Are CBD Gummies Legal in the UK?

CBD gummies are a refreshing and delicious way to take CBD. are CBD gummies legal in the UK? This blog explains the legality and things to consider in buying CBD gummies in the UK by first defining what they are and what CBD is.

CBD has found its way into people's lifestyles. You can easily add it to daily meals or drink or apply the oily directly to the skin to relieve certain body discomforts. In the UK, the most popular way to incorporate the therapeutic effects of CBD is by purchasing sweet-flavoredgummies. They are readily available in most local shops and health centers with minimal restrictions. However, the UK is a nation with structured and well-regulated laws. Regarding cannabis products, the law is clear on what is legal and restricted depending on several issues.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most famous cannabinoid in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a mostly known and abused cannabis compound by marijuana smokers. It is associated with a feeling of highness and confusion immediately after consumption. Arkell et al. (2019) explained that CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, unlike THC;  it has no mind-altering effects after taking it. It is primarily extracted from the hemp plant's flowers and leaves, which contain no or minimal THC content. The two popular cannabinoids may exist in the same cannabis strain but work differently in delivering therapeutic effects. THC alters the functions of body systems like brain neurons, nervous system, and endocannabinoids by binding with cannabinoid receptors responsible for maintaining body balance.

According to Brejiyeh (2021),CBD works for the body's well-being by increasing the release of endocannabinoids like anandamide binding with the receptors to reduce body complications like pain, stress, anxiety, and inflammation, and the list is endless.

What CBD Gummies Are

CBD gummies are sweet edibles allowing the user to harness the benefit of CBD with a delicious flavor. Upon extraction of CBD, the compound is highly diluted with an organic carrier oil like hemp seed oil to create concentrated CBD oil infused in the hardening stage of making the gummies. Other ingredients added to the gummies include gelatine, sugary materials, and some biocompatible chemicals.Working ( 2022) explained that after ingesting gummies, they are breakdown by both digestive and metabolic processes before CBD molecules are absorbed into the circulatory system. However, compared to taking CBD oil sublingually or vaping, this is the slowest way to incorporate the therapeutic effects of CBD into the body system.

The Legality of CBD Gummies in the UK

According to McGregor et al. (2020), in 2018, the UK parliamentary chamber passed a law regulating the manufacturing and selling of cannabis products such as edibles, topicals, vapes, and medical supplements. Products containing pure CBD, Cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN) remain legal for recreational and medical purposes. However, THC and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) remained illegal for public consumption and were only used for medical programs. Therefore, CBD gummies with no or unnoticeable traces of THC are allowed for human intake in UK soil. The following are laws surrounding the CBD products such as gummies in the UK:

• CBD in the products should be extracted from the hemp plant cultivated outside UK boundaries.
• The products must contain no or less than 0.2% THC. The parliament realized that extracting CBD from the hemp plant means that the product may have no or minimal traces of THC. The plant is highly concentrated with CBD molecules with an unnoticeable amount of the psychoactive compound.
• All CBD products should be labeled as food supplements, not medical cannabis.
• Companies manufacturing CBD commodities must submit a Novel Food application to the Food Standard Agency ( FSA) to be authorized to sell the end products. The FSA will regulate the purity of the commodities by checking how they are produced and packed by reviewing the COA (certificate of analysis) published by an independent lab.
• No UK citizens are allowed to cultivate hemp plants
• Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal for public use, and only people with medical programs can harness their therapeutic benefits.
• There is no law limiting the age of buying CBD products, but for the safety of minors, most vendors don't sell to children unless accompanied by their guardians.

Things to Consider When Buying CBD Gummies in the UK

There are many cannabis stores in the UK for offer CBD gummies. However, to avoid breaking government laws, it is important to consider the following factors:

Third-Party Lab Testing

According to Cook et al. (2022), it is essential to proof-check the third-party lab result to analyze the THC level of the gummy and CBD plant source. The COA highlights other ingredients infused in the gummy. The lab should be an independent body from the company board to support the transparency and accuracy of the result. Review the company's reputation by reading other customers' comments and ratings. Avoid CBD gummies from the manufacturer with THC comments and poor ratings.

CBD Source

check the source of CBD infused in the gummy. It should be derived from industrial hemp, but some manufacturers still sell marijuana-based commodities. These commodities are likely to have high THC levels hence adverse effects like memory loss, hallucinations, confusion, and highness.

Authorization of Manufacturers and Vendors

It is crucial to buy CBD products from manufacturers and sellers authorized by the FSA. Review the list of companies allowed to manufacture CBD products before making a purchase. The following are places you can legally buy CBD gummies:

Authorized Hotels

On every step in London streets, highly-rated hotels offer delicious foods infused with CBD oil. Some sell CBD gummies to kids as a decent. However, not all hotels have been approved by the law. The hotel should gazette the cannabis license public before trying their products.

Hemp Shops

Some rental shops sell hemp-derived products like CBD edibles, hemp oil, CBD oil, and other products.

Health Shops

Health shops are local chemists selling prescribed medications and supplements. Most are also authorized to sell hemp-derived CBD products like gummies.

Dispensaries

Dispensaries are the safest place to buy CBD gummies. Patients can be prescribed CBD products as a supplement for specific medical concerns. For instance, people suffering from sleeping disorders like insomnia can be administered CBD gummies to help tackle the condition.

Conclusion

CBD gummies are the best way to incorporate cannabinoids without the oily bitter taste of cannabis. They are legal for public consumption. However, the gummies must contain hemp-derived CBD and no traces of THC or not more than 0.2% THC. Fortunately, people can legally buy CBD gummies from authorized manufacturers or vendors who have submitted their Novel food application to the FSA. Customers with medical programs requiring THC therapeutic benefits can consume marijuana-derived CBD products as long as they have an approved letter from a qualified physician.

References

Arkell, T. R., Lintzeris, N., Kevin, R. C., Ramaekers, J. G., Vandrey, R., Irwin, C., ... & McGregor, I. S. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD) content in vaporized cannabis does not prevent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced impaired driving and cognition. Psychopharmacology, 236(9), 2713-2724.

Cook, B., Enterprises, N., Nelson, C., Knaggs, H., & Enterprises, N. Variability in sourcing and potency of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Hemp-based extracts impact gene expression changes in-vitro, highlighting the need for reliable analytical methods and standards.

McGregor, I. S., Cairns, E. A., Abelev, S., Cohen, R., Henderson, M., Couch, D., ... &Gauld, N. (2020). Access to cannabidiol without a prescription: A cross-country comparison and analysis. International Journal of Drug Policy, 85, 102935.

Working, W. S. C. S. (2022). How Much CBD Should I Take the First Time? Sign, 62.