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Is CBD Halal?

17-10-2018

Question 271543

I have a few health conditions and after speaking with a friend, who has similar issues, he stated that his doctor had requested he start taking CBD oils. I have researched the CBD and found nothing but good from the search, however they're now doing a CBD vape which is called 'medipen'; even the NHS are looking into this pen to start stocking. This medipen is free from tobacco, free from nicotine and free from THC. Doesn't it alter the mind state etc.? What is your take on this?

Summary of answer:

If it is proven that cannabidiol (CBD) is not harmful and does not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or it contains a small amount that is completely absorbed and no trace of it can be detected, then it is halal to use.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from cannabis, and may contain a small amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a haram intoxicant.

In the answer to question no. 259044 , we noted that it is not permissible to add to medicine or food anything that causes intoxication.

If it is actually added, then the sin is on the one who adds it. Then we should look at the food or medicine: if the amount of intoxicant is so small that it is completely absorbed and no trace of it can be detected, and it will not cause intoxication in the one who eats or drinks a lot of that food or medicine, then there is nothing wrong with consuming it.

Is CBD halal?

Based on that, if it is proven that CBD is not harmful and does not contain THC, or it contains a small amount that is completely absorbed and no trace of it can be detected, then there is nothing wrong with taking it.

Al-Khatib ash-Sharbini (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“The difference of scholarly opinion concerning using it – namely alcohol – as medicine has to do with pure alcohol (with which nothing else is mixed). As for medicine that may contain some alcohol, or medicine in which alcohol is completely absorbed, it is permissible to use it to treat sickness, when one cannot find any other effective medicine made of pure ingredients that could produce the same result. This is the same as the issue of using impure substances, such as snake flesh and urine, for medicinal purposes. That is permissible even if it is used only to expedite recovery, on condition that one seeks the advice of a Muslim doctor of good character, or a doctor who has experience in using that medicine to treat sickness.” (Mughni al-Muhtaj, 5/518)

It says in a statement of the Islamic Fiqh Council belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), no. 23 (11/3):

Is it permissible to use medicines that contain varying amounts of alcohol?

With regard to queries from the International Institute for Islamic Thought (IIIT), Washington:

Question no. 12:

There are many medicines that contain varying amounts of alcohol, ranging from 0.01 % to 25 %. Most of these medicines are for treating colds, sore throats, coughs and other common illnesses; these medicines constitute approximately 95% of medicines in this field, which makes it difficult or impossible to obtain medicine that is free of alcohol. What is the ruling on taking these medicines?

Answer:

“The Muslim patient may take medicine containing a percentage of alcohol, if alcohol-free medicine is not available, and that medicine is prescribed by a trustworthy doctor.” (Majallat al-Majma‘, issue 3, vol. 3, p. 1087)

Based on that, if it is proven that CBD is not harmful and does not contain THC, or that it contains a small amount that is completely absorbed and no trace of it can be detected, then there is nothing wrong with consuming it.

Are e-cigarettes halal?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) contain nicotine , and other toxic substances , according to what we were able to find out. Therefore it is prohibited to consume them.

You should beware of being deceived by the advertising of cigarette companies and their claims that e-cigarettes are free of nicotine.

If we assume that it is indeed free of nicotine and other harmful substances, then you still should not smoke it , because that is imitating sinners, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud (4031); classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud)

And Allah knows best.

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