The legality of CBD oil is a bit of a grey area, despite its popularity, information about whether CBD oil is legal can be hard to find.
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 is CBD oil legal? Read to find out more.
Table of Contents
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil 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.
For example, CBD oil is famous as a therapeutic remedy for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and managing joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
CBD oil 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.
Is CBD oil legal?
CBD oil is legal in certain countries and for certain reasons, such as for medicinal use. Its ubiquity can make it easy to believe CBD oil is legal around the world, however that is not the case.
CBD is one of several compounds derived from the cannabis plant. 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.
THC, the main ingredient in marijuana is illegal in most places. In the UK, THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse Drugs Act 1971.
However, laws and guidelines around CBD are less clear and vary more from place to place around the world.
Around the world, the laws and regulations of CBD are rapidly changing. Countries vary in their restrictions on growing, producing, selling and using CBD oil. This can make flying and travelling to different countries difficult.
It is best to check the particular place you are traveling to for more information on what CBD products if any, can be brought and consumed in that country. See our article on where is CBD legal for more information.
Is CBD oil legal in the UK?
CBD oil is legal in the UK but it 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 oil is produced, especially if buying online as the retailer may be from a country with more relaxed laws, which may make the CBD product illegal for use in the UK and psychoactive.
It is best practice to always check your CBD products, that they 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 this is different from cannabis oil, which is extracted from the cannabis plant as a whole, meaning it contains both CBD and THC in high quantities. Cannabis oil is more likely to get you high, although concentrations of THC vary. Therefore, cannabis oil is a controlled substance in the UK.
Best CBD Oil In the UK:
1. Full Spectrum 500mg CBD Oil – Low Strength
- Sourced from nature – our hemp plants are grown using organic methods
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil gives you the full range of therapeutic compounds from the hemp plant
- 5% CBD Oil may help if you are suffering from mild conditions such as problems sleeping, and anxiety
This strength is also suitable for those who are micro-dosing
Summing up
Is CBD oil legal? The legality of CBD oil varies across the world. CBD is legal in lots of countries, providing the THC content is within a certain level and the manufacturing and producing of it is within the countries’ guidelines.
However, specific rules vary by country and even the regions within some countries, so you would be best advised to do your research, and check with the country’s laws and regulations before purchasing or bringing your CBD with you.
CBD is legal in the UK but it must be below 0.2% level of THC content and produced by an EU-approved strain of industrial hemp.
Frequently Asked Questions:
CBD is legal in the UK. It must be below 0.2% level of THC content and produced by an EU-approved strain of industrial hemp.
Health food shops in the UK currently sell CBD capsules and edible products, oils and sprays. CBD products are legal in the UK but must be 0.2% level of THC content and produced by an EU-approved strain of industrial hemp.
The most commonly sold CBD product is CBD oil, however, the range of products containing CBD, ever-growing, includes food supplements, drinks, cosmetics and liquids for vaping.
There is no evidence suggesting that CBD is harmful to drivers. However, CBD does have some minimal side effects which may affect different people differently. Therefore the first time you take CBD, it is advisable not to drive. Drivers should take precautions as they would with any other supplement on medicine when taking CBD.
UK regulated CBD either contains very low amounts of THC (>0.2%) or none, so it should not show up on a drug test. Therefore it is unlikely that you will test positive on a drug test when consuming CBD oil.
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Disclaimer: Despite the general safety of CBD products, minimal side effects can occur, especially at first use. Contact your medical professional for advice.