Is CBD Legal In The UK?

In recent years, the CBD market in the UK has grown at an enormous rate. More and more people are using CBD, and for the most part it’s widely known that CBD is legal within the UK. However, some people are still confused and it’s easy to see why. Many people assume CBD is illegal due to its association with cannabis, and there are intricacies surrounding its legality which some people don’t fully understand.

We regularly get asked whether CBD is legal in the UK, so this post will aim to provide you with all the information you need to know to answer that question. But first, before we look into its legality, it will be useful to first define what CBD is and what it isn’t.

What Is CBD?

CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 different cannabinoids within the cannabis sativa plant. A cannabinoid is purely a chemical compound which acts upon the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. CBD should not be confused for the THC cannabinoid, as unlike THC, CBD is legal and non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause users to experience a high. Due to it being a relatively new industry, the studies carried out have been minimal in relation to other pharmaceutical drugs or well being products. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, it purely means scientists don’t know the full extent of its benefits. Users typically experience a feeling of relaxation and calm when using CBD, and many people choose to take it to help with anxiety, depression, acne, joint pain and sleep. 

Is CBD Legal In The UK

Yes, CBD is legal in the UK so long as its THC content is less than 0.2%. As we mentioned previously, THC is the illegal and psychoactive substance within the cannabis plant. It causes the user to experience a high, whilst it is also extremely addictive and can lead to hallucinations. As a result, UK drug laws attempt to ensure that only miniscule levels of THC can be found within CBD products, which is not enough to cause any adverse effects. Many products in the UK will be accompanied by a lab report in order to prove they meet the legal THC amount required, whilst also giving customers the satisfaction that the product they are buying is both safe and legal.

As well as the above regulations, CBD products in the UK should be sold and marketed as a food supplement and they should not claim to cure, diagnose or treat any medical conditions.

Does CBD Get You High?

CBD does not get the user high. This is a false assumption which comes from CBD’s association with cannabis. The substance that causes the user to experience a high within cannabis is THC. As we have mentioned, in order for CBD products to be legal they must contain less than 0.2% THC. This amount of THC is minimal and nowhere near enough in order for a user to experience a high. CBD itself is non-psychoactive and non-addictive, so it should not be mistaken for THC. 

Is CBD Safe?

Yes, CBD products are completely safe. In order to give you the peace of mind that the products you are consuming are safe, many brands will provide a lab report that details exactly what is within the product.

CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive, and there have been no reported deaths as a result of someone taking CBD. It is virtually impossible to overdose on CBD, and you would need an enormous amount in order to do so.

Many people assume CBD is unsafe as it can contain small amounts of THC. Firstly, if you are worried you can buy products which are guaranteed to contain zero THC. However, with such small levels of THC (less than 0.2%), this represents no danger to users. It is not enough to cause a high or any other negative effects associated with THC.

2020 FSA Clamp Down On Regulation

In recent announcements the Food Standard Agency (FSA) has issued a deadline of 31st March 2021 across the CBD industry. By this time, all CBD companies must have entered a novel food application. After March 2021, only products accompanied by this application will be authorised to remain on the market.

Currently, CBD products in the UK are readily available but not properly authorised. These measures issued by the FSA are designed to regulate the CBD industry, making them provide more information about the safety and contents of the products they sell, which will ultimately increase consumer trust into the CBD market.

What’s The Final Verdict?

You should now be aware that CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC in order to be legal in the UK, and they must also be classified as a food supplement and make no claims about curing or preventing any medical conditions. You should remember that these laws can and will change in the future, and so it is important you keep up with the laws to look out for any changes in CBD legislation.

Whilst there are a large number of reputable brands within the CBD industry, many of which we stock here at The CBD Planet UK, there are still a handful of brands looking to profit from the popularity of CBD and its lack of regulation. It’s important to only shop from reputable brands and make sure you check out the lab report in order to determine high quality products from those which are of lower quality.