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​Medical Cannabis Oil Sales Soar As Holland & Barrett Becomes First High Street Stockist

​Medical Cannabis Oil Sales Soar As Holland & Barrett Becomes First High Street Stockist

Made by pressing hemp leaves and flowers, it usually involves user putting drops under their tongue

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Sales of medicinal cannabis oil have apparently doubled over the past year - with demand only growing as Holland & Barrett becomes the first high street store to stock it.

According to the Cannabis Trades Association UK, the number of cannabidiol (CBD) users has jumped from 125,000 just 12 months ago to 250,000 now.

CBD oil has less than 0.2 percent of the psychoactive ­tetra­­­hydro­­cannabinol, meaning that not only does it not produce a high, but also that it is legal in the UK.

It's used to ease symptoms of multiple ­sclerosis, joint pain, anxiety and depression, along with many other conditions.

Made by pressing hemp leaves and flowers, it usually involves user putting drops under their tongue.

Sales of Dutch firm Jacob Hooy's CBD+Oil are up 37 percent since Holland & Barrett started stocking it four weeks ago, with people swarming to stores to buy the 10ml bottles for £19.99 ($28).

Holland & Barrett

On the Holland and Barrett website, it states that each bottle of the '100 percent natural cannabidiol oil' contains around 240 drops. The description also explains that the product has a 'distinctive taste', but that a small drink of water after taking the oil will take the taste away within 30 seconds.

The health food retailer has also said that it will be adding four more cannabis oil products next month.

Holland & Barrett said: "'We have been surprised at the success and popularity of CBD oil since its launch. We are constantly looking to bring new and innovative ­products to market that help our customers.

"It is great to see in this instance that we can help with the demand."

However, product reviews on the chain's website show there's a mixed response to the oil, with an overall rating of 3.5 stars.

One customer refers to it as 'liquid gold', adding that it's excellent for many ailments and that they 'can't rate it highly enough'.

Another happy customer says: "I couldn't possibly articulate how this stuff has changed my life within two weeks."

Another, meanwhile, writes: "I'm using but not noticing anything?? What should I expect?? Could someone recommend something similar? I've seen some reviews where some CBD oil works with one drop?"

Someone else says: "Undecided on this so far, not sure it's doing anything for me, except giving me a foul taste in my mouth.

"Disappointing, will keep trying. Expensive for how much you get."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Shopping, Cannabis