Can You Buy CBD Oil Legally in the UK?

Before buying anything that has suspicious roots (at least for inexperienced people), it’s good to make sure that the items are legal in the UK.

CBD products available in the United Kingdom should meet specific criteria to be allowed for legal sales. Read down below to find out what this criterion is and to what extent buying CBD oil is permitted in the UK.

When was CBD oil legalised in the UK?

Back in 2016, the MHRA released a statement saying that products which contain CBD can be classified as medicine if used for medicinal purposes.

Of course, to do so, CBD products must have a license. Licensing ensures that all available CBD products meet safety and quality standards and ensures CBD oil UK products are safe for consumption among people.

Apart from the safety standards, there are other criteria that have to be met before a CBD product is available for regular consumption.

Unfortunately, some CBD oil products aren’t always adequately authorised, so make sure you always buy from trusted sources and pharmacies.

In the UK, CBD oil shouldn’t contain more than 0.2% THC (the compound that gives you the ‘high’ feeling) to be considered legal. Although both CBD and THC are extracted from the same plant, CBD oil should have minimal THC and not have profound effects.

If you are interested in taking CBD oil to treat or manage some medical conditions, always talk about this with your GP. Also, always read the label of the CBD product and remember:

CBD is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medication.

Am I allowed to buy and take CBD oil in the UK?

According to the Food Standards Agency, people shouldn’t be taking more than 70mg of CBD per day, unless their doctor has advised them otherwise.

So, in short, you’re allowed to buy and take CBD oil in the UK but always read the label and ensure you are taking the right dose.

Novel Food

Food that hasn’t been available in the UK (or EU) citizens prior to May 1997 is called ‘novel food’.

This is because they are new and don’t really have a ‘history of consumption’. As such, the Food Standards Agency are responsible for ensuring that they are safe to eat/drink.

Novel foods can include:

• New probiotic bacteria found in yoghurts
• Non-native UK/EU foods like chia seeds
• Foods made in new ways or processes

Each new food undergoes safety checks before it is released to the public market in the UK. CBD has also gone through this process and is being regulated to ensure its safe consumption.

CBD oil as a ‘Novel Food’

Most recently, CBD oil (and other products) has been added to the Novel Foods list. This list doesn’t impact the legality of a product, but it is a way for authorities to monitor and make decisions about novel foods and their safety.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is perfectly legal to buy CBD oil in the UK (as long as you keep to the standards). It is a well monitored and regulated product and can be used without any issues.

We recommend that you consult your doctor before using it, but there should be no legal issues pertaining to CBD oil use in the UK.

Author Bio:

Kornelija Dedelaite is a writer and researcher who lives in London. She is working for Pearl Lemon.  When she is not writing, she can be found clutching onto her camera or planning her next big trip abroad.