UK CBD Oil is increasingly popular as a supplement and is sold in mainstream health shops, claiming to relieve inflammation, pain relief and reduce anxiety. However, there is little evidence to back these claims.
A new report published by the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry has recommended a cap on the THC content of consumer CBD products in the UK. It will be up to the Home Office and the Food Standards Agency to implement this standard.
Legality
In the UK, cannabis oils containing CBD can be sold legally, as long as they contain negligible amounts of THC and do not make any claims for medical benefit.
THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical compound that people associate with “getting high” and is illegal for non-medical use.
Despite this, many high street stores and online shops are selling cannabinoid-containing oils that are not licensed as medicines. These are often advertised as a ‘health food supplement’ for oral ingestion or as a ‘beauty product’, but still contain active ingredients that can interact with other prescribed medication.
This poses a risk to consumers and businesses, as supplying an unlicensed product can carry serious legal penalties. For example, supplying Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MODA) carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years and/or an unlimited fine.
Safety
UK CBD oil is a relatively new phenomenon and it’s not surprising that a lot of people are still on the fence about this burgeoning industry. The good news is that it’s safe and effective for those who take it. It can also make existing anti-epileptic drugs more effective and reduce side effects in some patients. The bad news is that it’s not for everyone.
The best way to find out if a CBD oil product is right for you is to ask your doctor, pharmacist or local health centre for advice. Most doctors are apprehensive about new treatments and don’t want to risk causing any unintended side-effects. The best bet is to ask your GP for a referral to an epilepsy specialist. They will be able to help you navigate the complex medical maze that is the NHS and decide if UK CBD oil is right for you. If you are unsure whether a cannabis-derived product is the right treatment for you, contact the experts at Epilepsy Action to discuss your options.
Benefits
UK CBD oil has the potential to offer a range of benefits for people with epilepsy. It is also known to have pain-relieving properties and can help prevent addiction to tobacco and heroin.
However, it is important to remember that CBD is still a drug and can interact with other prescribed medicines. Therefore, you should let your doctor know if you are taking CBD.
There are several different ways to take CBD oil, including orally (taking by mouth), applied topically via a cream or lotion, and inhaled through a vaporiser. While some studies have shown that CBD may be beneficial for people with epilepsy, there is still more research required to determine its true efficacy.
There are two cannabis-based medicines that have been licensed in the UK for the treatment of epilepsy: Sativex and Epidyolex. In addition, doctors can prescribe unlicensed products that contain only CBD for epilepsy on a case-by-case basis.
Side effects
CBD products sold online and in health shops are not licensed as medicines, so they do not need to be made to the same standard as those available on the NHS. Therefore, the concentration of CBD may vary from product to product and even from batch to batch.
Despite this, CBD does have some very real health benefits. Some people find that it relieves stress and anxiety, which in turn can improve sleep quality.
There is some evidence that cannabis-based medicines can improve symptoms in people with a range of other conditions, such as MS and schizophrenia. However, we need more research into how best to use these medicines, to ensure that those who benefit from them are able to access them in the UK.