CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It has been shown to help alleviate a number of symptoms and conditions, including:
It’s legal to buy and use CBD oil in the UK without prescription. However, over the counter CBD wellness products must conform to Novel Food regulations.
Legality
CBD is legal in the UK and many people use it to help manage pain. It is extracted from the cannabis sativa plant but is different from’marijuana’, which contains high levels of the compound THC and can create euphoric effects. It’s used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety and seizures.
The law around CBD changed in 2018 and it’s now legal to buy, sell, own and grow. However, it’s still classed as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This is because CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive properties as THC, which gets you ‘high’. As of April 2021, all CBD oils & sprays, CBD paste and CBD capsules sold in the UK must have a Novel Food authorisation from the FSA to remain on sale. The only exception is the CBD balm which has passed stringent cosmetics regulations and therefore, does not require a Novel Food application. Nevertheless, it must comply with all the other Novel Food rules.
Types
CBD can be found in a range of products on the market, including creams and oils. It can also be added to food and drink, from gummy sweets to coffee. However, it is important to remember that CBD should not be used as a substitute for prescription medicines, and the product you choose may interact with certain medications.
Hempen is a great choice if you want to know where your CBD comes from, with organic farms and transparency key goals for this company. Their CBD products are independently lab tested.
Charlotte’s Web is another popular choice, with a heart-warming story behind the brand. They have one of the most extensive CBD product ranges on the UK market, from CBD sleep gummies to vape oil and capsules. They have also been featured in a number of major publications. Their CBD is sourced from organic hemp, grown in the EU and then extracted and infused in-house. They have a range of different strengths available, to suit all needs and tolerances.
Dosage
It’s essential to know how much CBD you should be taking to experience the desired effects. This depends on a range of factors such as your sex, weight and overall health. Ideally, you should start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage until you feel the results.
In the UK, CBD must not contain any trace of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the high that cannabis produces. Therefore, it’s important to choose a company that tests their products for these traces.
CBD oil drops and gummies are usually measured by the amount of milligrams in each unit. This makes it easy to know exactly how much you’re taking. On the other hand, CBD capsules and softgels often have a more varied dosage, as they can be split into multiple doses. This means that you can take one full capsule in the morning and another before going to bed if necessary. This can be a bit confusing for first-time CBD users.
Side Effects
CBD has long been used as a medicinal substance by ancient cultures around the world. It was even administered to Queen Victoria for her period pain! But since cannabis was made illegal in the UK in 1928, it’s been largely overlooked.
In a recent survey, 48% of participants were unaware that medical cannabis was now legal via prescription. Additionally, most were also unaware of the regulations that over the counter CBD wellness products must conform to in order to be sold in the UK.
The good news is that there are now many different CBD products on the market that are safe and compliant with European Novel Food laws. When choosing a CBD product, look for ones that offer third party lab testing, premium ingredients and manufacturing best practices. These will be the most likely to be safe for use. Also, be aware that CBD may contain trace amounts of THC, which can cause a positive result in drug tests (particularly in athletes, police officers and military personnel). Therefore, choosing THC-free CBD is the most safe option for those who must test regularly. CBD UK