100% legal and safe to use
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil the hot new product in the health and wellness world but is it legal? Yes, it is both 100% legal and safe to use.
Cannabidiol is a natural extract obtained from the flowers of the hemp plant, it is one of 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While almost all cannabinoids are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act, CBD is not.
Hemp is a breed of cannabis plant that does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the component that gets people high - but is rich in cannabidiol. Due to the fact that CBD oil has less than 0.2% of the psychoactive THC, it is legal in the UK.
It is important not to get CBD oil confused with cannabis oil - cannabis oil itself is illegal to possess, supply or use!
CBD oil has been recognised for it's medicinal properties
Momentum is gaining on idea that CBD oil has medicinal properties, including relieving inflammation, pain relief and reducing anxiety. However while there have been some studies highlighting the benefits of CBD, researchers suggest more clinical trials are needed.
To date research has argued that CBD can:
- reduce pain
- help reduce side effects to chemotherapy in cancer patients
- reduce muscle spasms
- help reduce ocular pressure in glaucoma patients
- lower blood pressure
- relieve symptoms of asthma, constipation, depression, epilepsy and insomnia
In 2016, due to scientific studies into its use, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which licenses medicines in the UK, officially recognised products containing cannabidiol (CBD) that are used for medicinal purposes, as medicinal. In it's statement it said:
“Medicinal products must have a product licence (marketing authorisation) before they can be legally sold, supplied or advertised in the UK, unless exempt. Licensed medicinal products have to meet safety, quality and efficacy standards to protect public health.”
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.