While sales of CBD products continue to increase in popularity, some are still unsure of the rules surrounding the use of them. In this article, we’ll look at the CBD laws in the UK in 2022.
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The sale and use of cannabis is one of the most common drug offences in the UK and, because of confusion surrounding CBD products, many people avoid buying these for fear of getting into trouble with the law.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the CBD laws in the UK in 2022 and what they mean for you as a consumer.
What is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is a substance which is extracted from the cannabis plant to create products such as oils and edibles. Although CBD is a derivative of the cannabis plant, an important difference is that, with CBD products, most of the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – the part that produces the ‘high’ with cannabis has been removed.
CBD products are widely used for medicinal purposes as a great many studies show that they can alleviate the symptoms of a number of illnesses and conditions including arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, COPD and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
What Are the CBD Laws in the UK?
The manufacture and sale of CBD products in the UK is regulated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which is responsible for ensuring that products sold are safe for consumption. The following section highlights the laws in the UK for the manufacture and sale of CBD and cannabis.
Buying CBD Products
Since legislation was passed in 2018, It has been legal to buy CBD products in the UK provided that they contain less than 0.2% THC and have been approved by the FSA. CBD products such as oils and gummies are sold widely from a number of outlets including health stores and online.
As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to only purchase these products from a reputable store to ensure that you are buying a quality product which adheres to UK laws.
Selling CBD Products
In the UK, vendors are permitted to sell CBD products as long as those products have been approved by the FSA. For the most part, this will involve vendors buying the products from a trusted source to be then sold onto their clients.
Manufacturing CBD Products
As we’ve mentioned, CBD is derived from the cannabis plant which, as a Class B drug, is strictly regulated in the UK. For this reason, it is illegal to grow cannabis or help in the UK unless you have applied for and received a license from the UK Home Office.
Such licenses may be granted to either a licensed medical distributor or those looking to create CBD products for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Getting CBD Products from a Medical Professional
At this time, GPs in the UK do not prescribe CBD products to patients for any reason. However, some specialist medical professionals may prescribe these products in some specific circumstances. Reasons could include relieving nausea in a patient who is undergoing chemotherapy or, helping to control seizures caused by conditions such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
These products will generally only be prescribed if no other treatment has proved to be effective for the patient.
Buying and Selling Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that, when ingested, produces a high. Cannabis is created by growing cannabis plants and then harvesting the buds from the cannabis plant and drying them. The buds are then either smoked like a roll-up cigarette or used to make edibles.
As a Class B drug, the growing (without a license), selling and buying of cannabis is strictly illegal in the UK and can result in a hefty penalty if caught. Those buying cannabis for their own use (known as possession) may be subject to a fine or, in some cases, a prison sentence of up to five years.
Those selling or dealing cannabis (known as possession with intent to supply) can face a large fine or a prison sentence of up to 14 years. It is thought that one in seven of all known offenders in the UK were arrested for the offence of either possession of cannabis or possession with intent to supply.
While some may see cannabis as a ‘soft drug’, the law does not agree so knowing the difference between CBD and cannabis products is extremely important. If in doubt, only buy CBD products from a store that you trust, such as the Holland & Barrett health food stores.
Staying Safe With CBD…
When used properly, CBD products can really help to ease the symptoms of a number of common ailments. While it is legal to buy these products, it’s vital that you only buy them from a reputable source and that you always read the manufacturer’s instructions as failing to do so can result in some unpleasant side effects including diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth and breathing issues.
Should you experience any ill effects after using CBD products, you should immediately seek medical help as, while usually harmless, some users can experience adverse effects if allergic or when exceeding the recommended dosage.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained medical professional. Be sure to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice and the use of CBD products. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.