CBD Oil and THC Oil
Question
What is the Islamic stance on CBD oil and THC oil? Would CBD oil be permissible as it does not have psychoactive substances contained in it and just has a relaxant effect?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and therefore not permitted.
Unlike THC, CBD (Cannabidiol) is not psychoactive and is one of 104 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is extracted and mixed with a carrier oil – often hemp seed or coconut – to create CBD oil. It is suggested that CBD oil has some medicinal properties, including relieving inflammation, pain relief and reducing anxiety, although there have not been conclusive scientific studies on this. CBD oil is legal in the UK for medicinal purposes, on the condition that it does not contain more than 0.2 per cent THC, and the THC must not be easily separated from it. Accordingly, it is permissible to use CBD oil for medicinal purposes, however, we strongly recommend that medical advice is sought before using such products, not least because the percentage of CBD can vary. From 1 November 2018, doctors have been granted the authority to prescribe cannabis-based treatment for exceptional clinical need though there is no licensed drug for this as yet. Any prescription of the drug that is unlicensed but available is on a ‘named patient basis’ with appropriately trained Consultants prescribing it and the hospital and commissioning bodies approving it. It is therefore imperative that medical advice is sought before using such products even if not prescribed.
قال الله تعالى: ولا تلقوا بأيديكم إلى التهلكة. وقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: لا ضرر ولا ضرار، رواه أحمد (٢٨٦٥) والدارقطني (٣٠٧٩ و ٤٥٤١) والبيهقي (١١٣٨٤) وصححه الحاكم (٢٣٤٥) ووافقه الذهبي. وقال عمر: والخمر ما خامر العقل، رواه البخاري (٥٥٨١). وقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: كل مسكر حرام، رواه البخاري (٤٣٤٣ و ٦١٢٤ و ٧١٧٢). وقال أبو حنيفة: لا بأس بالخمر يكون للمسلم أن يصب فيها الماء أو يطرح فيها الملح فيصير خلا فيؤكل ذلك الخل أو يباع، كذا في الحجة على أهل المدينة (٣/٨)۔
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
24 Rabīʿ al-Awwal 1440 / 2 December 2018
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir, with some medical information provided by Dr Riyad Kallingal, Consultant Surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trusts
