The UK’s CBD wellness products market has exploded in recent years. Thousands of UK customers now regularly buy CBD oil, capsules and sprays in high street shops.
Despite this, it’s important to understand that not all CBD products are equal. In fact, many of the CBD products sold on the UK’s high street aren’t even legally compliant.
Legality
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis that contains less than 0.2% THC. The low levels of THC mean that the plants are not classified as a ‘drug’ under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and it is considered safe to be produced for commercial use.
In the UK, CBD products are legal to purchase and consume as long as they comply with certain standards. This includes third-party lab testing, quality ingredients and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
However, CBD oil drops are not considered medicines unless they have been prescribed by a doctor for specific health conditions such as severe and rare forms of epilepsy (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) and to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, and to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. In order to be marketed as medicinal products, CBD products must have been assessed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and approved under strict medical regulations.
Benefits
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant and has been shown to have significant medical benefits. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD does not cause a high. CBD is available in oil, capsules and edible products such as chocolates and gummies. It is believed to help ease pain, reduce anxiety, promote sleep and improve skin health.
The government has approved two CBD medicines – Sativex and Epidiolex – for use on the NHS. The latter has been tested for effectiveness in preventing seizures in patients with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes.
As CBD becomes increasingly popular, more companies will enter the market. It is important to choose a product with third-party testing and quality ingredients. Look for a label that lists the exact amount of CBD per serving. This will make it easier to manage your daily dose. The best CBD products are also organic, non-GMO and contain no toxic additives. They are usually diluted with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed or coconut oil.
Side Effects
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many chemicals found in the cannabis plant. It’s different from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound in marijuana responsible for the high it gives users, and it is not psychoactive, so it’s legal to use without a prescription in the UK.
It works with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout your body that keep things balanced, including sleep patterns, mood and appetite. CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive side effects of THC, and it’s not addictive or harmful.
Our survey, which used quota sampling and sample matching to match participants to the UK population, showed that almost half of respondents are unaware of the change in law that makes it legal to buy CBD products over the counter without prescription. This leaves them at risk of buying low quality products that may not contain enough or any CBD, or even be potentially contaminated with other ingredients such as toxic substances and THC.
Manufacturers
CBD is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and there are plenty of manufacturers to choose from. However, the booming CBD industry can make it difficult to distinguish between legitimate brands and sub-par products.
The best CBD companies offer high-quality, organically grown hemp that is non-GMO and free from herbicides and pesticides. They also use supercritical CO2 extraction methods to create their CBD products. In addition, they use third-party testing and provide lab reports on their website.
Choosing the right CBD product for your needs depends on your preferences and goals. If you’re a beginner, you may want to try a broad spectrum CBD oil that contains the other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, such as THC. This is known as the entourage effect, and it provides a more balanced and natural experience than CBD isolate. Another option is a high-CBD tincture that’s been infused with olive or MCT oils for added flavor and health benefits. CBD UK