CBD basics
What is CBD? A plain-English introduction
CBD is one of many compounds found in the hemp plant. Here is a factual overview of what CBD is, how UK products are regulated and how to read a label.
Key takeaways
- CBD is one of many compounds found in the hemp plant.
- UK CBD products are regulated as novel foods by the FSA.
- Product labels list total CBD and concentration.
- thCBDx does not make medical claims about CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over a hundred naturally-occurring compounds found in the hemp plant. In the UK it is sold as a food supplement in a range of formats including oils, gummies, capsules and topical products.
Because CBD is regulated as a novel food, products sold in the UK go through a formal authorisation process. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) maintains a public list of products progressing through that process.
How to read a CBD label
Most CBD labels display two important numbers:
- Total CBD content — the total milligrams in the container.
- Concentration — the CBD per millilitre (oils) or per piece (gummies, capsules).
| Format | Typical serving info |
|---|---|
| Oil | mg per drop or per ml |
| Gummies | mg per gummy |
| Capsules | mg per capsule |
Source: Food Standards Agency, "CBD guidance for consumers", updated 2025. See references below.
UK regulation
The FSA advises that healthy adults should not consume more than 10mg of CBD per day. CBD is not recommended for children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people trying to conceive, or people taking medication, unless directed by a medical professional.
Contextual product
1000mg CBD Active Heat Balm (50ml)
1000mg CBD Active Heat Balm (50ml) from Orange County CBD. Compare CBD skincare & topicals, 1,000mg CBD in the selected listed variant, 50ml format and available variants before visiting the retailer.
£35.00 • 1,000mg CBD
References
- Food Standards Agency, "CBD guidance for consumers", 2025.
- Food Standards Agency, "Public list of CBD products", 2025.
- UK Home Office, "Cannabis-based products for medicinal use", 2024.
Author
Alex
Publisher and editor of thCBDx, managing product comparisons and evidence checks.
Evidence checked by
Alex
Evidence checked against the named sources and current FSA guidance.
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