Legality of CBD

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound found in the hemp plant. It has received a great deal of attention in recent years due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a key component of our body’s nervous system that modulates many processes in the body, including pain sensation, mood, appetite, sleep, immune system and many more. There are several methods to take CBD, the most popular and effective are outlined in our blog here. For example, if you were to take CBD to assist with joint pain, muscle recovery and inflammation, you can either take an oil under the tongue or you can apply directly to the affected area using a topical cream.

Is CBD Legal?

Yes! Ingestible CBD products, such as oils, are defined as food supplements, which are 100% legal. Hemp (high CBD/low THC) has traditionally been used in herbal preparations and ointments going back thousands of years.

What is THC & how is it regulated?

The cannabis plant contains a range of cannabinoids – some of which are psychoactive (affect the mind). In Ireland, THC, the psychoactive component people associate with marijuana, is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977, and is considered a narcotic. Despite this, this chemical is typically found in most CBD products & oils on the market today, although at minimal amounts. According to EU regulations, THC content in foods must 0.2% or less - any more than 0.2% is against EU regulations and are considered “marijuana products”. FYI - we have removed THC from our oils, in which very few other brands have done. We would always advise to take care when taking other hemp-derived products as there are many products on the market with elevated THC levels that do not comply with food supplement regulations.

Can CBD products contain THC?

Most CBD products on the market contain some THC, although they must adhere to the EU regulations of a maximum of 0.2% THC. At Vita Botanica, we pride ourselves on having oils with 0% THC.

Can CBD get me high?

No, definitely not!! CBD products will not get you high. CBD itself does not get you “high”, it is THC is the psychoactive component that is responsible for getting high. High THC levels in oils is illegal and against EU law/regulations, which is why it is always advised to check the lab results for ingestible CBD products to ensure the amount of THC complies with the regulations, as many brands push out products containing THC levels over the 0.2% limit. As mentioned above, we remove all THC from our oils.

Can I have CBD & compete in sports?

Yes! WADA permitted the use of CBD for competitive athletes back in 2018. This means athletes can maximise the benefits of the product & their recovery. In fact, this is what led to us introducing our Muscle & Joint Recovery Cream as athletes can reap the rewards of recovering from their intense training volume. Check out our CBD and recovery blog here!