Last Updated On June 10th, 2020
Is CBD oil legal in the UK? More importantly, what is CBD oil? Why are so many people looking into it as a solution to countless physical and mental ailments? If you’ve been wondering about the nature of CBD oil after its recent rise to fame in the last year or two, then you’ve come to the right place. CBD or cannabis oil is one of the most popular natural substances in the world. Along with it comes a community of unhappy skeptics, and excited advocates.
Also known as cannabidiol, CBD oil hails from the cannabis plant. A substance that many people have long known to be illegal in the United Kingdom. However, the unique nature of CBD could mean that it’s possible to obtain and use this oil in Britain without any legal repercussions.
Here’s your guide to the legality of CBD products.
What is CBD Oil?
Before we can answer the question “Is hemp oil legal in the UK?” or address some of the deeper concerns around CBD products, let’s take a look at what this substance is. As mentioned, CBD is found in the cannabis plant, but unlike the ingredient THC that causes psychoactive results, CBD doesn’t make users feel high. Instead, this substance is most commonly used for people who want to control conditions like PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and more. Some scientists are even looking into the benefits of CBD to help with conditions like epilepsy and arthritis.
As the popularity of CBD started to grow, manufacturers have begun to implement this unique extract into a variety of products. Some of these range from topical ointments and creams, to pills, sweets, and even certain kinds of coffee. Currently, the number of people using CBD oil in the UK is estimated to be around 300,000. Advocates of the extract say that it can effectively relieve chronic inflammation and pain, cure insomnia, and deal with other severe conditions.
Is CBD Oil the Same as Medicinal Cannabis?
The short answer is no.
Medicinal cannabis is simply cannabis that has been made legal for use in specific medical circumstances. Many parts of the world still don’t allow this. Mainly because of the concerns around the THC content in the cannabis plant, and the potential misuse of drugs. However, some locations across the world allow for cannabis use to support things like cancer pain management.
CBD oil comes from only one component of the cannabis plant. Cannabis is made up of dozens of different chemical compounds called “cannabinoids”. These compounds affect receptors in the cells that, in turn, affect neurotransmitter releases and performance in the brain. Each of these compounds has its unique impact on the brain, with the most well-known substance being THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol.
Prescriptions and Safety
In the UK, it’s currently legal to obtain a prescription for CBD oil because there are no dangers associated with this substance getting people high. That means people can enjoy the benefits of CBD without any dangerous psychoactive compounds. So, is THC oil legal? The simple answer is no. In the UK, for CBD oil to be available for public consumption, it needs to have a minimal amount of THC oil in it.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
One of the reasons so many people want to know “is cannabis oil legal in the UK?” is that this substance has been linked to several positive mental and physical health benefits. A 2017 report done by the World Health Organisation found that CBD could help to alleviate several conditions. These include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Though there still isn’t enough evidence at this time to prove that CBD substances can help with all of these ailments, the studies are mostly positive. Many reports on CBD oil and CBD products highlight the benefits that the content can provide for things like relaxation and general pain management.
CBD Oil for Weight Management
Among the wide variety of things that CBD oil might be able to help with is in weight loss and weight management. One recent study indicates that CBD oil could be useful for reducing the development of proteins that are responsible for creating new fat cells. Additionally, this substance boosts the number of mitochondria in the brown fat cells, which aids in burning additional calories.
However, despite these benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge that full licenses for selling CBD oil as medicine haven’t been offered yet.
When Did the CBD Law Change in the UK?
THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis, and cannabis itself have been controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act in the UK since 1971. On the other hand, CBD has been legal for quite a while now. The answer to “can you buy CBD oil in the UK?” is a resounding yes. You need to know where to get it. That’s something that’s becoming increasingly easy to find lately.
As people get to understand the difference between CBD and THC, CBD oils are appearing in everything from vape pen smoking liquids, to food, and more. You can even get drops for CBD, and creams that you can apply topically to your skin.
If you’re wondering “can I bring CBD into the UK?” then you should be safe to do so. That is, provided that you’re travelling from a place that allows this substance. However, just because CBD oil is legal in the UK doesn’t mean that you can go with it from the UK to other countries without any risk. It is essential to check the regulations surrounding CBD legality in any location that you’re taking this substance, too. That’s true, whether you’re using CBD in oil form, liquid solution, or even in CBD-infused food.
Is Hemp Oil Legal in UK Cities?
Ultimately, CBD oil is legal in the UK, and it’s safe to take in a wide variety of forms. Patients don’t have to wait for a prescription from a doctor to take this substance. It’s available mainly both online and in high-street stores. Just make sure that the form you choose to take CBD oil in is suited to you and your body. Some people respond to CBD more aggressively than others, although the risk of any severe side effects is quite low.
To answer the question “Is CBD oil legal in the UK” further, previous Home Secretary for the country, Sajid Javid announced that doctors across the country can legally prescribe both CBD and other cannabis-derived products for medicinal use. However, there are some guidelines around this. For instance, the Home Office demands that all CBD oil sold in the UK only has a maximum THC content of 0.2%. Additionally, if you’re selling CBD in any form in the UK that contains even a small amount of THC, then you’ll have to ensure that the CBD oil can’t have the THC easily separated from it.
Because licenses for CBD oil as medicine have not been granted yet, companies which sell this substance often define it as a food supplement. Food supplements require less regulation and go through different processes to appear on the shelves than medical products.
CBD Oil in the UK: FAQ
Still have questions about CBD oil in the UK, and how safe it is to use? These quick-fire questions and answers might give you the help you need.
Q: Can you drive with CBD Oil?
A: Because CBD oil doesn’t cause a high, you should be able to take CBD-infused foods or prescriptions without any side-effects, including one that would harm your driving. However, it’s best to test your reaction with CBD oil before you get behind the wheel. Some people say that oils can make them feel drowsy. If you think that your judgement would be impaired, don’t drive.
Q: What kind of food can you use CBD oil in?
A: You can make all kinds of food with CBD oil infused into it, including sweet treats like cookies, salads and salad dressings, biscuits, and even certain drinks. Some companies sell special CBD sweets online and in-store today.
Q: Does CBD oil show up on a drug test in the UK?
A: CBD oil should not cause you to fail a drug test, provided that you’re taking a substance that has been approved as having less than 0.2% THC. Most drug tests pick up the THC in cannabis products, and not the CBD. However, speak to your doctor if you’re worried that taking CBD is going to put your career at risk.
Q: Can CBD cure cancer?
A: The research is ongoing on CBD oil and its effects on this disease. At this time, there’s not enough information to prove that CBD can cure cancer. However, it may be able to help with pain and symptom management.
Q: Will CBD oil get you high?
A: Using CBD oil in the UK shouldn’t get you high. This substance is not the psychoactive compound in cannabis (THC) that is known for causing a feeling of euphoria. To be legal in the UK, CBD – in any form – must contain minimal THC.
Q: What is the best way to use CBD oil in the UK?
A: The best way to take CBD oil will depend on your preferences. Some forms of CBD can be prescribed in pill form as part of a full treatment strategy for individual patients. Other people will prefer to take CBD in the form of food or sweet.
Q: Where can I get CBD oil in the UK?
A: Since the CBD law change, UK stores have begun to stock more and more forms of CBD both online (e.g. Love CBD or for the Ageless) and on the high street. You can find CBD oil in a wide variety of health stores today.
Q: Are all CBD oil products safe?
A: All cannabis-based substances may come with some risks attached to them. Before you buy a CBD product in the UK, it’s essential to do your research and pay close attention to the ingredients included within. Make sure that you avoid any substances that contain large amounts of chemicals.
Q: Can my doctor prescribe CBD oil?
A: The status of CBD oil in the UK market means that the industry is gaining more acceptance from the NHS. If you believe that CBD oil will treat your symptoms, then you can ask for a prescription from your doctor. They are allowed to prescribe CBD if they think it is the right course of action.
Understanding UK CBD Laws
So, is CBD oil legal in the UK? The easy answer to that question is yes.
It is still early days for the rise of CBD oil in the UK. Although this substance is legal, it is important to be careful about the kind of oil you choose, and how you decide to take it. The UK has many forms of CBD available, ranging from chewable gummy sweets to CBD coffee. However, not everyone will respond well to this natural substance.
Usually, CBD oil doesn’t come with any dangerous side effects. This is maybe one of the reasons why it is legal in the UK. However, if you’re sensitive to this substance, then you might react negatively with nausea or drowsiness. Before you start taking CBD oil in the UK, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your doctor.
Your physician will be able to tell you which kinds of CBD oil are the safest for you. Moreover, he may as well give you a bit of advice on the amount that you might need to take.