Approximately 4–6 million UK adults have tried CBD. And 41% of these people have used CBD in the past year. Meanwhile, nearly half of the population supports legalizing cannabis. Cannabis and its close relative to hemp are the plants that CBD comes from.
Are you considering trying CBD for the first time? From these statistics, you obviously aren’t alone.
Still, you may be wondering where to buy CBD oil in the UK. In 2021, you can access CBD oil products online and on the high street.
Buying CBD online vs in-person may not seem so different. But there are advantages and disadvantages to each. That’s why we’re bringing you this guide breaking down the pros and cons.
Do you need your burning CBD questions answered? And want to know how to approach buying CBD oil in the UK? Then you need to keep reading because this one’s for you.
What You Need to Know About CBD Before You Buy
Are you new to CBD? If so, you might want to avoid diving in blind. Here are some top facts you need to know before buying CBD oil, whether you’re planning to buy it in person or online.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD in 2021?
THC-free and low-THC CBD products are legal to purchase in the UK in 2021. However, only CBD products that come from industrial hemp are legal in the United Kingdom. Industrial hemp is any hemp plant grown with 0.2% THC or less.
For a CBD product to be legal, it must also come from hemp with the stamp of the European Union’s approval. Due to Brexit, this requirement may change soon. Keep an eye on this blog for future updates on the UK’s CBD regulations.
CBD products the UK considers legal must also have limited amounts of THC. As of this writing, a CBD product can contain up to 1ml of THC per packaged unit of CBD.
THC-free products are also included in the definition of legal CBD. THC-free products include isolates and products containing CBD isolates. To be legal in the UK, though, the product’s packaging must explicitly state that the product contains 0% THC <1mg per pack.
Is CBD Safe to Use?
A 2020 systematic review of clinical trials investigated the safety of CBD in humans. This review found that, in general, people tolerate CBD well. At low-to-medium doses, CBD also presents little to no side effects.
Side effects people do report after using CBD vary by product type (e.g., oils vs. topicals). In general, the most common side effects of CBD are tiredness, diarrhoea, and appetite changes.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD exerts its effects via the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is how all cannabinoids affect humans. Animals also have an ECS, which is why researchers use them in studies of CBD’s effects and benefits.
The endocannabinoid system is present in the brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord are also known as the central nervous system (CNS). The ECS is further present in the peripheral nervous system, which includes neuromuscular junctions, peripheral nerves, cranial nerves, and spinal nerves.
Because it’s so widespread in the body, the endocannabinoid system regulates a wide variety of functions. This may include things like supporting sleep, managing energy, and potentially other bodily functions.
Will CBD Get You High?
Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychotoxic, meaning it won’t make you feel high. This is because CBD interacts with the ECS differently than THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids.
CBD Isolate vs Full-Spectrum CBD vs Broad-Spectrum CBD: What’s the Difference?
If you get drug tested for a sport or work, you’re probably wondering: will CBD products show up on a drug test? In the UK, drug tests usually look for intoxicating cannabinoids like THC.
But now, the question is: how do you ensure you’re buying THC-free products?
When you browse CBD products, you may notice there are different kinds. This includes CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD.
CBD isolate is 100% pure cannabidiol. It doesn’t contain any THC. But it’s also free of other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids present in full- and broad-spectrum products.
Broad-spectrum products go through one less purification step than CBD isolate. It’s still THC-free. But broad-spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds that may support human health.
Finally, full-spectrum products are the least processed of the three. They contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in legal hemp. That means these products also contain up to 0.2% THC.
Full-spectrum CBD is the only type of product that definitely won’t pass a drug test. Focus on broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products if this is a concern for you. But, again, make sure you’re only purchasing products that state they contain 0% THC on the label.
Where to Buy CBD Oil in the UK
By now, you should know all the facts about CBD. So, it’s time to make your first purchase!
In the UK, it’s legal to buy CBD online or in person. You don’t need a prescription unless you’re buying CBD for an illness or approved condition.
Where to Buy CBD Online
Many UK brands sell CBD oils and other types of products online. In fact, you can usually access a wider array of products online compared to in-stores.
The benefit of shopping online is that prices are typically lower. Even if they aren’t, online brands offer more savings in the form of discounts and promotions.
The one downside to buying CBD online in the UK? If you have questions, you’ll have to ring up customer service. And that can be a headache compared to simply flagging down a shopkeeper.
Where to Buy CBD In Person
Searching for “CBD near me?” CBD is so popular these days you can pick it up in the high street. Chemists, beauty store chains, and even petrol stations sell CBD oil.
But if you want to choose from a range of products, you’ll need to visit a CBD store. The employees of these stores will have a wealth of industry knowledge to educate you. But that can come at a price.
Expect to pay more for CBD in person, especially if you go to a speciality CBD store. But the convenience of just popping around the corner for your CBD products may convince you that an in-person purchase is worth it.
Types of CBD Products to Consider
Did you know that oils and tinctures aren’t the only types of CBD products in the UK? You can also find edible CBD products, CBD beauty products, and CBD vape products.
CBD Gummies
Move aside pot brownies — there’s a new type of edible in town. 71% of UK users prefer their CBD in ingestible form. And that includes the ever-popular CBD gummies.
CBD gummies are as tasty as they are beneficial. Plus, ingesting active compounds leads to longer-lasting effects than inhalation, topical, and sublingual administration.
The only downside to eating your CBD? Ingesting compounds go through the first-pass metabolism, which reduces the amount of CBD available to benefit your brain and body.
CBD e-Liquids
Vaping isn’t just for tobacco anymore. In 2021, you can also find CBD products for your vape. This includes raw CBD flower and CBD e-liquids (also known as vape juice).
Unlike CBD edibles, e-Liquids don’t undergo the first-pass metabolism. Inhaling cannabinoids send them almost directly to your bloodstream to exert their effects on the ECS.
That means you’ll need less CBD e-liquid to get the same effect as one serving of CBD gummies. However, the quicker-acting effects also mean you’ll experience the benefits of CBD for less time.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals include salves, lotions, and creams infused with cannabidiol. People report using these products for everything from aches and pains to skin complaints.
Topical CBD products are unique in that they affect endocannabinoid receptors in the skin.
Among other functions, these receptors play a role in pain signalling. CBD’s anti-oxidative effects may also combat free radicals. And free radicals are correlated with skin conditions and the appearance of ageing.
Looking to Buy CBD in the UK?
It’s completely legal to buy CBD in the UK in 2021. As long as the product contains 0.2% THC or less, you can buy it online or on the high street. Purchasing online means you can access more than just CBD oil.
Looking for where to buy CBD online? You’ve come to the right place. Browse Impact Sports’ CBD oil now to find the high-quality product you’ve been searching for!
