You’ve read all about CBD and its benefits, and you can’t wait to get your hands on a bottle of this incredible supplement. So, where exactly is the best place to purchase your CBD oil?

CBD is widely available online and in shops, but there are some simple steps you should take to make sure you’re getting premium-quality and excellent value CBD.

Who can sell CBD oil?

From March 2021, anyone selling CBD products in the UK must apply for a Novel Food License. This is excellent news for CBD customers, as it means better protection from rogue sellers.

Applying for Novel Food status from the Food Standards Agency is one simple step CBD companies can take to show that they offer safe, legal and compliant products. 

All Love Hemp products are listed on the Food Standards Agency’s list of CBD products linked to novel food applications.

To be approved for this status, sellers must show that their products are correctly labelled, safe, and not classified as controlled substances.

Typically, the manufacturer will apply for novel food status, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a product you are using on the list. There is a chance that the novel food license was granted to the manufacturer, not the individual brand.

Who can buy CBD products?

CBD is widely available online and in shops. While it is not advised for under-18s, it isn’t actually illegal to sell to minors. However, many leading retailers such as Boots and Holland and Barratt will not sell CBD products available to those under 18.

Some people purchase CBD for their pets, but this should only be done under the close supervision of a veterinarian. Pets can have adverse reactions to CBD and it could interact with other medications, so we don’t recommend purchasing CBD products for your animals.

And finally, CBD is also not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. There’s still a lot we don’t know about how it interacts with the body, so it’s always best to be on the safe side.

Where can I buy CBD oil?

CBD is available to buy online directly from CBD sellers, sites like Amazon and eBay, and shops like Holland and Barratt or Boots. If you prefer to see the products before buying them, shopping in-store might be advisable. Some larger chains, such as Boots, have CBD information hubs where you can ask questions and learn more about the products.

You can also shop online, but with so many brands and products available, it’s important to look for the following signs of a reputable seller:

• Transparent and honest about where their CBD comes from. A transparent seller has nothing to hide and will make you feel more confident in your purchase. If a seller is more focused on the sale than the product, they may be concealing where they sourced their product.
• Third-party lab testing. All CBD retailers should offer a certificate of analysis (COA) to confirm third-party lab testing. This guarantees that the product is marked correctly, contains the right amount of CBD, and doesn’t contain unsafe/ illegal levels of THC.
• Organic, non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free. A short ingredient list will ensure that your CBD product does not contain unnecessary extras. Choosing organic and non-GMO products will also reduce the risk of heavy metals and pesticides making their way into the finished product. Be aware that some gummy sweets might not be suitable for a vegan diet.
• No medical claims. CBD sellers are not permitted to make medical claims about their products. So, if you see a CBD retailer claiming their product can cure or treat specific conditions, you should probably shop elsewhere. If a seller makes medical claims about their products, they need to apply for a medical license and back up their claims with clinical trials. There are currently only two products available in the UK that are licensed for medicinal use. These are only available with a prescription and are rarely prescribed. 
• Happy to help. Most reputable CBD sellers are happy to answer your questions and are committed to helping their customers. The best CBD sellers want their customers to be informed about their purchase decisions.

How to spot a CBD scam

CBD is not a cheap supplement. This gives unscrupulous sellers the opportunity to sell poor-quality CBD for a high price to make a quick profit. 

To avoid poor-quality and potentially dangerous CBD products, we recommend asking for a certificate of analysis before making any purchase.

Be aware that hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same things. Hemp seed oil doesn’t contain any cannabinoids and is much cheaper to produce than CBD oil.

You should also be wary about companies offering incredibly high levels of CBD for a very low cost. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.