The Latest Health Craze to Hit the High Street

CBD UK (cannabidiol) is a chemical that’s extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cause the intoxicating effect of cannabis.

CBD oils & sprays, pastes and capsules are legal in the UK if they meet 3 criteria: they’re not sold as medicine, contain less than 1mg of THC, THCV or CBN per product, and these cannabinoids cannot be easily separated from the oil.

Is CBD legal in the UK?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid which interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, helping to maintain balance. It is not psychoactive or addictive. You can buy CBD products on the high street, including a range of oils and vape liquids, capsules, balms, teas and cosmetics.

It is legal to sell CBD-containing products in the UK as long as they meet certain stipulations. All products must be clearly labelled, contain less than 1mg THC per product and have been produced legally. They must also have received Novel Foods authorisation from the FSA in order to remain on sale as of 2021.

The majority of current CBD over the counter wellness products will require Novel Foods validation in order to continue to be sold, including oil and sprays, paste, capsules and gummies. However, hemp tea does not require Novel Foods approval to remain on sale and remains a legal and safe option for the public.

It is illegal to grow cannabis, buy, sell or possess cannabis in the UK unless you have a medical marijuana prescription from a doctor on the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC). This is only available for a small number of conditions.

Is CBD flower legal in the UK?

CBD flower is a part of the cannabis or hemp plant that contains high amounts of CBD and low THC. It is typically smoked to be consumed, but it can also be used in the creation of products like oils, tinctures, topicals and more. Unfortunately, CBD flower is not legal in the UK as it comes from a prohibited part of the hemp plant (leaves and flowers) which means that it could be considered a Class B drug if it has more than 0.2% THC.

As a result, the majority of CBD flowers are sold illegally in the UK. It is therefore important to only purchase regulated CBD products in order to avoid any legal issues. The best way to do this is by only purchasing products that have 3rd party lab tests and Novel Food authorisation from the MHRA. This will ensure that the product meets the strict MHRA requirements for safety, quality and efficacy. This will also help to ensure that the product can be legally imported and sold in the UK.

Is CBD for pets legal in the UK?

Pet owners have long been using CBD products to enhance their pets’ quality of life. CBD works in the same way that it does in humans, by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce balancing and anti-inflammatory effects.

While there are no regulated CBD products designed specifically for pets in the UK, vets can prescribe legal ‘human’ CBD products for your pet if they think it would help them. However, it is important to speak with your vet first and use the product according to their instructions.

CBD tinctures are easy to administer, and can be dropped directly onto the tongue or into food and drinks. These can be especially helpful for dogs with finicky appetites or who cannot tolerate pills.

Other CBD products include pet toys and edibles such as gummies or capsules. These are typically made from CBD isolate and do not contain any THC. This means they comply with Novel Foods guidelines. However, as of 2021, it is illegal for companies to sell any CBD gummies or other edibles without Novel Foods authorisation in the UK.

Is CBD e-liquid legal in the UK?

CBD e liquid is the latest health craze to hit the high street, with claims that it can help alleviate everything from anxiety and depression to chronic pain. CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is extracted from the cannabis plant and unlike its psychoactive relative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not cause any intoxicating effects.

CBD is legal to use in the UK as long as it has THC levels below 0.2%. It can be added to e-liquids and vape products, which are then consumed by users who inhale the liquid through a vape device. Vaping offers a quick and easy way to access the benefits of CBD and can be safer than smoking as it does not require burning any plant material, which releases carcinogens.

CBD oils & sprays, CBD paste, CBD capsules and CBD gummies can be purchased legally in the UK as they have received Novel Food authorisation from the FSA. Any CBD products that do not meet these criteria will have to be removed from sale.

Is hemp tea legal in the UK?

CBD oil, tinctures and capsules are legally obtainable in the UK as long as they adhere to the Novel Food regulations set by the FSA. Typically, these foods are made from the inflorescences of the hemp plant, which is low in THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis).

Full-spectrum CBD products must have Novel Foods authorisation to be sold as they may contain up to 1mg THC. They must also comply with the MHRA regulations to be considered medicines and can only be prescribed by the NHS in limited cases.

As of June 2023, it’s safe to say that hemp flower is legal in the UK, but it is not fully legalised. This would require a change to the law to make it legal for all consumers, whereas decriminalisation is a more gradual process that does not affect current laws. As such, it is important to choose a quality product with a high THC content of less than 0.2%. It is also important to remember that it’s illegal to smoke cannabis, whether you have a prescription or not.