Health-CBD

UK CBD Laws 2022: Is CBD Legal in the UK?

  • March 8, 2022
  • 4 min read
UK CBD Laws 2022: Is CBD Legal in the UK?

Cannabidiol, better known as the abbreviated CBD, is one of the most well-known and widely talked about of the 400 cannabis compounds. 

Throughout modern history, many developed nations have villainized the cannabis plant, labeling it a drug and making it illegal. Finally, governments are starting to see the light emanating from this healing herb. CBD is not psychoactive, so its benefits can be enjoyed without interfering with a person’s state of mind.

The industry-recommended standard for the safe use of CBD products varies from country to country. For example, the US requires all CBD products to have less than 0.3 THC levels to be able to sell legally in the markets. With this clause and the reliable sellers like Organic CBD Nugs that adhere to this recommended standard for all the CBD products available on their platform, the demand for CBD products is increasing rapidly because of its increasing popularity. It is the case with other countries as well where the CBD industry is flourishing. This article will further explore the CBD industry in the UK.

UK CBD is still a growing industry. To learn more about it, check out the information below. 

The Misuse of Drugs Act

Historically, the United Kingdom had a relatively relaxed approach to drugs. However, legislation slowly made the country prohibitive toward drugs as opium and other substances spread during the World Wars. The influence of the United Nation’s Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961 had a huge impact.

The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1964 made cannabis cultivation illegal. During this decade, there was much public debate about the merits and demerits of drugs. The counterculture fought to have more liberalization of drugs like LSD and cannabis. 

Unfortunately, the counterculture lost, and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 passed. Cannabis was classified as a Class B drug.  

UK CBD Developments

It was not until 2002 that the UK downgraded its cannabis classification from Class B to Class C. Legislators declared that, “The classification of Cannabis as a Class B drug was disproportionate both in relation to its inherent toxicity and to that of other Class B substances.”

Although Class C carries more lenient punishment, it still means that cannabis is illegal. What this means for today’s CBD market is still unclear. 

The Home Office states that, as an isolated substance, CBD is perfectly legal. However, extracting CBD in isolation and avoiding the other 399 cannabis compounds is not easy. The psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is of particular concern.

UK CBD Regulations

For a CBD product to be legal in the UK, it cannot contain more than 0.2% THC. That’s why CBD manufacturers and distributors must hold the appropriate license to operate their business. Whether the product is edible or topical, the company must hold either cosmetic certification or novel food status for it.

CBD companies have to answer to either the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), or the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). 

To buy legal UK CBD, you must shop with a brand that’s compliant in the UK. To make shopping easier, keep an eye out for the European Industrial Hemp Association’s (EISA) seal of approval.

Buying UK CBD

UK CBD is perfectly legal, as long as you know where to shop. Right now, the CBD industry is booming, and regulatory industries cannot possibly keep up with the sheer volume of new products on the market. It’s a good idea to ask for third-party testing or lab reports before buying anything with CBD.

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