The industry of healthcare products is always complicated for people to understand. In the case of CBD, things are even more complicated as the market it is still not very well regulated, though things are changing fast. Soon, lots will change for CBD products.

One of the most significant issues with CBD oil is the influx of brands coming from other countries, more particularly from China and even from the US that do not follow the strict regulations of the UK. These brands often offer lower prices however they lack those strict quality control measures implemented by the UK. Another big issue consumers face with this is the rise in snake oils.

Additionally, laws concerning the regulation of CBD products quality are still not very clear to date. It means a lack of standardization. No two CBD products are the same. Even worse, many are not adequately labelled. At present, the only way for most individuals to navigate through this labyrinth is to buy trusted brands, preferably products made in the UK.

UK and EU are changing regulations to ensure quality

Most people might not know, but in the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has set a strict deadline of March 2021 for all the local manufacturers to comply with local standards. It does not mean that those selling low-quality counterfeit products will vanish, but they will not be able to do it openly. It will also be going to be good for consumers.

FSA is a bit worried about CBD consumption, as it thinks that may people are overconsuming it, while others are getting inferior quality products imported from various nations (particularly those produced outside the UK or EU). At present, FSA recommends limiting the CBD intake to about 70 mg daily or about 28 drops of 5% CBD.

It is also vital to know that cannabis seed oil is not CBD since it does not contain CBD at all.

Additionally, CBD flowers are also illegal in the UK as those selling flowers can circumvent specific regulations. Like, many may import CBD flowers into the UK by declaring them for decoration purpose, though eventually, they are for consumption.

Only CBD oil from the hemp plant, primarily from its leaves is legal in the UK and most of the EU.

CBD is now classified as a Novel Food in the UK and EU. EU classifies anything as a Novel Food, that was not consumed considerably by its people before 1997. Novel Foods have still not established their safety for consumption in large amounts. Even the US FDA clearly says that it does not accept CBD as something with proven safety for broader use.

Classification of CBD as a Novel Food has its pros and cons. It might mean more stringent regulations forcing manufacturers to remove some high-quality products from sales. It also means less choice for customers. Novel Foods must be registered with FSA in the UK, a process that might take months adding to the costs.

On the good side, regulation by FSA means that many imported products will not be available anymore, as they do not comply with the UK standards. Most of the Chinese products will not be able to meet UK standards ever. It is ultimately good for the consumers, though it may mean higher costs.

No two CBD products are the same, and better regulation, though has its downsides, will ultimately ensure standardization of the industry.