CBD Oil UK is the latest health craze and it’s available in oils, sprays, capsules and muscle gels. It’s claimed to ease pain, anxiety and sleep problems and it’s sold in high street shops and online.

But what is it and is it really safe? And what does the research say?

Legality

CBD has gained in popularity in the UK due to its ability to alleviate symptoms of many common health complaints such as backache and arthritis. However, it is important to understand the laws around CBD so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.

Products containing CBD are legal in the UK provided the THC limit is no more than 1mg per container. It is also legal to use ingested CBD oil produced from low-9th THC hemp under an industrial hemp licence (although farmers are required to destroy all controlled parts of the plant). In addition, CBD products are considered ‘novel foods’ under European Novel Food regulation and must be authorised by the FSA.

However, it is important to note that CBD cannot be legally prescribed by physicians unless they are on the UK’s General Medical Council Specialist Register and have been trained in the appropriate use of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis-based Products for Medicinal Use or CBPM). Those who wish to prescribe these products must have completed additional training and support from NHS England, including access to expert opinion and evidence.

In a recent study, it was found that 55% of respondents were unaware that CBD was already legal in the UK by prescription and that 46% wanted access to it for medical reasons in the future. Similarly, over 40% were unaware of the regulations which require over the counter CBD wellness products to conform to European Novel Foods regulation in order to remain legally on sale in the UK.

Benefits

CBD oil is increasingly being used as a health supplement and skin care product. It is believed to have therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety and pain. It is also thought to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, it can help to regulate oil production in the skin, improving hydration and elasticity. It is also reported to have anti-aging effects, by preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

The UK is seeing a boom in products containing CBD, with the majority of them containing only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana). This makes them legal in the UK as long as they do not make any unauthorised health claims and are not sold to people under the age of 18.

Supporters of CBD say it can ease a range of clinical conditions. These include refractory epilepsy, chronic pain and depression. It has been shown to improve sleep in those with insomnia, and may help to alleviate substance misuse disorders. There is even preclinical evidence that it can help extend life in those with an aggressive cancer called glioblastoma, although further research is needed.

There are also claims that CBD can help to treat menopausal symptoms in women. However, it is important to note that this is not proven and any positive effects could be due to the placebo effect.

Side effects

While CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the ‘high’ associated with marijuana. It has been shown to have psychoactive effects on humans, but these are mild and do not last long. CBD is also believed to reduce the symptoms of certain conditions, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It has been used to treat substance misuse disorders, and there is evidence that it can help with sleep problems in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It may also extend life in people with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumour.

A survey was conducted by the South West London and St George’s NHS Trust to understand the attitudes of mental health clinical staff towards CBD. The questionnaire asked questions relating to the therapeutic benefits, potential side effects, and how accessible it is to patients. The results of the survey showed that most professionals did not believe CBD had dangerous side effects, but a significant proportion were unaware that it was available in high street shops and were keen for it to be prescription only.

Physicians were more likely to believe that CBD had therapeutic properties, reduced psychosis, and lacked dangerous side effects than nurses and other staff with patient contact. This could be due to their training and expectations that they should have more knowledge about pharmacological substances, although it is possible that the physicians’ answers were influenced by hidden biases about cannabis.

Where to buy

CBD products are gaining popularity, and for good reason. They are said to help with everything from sleep disorders to anxiety and pain. Despite its connection to marijuana, hemp-derived CBD is legal and has not been found to be psychoactive.

But where do you buy CBD products? There are many online retailers that offer hemp-derived CBD oil and other products. Many of them also offer discounts and free shipping on their products. However, not all of them are created equal. You should look for a retailer that carries multiple brands and offers high-quality products at affordable prices.

In the UK, CBD oil is legal to buy and consume. This is because the UK law distinguishes between hemp and marijuana. Hemp is low in THC and high in CBD, while marijuana has a higher THC content and is therefore illegal to possess and sell.

The Food Standards Agency requires all companies that produce CBD products for consumption to submit a Novel Food Application by March 2021. This applies to all CBD products, including edible oils, capsules, drops and balms. However, the regulation does not apply to topical products such as CBD creams that do not come into contact with the bloodstream. This makes it very important to research the brand you are buying from before making a purchase.