A SHOP thought to be the first in the UK dedicated to a cannabis compound with claimed health benefits is due to open in East Lancashire.

Cbdrus, which is to sell cannabidiol as a food supplement, is expected to launch in Burnley tomorrow.

It has been trading over the internet for about 18 months and now owner Scott Hardacre is investing in retail premises in Hargreaves Street.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 active compounds within cannabis, but is legal in the UK, Europe and the USA.

It is said to be a powerful supplement with anti-inflammatory property and the ability to help several previously intractable diseases. It is also said to help fight against cancer, anxiety, epilepsy and irritable bowel diseases and improve schizophrenia symptoms.

Mr Hardacre, 39, said people tend to think the worst when they hear the word cannabis but advised people who might be thinking of using CBD to look at the available research.

After working in the e-liquid business for four years, he decided to set up on the web after a friend came to him with a CBD e-liquid.

Mr Hardacre said he firmly believed his will be the country’s first retail shop dedicated to CBD.

He said: “I think there are a lot of online shops but there is nothing on the high street at all.

“These premises came up and they were suitable, so I thought I’d go for it.”

CBD is derived from hemp cannabis plants and is said to be fast becoming an avenue for organic treatment.

Mr Hardacre, who is not allowed to give any advice, added: “I know the wide range of benefits of CBD that can help people globally. I would not say it is addictive.

“It’s something natural and it helps people. I think it is crazy the way the Government is looking at it.”

A spokesman for Burnley Council said such a shop would not need to be licensed.

Last year a spokesman for the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said: "We have come to the opinion that products containing cannabidiol used for medical purposes are a medicine."

The spokesman later added: "Our primary concern is patient safety and we wish to reiterate that individuals using cannabidiol (CBD) products to treat or manage the symptoms of medical conditions should discuss their treatment with their doctor."