First 'e-joint' set to go on sale in UK but drugs charity advises people to 'stay away'

The UK's first "e-joint" is set to go on sale next week, despite advice from a leading charity to "stay away" from the product.

A company called KanaVape will launch the e-joint, which has bypassed all UK drug laws on the basis that it doesn't contain THC: the chemical ingredient in marijuana that causes the high. It will be available to buy from next week, according to Metro.

Users will experience a different kind of high, as the product uses hemp with 5% cannabidiol (CBD).

"Cannabidiol is a non-psychotic cannabinoid, it will not make you 'high' but will help you relax," reads the KanaVape website.

Covering its back legally, it also says: "This product cannot be compared to a marijuana vaporizer, a cannabis ecigarette or a 'e-joint', because it doesn't contain THC".

Sophie Macken, director at Drug Science, dismissed the product as a "gimmick" and said that it will most likely be a waste of money.

She told IBTimes UK: "CBD on its own is not illegal to sell. Whether it would have a calming effect, it's never been researched for that particular purpose. It may well be a waste of money. It sounds like a gimmick in all honesty."

However, Macken dismissed suggestions that the e-joint could be a gateway to the real thing.

She continued: "Gateway is completely unproven as a theory, but most people's gateway to drugs is tobacco and alcohol.

"The thing is, its unknown territory, so our advice would be to stay away from it because at the moment you don't know how effective it is, you might be wasting your money and you don't know anything about the product at all.

"I'd be surprised if they can have it [CBD] at a concentration that is going to be optimal to people."

IBTimes UK contacted the Home Office for its thoughts on the e-joint, but it refused to elaborate further than an emailed response which stated: "Cannabis is classed as an illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

"It is an offence to supply and possess a controlled drug and to supply any article believing it to be used for their administration."