Can UK Police Officers Legally Use CBD Oil? A Comprehensive Guide

As more and more people turn to CBD oil for its potential health benefits, many are wondering whether UK police officers are allowed to use it. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think, so let’s take a closer look at the legalities involved.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that doesn’t produce a high.

Firstly, it’s important to note that CBD oil is legal in the UK as long as it is classified as a food supplement. This means that it’s not a controlled substance and can be bought and sold freely, as long as the CBD product in question has had a novel food application, provided by the manufacturer or supplier to the Food standards agency in the UK. However, just because CBD oil is legal doesn’t mean that police officers are allowed to use it. As with many other aspects of their lives, police officers are held to a higher standard.

The CBD industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and with it, the interest in the legality of CBD products. In the UK, CBD laws can be a bit confusing, so it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding CBD products.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what CBD is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is not the same as THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis that produces a “high”. CBD products are often marketed for their potential health benefits, although it’s important to note that the evidence supporting these claims is currently limited.

It’s also important for CBD products to not make any medical claims, as this would classify them as medicinal products and subject them to a different set of regulations. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating medicinal products in the UK, including CBD products that are marketed as medicinal. Any CBD product that makes a medical claim must be licensed as a medicine by the MHRA. To date, only one CBD product has been licensed as a medicine in the UK, and that is Sativex, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis.

CBD products that do not make any medical claims are classified as food supplements, and are subject to the regulations set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA is responsible for ensuring that CBD products are safe for consumption and that they are accurately labelled.

CBD and The College of Policing.

The College of Policing, which sets standards and provides guidance for police officers in England and Wales, states that “all police officers and staff are expected to maintain the highest standards of behaviour and to act with honesty and integrity at all times.” This includes refraining from drug use, even if the drug in question is legal.

The rationale behind this policy is that police officers must maintain clear judgment and perform their duties effectively at all times. Even if CBD oil doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, the mere fact that it comes from the same plant as cannabis could raise concerns about its potential impact on an officer’s judgment.
That being said, there are some situations in which a police officer may be allowed to use CBD oil. For example, if an officer has a medical condition that can be treated with CBD oil, they may be able to obtain a prescription and use it under medical supervision.

It’s worth noting, however, that the rules surrounding drug use by police officers are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific police force. It’s always best to consult your force’s policies and procedures before using any substances.

The Metropolitan Police Policy on CBD

When approached by a freedom of information request asking specifically on “ Would police officers be disciplined or sacked if THC shows on a drugs test – even if it is 0.2%?” the Metropolitan Police Service responded that:

“The Medical Review Officer will interpret any laboratory finding of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in light of the medication declared by the officer or member of staff. The review will ascertain whether there is a legitimate explanation for the presence of the drug in the sample. If there is no legitimate explanation for the THC, a disciplinary investigation would be instigated and criminal offences would be considered.”

Therefore it should be interpreted that as long as there is a reasonable legitimate reason for the presence of trace levels of THC within a drug test then it would be taken into consideration.

What CBD should I take as a Police officer?

Considering the stringent policies on THC consumption as a police officer, we would recommend purchasing Broad-Spectrum CBD products.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a type of CBD oil that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is made using a process that extracts all of the cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant, with the exception of THC. In this article, we will explore some of the potential benefits of using broad-spectrum CBD oil.

One of the main advantages of broad-spectrum CBD oil is that it contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which work together to produce what is known as the “entourage effect”. This means that the different compounds in the oil can enhance each other’s effects, potentially resulting in a more effective product.

Another benefit of broad-spectrum CBD oil is that it can be more effective than CBD isolate (which only contains CBD) due to the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes. While research in this area is still ongoing, some studies have suggested that full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil may be more effective than CBD isolate for certain conditions.

Broad spectrum CBD oil may also have potential benefits for the skin. Some studies have suggested that CBD oil may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial for reducing the signs of ageing and improving the overall health of the skin.

Furthermore, broad-spectrum CBD oil is often considered a good option for those who are sensitive to THC or who are subject to drug testing. Since broad-spectrum CBD oil contains no THC, it is unlikely to cause a positive result on a drug test, making it a popular choice among athletes, military personnel, and others who are subject to drug testing, making it the perfect option for Police officers in the UK.

It’s important to note, however, that the potential benefits of broad-spectrum CBD oil are still being studied, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body. Additionally, as with all CBD products, it’s important to consult your particular forces policies and medical professionals before using broad-spectrum CBD oil to ensure that it is safe for you to use.