The CBD safety and regulations guide

CBD use in the UK has risen exponentially in recent years, with vaping up there as one of the most popular methods of consumption – and we can understand why!

Effective and natural, CBD oils are famed for their ability to relieve a range of symptoms associated with inflammation, anxiety and pain, but with vaping CBD oil on the rise, being familiar with UK regulations has never been so important.

Whether you’re considering vaping CBD oil for the first time or are a long-term consumer, our guide has everything you need to know about CBD oil UK law and how to vape CBD safely.

Is it safe to vape CBD oil?

Perhaps one of the most common questions we get asked is how safe CBD oil is to vape, so let’s start there. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant and is well-known for its therapeutic potential. But with so many products on the market, we understand that finding a CBD vape oil that is safe for consumption can be tricky.

There is a vast amount of research to support the potential of vaping CBD oil for aiding relaxation, general health, stress, pain, inflammation and insomnia. However, there are also some negative CBD side affects you should be aware of.

For example, as with any substance you consume, it’s advised you first speak with your GP as CBD can potentially interfere with certain prescription medications. Taken at the wrong dose, CBD oil can make for a generally unpleasant experience with reports of feeling nauseas and dizzy. As such, it’s important to ensure the correct dosage is being consumed. Finding the right does when vaping CBD can be a bit more tricky.

How to make CBD vaping safer

Although there are some risks associated with vaping CBD, there are plenty of steps you can take to make your vaping journey a positive one. For instance, not all CBD oils are designed for vaping. In fact, CBD vape juice does not contain oil at all. True CBD oil designed for vaping will typically include;

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
• Propylene Glycol (PG)
• CBD extract
• Cannabinoids
• Terpenes

If other ingredients are present, then the chances are that the CBD oil in question has not been designed for inhalation and is not safe to do so. Certain unsafe CBD oils advertised as appropriate for vaping may include thinning agents that are not safe to be inhaled as well as harmful solvents. Whilst all CBD vape juices require thinning agents to reduce how viscous they are, less reputable manufacturers will rely on harsh and dangerous chemicals to thin the consistency of their CBD oil to keep production costs low.

It’s not just the CBD oil that you need to check the quality of either. A high-quality vaping device is just as crucial for a safe and effective vaping experience. It’s always advisable that you buy your vaporizer kit and CBD vape juice from a reputable seller. It’s a worthwhile investment as a cheap kit can not only be short-lived but can also be dangerous.

Choosing the correct CBD dosage is a crucial part of safe vaping. As we have stated, this can be difficult to do. Whilst consuming CBD oil with a capsule or tincture lends itself to accurate dosing, it can take some trial and error with a vaporizer. Facors such as gender and weight will also contribute to your particular dosage. Whether you’re new to vaping CBD oil or not, it is always advised to start low and work your way up to an amount that works for you.

Is CBD oil legal in the UK?

Awareness around CBD has sky-rocketed in recent years, with the cannabinoid being legal for consumption in the UK. However, there are conditions around this and those looking to benefit from CBD vape products will want to ensure they are up to date with UK legislation.

As it stands, CBD oil is legal to sell in the UK, and this includes the sale of CBD vape juice. However, CBD oil UK law dictates that any CBD oil sold must contain no nicotine under the General Products Safety Directive. It must also contain no detectable THC, which is less than 0.01% as verified by an accredited ISO lab.

As research progresses into the true risks and benefits of CBD oil, we will likely see legislations adapt. A great example of this is the medicinal Sativex which is currently the only drug containing both THC and CBD in 50:50 quantities here in the UK for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

UK CBD oil regulations

Current UK regulations around CBD include laws around both importing and selling CBD, with current laws stating that CBD which has no THC detected can be sold without a hemp license. However, from 13^th February 2020, any new consumable products coming to market that contain CBD first require a Novel Food application in order to be legally sold. You can find out more about this here.

As well as this, it is also required that any CBD products sold must include no medical claims on the packaging and labelling must display the CBD content, manufacturer details, and all ingredients included.

Is vaping CBD safer than smoking tobacco?

There is substantial research out there to suggest that vaping in general is a much safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes – but what about vaping with CBD?

When it comes to the substances themselves, CBD and tobacco couldn’t be further apart in terms of what they are and how they impact the body. Tobacco is both addictive and harmful whilst CBD is non-toxic and has no known addictive properties.

Interestingly, CBD has been increasingly utilised as a means of helping people addicted to tobacco to make the long-term switch to vaping. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco contains over 7,000 chemical substances, 250 of which are known to be harmful, whereas CBD is an all-natural compound which has been shown to have significantly beneficial effects on the human endocannabinoid system.

What does CBD do to your brain?

From reducing pain to aiding relaxation, research has proven that when consumed, CBD has the ability to produce a range of health benefits. The reason for this is that CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for the regulation of a range of bodily functions.

Naturally, humans produce endocannabinoids which make up our endocannabinoid system. These work as neurotransmitters, binding to receptors found throughout the body. When consumed, CBD works alongside our endocannabinoid system, encouraging an increased production of healing endocannabinoids which target receptors for healing benefits. It is this interaction which influences brain activity, targeting serotonin receptors which aid with anxiety, pain, and nausea as well as having other potential benefits.

Will CBD get you high?

In short – no. Cannabidiol (CBD) which is legal for consumption in the UK must contain no detectable THC. This is the cannabinoid responsible for the high associated with the cannabis sativa plant.

Whilst CBD offers a range of therapeutic side effects, it is not a psychoactive compound. Therefore, it will not get you high. Some common side effects of CBD include;

• Feelings of relaxation
• Calming
• Relief from pain

Can you get addicted to CBD?

Although it is possible to become reliant on any substance, the chances of becoming addicted to or abusing the use of CBD are incredibly slight. Studies have highlighted how much safer CBD is when compared to other cannabinoids, with a study published in 2011 revealing that ‘chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.’

It is also suggested by some schools of thought that the use of CBD can actually help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those that are trying to quit other drugs such as smoking cigarettes. The reason for this belief is down to CBD’s interaction with our brain’s receptors which, according to this resource, ‘can help produce more cannabinoids and regulate behaviour and cognition’. It is suggested here that CBD could be used as a safer and more natural alternative to prescription drugs such as opioids.

CBD vape additives to avoid

Additives are used in almost every e liquid out there, but it’s important to know which CBD vape additives are safe for consumption, and which should be avoided. Here’s a run down of some of those that you want to steer clear of:

• Vitamin E
• Ethanol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Petroleum-ether
• DXM
• Naptha

There are some sources which claim the use of PG or PEG, otherwise known as Propylene Glycol, can be harmful in vaping. This particular thinning agent is present in most vape juice products and is categorised by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for consumption. However, when burnt at high temperatures, or when consumed at high doses, there is a risk of them becoming harmful carcinogens. For this reason, we encourage customers to only purchase CBD vape juice from reputable sellers and ensure all ingredients and their quantities are displayed properly on packaging.

The future of CBD vaping

As research into the true potential of CBD continues, we expect that more and more people will begin to turn to the all-natural cannabinoid as a safer alternative to harmful and addictive drugs. For CBD vaping, we predict an increase of innovative and safe vape devices as well as a further increase of CBD products to suit a range of needs.

It’s no secret that the world of CBD products is ever evolving. With vaping on a similar upwards trajectory we can’t help being excited at the potential for this industry in the future as we continue to provide our customers with the best CBD vape juice and vaporisers on the market.