Sales of medicinal cannabis oil have doubled over the past year.
And demand for the supplement has surged even faster after health food chain Holland & Barrett became the first high street store to stock it four weeks ago.
According to the Cannabis Trades Association UK the number of cannabidiol (CBD) users has gone from 125,000 12 months ago to 250,000 now.
CBD oil does not produce a high, as it has less than 0.2% of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol, so it is legal in the UK.
Dutch firm Jacob Hooy’s CBD+Oil has proved so popular – with sales up 37% since it hit Holland & Barrett shelves – that the health food chain is adding four more cannabis oil products next month.
CBD oil is used to ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, joint pain, anxiety and depression, along with a range of other conditions.
It is made by pressing hemp leaves and flowers.
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.”
But the chain’s website has mixed reviews of the oil, with comments ranging from “excellent for many ailments – liquid gold” to “I’m not noticing anything”.
Jacob Hooy CBD+Oil costs £19.99 for a 10ml bottle, with users putting drops under the tongue.
