CBD Oil UK products are all the rage right now but it’s important to do your research before buying. These products may interact with some prescribed medications so always patch test and talk to your GP first.
Pure CBD is not illegal, but the cannabis plant which it comes from is class B and requires a controlled drug licence to grow. However, CBD extracted from the plant can be legally sold on the high street.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is the latest health craze making waves in the wellness world, with people claiming it can help with everything from sleep problems to anxiety. But what exactly is it? And how does it work its magic?
Cannabidiol is one of 104 chemical compounds found in the cannabis (marijuana) sativa plant and is different from the psychoactive component of marijuana known as THC. Unlike cannabis, pure CBD doesn’t cause a high and isn’t illegal to possess or use in the UK. It is used legally as a medicine for certain conditions, including rare seizure disorders, by prescription only.
Research suggests that CBD may ease anxiety and promote sleep, as well as reduce inflammation in the body and increase blood flow, which could have a positive impact on heart health. However, the evidence for these uses is limited and more research is needed.
The oil that is sold in shops contains a mixture of hemp paste (leaves and flowers), a carrier oil and an emulsifier which is usually another type of oil. The ratios vary, with some products containing more CBD than others. The best way to know how much you’re getting is to check the label, as recommended daily doses are often given – e.g. 3 drops per day – and you can convert this into mg by multiplying the number of drops by the amount of CBD they contain.
How does it work?
CBD is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant, which is illegal for people to possess under UK law, along with its intoxicating chemical THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, pure CBD does not cause the high associated with cannabis and can be bought legally in the UK as an oil or capsule.
There are a number of medical studies into the benefits of CBD. For example, it has been shown to reduce seizures in some patients with severe epilepsy such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome which do not respond to traditional anti seizure medications. It has also been found to reduce pain from arthritis and help sleep problems such as insomnia. It is thought that this may be due to the ability of CBD to modulate neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine which are involved in mood and pain regulation.
CBD is currently legal to buy without prescription in the UK and is available from a number of high street stores in the form of oils, capsules, muscle gels and sprays. These products are tested for the presence of THC and should contain less than 0.2% which will not trigger a positive drug test. However, it is possible that if you use CBD which has higher levels of THC, then you could be at risk of failing a workplace drug test. This is especially the case if your employer has a zero tolerance policy to cannabis use.
Is it safe?
CBD is safe to use as long as you are not allergic to it or taking other medications that may interact with it. It’s important to speak with a doctor to find out the right dosage for you.
Oils can be taken by syringe or dropper, or as a spray, capsule, or in the form of a topical cream. They are often taken daily. The best quality CBD oils will be third party tested for purity and potency.
Research shows that CBD can help reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, improve sleep in people who have insomnia, and alleviate pain from arthritis or chronic back pain. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
But despite these claims, few clinical trials have been carried out. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently assessing a drug called Epidiolex to see if it should be licensed for the treatment of two severe forms of epilepsy – Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome – which do not respond to conventional antiepileptics.
In the meantime, private doctors on the General Medical Council’s specialist register can legally prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use. They must follow a multidisciplinary team discussion and have evidence of the condition to qualify for this. A list of products that have been authorised for sale on the NHS is available here.
Where can I buy CBD oil?
CBD products can be purchased online or in stores, but you should always check the label before purchasing. You should also look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on the company’s website to ensure that the product has been tested to meet certain standards. A COA will detail the concentration of the different cannabinoids in a product, as well as any potential contaminants like heavy metals or residual solvents.
The Food Standards Agency requires all companies that sell consumable CBD products to have a Novel Food Application approved by 31st March 2021. This is a requirement for any edibles, oils, tinctures and supplements. However, this does not affect topical products such as the KLORIS CBD Balm, which is regulated by cosmetics regulations and doesn’t need to comply with Novel Food rules.
For those with sleep disorders or anxiety, CBD oil is a natural solution that helps promote relaxation and alleviates symptoms of pain without the psychoactive effects of THC. With the right CBD product, you can enjoy a full night’s rest and get the energy you need to face each day.