CBD oil is used for a wide range of ailments, from pain relief to reducing anxiety. It has become increasingly popular in the alternative medicine world, thanks to changes in public opinion and the law. CBD products must meet specific standards to be bought and sold legally in the UK.
If you’re wondering whether you can buy CBD oil UK legally, we’ll explain all you need to know about using CBD products safely.
CBD’s Legal Status in the UK
As CBD isn’t intoxicating, it can be used legally in the UK. Although there are some stringent guidelines around CBD law:
- The product is legal in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. THC is the main compound in cannabis that produces the “high” sensation. As such, it’s a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
- The product is legal in the UK if it derives from a UK approved, industrial hemp strain.
Can You Buy CBD Oil in the UK?
There is an extensive range of CBD brands and products available in the UK. They include CBD oils, capsules, sprays, skincare, and more. The products are deemed safe to take as long as they meet the standards set by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
These standards include:
- The product should be advertised, sold, and supplied as medicine.
- A license has been issued to prove that the product meets quality, safety, and efficacy standards.
The standards provide regularity guidance to ensure that CBD products are safe for medicinal use. Note that they are not recommended for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when taking medication. If you want to start using CBD oil to manage or treat a condition, consider speaking to your doctor first.
How to Buy CBD Oil for A Reputable Producer?
CBD products commonly sold on the high street aren’t always authorised properly. If you want to buy CBD oil UK, it’s better to buy from a trusted website or pharmacy. Online shopping offers the benefit of a larger range of products and is generally cheaper.
Here are some ways you can tell whether an online CBD oil producer is authentic or not:
Check for Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specialist CBD producers will be able to provide you with a COA. This certificate proves that the product has been tested by an independent lab. You can also email the company and ask to see the relevant documentation.
The information may seem confusing at first, but you only need to focus on a few key factors:
Product Description Accuracy
Check that the CBD and THC concentrations on the COA match the product description. Inaccuracies with CBD products are common.
Cannabinoid Profile
If the product is full- or broad-spectrum, check the cannabinoids and other compounds list. It should include cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabigerol (CBG).
Other Lab Charts
Look at the pesticide and heavy metal analysis. You can determine whether a particular contaminate has been detected, and if so, whether the quantity is safe for ingestion. Ensure the status section on the charts says “pass.”
Check Out Their Website
A company’s website can verify its legitimacy. Look for obvious signs like:
- Lots of typos, spelling mistakes, and poor English. If the site appears to be trading as a UK-based company, it could be operating from overseas.
- Look for a UK address or landline number. These details are usually displayed at the bottom of the landing page. If not, check the terms and conditions or privacy policy.
- Check whether they’ve explained their manufacturing process. Details like how their products are sourced show dedication to quality.
- Look for a privacy policy and company history, for an idea of how long they’ve been operating.
- Look for refund and exchange policies.
- If you’re happy with the website, ensure you have a secure connection before entering your payment details. Look for the padlock sign and “https://” displayed at the start of the URL to indicate this.
Getting Your CBD Oil Legally
CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC can be used legally in the UK for medicinal purposes. There are a variety of product types available for internal and external use. When you’re ready to buy CBD oil UK, it’s important that the producer can provide a COA for the product. That way, you’ll know exactly what it contains. Also, make sure their website is well presented and answers all your questions.
Always consult your doctor before using a CBD product to treat or manage a condition, or if you’re taking medication.