CBD has gained huge popularity in the UK for its alleged wellbeing benefits. While it’s still not fully legal, it’s widely available in high street shops in the form of e-liquids and balms. It is also a component of the medicinal drug Epidiolex, which treats seizures in children with epilepsy.
Legality
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant. It does not have the psychoactive properties of THC, which is why it can be legally sold in the UK without a prescription. However, there are a number of laws that govern the use of this compound.
It is recommended that you purchase your CBD products from a reputable brand that has independently verified its CBD content to ensure quality and compliance with UK regulation. This will also help to reduce the risk of side effects.
It is legal to sell and consume CBD supplements in the UK as long as they are correctly labelled and do not claim to have any medical benefits. It is illegal to sell CBD products containing THC, which is the component of the cannabis plant that gets you high. However, CBD products such as oils and gummies that have been labelled as food are legal to buy in the UK provided they contain less than 0.2% THC and are regulated as novel foods.
Types
A range of CBD products are available, and each type has a specific set of benefits. Most are easy to use, with tinctures and capsules that can be taken in various amounts. Some are even preloaded into a syringe to make it easier to get a precise dose.
Those looking for a more potent product may opt for a CBD oil spray. This usually contains a blend of hemp extract, carrier oils, and beeswax. It can also contain other beneficial plant compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. It can be sprayed under the tongue or ingested directly with a spoon.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates many processes in the body, including hormone production, mood, and appetite. It also controls how much energy is used by cells. However, the exact way it works is not fully understood. CBD helps by encouraging the ECS to work better. The results can be seen in the form of a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and nausea.
Safety
CBD is legal to buy and use in the UK, as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. However, it must not be promoted as a medicine or claim to cure any specific medical conditions. Products that contain more than 0.2% THC are classified as marijuana derivatives and can only be sold by licensed producers. It is also important to know that CBD may interact with some medications. It binds to the same enzymes that break down many prescribed drugs, and can increase their concentration in the bloodstream.
The survey results showed that Consultant physicians and SAS were more likely to agree that CBD has therapeutic properties, lower risk of psychosis, and lack dangerous side effects than nurses and other staff with patient contact. However, they were also more likely to agree that CBD should be prescription only than other groups. This could be because they had a hidden cannabis bias, or because they were concerned about the potential for misuse of the drug.
Cost
CBD products are available in the UK as over-the-counter wellness supplements and are marketed to improve concentration, ease anxiety and reduce pain. These products are not regulated, and there is limited scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
A recent study found that CBD can help alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It is manufactured in the UK by GW Pharmaceuticals as Sativex, a mouth spray that may improve muscle stiffness and spasticity. The drug also treats seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy.
CBD can be purchased at a range of price points and is available in different forms. It is recommended to start with a small dose and increase gradually until the desired effects are achieved. It is also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that any CBD products do not interact negatively with existing medications. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors that help maintain vital functions throughout the body, including sleep, appetite, pain and immune response.CBD UK