The legalities around CBD Oil have been debated for many years because its active ingredients, known as cannabinoids, are part of the same family as the cannabis that is smoked or eaten to get an illegal ‘high’. CBD, however, is not intoxicating or psychoactive. It generally comes from hemp rather than the marijuana (Cannabis Sativa or Indica) plant. Its effects are therapeutic. CBD Oil has been linked to alleviating symptoms of chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety. You can now buy it safely and securely from our partner: +PlusCBD™ Oil
So, is CDB oil legal in the UK? Yes. In recognition of its therapeutic effects, CBD products were largely legalised in the UK in 2018. They need to come from source plants containing less than 0.2% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound present in illegal cannabis, to be deemed safe. So, if you’re asking ‘is cannabis oil legal in the UK,’ the answer is no because the level of THC within it is too high.
Legalising CBD Oil has seen incredible growth in products and treatments which can feel slightly daunting to navigate without breaking the law. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide for you.
What Is CBD Oil And Where Does It Come From?
CBD oil is made by extracting cannabinoids from cannabis or hemp plants, isolating them from damaging psychoactive components and then diluting the result with a carrier oil. Sometimes referred to as ‘medical cannabis,’ CBDs are now available to buy legally in this form as supplements from a range of sources. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that they provide a range of health and well-being benefits.
Today, CBD is typically used as an appetite stimulant, a sleep aid, to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and to provide relief from some forms of pain. It is also reported to have a positive effect on neurological conditions such as seizures and epilepsy. It is supplied in pure oil form but also infused in a range of products.
The Legality Of CBD Oil In The UK
The good news is CBD oil is now legal. It’s fine to buy and use as you wish. The industry is, however, still regulated and it might help to understand a little about the law before launching into introducing CBD Oil into your routine. What can you buy? What can you use it for? Where can you buy it from? We have the answers below.
When Was CBD Oil Made Legal In The UK?
CBD Oil, with the THC removed, was effectively legalised by a 2018 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 that excluded CBD and other related cannabinoids from the list of Class B controlled drugs.
What Are The Regulations Around CBD Oil In The UK?
CBD Oil available on the high street and through reputable sources is now legal. The rules state that CBD oil must be sourced from hemp, not marijuana, plants that are grown overseas. CBD oil products must contain no more than trace elements (less than 1mg) of the psychoactive chemical THC.
In addition, CBD products must be considered food supplements as they are not licenced medicines, claims that CBD treats specific illnesses and symptoms are also not permitted in any advertising and CBD businesses must submit a Novel Foods Application to the Food Standards Agency. Finally, you can’t grow CBD-rich hemp or sell CBD flowers or buds in the UK.
Understanding The Strength Of CBD Oil
CBD Oil strength refers to the amount of CBD compound within the amount of carrying oil. It is typically expressed in a percentage. For example, 1000mg of 10% CBD Oil will contain 100mg of CBD. 1000mg of 20% CBD Oil will contain 200mg. Strength will impact the price and effectiveness of the product. CBD also comes in three different varieties and it is important to know which you are purchasing.
Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum & CBD Isolate
Full Spectrum CBD Oil is considered the strongest and purest variety as it contains all the cannabinoid chemicals including Terpenes, Flavonoids and THC within legal trace limits. Broad Spectrum CBD is next. It contains Terpenes and Flavonoids, but all the THC has been removed. CBD Isolate contains only CBD. All the other cannabinoids such as Terpenes, Flavonoids are extracted.
What Is The Highest Strength CBD Oil You Can Buy In The UK?
CBD Oils of up to 50% are the strongest, most potent oils we have found available in the UK. They are typically made with first-rate, full-spectrum extract too. This means you get 5000mg of CBD in a 10ml bottle of oil. It may include trace amounts of numerous other cannabinoids including THC within legal limits.
CBD Oil As A Novel Food
CBD extracts were designated novel foods in 2019 by The UK Food Standards Agency. Novel food legislation identifies new foods that require additional evidence that they are safe before they can be sold legally.
What Are Novel Foods?
Novel foods are defined as food that had not been consumed to a significant degree by humans in the UK before 1997. As well as CBD oil, novel foods include ingredients such as new cholesterol-reducing phytosterols, traditional foods eaten elsewhere like chia seeds and baobab and foods made with new processes like bread treated with ultraviolet light to increase Vitamin D.
Businesses selling CBD oil and other products intended to be consumed need to gain novel food authorisation from the Food Standards Agency. As a result, all CBD products must be proven safe, correctly labelled as food supplements and not include controlled, illegal, substances.
CBD Dose Guidelines
As a novel food with potentially toxic ingredients, even in small trace quantities, the Food Standards Agency recommends users do not take more than 70mg of CBD a day. This is roughly the equivalent of 28 drops of 5% CBD oil. These are general guidelines and seeking professional medical guidance is recommended to calculate the correct dosage in individual cases.
Travelling With CBD Products
CBD Oil is legal in many countries around the world. The challenge for travellers is the details levels of acceptable THC within CBD vary from place to place. It pays to do your research.
Is CBD legal in the USA?
In the USA, CBD is still considered a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency however individual states have their own legal position and sellers can use legislation around hemp farming to bend the rules too. A good rule of thumb is that hemp is fine in the USA. Is hemp oil legal where you are travelling? Yes? Then CBD probably is too,
To be sure, you have to look at each state’s rules. Georgia, for example, only allows its use with a prescription from a doctor and patients are only allowed 20 ounces at a time. Indiana has completely deregulated CBD use as long as the THC content remains below 0.3%. Kansas has made CBD use legal too but only if THC is removed entirely.
Three states – Idaho, Nebraska and South Dakota, still consider all CBD products illegal. The following allow CBD if it is low in THC or being used for medical purposes.
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- West Virginia
The below states have legalised CBD with any levels of THC in line with much more relaxed marijuana policies
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
Is CBD legal in Central South America?
Yes. CBD is pretty much deregulated in South America. Only Paraguay require you to have a doctor’s prescription to use it. The following countries
- Argentina
- Belize
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Guatemala
- Mexico (If THC is under 1%)
- Paraguay (with a prescription)
- Puerto Rico
- Peru
- Virgin Islands
- Uruguay
Is CBD legal in Europe?
CBD Oil is considered legal across much of Europe but again the details vary. The acceptable level of THC is 0.03% in the Czech Republic, Austria and Luxemburg but 1% in Switzerland, for example.
As a general rule, the following European countries have legalised medical cannabis, and because of this, CBD oil is also legally available.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Luxembourg
- The Netherlands
- Romania
- Spain
- Portugal
- Italy
- United Kingdom
CBD is only legal for those who have a medical prescription in the following;
- Germany
- Portugal
- Austria
- Finland
- Malta
Wherever you travel, it is important to check local laws and regulations. The landscape around CBD legislation is changing rapidly. Keeping up to date will avoid problem
Can You Buy CBD Online Legally In The UK?
Yes. Thanks to the changes in UK law, CBD products have become an increasingly common addition to many of our health and well-being routines. There are now many ways to incorporate them into your daily lives including CBD Oils available from reputable online partners.
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