UK CBD Oil is a growing trend, with an estimated quarter of a million people now using it to treat a range of conditions. However, many of the products on offer can be expensive, and it’s easy to be confused by all the hype. So we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what it is, what it does and how to use it safely.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is an active compound found naturally in cannabis plants, notably hemp. Unlike the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives you a high, CBD is non-intoxicating and can help to alleviate stress, anxiety and chronic pain.
The CBD you find in shops on the high street is often lower quality and much lower in potency than that used in clinical trials, which is why Trading Standards has contacted 180 stockists since 2016 over concerns about their claims. It’s also important to bear in mind that the amount of CBD you need will depend on your own individual circumstances, so start with a low dose and work your way up.
What are the best CBD oils?
There are a number of different types of CBD oil on the market, depending on the strength and flavour. There are CBD isolate oils, full-spectrum oils and tinctures that contain a combination of all the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant.
These include cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Some are also made with a variety of other natural extracts, such as flavonoids or terpenes.
A good CBD oil should taste nice, be free from any flavours or toxins and have a high potency. It should also be free of preservatives and other additives, and should be packaged in a resealable bottle to keep it fresh.
Some of the best CBD oils in the UK are available from brands who are committed to ethical and sustainable production. One such brand is BioBloom, which uses a special extraction process to produce CBD oils that are rich in the hemp-derived cannabinoids CBD and CBG.
Another excellent CBD product is Love Hemp, which offers a range of hemp-based oils with varying levels of potency. The brand also has a variety of tinctures and capsules.
This CBD oil from a company with a social conscience is made from organic hemp grown in Austria and offers an all-round range of benefits. Our testers found it effective for managing pain, improving mood and reducing anxiety.
The company also offers a range of other hemp-based products, such as hemp protein powder and hemp seeds. Its products are certified organic and come with full lab reports.
It is illegal for a CBD product to claim it has health benefits without being licensed by the European Medicines Agency, so make sure to read labels carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Legality in the UK
It is legal to sell CBD products in the UK so long as they meet certain guidelines and are made in accordance with a licence issued by the Food Standards Agency. This means they have to be regulated as a “novel food” and are subject to the same rules as any other food or drink. The law requires a brand to apply for and receive Novel Food Authorisation before it can sell its product in the UK. This takes significant time and resource, and brands will be required to prove their CBD is of a high-quality and is safe for you to consume. Best CBD for Sleep UK