As a vape shop owner you will be well aware of the huge variety of e-liquids which you can purchase to sell on to your customers.
One area getting a lot of media attention at the moment is that of CBD. Here we look at what CBD is, if you can sell CBD in the UK and rules and regulations that apply to the sale of CBD e-liquids.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a chemical substance that is found in hemp and cannabis plants
In its purest form CBD does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the chemical found in cannabis that gives the psychoactive effect (a high).
Is it legal to sell CBD in the UK?
According to this BBC article, whilst most cannabinoids are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act, CBD is not.
Therefore, currently in the UK, CBD products can be sold in the UK as long as no claims are made about medical benefits. Many high street retailers, for example Holland and Barrett now sell CBD products.
However, the Home Office states that if a CBD ‘product’ contains any controlled cannabinoids (e.g. THC) ‘then it is highly likely that the product would be controlled’
You can read the Home Office factsheet here:
In order to make medical or health claims about a CBD product, the product must be licensed as a medicine.
What are the UK laws and regulations around CBD?
Whilst it is legal to sell CBD in the UK there are many rules and regulations which apply. If you are thinking of selling CBD e-liquid in your vape shop, be sure to carry out full research into the rules and regulations which apply to the legal sale of CBD and seek advice if you think you will need it to ensure that you fully comply.
Some useful resources to refer to include the NHS, the MHRA and the gov.uk website.
Is selling CBD e-liquid different to selling other types of e-liquid?
CBD is often available in the form of oil and can be found in e-liquids for vaping. At the time of writing there was no specific guidance as to whether selling CBD e-liquid varies to selling other e-liquids.
You will of course need to abide by all of the regulations which cover e-cigarettes and e-liquids, as well as the rules which govern whether it is legal to sell CBD.
If you are unsure about any of the regulations you need to abide by as a vape shop owner then do seek professional advice.
At Anthony Jones we are the approved broker to the IBVTA and are specialist in arranging insurance for vape shops and retailers through to e-liquid manufacturers and distributors. We understand that the risks you face are very different to traditional retailers. If you have any questions about your vape insurance needs then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 0208 290 9080 or email us at ecig@anthonyjones.com
