When the conversation turns to the use of controlled substances, even the most progressive nations are forced to rethink their rules and regulations. And, so has Sweden. The recent court rulings have clarified the legal status of CBD products, its use and possession in the Swedish nation. Here’s answering a few questions on the same.
CBD vs. THC
CBD products have become all the rage today. A growing appetite for it has led to shelves brimming with CBD in various forms from pills to oil to vapes.
Despite its proclaimed benefits, several authorities worldwide are pushing for more restrictions on the cultivation and use of CBD. The source of CBD and the associate compound THC are partly responsible for this.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant. This plant strain contains over a hundred active chemical compounds other than CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of them. The primary difference between THC and CBD is that THC has psychotropic effects while CBD does not. What does that mean? THC induces euphoric effects but CBD does not. CBD is derived from industrial hemp, a cannabis sativa strain containing less than 0.3% THC.
Why are CBD products so popular?
CBD gained popularity mainly because of its positive effects on health. People who used the cannabidiol experienced the following benefits:
- Relief from anxiety
- Reducing chronic pain
- Regulating the sleep-wake cycle
- Improving mood
- Treating symptoms in conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinsons.
Research work studying the potential benefits of CBD in treatment of various types of cancer are also underway.
CBD products as a Medicine
The Medical Products Agency in SWeden views CBD as a medicine and not a novel food. Thus, the rules that apply to the sale of medicines in Sweden apply to CBD-based products too.
- If CBD is ingested orally, it is considered a medicine.
- CBD products cannot be sold without a permit from the Medical Products Agency. It can also be bought from an approved, licensed vendor.
- Only CBD extracted from industrial hemp is considered legal; it is not a narcotic drug.
- The descriptions of CBD products must not make statements on its health and beauty benefits.
- The authorities are also regulating the sale of CBD products at local health stores.
No THC
For most European nations, the THC concentrations determine the legal status of CBD.while some have settled for 0.2% (Denmark) and 0.3% (United Kingdom), SWeden does not permit any amount of THC.
The CBD retail products should not contain any amount of THC.If a product contains THC, it comes under the purview of the Narcotics law. This applies even if CBD is extracted from the permitted industrial hemp variety.
Is it Legal to Grow cannabis?
The cultivation of cannabis for industrial or personal use is illegal in SWeden. Violating the law – cultivation or possession – is an offence and punishable by law.
Can CBD products be bought online in Sweden?
The legality is based on the amount of THC present. Buying CBD products online is legal only if the product contains 0% THC.
Thus, Sweden has the most restrictive laws on the use of CBD in all forms. So, if you want to make use of CBD in Sweden, understand the regulations carefully before you buy a product off the shelf.
Along with the adhering to the rules, it helps to take a few precautions. Always check that the advertised percentage of THC is the same as that present in the product. All products must be batch tested by a third party testing agency. Be safe by buying from a reputed seller locally or from an online store like Zamnesia.com.
