What is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound from the hemp plant and one of the most studied cannabinoids; unlike THC, it does not cause a high. It was first isolated in 1940, and its structure was worked out in the 1960s. In the UK, pure CBD is not a controlled drug, and one CBD medicine is approved for rare forms of epilepsy. Most other uses are still being researched.
Key facts
- Full name
- Cannabidiol (CBD), C21H30O2
- Source
- Mainly the flowers and leaves of hemp, where the plant makes it as CBDA
- Intoxicating?
- No. CBD does not cause a high.
- History
- First isolated in 1940 (Adams et al.); structure described in the 1960s (Mechoulam and Shvo)
- UK legal status
- As of October 2026, pure CBD is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; products containing controlled cannabinoids such as THC are controlled unless they meet the "exempt product" rules
- Approved medicine
- Epidyolex (cannabidiol) is recommended by NICE, with clobazam, for seizures in Dravet syndrome (guidance published December 2019)
What is CBD (cannabidiol)?
Cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids, the group of compounds that the cannabis plant makes in the resin glands of its flowers. Hemp, the type of cannabis grown for fibre, seeds and CBD, is bred to contain a lot of CBD and very little THC. In the living plant, CBD exists mostly as its acid form, CBDA, which turns into CBD with heat.
CBD was first isolated from cannabis in 1940 by Roger Adams and colleagues, and its chemical structure was clarified in the 1960s by Raphael Mechoulam and Yuval Shvo (Wright, 2024). For the bigger picture, read what cannabinoids are. In 1964 Mechoulam and Yehiel Gaoni also isolated THC; see the history of THC.
Prefer watching? This video covers the basics:
Does CBD get you high?
No. The high from cannabis comes from THC, which activates the CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD works differently. In laboratory studies it has low affinity for CB1 and CB2 and can act against substances that activate these receptors (Pertwee, 2008). That is why CBD is described as non-intoxicating.
| CBD | THC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cannabidiol | Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol |
| Main source | Hemp | Drug-type cannabis |
| Causes a high | No | Yes |
| CB1 receptor | Low affinity; can oppose CB1 activation | Partial agonist (activates it) |
| UK status (October 2026) | Pure CBD not controlled | Class B controlled drug |
Our article on CBD vs THC goes into more detail, and the endocannabinoid system explains the receptors involved.
Is CBD legal in the UK?
According to Home Office guidance, pure CBD, as an isolated substance, is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. THC and other cannabinol derivatives are Class B drugs. A CBD product that contains controlled cannabinoids is therefore controlled too, unless it meets the "exempt product" definition in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Home Office, 2024). Read more in is CBD oil legal in the UK?
How is CBD used as an ingredient?
CBD appears in several kinds of products, each regulated differently:
- Cosmetics: creams, balms and oils for use on the skin. Topical cannabinoid products marketed for cosmetic purposes are regulated as cosmetic products (Rusu et al., 2025). On ingredient lists, CBD appears as "cannabidiol".
- Prescription medicine: Epidyolex is a licensed CBD medicine, used under specialist supervision.
- Other products: vape liquids and other formats, which fall under their own rules.
Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin, and the strength is stated as CBD content per drop. See our CBD oils, our CBD creams and the guide how to use CBD oil.
What does research say about CBD?
CBD has more research behind it than any other cannabinoid except THC, but the strongest evidence is narrow:
- Epilepsy: a CBD medicine is approved for specific rare forms of epilepsy. In England, NICE recommends cannabidiol with clobazam for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in people aged 2 and older (NICE, 2019).
- Other areas: CBD is being studied for anxiety, sleep, pain and inflammation, among others. Much of this work is in the laboratory or in animals, and human trials are small or mixed.
None of this makes CBD a medicine outside a prescription. Our guides to CBD side effects and CBD and medication cover what is known about safety. If you take medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
How do you know what is in a CBD product?
Look for a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory that shows the CBD content and the THC content of the batch. Our guide how to read a CBD certificate of analysis explains what to check, and our quality report lists the certificates for our products.
From our production
Through the EIHA novel-food consortium, we and the other owners have funded three research projects, €3.6 million combined, on the safe limits of CBD and THC in humans, so that lawmakers can decide on evidence. The results are not published yet. In our own production we test every batch in Switzerland, and since 2013 no batch has failed.
— Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, co-founder and CEO
Frequently asked questions
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural, non-intoxicating compound from the hemp plant and one of the most studied cannabinoids. It does not cause a high.
Is cannabidiol the same as CBD?
Yes. CBD is the abbreviation of cannabidiol. On cosmetic ingredient lists it appears as "cannabidiol".
Can you get high from CBD?
No. The high from cannabis comes from THC. CBD has low affinity for the CB1 receptor that THC activates and does not cause intoxication.
Is CBD legal in the UK?
Pure CBD is not a controlled drug in the UK. Products that contain controlled cannabinoids such as THC are controlled unless they meet the legal "exempt product" definition.
Are CBD oil and hemp seed oil the same?
No. CBD oil is made from extracts of the hemp flowers and leaves and contains CBD. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds and contains almost no cannabinoids. See our guide to hemp oil vs CBD oil.
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Both are cannabis. Hemp is bred to contain very little THC and is grown for fibre, seeds and CBD. Marijuana is cannabis bred for a high THC content.
Related guides
Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin. They are not food supplements or medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is general information and doesn't replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- Wright NJD. A review of the direct targets of the cannabinoids cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. AIMS Neuroscience 2024. doi:10.3934/neuroscience.2024009
- Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. British Journal of Pharmacology 2008. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442
- Home Office. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids. GOV.UK, updated 3 October 2024.
- NICE. Cannabidiol with clobazam for treating seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (TA614). Published 18 December 2019.
- Rusu A, et al. Cannabidiol in skin health: a comprehensive review of topical applications in dermatology and cosmetic science. Biomolecules 2025. doi:10.3390/biom15091219
