Edibles are legal in the UK as long as they adhere to UK food laws. There are certain conditions that CBD products must comply with in order to be sold and consumed in the UK. Namely, they contain less than 0.2% THC.
With the popularity of CBD products growing daily, their value as natural remedies to many physical and mental ailments is becoming well-known and more research on their benefits is being produced. However, there is still confusion over their legality, what places and in what form are CBD edibles legal?
Read to find out what edibles are and whether edibles are legal in the UK.
Table of Contents
What Is CBD?
CBD is a beneficial cannabinoid found in the hemp (cannabis) plant. It is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant and is widely known for its health benefits, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.
Unlike, its infamous counterpart THC, the psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive effects and is not addictive. In other words, THC gets you high, whereas CBD doesn’t.
For example, CBD oil is famous as a therapeutic remedy for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and managing joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
CBD oil in uk is usually produced through ethanol or CO2 extraction processes, the oils are extracted using the whole hemp plant and so contain all of the beneficial plant compounds.
What are edibles?
Edibles are food or drink products that are infused with and contain cannabinoids. When eaten or digested they deliver cannabinoids, like CBD or THC throughout the body. Edibles can come in several forms, such as chocolates, sweeties / gummies, baked goods, like brownies and biscuits and beverages.
Are edibles legal in the UK?
CBD edibles are legal in the UK but they must be produced by an EU-approved strain of industrial hemp. CBD products in the UK are not allowed to contain more than 0.2% THC content.
Double-check where your CBD edibles are produced, especially if buying online as the retailer may be from a country with more relaxed laws, which may make the CBD edibles illegal for use in the UK and psychoactive.
It is best practice to always check your edibles, that contain the legal amount of THC, are of good quality, have been appropriately tested for any contaminants, and are from a regulated UK supplier. See our guide on where to buy CBD for more information.
It is important to note, that CBD edibles are different from cannabis edibles, which are made up of from the cannabis plant as a whole, meaning they contain both CBD and THC in high quantities. Cannabis edibles are more likely to get you high, although concentrations of THC vary. Therefore, cannabis edibles are a controlled substance in the UK.
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When will THC edibles be legal in the UK?
Cannabis edibles are currently illegal in the UK. THC, the main ingredient in cannabis is illegal in most places. In the UK, THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse Drugs Act 1971. CBD products are not allowed to contain more than 0.2% THC content.
When THC, the psychoactive component of cannabinoids is legalised, THC edibles will likely be available legally for UK public consumption.
Summing up
Are edibles legal UK? CBD edibles are legal, providing the THC content is within a certain level and the manufacturing and producing of it is within the countries’ guidelines.
Edibles are legal in the UK but they must be below 0.2% level of THC content and produced by an EU-approved strain of industrial hemp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions you may have about CBD edibles and whether edibles are legal.
In general, edibles last between 6-8 hours. Although, how long the effects of edibles last is dependant on the concentration, potency and type of cannabinoid that is in them. CBD based edibles do not contain the psychoactive component, THC, which produces the feeling of being high. Whereas THC edibles, can get you high and the effects may be slower to appear. Therefore you should be cautious when consuming edibles and wait to see the effects before taking another.
Yes. Health food shops in the UK currently sell CBD capsules and edible products, oils, and sprays. CBD edibles are legal in the UK but must be a 0.2% level of THC content and are produced by an EU-approved strain of industrial hemp.
CBD edibles can range from low strength 500mg CBD Oil and 1000mg CBD Oil, medium strength 1500mg CBD Oil to high strength like 2000mg CBD Oil and 3000mg CBD Oil. In the UK, the strongest CBD edible you can get is 50% or 5000mg. Different variations of CBD massage oil are also available at sense CBD.
Disclaimer: Despite the general safety of CBD products, minimal side effects can occur, especially at first use. Contact your medical professional for advice
