Updated March 2024
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active component naturally found in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis, CBD does not make you high. CBD oil is manufactured by mixing CBD with a natural carrier oil. During the manufacturing process, the percentage of cannabinoid content contained in CBD oil and products is required by law.
CBD found in the CBD oils available in the UK originates from what the industry calls ‘industrial hemp’. The fibres from industrial hemp are commonly used in the production of clothing, rope, paper and various building materials.
Is CBD Oil Legalised in the UK?
Many people are now asking, is CBD oil legalised in the UK? The answer is yes; CBD products can still be legally bought in the UK in 2022.
The confusion about the legal status of CBD products is due to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) statement. The FSA set out new regulations for CBD products on 13th February 2020. This meant companies had until 31st March 2021 to submit a novel-food application to be able to continue selling CBD products in the UK.
CBD products from the US and other countries that do not prohibit cannabinoids may be illegal in the UK. Ingredients in CBD products such as delta-8/9 THC can result in customs seizing important CBD products. A CBD product with traces of psychoactive substances found in cannabis is considered to be a controlled substance under the 1971 Act and is therefore unlawful to possess and supply it unless it meets the “exempt product” criteria outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
When purchasing CBD products from outside of the UK, it is important to check the ingredients first to avoid any problems with UK customs.When purchasing CBD products from outside of the UK, it is important to check the ingredients first to avoid any problems with UK customs.
CBD Oil Effects
CBD oil has various benefits and has gained popularity as an alternative health-food supplement that may help with certain medical conditions. CBD oil works by changing the way the brain perceives pain signals from the body, thus reducing pain — and unlike many prescription drugs, CBD oil does not have strong side effects.
Current evidence indicates CBD’s therapeutic effects help to alleviate chronic pain and a range of other conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain and digestive disorders. The effects of CBD oil and products have also been studied for the use of CBD in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders.
People with common complaints such as backache and arthritis may find CBD oil particularly helpful for their symptoms, as it has been indicated that CBD oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Video: CBD – Miracle Cure or Hype?
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CBD Oil With Other Medications
CBD is still legal in the UK, and research has shown that products containing CBD are well tolerated and are not psychoactive. CBD oil is generally considered very safe for most people. However, CBD can interact with prescription medicine, other supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
If you are on any prescription medication or regularly take supplements or OTC medications, such as painkillers, you should discuss the safety of using CBD products with your doctor. THC from cannabis derived products is the reason some people experience side effects from CBD oil and products. In the rare case that you cannot tolerate THC, alternative cannabinoids, including CBDa, are available, which do not contain THC.
Is CBD Oil Safe When Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
The FSA has advised, due to a lack of research not to use CBD oil or products when pregnant or breastfeeding. Although it is unlikely to cause any adverse effects, it is recommended to abstain from CBD oil and products while pregnant or when breastfeeding.
Can You Use CBD Oil When Drinking Alcohol?
Research on the effects of using CBD and drinking alcohol is very limited. Current studies indicate alcohol may amplify the effects of alcohol. How severe the side effects are will depend on various factors. These include how much alcohol is consumed and, the THC percentage in the CBD product.
Side effects of alcohol and CBD may include:
- Feeling ‘drunk’ faster
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Lack of inhibition
- Nausea and vomiting
CBD and Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Studies regarding treatment for alcohol addiction with CBD are promising. CBD may have a use for reducing cravings for alcohol during addiction treatments but to date, all research is based on animal studies.
CBD has also been explored as a potential treatment for drug addiction, although research in this area is still in its early stages. While CBD shows promise in preclinical studies and anecdotal reports, more robust clinical research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in treating drug addiction. However, Hurd et al. (2019) evaluated the effects of acute and repeated administration of CBD in abstinent patients diagnosed with heroin use disorder.
Although results of one study are not conclusive proof that CBD is effective in the treatment of heroin use disorder, the reduction of symptoms associated with relapse that was noted in this well-controlled study is promising.
Here are some other ways CBD may potentially be beneficial in this context:
Reducing Cravings
Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may help reduce drug cravings in individuals addicted to substances such as opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating reward pathways in the brain associated with addiction.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
CBD may alleviate withdrawal symptoms associated with drug cessation, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and nausea. By modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing inflammation, CBD may help individuals navigate the challenging withdrawal process.
Preventing Relapse
CBD’s potential to modulate stress responses and anxiety may help reduce the risk of relapse in individuals recovering from drug addiction. By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, CBD may support individuals in managing triggers and stressors that could lead to relapse.
Neuroprotective Effects
CBD exhibits neuroprotective properties, which may help protect against the neurotoxic effects of chronic drug use and support brain health during recovery. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, CBD may promote neuronal repair and regeneration.
Combination Therapy
CBD may be more effective when used in combination with other addiction treatment modalities, such as counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Combining CBD with traditional therapies may offer a holistic approach to addressing the complex nature of addiction.
It’s important to note that while CBD shows promise as a potential adjunctive treatment for drug addiction, it is not a cure-all solution, and individual responses may vary. Additionally, the use of CBD for treating addiction should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Suffcient evidence is needed to determine the optimal dosage, administration route, and long-term effects of CBD in addiction treatment.
What Are the Different Types of CBD?
Before purchasing a product containing CBD, it is important to understand the different types of CBD sold in the UK.
The three types of CBD are:
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is pure CBD containing no other cannabinoids and comes in either a crystalline solid or a loose powder.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids and extracts, such as terpenes from the cannabis plant.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains several cannabinoids but does not contain THC and is available in the same range of products as full-spectrum CBD.
Products with CBD that are legal to sell, buy and possess in the UK can only contain a maximum of 1mg of THC. This minimal-trace amount of the psychoactive ingredient means that CBD-positive properties can be provided without the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis, weed, and skunk.
Full and broad-spectrum CBD is available in a wide range of products, including:
- CBD capsules containing CBD oil
- CBD topicals, which come in the form of creams, balms, and gels for external application
- CBD vapes. CBD vape oil in e-liquids come in different flavours and is designed to be used in a vape device
- CBD edibles, including CBD gummies, chocolate, and drinks.
The general consensus is that CBD oil and CBD products may help relieve the symptoms of various medical conditions and are not addictive.
Who should avoid taking CBD?
While CBD is generally well-tolerated by most people, there are certain groups who should exercise caution or avoid taking CBD altogether without consulting a healthcare professional:
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals
There is limited research on the effects of CBD on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and their babies. As a precaution, it’s generally recommended to avoid CBD during pregnancy and lactation.
Children and adolescents
Again, due to limited research on the effects of CBD on developing brains, it’s advisable for children and adolescents to avoid CBD unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
People with liver disease
CBD is metabolised in the liver, and there is evidence to suggest that high doses of CBD may affect liver enzyme levels. Individuals with liver disease or those taking medications metabolised by the liver should consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
Individuals taking medications that interact with CBD
CBD can interact with certain medications by inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver, which are responsible for metabolising many prescription drugs. If you are taking medications that carry a grapefruit warning (indicating they should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice), it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
People with a history of allergic reactions to cannabis
Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to cannabis products, including CBD. If you have a known allergy to cannabis, hemp, or CBD, it’s best to avoid CBD products.
Individuals with sensitivity to THC
While CBD products derived from hemp contain only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), some people may still be sensitive to THC and may experience unwanted effects. In such cases, it may be advisable to choose CBD isolate products, which contain pure CBD without any THC.
People with psychiatric disorders
CBD may affect neurotransmitter systems in the brain and could potentially worsen symptoms in individuals with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Those with these conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
As with any supplement or medication, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting CBD, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide personalised guidance based on your individual health status and medication regimen.
Get help for CBD addiction today
We can offer free advice on supporting and treating addiction. Step by Step Recovery exists to help individuals beat drug addiction permanently. Please complete our online assessment form to learn more about our bespoke rehab-treatment programmes. Alternatively, please call our understanding team on 0800 170 1222 for more information about our private outpatient rehab and inpatient or residential rehab for drug addiction.
We are here to offer you advice on treatment options and the next steps.
Page revised in March 2023, by Danielle Byatt, a Level 4 addictions counselling, Level 5 in Leadership & Management, BA applied social work. and Treatment Director at Step by Step Recovery.
FAQs
How is CBD Oil produced?
The process typically involves several steps:
Selecting the Plant Source: CBD oil can be derived from both marijuana and hemp plants. Hemp plants are typically preferred for CBD oil production because they contain higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
Extraction: The CBD is extracted from the plant material using various methods. Common extraction methods include:
- Solvent Extraction: This method involves using solvents like ethanol, butane, or CO2 to extract the CBD from the plant material. The solvent is passed through the plant material to dissolve the cannabinoids, and then the solvent is evaporated to leave behind the CBD oil.
- CO2 Extraction: This method uses carbon dioxide (CO2) under high pressure and low temperatures to extract CBD from the plant material. CO2 acts as a solvent without leaving any residues, resulting in a pure CBD extract. Oil Extraction: This method involves using a carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil) to extract CBD from the plant material. The plant material is heated with the carrier oil to extract the cannabinoids.
Refinement: After extraction, the CBD oil may undergo further refinement processes to remove any impurities and unwanted compounds, such as chlorophyll, waxes, or other cannabinoids. This refining process helps produce a more concentrated and pure CBD oil.
Testing: Once the CBD oil is extracted and refined, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its quality, potency, and purity. This testing typically includes analysis for cannabinoid content, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Formulation: After testing, the CBD oil may be formulated into various products, such as tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, or vape oils, depending on the intended use.
Can you drive if you use CBD?
Yes, you should be safe to drive while taking CBD, as long as the product has very low levels of THC and is not psychoactive. However, it’s important to be aware of any possible side effects that could affect you and to read the product information and packaging to understand how it may impact you.
Does CBD really work for anxiety?
Based on the information provided, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety for certain individuals. Studies have shown that individuals with moderate to severe anxiety experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after using a high-CBD-content product. However, results from other studies have shown mixed outcomes, with some individuals experiencing an increase in anxiety with CBD treatment.
Overall, while there is promising research indicating that CBD may help with anxiety, further studies, including blinded randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the effects of CBD on anxiety. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD for anxiety or any other health concerns.
