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Is CBD oil legal in the UK?

on April 05, 2023

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. As the popularity of CBD oil continues to grow, people are becoming increasingly curious about its legality in the UK. In this article, we will explore the legal status of CBD oil in the UK and answer the question, "Is CBD oil legal in the UK?".

Is THC legal in the UK?

Before delving into the legality of CBD oil in the UK, it's essential to understand the legal status of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant, and it's responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis use.

In the UK, THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and it's illegal to produce, supply, or possess it unless it's for medicinal purposes. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is the primary legislation that governs drugs in the UK.

The act classifies drugs into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. THC is a Class B drug, while CBD is not classified as a controlled substance.

CBD oil is legal in the UK

CBD laws in the UK can be confusing, and it's essential to understand the conditions under which CBD oil is legal. CBD oil is not considered a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.

However, CBD oil that contains more than 0.2% THC is considered a controlled substance and is illegal to produce, supply, or possess in the UK. CBD oil is legal in the UK if it meets certain conditions. These conditions include:

1) The CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp

Industrial hemp is a strain of the cannabis plant that contains low levels of THC. It's often used for industrial purposes, such as the production of textiles and building materials. CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp is legal in the UK because it contains less than 0.2% THC.

2) The CBD oil contains less than 0.2% THC

CBD oil is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. This is because THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and any CBD oil that contains more than 0.2% THC is considered a controlled drug.

3) The CBD oil is marketed as a food supplement

CBD oil is often marketed as a food supplement, and this has been the primary reason for its legality in the UK. The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for regulating food supplements and has classified CBD as a "novel food."

4) The company selling the CBD oil has obtained authorisation from the FSA.

The FSA is responsible for regulating CBD oil in the UK. In 2019, the FSA set a deadline for CBD companies to provide more information about their products and their safety. The FSA also recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume CBD products.

For full information on Honey Heaven’s CBD products and how Honey Heaven CBD products complies with strict UK legislation view our CBD FAQs.

Selling CBD in the UK

Companies that wish to sell CBD oil in the UK must ensure that their products meet the above conditions. They must also ensure that their products are labelled correctly and do not make any medical claims.

Honey Heaven’s quality control programme is strict and detailed, meaning we test every batch of products. View our CBD Lab Certificates. We guarantee highest-quality hemp that is organically and ethically grown by experienced and licensed farmers on outdoor farms in Switzerland.

Wondering if you can get CBD oil on prescription? Read more in our comprehensive blog which includes details about buying CBD oil in the UK.

Which parts of the plant is it legal to extract from?

CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, and the legality of CBD oil depends on which parts of the plant it's derived from. CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp is legal in the UK, while oil extracted from other parts of the cannabis plant is illegal.

The Full Spectrum Organic CBD Virgin Hemp Supercritical C02 Extract Boosted with Pure CBD Distillate we use is grown mainly for the extraction of CBD from its aerial's parts (stalk, leaves and flowers).

Is CBD vape oil legal?

CBD oil can be vaped, but the legality of vaping CBD oil in the UK is the same as consuming it as a food supplement. The CBD oil must meet the same conditions as outlined above, and the company selling the product must have obtained authorisation from the FSA.

Extracted from the Cannabis Plant CBD oil can be extracted from different parts of the cannabis plant, including the flowers, leaves, and stalks. CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp is legal in the UK, while oil extracted from other parts of the cannabis plant is illegal.

Side Effects

CBD oil is generally considered safe, and most people tolerate it well. However, some people may experience side effects, such as dry mouth, dizziness and fatigue. Organic CBD oil can also interact with certain medications, so it's essential to speak to a healthcare professional before using it.

Read more in our blog What prescription drugs should not be taken with CBD oil.

When is CBD oil illegal in the UK?

CBD oil that does not meet the above conditions is illegal in the UK. This includes CBD oil that contains more than 0.2% THC or is marketed as a medicine. It's illegal to produce, supply or possess any CBD oil that does not meet the above conditions.

CBD oil that contains more than 0.2% THC is considered a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It's illegal to produce, supply, or possess any CBD oil that contains more than 0.2% THC unless it's for medicinal purposes.

In conclusion, CBD oil is legal in the UK if it meets certain conditions, including being extracted from industrial hemp, containing less than 0.2% THC, and being marketed as a food supplement.

Companies that wish to sell CBD oil in the UK must ensure that their products meet these conditions and obtain authorisation from the FSA. It's also essential to note that CBD oil that does not meet these conditions is illegal in the UK and can result in legal penalties.

It's crucial to understand the CBD laws in the UK and to speak to a healthcare professional before using CBD oil for any medical conditions. 

To shop our full selection of CBD check out our products including out CBD infused Gummies, CBD infused Balm and delicious CBD Honey

DISCLAIMER:

Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This disclaimer provides that all medical information is merely information – not advice. If users need medical advice, they should consult a doctor or other appropriate medical professional. The disclaimer also provides that no warranties are given in relation to the medical information supplied on the website, and that no liability will accrue to the website owner in the event that a user suffers loss as a result of reliance upon the information.

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