CBD is the latest health craze to hit the high street, with claims it can help everything from anxiety and inflammation to chronic pain and heart disease. But what is it, and is it really safe? Emily Ray investigates.
The UK market for CBD products has boomed in the past two years. You can now find oils, capsules, muscle gels, sprays and more, all claiming to offer a host of benefits. The NHS points out that it is still important to check the label of any product you buy as some companies sell their products without a medicinal licence, which means they may not be able to give accurate information about the ingredients or the amounts of active ingredients in them.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical found naturally in the cannabis (hemp) plant. It is not psychoactive, which means it does not produce the ‘high’ associated with marijuana. But the market for CBD is so vast that it’s easy to get confused about which products are legally available in the UK.
There are currently only two medicines that contain CBD approved for prescription in the UK. These are Epidyolex, which is used to reduce seizures in children with severe epilepsy, and Sativex, a combination of THC and CBD that is licensed to treat muscle stiffness and spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. The rest of the UK’s CBD products are sold as dietary supplements. These aren’t regulated, which means you can’t be sure the products you buy actually contain the amount of CBD they claim to and that they haven’t been contaminated with other substances such as pesticides or heavy metals.
Despite this, the UK CBD industry is growing rapidly and it’s possible to find products in most large supermarkets. However, not all dietary supplements are created equal and it’s important to choose a trusted brand that offers third-party lab testing, high-quality ingredients and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Blessed CBD and Vibes CBD are just two brands that have risen to the top of the UK CBD scene.
The UK’s legal status of CBD in 2022 remains unclear. Currently, companies that want to sell CBD products must submit a novel food application to the UK’s Food Standards Agency. This can be a lengthy process, but it’s vital to work with a brand that has taken the time to do this to ensure you’re purchasing a product that is legally available in the UK. Blessed CBD have done just that and have won numerous awards for their dedication to creating exceptional, potent, and effective CBD oil and products. Their products are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, non-GMO, and cGMP certified. They also feature in a variety of prominent publications, including the Observer and Reader’s Digest. For more information on their products and services, visit the Blessed CBD website. You can also follow them on social media. CBD Oil UK
