Cannabidiol is making its mark on the United Kingdom, with data indicating that the U.K. CBD market is currently overshadowing two significant segments of the health and wellness markets – Vitamin C and Vitamin D.

Based on the findings of a recent survey, the U.K. CBD market already has a staggering 1.3 million active consumers. What’s more, CBD in the U.K. is bringing in £300 million in revenue on an annual basis – equivalent to USD$370 million dollars.

Ultimately, this means that the U.K. CBD market has surpassed the Vitamin C market and the Vitamin D market in the U.K. combined; Vitamin C generates $147 million every year, whereas the UK vitamin D market pulls in $179 million.

These figures are impressive, considering the fact that the CBD is trend is only just kicking off in Great Britain. By 2025, analysts believe that the U.K. CBD market will be worth more than $1 billion.

U.K. CBD industry appeals to a diverse group

Since cannabis’ non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD has stepped out of its psychoactive cousin’s shadows, a craze has swept the entire globe. Everyone’s taking an interest in the CBD industry; Yogis, athletes, chefs, pensioners, veterans, families and even pets are among the many consumers. 

According to a Gallup poll, one in seven Americans say they use CBD. As a natural substance that is not mind-altering, but could potentially be life-changing, is there any wonder why? 

People are beginning to discover the cannabinoid’s anti-stress, anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects as far away as the U.K., where the CBD industry is sprouting into something quite beautiful.

What is the legality of CBD in the U.K.?

Based on British law, CBD is legal in the U.K.. if it does not contain over 0.3 percent of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, or ‘tetrahydrocannabinol’ as scientists like to call it. 

CBD’s scientific name is ‘cannabidiol’. It is a non-psychotropic substance that is being widely used in the U.S. to relieve the symptoms of pain, cancer-related symptoms, tremors, muscle spasms and seizures, to name a few.

Currently, THC is considered a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Although the research into CBD’s benefits are currently lacking, science has demonstrated its therapeutic effects. This is not to say that the National Health Service (NHS) approves of CBD just yet, however.

“Many cannabis-based products are available to buy online, but their quality and content is not known. They may be illegal and potentially dangerous,” warns the National Health Service (NHS) in an official statement on its website.

Big-name health stores – such as Holland and Barrett – have started stocking CBD products In an attempt to capitalize on the growing market. Nonetheless, these products are not guaranteed to contain adequate levels of the cannabinoid until the U.K. CBD market is fully regulated by the government.

CBD product suppliers and manufacturers are urging the British government to clear up confusion regarding the cannabinoid’s legal status.

Laws surrounding cannabis in the U.K. are progressively changing

Anti-cannabis conservatives have long deterred legalization in the U.K. On the other hand, support has always been there. Back in 1990, efforts to legalize the plant were initiated by the Green Party; a push that was backed by the Liberal Democrats throughout the 2000’s. 

Soon after, a suggestion to legalize cannabis in the U.K. was introduced in parliament, but to no avail. The legalization bill was also put forward by British MP Norman Lamb. Unfortunately, his bill missed out on enough yes votes, with 66 to 52 votes opposing the idea.

On a positive note, the U.K. looks set to follow in the footsteps of the United States and Canada. Medical cannabis has spread across the North American continent over the last few years and has brought in much-needed revenue for various states.

In 2018, the Misuse Of Drugs Regulations Bill was amended to permit medical cannabis in specific cases. The bill was effectuated throughout England, Wales and Scotland, after lawmakers were faced with public backlash for denying minor patients – such as Billy Caldewell and Alfie Dingley – of their CBD-based medications for epilepsy.

Plus, with the European Union legalizing Epidiolex – a cannabis-based epilepsy treatment produced by British drugs company GW pharmaceuticals – it’s only a matter of time before Europe’s cannabis market becomes a contender for North America’s cannabis industry.