Have you ever wondered what the term “halal” means? It is an Islamic term that is used to describe food that has been prepared in accordance with Islamic laws. This includes avoiding certain ingredients such as pork, alcohol, and any type of intoxicant.
Halal also applies to other aspects of life such as hygiene and beauty products, finance, and even medicine. But what about CBD? Is it halal? Let’s take a look!
What is Halal?
According to Islamic law, halal refers to anything that is permitted or lawful. It applies to all aspects of life according to the Quran and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad). Halal dietary laws are based on the premise that all foods are pure and permissible for consumption unless prohibited explicitly in the Quran or Hadith.
These prohibited foods include pork products, carrion (dead animals), alcoholic beverages, animals slaughtered in a manner other than prescribed by Islamic law (dhabihah), and any intoxicant.
What is CBD?
A chemical compound, Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in cannabis plants, most commonly in hemp. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has been seeing increasing use in the medical world due to its potential health benefits. CBD products are typically made from the extracted resin of hemp leaves and stalks and contain very little or no THC, meaning they will not produce any psychoactive effects. By law, CBD products in the UK must contain less than 0.2% THC.
The CBD oil is then usually combined with a carrier oil. The most common carrier oils are coconut or hemp seed oil, and is sold as an ingestible tincture or topically as lotions, creams and other products.
Are CBD Products Halal and Haram?
CBD products are not explicitly mentioned in either the Quran or Hadith but there is an overarching principle that applies; anything that does not contain any substances that Islam prohibits can be considered halal.
In this sense, CBD products can be considered halal as long as they do not have prohibited substances such as alcohol or pork-derived ingredients.
Additionally, CBD products derived from hemp plants grown by organic farming practices can be considered halal due to the absence of chemicals or synthetic fertilizers used during cultivation. However, according to Islamic dietary law, there may still be trace amounts of THC in some CBD products, making them non-halal.
Things to consider when choosing your CBD products
Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum
The primary difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products is the amount of THC. Full-spectrum CBD contains traces of all other cannabinoids found in hemp, including up to 0.2% THC, while broad-spectrum CBD is stripped of most (if not all) THC. Both offer a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits, however, those looking for an entirely THC-free product may opt for broad-spectrum CBD formulas.
Full Spectrum CBD may be preferred by those wishing to benefit from the entourage effect caused by a combination of all compounds found in hemp. If you are looking for a halal or haram CBD product, it should be broad-spectrum CBD oils.
CBD Isolate Formula
CBD isolates are a CBD extract with all other compounds removed, including flavonoids, terpenes, pesticides, herbicides and other plant particles. The result is an entirely pure form of CBD in crystalline powder form. CBD isolate has no taste or odour and is a highly concentrated form of CBD. It can make oils and tinctures, edibles and topicals, vapes and more.
Its potency makes it an ideal choice for those who require larger doses of CBD or who wish to enjoy the full effects that pure CBD can provide.
CBD isolate itself is a phytocannabinoid extract and is not derived from any animal or plant sources, so it does not inherently violate any halal laws. However, the production process of CBD isolate and other CBD products may include ingredients or techniques that could compromise its halal status. This should be discussed directly with the CBD company.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are a popular edible option for those looking to experience the potential benefits of CBD. While some halal-certified CBD sweets are available, many on the market contain ingredients that may not be considered halal. Alcohol is used as a solvent for extracted CBD oils, and some companies also add artificial flavours and colours which may not meet the strict guidelines of halal foods.
Additionally, gelatin is sometimes used in gummy production, which is not typically considered a halal ingredient due to its animal origin. When choosing a CBD gummy product, it is important to assess each ingredient listed to determine if it meets your religious dietary requirements.
CBD Capsules
The halal status of capsules can depend on the ingredients used to create them. Capsules made from plant-based materials, such as pullulan or HPMC (hydroxypropyl cellulose) are typically halal. However, capsules made from animal by-products, such as gelatin and bovine hide, are not regarded as halal due to their animal origin and non-vegetarian content. Additionally, any capsule supplement that contains alcohol or artificial flavours or colours may not be halal certified.
When choosing a capsule product for dietary reasons it is important to look closely at each ingredient on the label to make sure it meets your religious requirements.
Carrier Oil
There are many carrier oils commonly used for CBD products, and the halal status of each one depends on the ingredients used. Coconut oil and hemp seed oil are generally considered halal due to their plant-based origin. However, other oils like olive oil, palm oil, and MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) may also not be considered halal as they contain animal byproducts. Additionally, some companies use alcohol in the extraction or distillation process which can render an otherwise halal-certified carrier oil non-halal.
It is essential to check any claims of halal certification with your local religious authorities before purchasing a CBD product.
CBD Flower or Bud
CBD flower, also known as hemp flower, is grown similarly to marijuana plants. However, because of the lower THC content, it is typically considered halal and acceptable for religious dietary purposes. CBD flower is often used in edibles, tinctures, and other products.
When looking for a CBD product that is considered halal, it is crucial to ensure that it contains 0% THC. THC is an intoxicating compound found in traditional marijuana plants, and some CBD products may contain a small amount of this compound (up to 0.2%). To guarantee that a product is halal, it must not have any traces of THC.
Additionally, it is important to check labels for any other ingredients or processes that may affect the halal certification of the product.
Consumers should be sure to research their chosen product and verify any claims of halal certification with local religious authorities before purchasing.
Top Tips When Buying Halal CBD
When looking for a halal CBD product, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. First, it is important to ensure that the product contains 0% THC. Many CBD products may have trace amounts of this compound, so verifying with the manufacturer is essential. Secondly, consumers should be aware of any other ingredients or processes that could affect the halal qualification of the product. It is important to check labels and verify any claims of halal certification with local religious authorities before making a purchase.
Additionally, look for organic products made from hemp grown without pesticides and herbicides as these can also influence products’ halal status. Taking all these factors into account will help ensure you make an informed decision when selecting a halal CBD product.
In the UK, the health food industry containing CBD (cannabidiol) is regulated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). All CBD products must have a valid novel food authorization before being sold in the UK. This includes any food or supplement that contains more than 1mg per product of CBD regardless of whether other ingredients are present. Additionally, the labelling of all products must accurately reflect the presence and quantity of CBD within them. Foods made with hemp seeds that don’t contain cannabinoids, such as CBD, however, could be sold without authorization according to FSA guidance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer when it comes to determining whether or not CBD products are halal according to Islamic dietary laws, they can still potentially be considered halal as long as they do not contain any prohibited ingredients or chemical additives. For those who adhere strictly to religious dietary restrictions, it is vital to ensure that all ingredients used in the production process are permissible before consuming any product containing CBD. Knowing what goes into your body is key to health and wellness needs!
