CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, has become very popular in the UK. However, many people, perhaps yourself included, remain unsure about the legality of the compound.
Our guide will help to clarify if cannabidiol oil is legal in the UK, and take a look at some of the most common concerns people have.
Understanding CBD and Its Legal Status in the UK
The UK has updated its stance on CBD in recent years, with laws and regulations changing so purchasing and consuming the compound is legal. However, it must meet specific conditions.
In the UK, CBD products are legal if they come from an industrial hemp strain that is approved by the UK government. The key requirement is that these products under any circumstances should contain more than 1mg of THC per container.
Any product with THC above this limit is classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, changes in legislation, including the introduction of the Novel Foods regulation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), have brought additional guidelines to the industry.
These additional guidelines help to make sure CBD products meet safety standards before they can be sold.
CBD UK Law: Additional Guidelines
- Novel Foods Regulation: CBD products must be approved by the Food Standards Agency to show they're safe for consumption.
- THC Limits: Products must contain less than 1mg of THC per container.
- Labelling: Clear labelling of ingredients and CBD/THC content is required.
- Product Testing: Independent testing must verify CBD content and ensure no harmful contaminants.
- Marketing Restrictions: No unverified medical claims can be made about CBD products.
The CBD Market in the UK
The CBD market in the UK has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, with many people turning to CBD for its potential wellness benefits. As a result of this surge, various products have surfaced in the market, including:
- CBD oils and tinctures
- CBD capsules and tablets
- CBD-infused edibles and beverages
- CBD skincare and cosmetics
- CBD vape liquids
The market has also attracted the attention of regulatory bodies. The FSA now requires all businesses selling ingestible CBD products to submit a Novel Foods application to make sure their products are safe for consumption.
Furthermore, companies must clearly label the ingredients, CBD content, and THC levels to comply with UK law. Despite this, you should continue to remain vigilant and choose products from reputable sources to avoid unregulated or potentially unsafe items.
THC and UK Law: What You Need to Know
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, is strictly controlled in the UK. Unlike CBD, THC is classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
As such, products containing THC are illegal unless they are given to you by a healthcare professional for medical use.
The primary distinction between CBD and THC under UK law is that while CBD products are legal, they must contain negligible or no THC. Any product with more than 1mg of THC, regardless of the CBD content, is illegal.
This includes oils, edibles, and other forms of consumption. If you’re wondering is cannabidiol oil legal if it contains even a small amount of THC, the answer is no, unless it's within the allowed limits.
Key points regarding THC in the UK:
- THC is illegal for recreational use.
- CBD products must have less than 1mg of THC per container to be legal.
- Medical cannabis containing THC is only available by prescription for specific conditions.
Medical Cannabis in the UK: Current Regulations
In 2018, the UK government made significant strides by legalising medical cannabis for certain conditions. Patients with severe illnesses, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or those undergoing chemotherapy, may be prescribed medical cannabis by a specialist doctor.
However, access to medical cannabis remains restricted.
The prescribing of THC-based cannabis products is tightly regulated, and it is only allowed when other treatments have proven ineffective. As a result, many patients still face challenges accessing THC products for medical purposes, despite their legalisation.
To obtain medical cannabis in the UK, patients must:
- Consult with a specialist doctor.
- Demonstrate that conventional treatments have been unsuccessful.
- Receive a prescription for cannabis products that meet UK regulations.
Medical cannabis is not the same as over-the-counter CBD products, as it often contains THC, which is subject to stricter control.
In Summary
So yes, CBD is legal in the UK as long as it complies with strict regulations, particularly concerning THC content. All the products in our CBD product range comply with UK laws and regulations, meaning you can enjoy using it stress-free.
FAQs
Can you buy THC oil online legally in the UK?
No, it is illegal to buy THC oil online in the UK for recreational use. THC oil is classified as a controlled substance, and possessing or distributing it without a prescription is against the law. Medical THC oil, however, may be available via prescription under specific circumstances.
What percentage of CBD is legal in the UK?
There is no specific legal limit on the percentage of CBD in a product. However, the product must contain less than 1mg of THC per container, regardless of the CBD concentration. CBD oil with no THC is entirely legal, provided it complies with other regulatory guidelines, such as Novel Foods standards.
Is cannabidiol illegal for any specific uses?
Cannabidiol itself is not illegal in the UK, as long as it is used in products that comply with the legal limit of THC and meet safety regulations. However, cannabidiol in products that exceed 1mg of THC per container, or that are sold without proper safety testing and labelling, would be considered illegal.
How does UK law differentiate between CBD and hemp oil?
CBD oil and hemp oil are both made from the same plant, but they are different in terms of production and use. CBD oil contains cannabidiol, which is taken from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant.
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is made from the seeds and does not contain CBD or THC. As a result, hemp oil is legal and widely available for cooking and skincare purposes, while CBD oil must meet more stringent regulations.
Are there any restrictions on importing CBD products to the UK?
Yes, CBD products imported into the UK must comply with the same regulations that govern domestic products. This means they must contain less than 1mg of THC per container, be derived from an approved hemp strain, and meet Novel Foods safety standards if intended for human consumption. Importing products that do not meet these requirements could result in legal consequences.