Over the counter CBD UK wellness products are now available in the UK. However, in April 2021 regulations were amended meaning that these products must conform to European Novel Foods Regulations.
Participants from various healthcare professions were asked to respond to a series of statements regarding their beliefs and attitudes towards CBD. The results suggest that non-physician staff could benefit from further training and awareness on CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid that’s found in the cannabis plant and has medicinal properties. It’s non-psychoactive and won’t get you high like THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana). It can be found in different forms in a wide range of products such as oil tinctures, capsules, gummies and even topical creams and oils. CBD has been shown to offer many health benefits such as alleviation of pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
CBD can be derived from both hemp and cannabis plants, but the most common and popular form of CBD is a concentrated oil that’s usually found in capsules, gummies or oils/sprays. Aside from this, CBD can also be found in other products such as e-liquids, vape juices and even food like drinks, biscuits or chocolate bars.
CBD products that are legally available in the UK must be sold as a food supplement and make authorised health claims to be legal. Currently, CBD is only permitted to be advertised and sold in the UK if it has a THC level of less than 0.2%. It must also be from EU sources and meet the Novel Food regulations. This is why it’s important to only purchase CBD products from brands that have submitted their Novel Food dossiers — like Love Hemp, Vitality CBD or Provacan. Purchasing CBD products that aren’t compliant could lead to customs seizing your products at the border.
Is CBD legal in the UK?
The UK CBD market is growing rapidly, but the laws surrounding it are still changing. As such, there is a lot of confusion about how legal and safe it really is to buy and use CBD products in the UK. This guide will explain the law, dispel some myths, and help you find effective CBD products for people and pets alike.
In the UK, CBD oil and other cannabis extracts are legal as long as they contain no more than 1mg of THC per serving. It is also possible to get a medical cannabis prescription through the NHS if you have a condition that can be treated with it.
CBD oil tinctures and topical creams can be bought legally on the high street or online. They must be labelled accurately and have lab reports to prove their content of cannabinoids including THC and CBD. This is why it’s important to choose a reputable brand that will be happy to show you all the relevant lab reports for their products.
CBD products for animals are only legal to sell in the UK if they have received Novel Food authorisation from the FSA, contain no more than 1mg of THC and are sold for veterinary purposes. CBD pet oils & sprays, capsules, gummies and edibles can only be bought as long as they meet these requirements. This is because CBD pet products are considered a medicine by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Is CBD for pets legal in the UK?
CBD and pets are a hot topic of conversation for many pet owners, but it is important to understand the current laws and regulations regarding CBD for your furry friend before you start giving them CBD. CBD products are regulated as medicines in the UK and should only be given to pets by a vet on prescription.
CBD products that are marketed as pet foods or supplements cannot contain THC and must comply with EU legislation. This means that you can’t find high-THC CBD products that are legal for use in the UK. In addition, there is limited research on how CBD might interact with other medications your pet may be taking. This can include prescription medications, OTC drugs or herbal remedies.
As a result, CBD products that are marketed specifically for pets must be regulated as medicinal products by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). This means that a vet must have a prescription from you before they can give your dog or cat a product containing CBD.
There are a few ways that you can administer CBD to your pet. You can apply CBD oil topically to their skin, or you can give them a CBD tincture that is administered orally. These products can be dropped directly onto your pet’s tongue or added to their food and water. However, there is a risk of overdosing on CBD so we recommend that you speak with your veterinarian before you give your pet any product containing cannabidiol.
Can I bring CBD on a plane?
Flights can trigger a mix of emotions, from excitement for your destination to anxiety about the length and safety of your journey. Plus, long periods of sitting down can cause stiffness and pain in your back, legs, and joints. CBD products can ease these airplane-related discomforts, and help you feel relaxed and rested for your arrival.
However, while CBD products that meet UK legal standards can be brought on board a plane, you must check the laws of your destination country to ensure your product is safe and complying with local regulations. This is particularly important if you’re traveling to countries that do not allow the entry of cannabis or its derivatives.
In most cases, CBD that is derived from hemp plants with a THC content of no more than 0.3% will be allowed to travel internationally. You can also choose to purchase a broad-spectrum CBD product, which contains all of the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant except for THC. Broad-spectrum CBD is legal in the UK, but it may be subject to stricter checks at airports and customs.
If you’re considering purchasing a CBD vape pen, it is recommended that you carry it in your hand luggage rather than checking it in. This is because the batteries of these devices have been known to catch fire during flights, posing a potential safety hazard for other passengers and crew members.