Is Hemp Seed Oil Legal in the UK?

Cannabidiol (CBD) may offer a lot of potential benefits, but this popular supplement has a very rough past. Initially operating in a legal gray area, countries - including the U.K. - appear to accept it.

However, there seems to be confusion about what hemp seed oil is.

To answer the question: Yes. Hemp seed oil is legal in the U.K. In fact, it's always been legal. Let's explain why.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. Hemp Oil

We understand that you searched intending to find out if CBD oil is legal. Not to worry, we'll cover both products and set the record straight.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil has never been hard to find. Visit any health food store and you'll notice hemp seed oil, hemp seeds, and other hemp-related foods. Why? Because hemp seed oil is exactly as the name implies - it's made from hemp seeds.

This is important because hemp seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. However, these contain no CBD. Hemp seed oil is simply a type of health food.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil (a.k.a. CBD oil) and hemp seed oil come from the same plant, but that's pretty much all they have in common. Unlike hemp seed oil, hemp oil extract comes from the whole plant - stems, stalks, leaves, and flowers.

CBD oil also goes through a much more complex process for extracting and purifying the final product.

In Conclusion

Although legal, hemp oil is an unregulated supplement, so make sure you research any health claims and talk to a doctor.