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What is CBD?

What is CBD?

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About This Article

Zoom Testing has provided drug testing products and guidance in the UK for over 20 years. This article explains what CBD is, its legal status, the evidence concerning its possible health uses and important safety considerations.

Published: 4 March 2024 | Last Updated: 12 September 2026 | By: Anthony Cunningham

Cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be everywhere these days. You may have seen it added to oils, capsules, cosmetics or drinks. But what exactly is CBD and why has it become so popular? Let’s take a closer look.

Contents

CBD vs. Cannabis

CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. However, unlike the better-known THC, CBD does not cause a “high” or intoxicating effect. According to the World Health Organization, CBD exhibits no abuse or dependence potential. But while CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it can also be derived directly from non-psychoactive hemp.

CBD itself is not a controlled drug in the UK, but CBD products must comply with rules governing THC and other controlled cannabinoids. The often-quoted 1 mg figure is not a general permitted THC limit and cannot be considered in isolation. CBD foods and food supplements must also have appropriate novel food authorisation, or remain permitted for sale while a valid application is being considered.

In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight from the federal definition of marijuana. However, this did not make every hemp-derived CBD product automatically legal. CBD products remain subject to federal food, medicine and consumer-product regulations, as well as individual state laws.

Potential Health Benefits

CBD has been studied for several possible uses, although evidence for most over-the-counter CBD products remains limited. Areas of research include:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleep problems
  • Chronic pain
  • Substance-use disorders
  • Inflammatory conditions

The strongest clinical evidence concerns certain severe forms of epilepsy. Epidyolex, a highly purified prescription CBD medicine known as Epidiolex in the United States, is authorised for seizures associated with conditions including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This prescription medicine should not be confused with non-prescription CBD products.

Is It Safe?

Side effects of CBD can include nausea, fatigue and irritability, and CBD may interact with other medicines. Consumer products are regulated differently from prescription medicines, and their composition and quality can vary. The appropriate amount is also uncertain for many non-prescription uses.

CBD is not risk-free, and more clinical research is needed, particularly into the effects of long-term use. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you take medicines or have an existing health condition.

How to Take CBD

CBD is sold in forms including oils, capsules, patches, vape liquids and topical creams or gels. How much CBD is absorbed can vary considerably according to the product and how it is used. Evidence has not established that one non-prescription form is best for treating pain or inflammation.

Prescription cannabis-based medicines are available for a limited number of conditions. In the UK, Sativex, an oral spray containing CBD and THC, may be prescribed for muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. Epidyolex is used for certain forms of epilepsy.

The Bottom Line

While CBD is being investigated for several possible medical uses, convincing evidence currently exists for only a limited number of prescription treatments, particularly certain forms of epilepsy. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using CBD for anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain or another health concern, especially if you take other medicines. If buying a consumer CBD product, check that it complies with current UK requirements.

About the Author

Anthony Cunningham, BA (Hons), MA, is a UK-based drug testing expert and editor with over 20 years’ experience running Zoom Testing, a trusted source for accurate drug testing kits and testing guidance. He creates clear, evidence-based articles using UK legislation, workplace compliance standards, and harm reduction best practices. Where possible, content is reviewed by testing specialists and compliance professionals to enhance accuracy and reliability, helping readers make informed testing decisions.

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