What Is the Current Law on CBD In the UK?

The current law on CBD in the UK makes it legal to own and use.
Although that statement seems simple, the application of rules and regulations that govern
cannabidiol can be complicated and confusing. The reason why CBD has legality is that the
products in the UK typically come from industrial hemp.
The Cannabis sativa plant typically contains low levels of THC. The recommended limit of
detection is quite small, at only 0.2%.
Since different crops can produce higher or lower levels of THC with the same plant, the
regulatory environment is in a state of flux at the moment. New guidelines for growers,
retailers, and consumers are expected shortly.
How CBD gets used also impacts its status under UK law. These are the crucial points to review.

Can CBD Be Used in Food Products?

The Food Standard Agency issued a March 2021 deadline to the CBD industry in the UK
regarding the use of cannabidiol in food items.
All CBD companies must have a novel food authorisation submitted by the deadline to continue
selling items in this category.
This action was taken because of the number of products that are available to consumers
without going through the correct authorisation process. If the safety and ingredients of the
products on the shelves right now aren’t sent to the regulator by the deadline, then it will no
longer be allowed to sell.
The issue in this category involves concentration levels. Some products have THC above the
recommended limits, while others don’t have the advertised amount of CBD in the product.
What About the Use of CBD Oil?
Although the 0.2% THC limit is the amount most producers publish for CBD oil, most legal
advisors in the UK recommend that a product made available to consumers should have no
detectable THC whatsoever.
The product should receive laboratory accreditation with a limit of detection of 0.01% at the
most. Since the CBD industry faces an issue with unverified or unaccredited labs, the THC
testing may not be as consistent as the regulations want it to be.

THC is the component of the cannabis plant that can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and other
adverse effects. With the little bit that is found in some products, the CBD can counteract the
effects of it so that most people can enjoy the benefits of this product individually.
Trading Standards and Cannabidiol
Trading Standards is the authority that oversees the retail market for CBD. Import and export
markets involve the patchwork of laws that exist around the world with this product. Most
shops are generally safe when selling items that meet the published standards.
A September 2018 incident in Plymouth involved police, supported by Trading Standards,
seizing CBD products at a vape shop for enquiries and testing.
Outcomes will likely vary in this area for the foreseeable future until more guidelines get put
into place. That’s why maintaining THC levels at the lowest percentage possible is a best
practice.

Is the CBD Flower and Bud Legal in the UK?

You may find some shops in the UK selling CBD flower and bud as a tea product. Although this
segment of the cannabidiol market is growing quite rapidly, the items are still considered a
controlled substance.
Some shop owners sell it openly because of the confusion that exists with the CBD laws in the
UK. Most claim that the content found in the specific varieties offered under different guises
contains less than 0.2% THC.
There are approved varieties that meet this threshold, but it is essential to remember that UK
rules involve the licensed cultivation of hemp – not other parts of the plant. Only the seeds and
fibre can get processed for commercial purposes. The rest of it must get destroyed so that
nothing leaves the growing site.
Individual growers are not permitted to produce hemp or their own cannabis in the UK.
How Strictly Are the CBD Laws Enforced in the UK?
The enforcement of the laws that surround CBD flowers and buds is relatively light. It is a
reflection of the government’s desire to have a light touch regarding this product. That
approach is also likely why there are high levels of confusion regarding cannabidiol in the UK.
CBD must be sold as a nutritional supplement or by a licensed medical distributor. There are
currently no other authorised parties.

It should be noted that this content is not a comprehensive overview of every potential
situation found in the law for CBD in the UK. This information is not a substitute for professional
legal advice.