CBD Oil UK is a popular natural supplement that can be used in many different ways. However, there are some important things to consider before you try it.

Consumer CBD products available in the UK and internationally over the internet and from health food stores may contain either CBD alone in varying strengths or controlled phytocannabinoids including 9-THC. An inter laboratory comparison trial (referred to as a ring test) in early 2021 found that laboratories can detect 5 mg of 9-THC in consumer CBD products.

Cannabidiol

CBD is an increasingly popular drug that has a wide variety of health benefits. It’s a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that acts throughout the body, including on certain parts of the brain. Unlike the psychoactive component of marijuana, THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not make people high. It can be consumed as a food supplement or as an oil that can be rubbed onto the skin.

It has also been shown to decrease PTSD symptoms in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and improve self-perceived quality of life and depression in people with fibromyalgia. In addition, it may reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Products containing CBD can be prescribed for specific indication by physicians on the GMC’s specialist register. However, this can be challenging to implement due to limited evidence and perceived risks. However, three well-vetted studies indicate that CBD may be of benefit in reducing seizures in people with epilepsy.

Cannabinoids

CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, among others. It is also thought to have antidepressant and pain-killing effects. In addition, it has been found to increase the speed of nerve impulse transmission in the brain. It is also believed to have antineoplastic properties, which means that it inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Studies suggest that CBD can reduce the spasticity caused by MS and spinal cord injury. However, these studies are at high risk of bias and have a small sample size.

Despite the fact that CBD is available without prescription, it is still controversial in the UK. The survey found that a significant proportion of clinical staff had little or no knowledge about its availability or potential benefits. Moreover, some of them expressed concern that patients may be self-medicating with CBD and are at risk of developing a psychotic reaction. Other concerns included the danger of dangerous side effects and the need for CBD to be prescription only. These findings suggest that mental health clinical staff need more training about the use of CBD.

THC

CBD products without a psychoactive ingredient like THC can be sold legally on the high street and online. However, it’s important to understand how the strength of your product is measured. Many CBD oils sold in Holland & Barrett and other health shops contain up to 5% of the compound, which can alleviate mild mental health problems. Other oils available online have a higher concentration of the compound, with some as high as 20% (Charlotte’s Web) and have been linked to treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia and pain.

Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) containing THC are legal in the UK under strict regulations. They can only be supplied on prescription or by a clinician listed on the General Medical Council’s specialist register. They must be supplied as part of a clinical trial or a medicinal product licence application.

Research has shown that combining THC and CBD is an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis spasticity. It’s also an effective treatment for neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage. CBD and THC are also being investigated as treatments for alcohol addiction, although more research is needed.

Legality

Although CBD has many therapeutic properties, it is not considered a medicine by the UK’s medicines authority, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Only two specific cannabis-based drugs are available on prescription, but these have very specific uses and only benefit a small number of patients. Other products that claim to be medical cannabis are illegal in the UK, and their quality is unknown.

Some CBD oils sold in Holland & Barrett and other health stores contain up to 5% CBD, but these are labelled as food supplements not medicinal. A few other high-profile brands have higher concentrations – such as Charlotte’s Web, which contains 20% CBD – and are marketed with claims of alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and depression.

The CBD used in consumer products is extracted from the Cannabis plant to form a product called ‘CBD isolate’ which can have different levels of controlled phytocannabinoids depending on the extraction process and the quality of the plant (and also on the genetics) used to grow it. Trying to set a maximum level for the CBD content of all consumer products would be costly and difficult, especially in oils and sprays where the extractable phytocannabinoids might be spread across a wide range of volumetric fractions.

Safety

CBD is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives cannabis users the “high” feeling. CBD is non-psychoactive and has been found to be useful in helping people with a variety of health conditions. For instance, it may relieve pain from chronic diseases and improve sleep. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with substance misuse problems. In addition, it may help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.

Although CBD oil is not considered a controlled substance, it’s important to speak with your doctor before trying it. It can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to understand how it works before taking it.

It is also important to note that many products in shops such as Holland & Barrett are classed as food supplements and not medicine. This means they have not been formally tested for safety and could contain insufficient levels of CBD to be effective. However, some products are moving through the novel foods process and may be authorised for sale in the future. These products would be expected to have been assessed for safety by the MHRA.