The Rise of CBD in the UK
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of many compounds in the cannabis or hemp plant that has been linked to health benefits. It is legal to buy and sell in the UK and can be found in a range of products including oils, capsules and edible sweets. The number of regular CBD users is estimated to be around a quarter of a million in the UK and its use is on the rise, with claims that it can help with anxiety, sleep problems and chronic pain. However, the rapid growth in the market has attracted a number of “CBD cowboys” – opportunists who aren’t necessarily making accurate or responsible claims about the product, say experts.
Hemp plants contain high levels of cannabidiol but very little tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the psychoactive component that gets people high. In the UK, the plants used to make CBD oil are grown legally under strict controls and must have minimal or no THC content in order to be legal in the country. It is also possible to make CBD products without THC, which can be useful if you need to remain within the THC free limit to pass a drug screening test at work or for another reason.
Products containing CBD are available on the High Street and online in many different forms, from oils to be dropped under the tongue or sprayed onto the skin, to capsules, muscle gels and even food such as chocolate bars. A quick internet search will reveal a wide variety of claims about the health benefits of CBD, from alleviating anxiety and depression to improving skin conditions. However, most of these claims have not been proven in scientific trials and experts say that more evidence is needed before it can be recommended as a treatment.
The MHRA is the regulating body for products that can be ingested, such as CBD oils and supplements. It is advising consumers to check the labelling carefully and only purchase from reputable retailers to avoid purchasing unlicensed products. It is also important to know that CBD may interact with some medicines so it’s always best to talk to a specialist doctor first, especially if you are taking any other medication.
The MHRA is keeping an eye on the increasing number of products being sold and has contacted 180 stockists since 2016 over concerns about unauthorised health claims being made about CBD. A recent study blind-tested 30 products labelled as CBD from the High Street and online, and found that half had measurable amounts of THC, which means they would be illegal to sell in the UK. In addition, seven of the samples contained solvents above safe levels and just 38% had the amount of CBD advertised on the label. A full report is available here.CBD UK
