You can now buy CBD in pharmacies: benefits and products available
In recent years, CBD products have become increasingly popular because of their potential therapeutic benefits, especially for treating muscle pain and discomfort caused by inflammation and tiredness. High demand for cannabidiol products has made them a fixture in pharmacies, where CBD creams and oils are already among the best sellers in their category. But it isn't quite as simple as it seems, as there are CBD products you won't find in pharmacies. In this post, we explain in detail whether you can buy CBD in pharmacies, which CBD products are on offer, how available they are and the important things to consider before buying them.
What is CBD and why is it so popular?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Its growing popularity is down to its potential to relieve a range of medical conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain.
Although it comes from cannabis, it is a completely legal product because it contains no THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis), or only negligible amounts, so it has no narcotic properties, doesn't get you high and doesn't alter your mental perception.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is extracted from hemp, a type of cannabis with almost no THC that is legal in most European countries. Unlike weed, hemp contains very low levels of THC, which makes it safe and legal to use. If you'd like to find out more, read our post on the differences between hemp and cannabis.
CBD products available in pharmacies
CBD oils
CBD oil has become one of the most sought-after products in pharmacies thanks to the properties of CBD for sleep. CBD oils have become popular for better sleep and for anxiety, and many people have found CBD oil to be the perfect natural alternative for a restful night's sleep.
In pharmacies you'll find different types of CBD oil. They usually come in opaque glass bottles with a dropper that makes dosing easy. CBD oils for sleep may also contain other ingredients such as melatonin and cannabinol (CBN).
Prices can vary depending on the CBD concentration of the oil, its composition and the brand. As a rough guide, they range from €15 to €120, depending on the size and strength of the product.
To use CBD oil for relaxation, the recommended method is to place a few drops of CBD under the tongue. This way, the cannabidiol is absorbed quickly and works to promote personal wellbeing. However, you should know that in many European countries, including Spain, CBD is sold in pharmacies for topical use, because oral CBD is not allowed. Other countries, on the other hand, may allow CBD oil to be sold in pharmacies for oral use.
CBD creams for pain
CBD creams for pain are topical products designed for sports or physiotherapy massage. These creams, which may also contain natural ingredients such as arnica and devil's claw, are becoming more popular and more widely available in pharmacies, and are one of the best sellers for pain relief.
Pharmacies also stock topical products such as balms and oils containing cannabidiol. CBD ointment is a topical form of cannabidiol designed to deliver a steady amount of CBD to the skin. It is used for acne and certain conditions such as psoriasis, on professional advice.
CBD skincare
CBD skincare is becoming more and more popular. CBD interacts with the skin's endocannabinoid system and has antioxidant properties, helping to restore the skin barrier and give the skin back a healthy look.
There is a wide range of CBD skincare, including creams, lotions, body oils, lip balms, facial serums and masks. It is mainly used to care for dry skin, hydrating and soothing it.
CBD gummies
Whether you can find CBD gummies in pharmacies depends on the specific laws and regulations of each country or state. In some countries, these products are legal and sold over the counter in shops, including pharmacies. These gummies contain CBD extract and, as with any CBD product, it is essential to read the labels and check how much CBD is in each gummy to work out the right dose for your needs.
This isn't the case in Spain and most European countries, where CBD is not allowed in food, food supplements, capsules or other supplements. So in these countries you'll find cannabis gummies (made with hemp seed oil) that contain neither CBD nor THC and are completely legal.
CBD medicines
In Spain, there are only two approved medicines containing CBD: Epidyolex and Sativex. Epidyolex is used to treat certain types of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Sativex is a THC- and CBD-based medicine used to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Both medicines are prescription-only.
CBD products you won't find in pharmacies
There are certain CBD products you generally won't find in pharmacies. These include:
CBD buds and flower
CBD flower is the most natural form of the cannabis plant, high in cannabidiol and low in THC. It isn't usually sold in pharmacies, as it is considered a collector's item and is not intended for consumption. In some countries, such as the UK, hemp flower is controlled even when its THC content is low.
Frequently asked questions about CBD in pharmacies
Do you need a prescription to buy CBD in pharmacies?
It depends on the product and the country. In general, you can only get CBD medicines such as Epidyolex or Sativex on prescription. However, in Spain you can buy CBD products such as CBD oil or CBD creams for pain in pharmacies and other shops without a prescription. In other words, CBD products for external use, which are not medicines and can therefore be bought in health and beauty shops. Even so, in some European countries, CBD oils may only be available on prescription.
Is it legal to sell CBD in pharmacies?
Yes. CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC, so they are legal in Spain and most European countries, although each country sets its own rules. Several of Spain's official pharmacists' associations (Colegios de Farmacéuticos) have introduced courses on the use of cannabis products, and their presence in pharmacies is likely to grow.
Which pharmacies sell CBD oil?
Some pharmacies only sell CBD in the form of creams or skincare. Others also sell CBD in drop form, that is, CBD oil. The only way to be sure whether your local pharmacy does is to call or pop in and ask. Another option is to go to a CBD shop, where they're sure to have CBD oil, or, even easier, to buy online from the comfort of your home.
Can you buy CBD pills in pharmacies?
In most of Europe, including Spain, you won't find CBD pills in pharmacies. Medicines containing cannabidiol usually come as an oil (oral solution), as it is absorbed better that way than in tablets or pills.
Does CBD have side effects?
Possible side effects of CBD are rare and mild, such as diarrhoea, nausea, reduced appetite or tiredness. They usually occur at high doses or in people who are sensitive to CBD.
Is CBD a medicine?
Yes and no: the therapeutic use of CBD is only approved for treating epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The other uses that have made CBD popular, including anxiety, pain management and sleep problems, are not officially authorised for these products, although there is research supporting them. That's why over-the-counter CBD products (sold without a prescription) are non-medicinal health products for topical use.
CBD hash
CBD hash, resin and CBD cannabis concentrates are considered decorative or collector's items and are not intended for consumption. There is also the CBD Vape Pen with liquid hash, a natural hemp distillate with no additives, ready to vaporise. These products are generally not sold in pharmacies and are found in specialist CBD or vape shops:
E-liquids for e-cigarettes
CBD e-liquids are designed to be vaporised in e-cigarettes. These products aren't usually available in pharmacies, as they are used for consumption through vaporisation.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers are advanced devices designed specifically to vaporise dried flower, concentrates or resin. You can find them in specialist CBD or vape shops, but they aren't common in pharmacies.
Benefits of CBD
CBD has become popular thanks to numerous studies highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits, including relief from muscle discomfort, pain, stress, anxiety and sleep problems. If you'd like to find out more, we cover it all in our post on the benefits of CBD.
It's worth noting that, although studies have shown CBD's huge therapeutic potential, most products sold in pharmacies and health shops are skincare and topical products, not medicines.
Where can you buy CBD?
To buy all kinds of CBD products, without limitations, you can go to specialist CBD shops such as Cannactiva. You'll find them in our online CBD shop, or in our CBD shop in Barcelona or CBD shop in Madrid. Also, the availability of CBD products may vary depending on the country and local regulations.
Pros and cons of buying CBD in pharmacies vs online
When buying CBD, you have several options, such as pharmacies and online CBD shops. The price of CBD oil is the same in pharmacies and in specialist CBD shops. What you should look for is whether the shop offers expert advice on using CBD.
Also, while pharmacies offer a wide range of topical CBD and skincare products, bear in mind that you'll only find CBD flower and CBD hash in specialist CBD shops (in some countries, such as the UK, hemp flower is controlled even when its THC content is low).
All in all, at Cannactiva we're delighted that CBD is now available in pharmacies, as it opens up a new market and gives many new customers confidence. We hope more and more people will discover the properties and safety of cannabidiol, and that this helps spread knowledge about the potential of cannabis and its benefits for wellbeing.
Before buying any CBD product in a pharmacy, it's essential to read the labels and ask the pharmacy staff, to make sure you choose the option best suited to your needs. Remember that CBD affects everyone differently, so it's important to find the dose and method of use that suit you best to get the most benefit.
