CBD has become the latest health craze to hit the UK high street. It’s touted as an effective natural plant-based supplement that can aid with a wide range of health issues, from inflammation and anxiety to chronic pain and sleep disorders. But what exactly is it, and does it really work? Emily Ray investigates.
In the UK, products containing CBD (cannabidiol) are legal to sell and buy as long as they comply with detailed laws set out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that’s extracted from the hemp and cannabis plants, which have been made illegal to grow in the EU due to their high levels of THC, a psychoactive component that causes the ‘high’ associated with marijuana. Products infused with CBD must be labelled as food supplements rather than medicines, and cannot claim to treat specific medical conditions.
The UK law on CBD is strict and requires a manufacturer to submit a Novel Food Application before they can put a consumable CBD product on the market. This process can take over a year, so CBD products that launched prior to 13th February 2020 are still able to remain on sale until this deadline passes. This includes CBD oils & sprays, CBD pastes, CBD capsules, and CBD gummies.
As the CBD industry grows, new companies are emerging that offer high-quality products backed up by third-party lab testing and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Blessed CBD is one such brand that’s making waves with their CBD tinctures, gummies, and creams. They carefully craft their CBD using organically grown hemp, and a supercritical CO2 extraction method that’s considered the best in the business.
Aside from ensuring the quality of their ingredients, Blessed CBD is meticulous about the legality of their process. They only use hemp that’s been sourced from the US or Europe and have a THC level below 0.2%, which is the maximum allowed under UK law. They’ve also developed a unique strain of hemp that contains more CBD than other varieties, making their products even more potent and effective.
As more and more consumers realise the benefits of CBD, public opinion may sway government officials to loosen regulations on this beneficial ingredient, allowing UK residents to get their hands on better and safer products. Until then, it’s important to choose CBD products from a trusted brand that offers transparent labelling and third-party testing to ensure their customers are getting the most out of their purchase. CBD UK