IS CBD Oil Illegal in Scotland?
CBD oil and other CBD-infused products are gaining popularity across the globe. Though research is still underway to prove the alleged benefits of CBD, those who use it agree that it is effective in managing various health conditions.
This has led to it being legalised in various countries, often with strict trading standards put in place to avoid abuse. Scotland is no exception and today CBD Scotland is a bright and vibrant corner of the worldwide CBD market.
If you want to produce, buy, or use CBD oil in Scotland, read on to know what the law says and how it affects you.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil or Cannabidiol is a compound extracted from the Cannabis Sativa or hemp plant. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most active compounds of the plant. THC is the psychoactive compound in the plant, whereas CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD instead interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a series of naturally occurring receptors found throughout the body. This system is involved in everything from maintaining internal conditions to pain management.
Because of its psychoactive properties THC is illegal in several countries, including Scotland. Specifically this illegality refers to THC that exists in concentrations that could have a notable psychoactive impact. This is perhaps the key reason why many people think CBD is also illegal; an unfortunate misunderstanding as, although they come from the same source, these two compounds are completely different.
There are several CBD products available on the UK market today. These include edibles, patches, capsules, tinctures, ointments, balms, E-liquids and beauty products amongst many others. Every one of these will contain zero or a trace amount of THC. The products are all non-psychoactive and are instead focused on delivering a quality CBD experience above all else.
The Laws on CBD in Scotland
The United Kingdom and Scotland share several laws, including laws pertaining specifically to marijuana and CBD. According to these laws, it is completely legal to manufacture, sell, and use CBD in Scotland and the United Kingdom. You can manufacture, sell and use any CBD products such as ointment, balm, edibles, tinctures, capsules, hair and skin care products, providing that they contain no more than trace levels of THC.
If a product contains more than the allowed THC level, it is declared illegal. If you want to use CBD oil in Scotland it is crucial to check the product's THC content to ensure that it is within legal limits. The best way to ensure this is by purchasing your products from a reputable supplier with evident lab reports that confirm the contents of their products.
Though CBD products that contain trace THC levels are legal in Scotland and the UK, marijuana is not. Under the 1971 misuse of drugs act, the country classifies marijuana as a controlled substance. Anybody found selling, transporting, or using it is liable to face penalty fines and potentially jail time.
CBD laws in Scotland also allow doctors to prescribe CBD to their patients at their discretion. This is because the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency classify CBD as a medicinal compound that can be used as a medicine. However, due to trading standards CBD manufacturers cannot advertise their products as “medicinal”. Any manufacturer doing so should be considered with a critical eye.
The FSA and the FSS
In the UK, the law requires anyone who manufactures CBD products to register their products with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) before they are allowed to begin distribution and trading. These manufacturers must provide product information such as the specific ingredients and proven contents of their products, particularly THC levels, as well as proving that they meet general product safety standards.
The FSA then reviews the information provided and makes a ruling. Local authorities are required to use the guidelines given by the FSA to help them determine the products that should be allowed in the market. Authorities have the right to pull products off the market if they do not meet these guidelines or the established trading standards.
The FSA guidelines apply to Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. However, CBD product manufacturers in Scotland provide product information to the Food Standards Scotland (FSS). This is a different agency and only has jurisdiction in Scotland, however its operations and procedures are similar to those of the FSA. CBD products that fail to meet the FSS standards also risk being banned from the market.
Is it Safe?
CBD is regulated in Scotland. The FSS's main objective is to ensure that all CBD products being manufactured or sold in the country meet these required standards. However, you may come across some products that contain more than the legal THC level or are of low quality, despite what their marketing may claim. This is unfortunately due to the wide and varied nature of the CBD market wherein lower quality products can sometimes persist.
CBD oil is generally considered to be safe for use. It is also believed to have a handful of minor side effects, such as nausea and fatigue. To ensure that you use high-quality products that will guarantee your safety only ever buy CBD from a trusted source. Be wary of products being sold below the market price or sellers that do not want to share product information with you.
CBD oil should never be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also refrain from using it when on any other medication, as the presence of CBD can interfere with the complete uptake of certain medications. If you are ever in doubt speak to a doctor before taking any CBD products. The FSS also warns against consuming more than 70mg of CBD oil a day.
If you are new to the CBD world, you need to know how best to use it and the correct dosage. Every person has a different reaction to CBD oil as the way it interacts with your body depends on metabolism, method of use and dosage. As such you may find that you experience a short period of experimentation where you try varied doses of CBD to find that ideal effect.
It is important to fully understand how CBD oil works before you use it. If you are new to the world of CBD, it would be ideal to start with a lower dosage that gradually increases as you get used to it until you find your perfect level.
Where to Buy it
Cannabidiol is legal in Scotland and therefore easily available in local health and wellness stores, as well as head shops, certain vape shops and even some supermarkets. As it is an off-the-counter substance you will not need to have a prescription to buy CBD oil. CBD oil can also be ordered online with relative ease.
The online CBD marketplace is even more active than the physical ones, with manufacturers from all over the world eager to serve the CBD Scotland market. If you choose to order CBD oil from another country, get to know that country’s CBD laws to ensure that the oil meets UK standards. In particular make sure to check their lab reports to confirm the THC content of these CBD oils. It is also worth noting that several manufacturers only have rudimentary shipping support for Scotland, so be certain to check their shipping terms and conditions before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the legality of CBD oil in Scotland and the laws that govern it, you can use CBD oil in Scotland with confidence and peace of mind. Remember only to use high-quality products from a trusted source and pay close attention to its THC levels. CBD should be all about the quality of your experience, so take the extra step to make sure that you’re only getting the absolute best.
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