In short, Yes. Although, one of the major issues around CBD Oil is the misunderstanding and its mis-connection to other compounds such as the psychoactive THC.
So in order to answer the question and clear up confusion on Is CBD Legal In The UK? We need to outline what it actually is and how it differs from its relatives.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a trending ingredient the natural products industry…Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t have a strong effect on cognitive brain activity and doesn’t cause the “high” associated with marijuana.
So, THC and CBD come from the same place, however have different effects. Which would suggest they have different legal strains. However as we’ve mentioned at the start, there is a taboo/confusion around how we associate CBD Oil with it’s ‘cousin’ THC. This then falls back on how we associate both THC and CBD with Cannabis – which, although both are connected, the legal system applies differently.
Is THC Legal In The UK?
Another short answer is no. Despite the fact THC comes from the same place as CBD it has significantly different effects. One of these being the ‘high’ feeling alongside the addictive trait it carries means that it is deemed illegal in the UK. So that still begs the question, Why is CBD Oil legal in the UK?
Read: CBD Products: When is Enough, Enough?
Why is CBD Oil legal in the UK and THC illegal?
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid – the one that recreational users use to get “high”. CBD does not have this effect. While almost all cannabinoids are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act, CBD is not. For example, industrial hemp may be grown under licence in the UK. It is a strain of the cannabis plant that contains little or no THC, but does contain CBD.
So to summarise, there’s a misconception that although THC and CBD are closely linked to Cannabis that both are illegal in the UK. As we’ve learned, this is not the case and UK perception is beginning to change as we become more informed on the difference between the legal (CBD) and illegal (THC) elements and the benefits of Cannabis.
For more info on the legal implications of CBD Oil you can check out these resources.
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