Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
Enny SoyinkaFollow us on 
Under the United States Cannabis Act, federal laws provide that CBD products containing less than 0.3% of CBD are legal and safe for consumption. However, this doesn't mean that CBD is generally legal at the state level or outside the US. This article will discuss the legality of CBD oil and whether or not you can legally purchase CBD products in the UK.
CBD Laws in the UK in 2025
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the 80 compounds in the cannabis plant. Studies show it to have tons of significant medical benefits. Researchers also believe that CBD is generally safe for human consumption and doesn't have the psychoactive effects that come with THC. But, in the UK, federal laws guard the use and sale of CBD products.
In 2018, the Misuse of Drug Act was altered to introduce more rules and provisions allowing UK residents to access high-quality, safe, and effective CBD-infused products easily. So far, the CBD laws in 2022 authorise and legalise the sale or purchase of CBD in the UK. However, additional conditions guide the use of CBD in the United Kingdom.
The UK law provides that any industrial hemp used to make CBD products must be sourced from outside the UK. Hence, the best UK CBD companies use hemp products from farms in the USA and other countries in the EU. With this regulation, UK-based companies ensure that their cannabis products do not contain harmful chemicals.
UK CBD laws also state that the acceptable THC laws must be 1mg or less per product. Many CBD companies in the UK also market their products like health and wellness food supplements to avoid any legal issues. So you can beware of any company that claims to sell CBD products as a cure for anxiety, stress, arthritis and other common ailments.
CBD Oil Regulation in the UK
CBD Oil in UK regulations are constantly evolving as more research or clinical trials on the compound's use, and potential health benefits come to light. There are different types of CBD brands and product types in the UK, including CBD oils, capsules, edible gummies or sprays that are safe for consumption in the UK.
However, there are certain laws that consumers and manufacturers must follow to get legal CBD products within the UK. First, CBD oil must contain less than 0.2% of THC to be permitted in the UK. It must be derived from an industrial hemp strain, farmed and sourced outside the UK since the law frowns upon growing hemp/cannabis in the UK.
Studies have shown that CBD oil can be a safe alternative for treating pain, seizures, inflammation, anxiety and stress-related conditions. However, UK CBD oil regulations prevent companies from making medical claims about their products. Following this, most CBD-based companies and distributors advertise CBD products as food supplements.
Meanwhile, suppose you intend to buy CBD products for medicinal purposes. In that case, the MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) provides that CBD products sold, supplied and advertised as medicines must come with a licence. This licensing ensures that CBD oil is safe for medicinal use.
CBD is Added as a Novel Food in the UK
CBD products joined the Novel Foods Catalogue in January 2019. As a result, CBD products require authorization before they can be legally sold or purchased in the United Kingdom. In general, novel foods are foods that were not popular or have a history of safe consumption before May 17, 1997. It may also include food from plants that come through non-traditional means.
Based on this classification, novel foods cannot be used as food until they have gone through a safety assessment test. The approval process ensures that the product is safe and doesn't present a danger to consumers. CBD as a novel food means that you cannot legally buy or sell CBD oils or related unauthorised products.
In addition, CBD food companies must apply for authorization before selling any CBD oil extracts or isolate. If you intend to buy CBD products for consumption, you need to check if the food or ingredient has been authorised. UK food regulations also state that you must apply for authorization if you intend to use an unauthorised CBD food.
Meanwhile, you can always check online to confirm whether the CBD ingredient you want to use has gone into a safety assessment. The novel food catalogue lists all the food or components that are authorised. However, some CBD ingredients may be allowed to be used in food supplements and not other foods. It is better to consult with your GP first if you want to use CBD products.
Travelling and Driving with CBD Oil in the UK
CBD is generally safe and legal within the UK, so you can theoretically travel domestically or drive with CBD oil. However, UK laws on CBD require that any CBD oil or extracts have low THC levels at 0.2% or less. You also have to ensure that the CBD brand marks the product as a food supplement, not a drug.
However, if your CBD product contains higher levels of THC and is unauthorised for sale, you may face legal consequences. CBD oil may also be part of your carry-on luggage, but it must exceed most airlines' 100 ml liquid rule. To be safe, you can speak to your flight provider to confirm whether or not CBD products are allowed on the plane.
Final Thoughts
UK regulations authorise the sale of hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.2% THC. Now that you understand the full scope of the UK law concerning CBD products, you can take legal steps as a CBD consumer. We recommend choosing a reputable company that only sells authorised CBD supplements.
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