THC, it does not produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, it's been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and antioxidant properties without causing any side effects.
The best thing about using CBD as an alternative treatment option is that there are no known adverse side effects associated with using this substance. It can also be used in conjunction with other medications without any adverse reactions.
This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from chronic pain and need relief, but cannot take traditional prescription drugs due to their side effects.
Once a controversial substance due to its association with cannabis, products like CBD oil (also known as cannabis oil) has soared in popularity. The number of people using cannabidiol in the UK alone is estimated to stand at around 1.3 million and rising.
With so many benefits and people turning to this natural substance every day, it is crucial to understand the laws that surround purchasing and buying it, which we will explore in this article.
Is CBD oil legal to sell, buy and consume in the United Kingdom?
The short answer is yes, but there are many layers to this question. There can be confusion over the legality of CBD oil in the United Kingdom, which is usually centred around uncertainty about what this product is.
In the United Kingdom, recreational marijuana is illegal. Cannabis is a Class B drug and possession of it can lead to up to five years in prison. The penalties for supplying or producing cannabis are much harsher than those for simple possession, with sentences ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment. Cannabis plants are not grown legally anywhere in the UK, and importing them carries heavy fines and even jail time.
The thing is, cannabinoids are not the same as recreational marijuana. Recreational marijuana contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can produce a psychoactive high when consumed. On the other hand, CBD does not contain any THC and has been shown to have many health benefits without any side effects.
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 does not include CBD oil, meaning it is legal to buy and sell without a prescription or license. However, if you're looking for an alternative treatment that doesn't come with side effects like drowsiness and nausea, then CBD oil might be right for you.
With no psychoactive properties whatsoever, this substance has been shown to help people suffering from chronic pain and anxiety disorders by providing relief without any adverse effects associated with other treatments.
While the use of CBD in the UK isn’t illegal under any law, there are restrictions on what can be sold and who can buy it. It's therefore essential to know your rights when it comes to purchasing CBD oil in the UK.
EU-approved hemp is legal for consumption
The EU has approved hemp strains for use in food and medicine production. This means that CBD products can be legally imported into the EU as long as they are derived from an approved strain of hemp.
It's important to know what you are buying and where it comes from. That's why V&YOU only sells products that are derived from EU-approved hemp strains so that you can be sure of the quality and safety of your purchase.
While there are hundreds of compounds in the cannabis plant, it remains illegal to grow these plants and extract your own THC-free cannabidiols. Always ensure you are purchasing EU-approved hemp extracts from reputable suppliers to ensure you’re staying on the right side of the law.
All legal cannabis must contain almost zero THC
CBD oil is permitted in the UK, but it must have less than 0.02 per cent THC to be sold and consumed legally.
The rules surrounding CBD oil varies from country to country so make sure you know your local laws before purchasing or consuming any product containing this substance. For example, if you live in the UK, you’ll need to buy products that contain less than 0.02 per cent if you want them to be considered legal by law enforcement agencies.
Another regulation under current UK hemp legislation is that the maximum THC or CBN (both controlled substances) allowed in the UK is 1mg per product. This will also include cannabis resin, the plant's leaves and buds/flowers, in both paste and herb form. It doesn't matter if a product meets the 0.02 per cent threshold. If it exceeds 1mg, it won’t be approved for sale.
This means there is no psychoactive effect which makes it safe for consumption without the worry of getting high or experiencing side effects such as paranoia or anxiety-like some people experience when using cannabis containing higher levels of THC content (which aren’t approved yet).
There are exceptions to the THC rule
There have also been some recent exemptions, including the exemptions given to Sativex, which is 50 per cent cannabidiol and 50 per cent THC, which has been allowed to treat multiple sclerosis. It can help relieve the symptoms of MS by reducing spasms in muscles, controlling bladder problems and easing pain.
Even in the case of medications like Sativex, they have been designed to treat medical conditions and not deliver a high sensation. CBD-rich cannabis offers therapeutic relief without the high. It's been shown to be neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and an antipsychotic agent. Studies have also suggested it may help with anxiety disorders, PTSD, chronic pain and diabetes.
As a result of these different rules and regulations surrounding the sale of parts of the Cannabis plant, it is easy to understand why there has been widespread confusion.
If you have been diagnosed with MS, talk to your doctor about whether Sativex might be right for you. You may qualify for an exemption from the law if your doctor prescribes it to you as a treatment option.
For those seeking the benefits of CBD Oil from a legal and reputable source, V&YOU has all of the products you need.
Stay Up to Date on Legislation
If you’re looking for more facts on CBD and any changes in laws that may occur, The Extract is a UK-based website that will give you the most up-to-date information. This is a great website to check regularly for any legislation changes, the latest studies and research, medical breakthroughs and how you can get the most out of CBD oil.
You deserve to feel your best every day. We offer various products that will help you achieve this goal by providing relief from pain and inflammation while promoting relaxation and restful sleep. Our product line includes oils for vaporizing or sublingual use, along with pouches for easy consumption on the go.
Please note that this blog is intended for general information only, and not in place of medical advice.
