CBD UK has gone mainstream, found in a range of products from oils to drop under the tongue and e-liquids to eat or vape. It’s legal as long as it doesn’t contain THC, the component that makes you high.
The sales of the compound have doubled in two years, with an estimated quarter of a million regular users. But claims that it eases pain and anxiety, insomnia and depression are unproven.
Legality
CBD products are gaining popularity in the UK high street and online. They are available as oils for under the tongue, tinctures, gel capsules and edibles. However, they are not always regulated or tested, and some have been found to contain controlled substances such as THC. The UK law only allows for over the counter CBD wellness products to be sold if they are not labelled as medicines, are not to be used in conjunction with medicinal cannabis and have less than 1mg of THC per container.
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, which contains more than 100 different cannabinoids. While marijuana is a class B drug, pure CBD does not cause the high that is associated with recreational use of the plant. It can, therefore, be sold legally as long as it is sourced from approved industrial hemp plants. CBD is now a health craze, and claims are being made that it eases pain, anxiety and depression.
Safety
CBD is a safe, natural compound with a number of perceived health benefits. It is also non-intoxicating and does not produce a high. It is gaining popularity in the UK as more people become aware of its potential for pain relief and anxiety. However, consumers must be careful when purchasing CBD products because some companies may make unsubstantiated claims.
The UK’s laws regarding the sale of CBD have changed since April 2021, and manufacturers must comply with new EU Novel Food regulations in order to sell their products. This applies to any tinctures, oils, capsules or edibles. The UK’s MHRA will be responsible for consumables, and they must make sure that the product contains no THC (which is a controlled substance) or other psychoactive cannabinoids.
Physicians on the GMC Specialist Register were more likely to agree that CBD could have therapeutic properties and reduce psychosis, but they were less likely to think it should be prescription only than nurses and ‘other staff with patient contact’. This could be because of a cannabis bias, or because they are thinking about the possibility that CBD will interact with drugs prescribed to patients.
Side effects
CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant and is legal to buy and sell in the UK. It has become a popular ingredient in high-street products like beer, tea, sweets and hummus and is also available as a spray or oil. It is important to choose a product that has been manufactured to a safe standard and tested for contaminants. Some products may contain heavy metals or other chemicals that could be harmful to health.
In addition, CBD may interact with certain medications, including benzodiazepine sedatives like Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) as well as some antidepressants, antibiotics, antifungals and immunosuppressants such as Sandimmune (cyclosporine). It may also reduce the effectiveness of morphine-based painkillers and increase side effects such as drowsiness.
Some products may contain traces of THC which can be detected in some drug tests. This is a problem for people who are required to take regular drug screenings for their job, such as the military or police service. In these cases, choosing a THC-free CBD product is essential.
Cost
CBD is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It is available as a health supplement and is found in high street stores like Holland & Barrett. It has also made its way into beer, tea and fizzy drinks from brands such as Goodrays and Trip.
Nevertheless, the quality of these products varies. Some contain little or no CBD. A recent YouGov poll revealed that the UK industry has poor standards. The industry must improve its product labelling, manufacturing and safety.
The cost of medical cannabis in the UK varies depending on the type of treatment you receive and the condition you suffer from. Typically, a THC and CBD prescription will cost you around PS150-PS250 per month. However, some conditions, such as severe epilepsy, require much higher doses. Therefore, it is important to consider the total cost of your treatment. This will help you plan your budget and make the most of your money. This will also help you choose the right medication for your condition.
