As in most European countries, with some exceptions, the possession, sale, and use of cannabis is legally prohibited. Marijuana is classified as a Class B drug. In the case of cannabis possession control, a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison is provided. But the reality is quite different since, in most cases, a user caught with a small amount gets away with a lower fine. This seemingly repressive law is a smokescreen since the country’s legislation is being relaxed.
Experts from JustBob: legal cannabis online, help us to decipher and better understand CBD oil and legal cannabis in the U.K.
The appearance of the CBD
In November 2018, a small revolution took place in British legislation. Parliament has voted to legalize the use of therapeutic cannabis.
However, therapeutic cannabis is sold in a different form than recreation ones. The active ingredient of cannabis flower is THC. This molecule is still banned. Only products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) are allowed. CBD molecule found in cannabis has no psychoactive effects like THC but have similar medicinal properties.
It is used to treat pain, nausea, osteoarthritis to give only a small glimpse of its medicinal properties. But, more and more products use it more as a marketing argument. Coffee, moisturizing creams, olive oil, all these products have on their packaging the three letters CBD to highlight its presence and encourage the public to buy.
What’s the future of cannabis?
Market and scientific studies all agree on one point: cannabis has medicinal properties and its sales are improving. The general opinion also seems convinced of the benefits of cannabis.
According to a survey published in July 2019, nearly 63% of Londoners would be in favor of total legalization of the plant. Political parties are also divided on the issue. The Conservatives, for instance, are opposed to full legalization.
While the use of medical cannabis has been hailed by the scientific community and the general opinion, ultimately, the issue of full legalization will inevitably impose itself in the public debate, which brings new conversation points among family or friends once the question of Brexit is settled.
The different types of cannabis oil
Today, there are various forms of cannabis oils, which are generally included under the same name but which each have their own characteristics.
Some have psychoactive effects, and some do not; some can mix with diet when others are administered drop by drop.
Cannabis vegetable CBD oil
As with Marrakech butter, vegetable oil can be used to extract cannabinoids from the plant. Dark green or brown, this oil will have a little vegetal taste but nothing nasty. On the other hand, the oil will be highly psychoactive since the THC will have been absorbed. It will also have therapeutic properties since cannabidiol is also incorporated in this operation.
This oil can be used in salad, applied on the skin or orally drip for its anti-inflammatory properties. The exact dosage of the oil will depend on the power of the grass used. The effects can, therefore, be variable.
Hemp/CBD oil
To obtain it, we grind hemp seeds, and we extract the oil. There may be some traces of THC, but the dosages usually are so small that the oil is not psychoactive. Stuffed with vitamins and omega-3 and 6, CBD oil is used mainly in antioxidant creams for the skin. This oil can also be used in lubricants, paints, or plastics.
It contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids essential for the proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system. In the United States, it is used as a dietary supplement but is not recommended for cooking.
Butane Cannabis Oil (BHO)
Butane cannabis oil, or BHO (Butane hash oil), is part of cannabis extraction with solvent. This amber oil generally provides a high short but intense. Its use can be as much medical as recreational. BHO provides the same properties as weed, with higher concentrations.
Its consumption is relatively simple, but its design can be dangerous in the absence of adequate equipment.
US media frequently report explosions of amateur labs. Butane (gas) is used to extract cannabinoids from the plant without any organic compounds. It is then evaporated to leave only the concentrated material. It will remain then this brown paste ultra-dosed in THC.
CBD oil extracted with CO2
Cannabis oil extracted with CO2 is considered one of the cleanest cannabis extraction methods. CO2, cleaner and less dangerous than butane, also extracts terpenes and other cannabinoids. The concentrate, therefore, has a taste that is closer to that of the plant than the butane concentrate.
Its manufacture is complex and is an industrial process. The supercritical state of CO2 makes it possible to select the extracted molecules and thus to choose which cannabinoids to retain. CBD oil is often obtained from this method.
Rick Simpson’s oil
Rick Simpson created cannabis oil to treat skin cancer by applying it as a poultice successfully. Rubbery and black, its psychotropic power is due to the mixture between 30 grams of cannabis and 500 ml of 99% isopropyl alcohol. If the recipe is simple, it remains inaccessible because of national legislation. 30 grams of the base material can give up to 5-6 grams of good quality oil. Rick Simpson’s oil can be ingested drip or applied to the skin.
Cannabidiol oil: the CBD oil
Cannabidiol oil does not contain psychoactive elements. This is partly why many companies are turning to CBD treatments. These oils are used primarily to rebalance the endocannabinoid system, as a dietary supplement or epileptic medication. They also help to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties of cannabidiol.
Dyes
Doctors used cannabis tinctures before cannabis prohibition. The recipe turns out easy, and it treats multiple symptoms. The preparation can be done at home, mixing strong alcohol (vodka) with cannabis and then leaving it to rest. It is mainly used to counter the side effects of chemotherapy. It can also fight arthritis, panic attacks, or epilepsy.
CBD oil has many medicinal applications, it is yet to be seen what the future holds for its full legalization.