CBD UK is the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis hemp plant and has gained popularity in high streets, health stores and online for its ability to calm, ease pain and help with sleep issues. It is estimated that there are now over a quarter of a million regular users, many of them with chronic conditions such as anxiety and chronic pain. However, it’s important to be aware that not all CBD products are what they claim to be. The rapid growth of the industry has attracted a number of “CBD cowboys” – opportunists looking to make quick profit from consumers with little knowledge of how CBD works.
The legal status of CBD is a bit confusing, especially for newcomers to the market. In short, the FSA ruled that any CBD product for consumption (drops, sprays, oils and capsules) is considered a novel food meaning it has to be authorised by the FSA before it can be sold. The regulation came into effect on 13th February 2020 and meant that any consumable CBD products launched after this date would have to submit a valid novel food application before they could continue to be sold in the UK. However, any CBD products available before this date that are linked to a validated novel food application can remain on sale. This is the case for KLORIS CBD oil drops and our other CBD products – including our CBD Rescue Cream which has been clinically proven to soothe, repair and restore damaged skin.
It is important to note that while CBD itself is a legal compound, the process of making it into a product that can be sold to the public requires the processing of a cannabis plant that contains THC – which is illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This means that a product containing even traces of THC will be considered to be an illegal drug in the UK unless it meets one of the three criteria set out by the FSA for exemption.
For this reason, it is important to only purchase from a brand like blessedCBD that has fully submitted an application to the FSA and can show you a validated novel food authorisation certificate for all of its CBD products. This includes its range of CBD oils and sprays, CBD capsules, and CBD gummies.
This means that any CBD product that does not meet these requirements should be removed from shelves unless it has been granted an exemption by the FSA. The FSA has recently revised its list of products that can remain on sale temporarily or while further information is sought. However, any products that are not on this list should be removed from shelves immediately. This is also true for any CBD that is imported into the UK from countries that do not have laws regulating the use of CBD or other cannabinoids. This can cause problems at customs as ingredients that are prohibited in the UK (such as delta-8/9 THC) can result in products being seized by customs officers. CBD UK