CBD has become a big seller in the UK and is readily available in pharmacies, health stores and department stores. It’s also been marketed as an ingredient in everything from hummus to cappuccinos and even perfume. It’s a versatile substance that can be taken in many ways and comes in oils to drop under the tongue, capsules, muscle gels, sprays and in e-liquids for vaping. But, with so much choice, how do you know what’s right for you?
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from the hemp plant. It is a natural plant extract that’s been used as a food supplement for thousands of years and has been embraced by the beauty industry due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be found in skincare products such as creams, face masks and haircare to treat dry skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boost your mood. It’s also been linked to improved sleep and reduced anxiety and is thought to help with the symptoms of mild depression.
It is completely legal to buy and use CBD in the UK as long as it contains no THC (less than 0.2%), is made from EU-approved industrial hemp, is labelled accurately and is marketed in full compliance with UK regulations. When choosing a CBD oil UK product it’s important to look for an approved supplier that adheres to these rules and has a high-quality premium product.
The choice of CBD products on the market is huge, with some being marketed as having therapeutic benefits for conditions such as pain relief, reducing anxiety and stress, or as a health aid to combat certain diseases like cancer or arthritis. However, it’s important to remember that the evidence supporting these claims is not yet strong enough. This means that you should consult your GP before trying any new supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medication.
In the UK, it’s important to note that current advice from the Food Standards Agency is that healthy adults should not take more than 70mg of a CBD product a day. This is because it may interact with some medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants and those metabolised by the P450 enzyme system. It is similar to the way grapefruit can interfere with some medications and you should always check your label before consuming any new product.
It’s also worth noting that the branded medicinal cannabis products that are available to NHS patients in England and Wales contain both THC and CBD. These medicines include Sativex, which is licensed to treat spasms and stiffness in multiple sclerosis, and Epidiolex, which has been approved to treat severe forms of childhood epilepsy. As a result, these medicines are subject to rigorous testing and safety assessments before being authorised for sale in the UK. This contrasts with the less regulated products available on the high street, which are more likely to be based on unsubstantiated claims and to be overpriced. This could be a result of the halo effect that CBD is enjoying as a ‘wellness’ substance, with some retailers using this to drive up prices while adding little new clinically proven value. CBD UK