Is Weed Legal in the UK?

Cannabis laws are changing globally, with research supporting its potential for certain medical conditions. But in the UK, the rules are strict and often confusing. While medical cannabis was legalised in 2018, access remains limited, and recreational use is still illegal. 

So, what does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.

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Is Medical Cannabis Legal in the UK?

As of 2018, medical cannabis is legal in the UK. A Specialist certified by the National Health Service (NHS) can initiate a medicinal cannabis prescription for qualifying patients.

Despite its legalisation, access to cannabis remains relatively restricted for UK residents. UK law that made medical cannabis legal initially opened doors for only a small minority of patients to find relief. Stringent guidelines determine who can be prescribed and who can legally consume medical cannabis.

Though access remains tightly controlled, acceptance is on the rise, and more patients are exploring medical cannabis as a treatment option.

Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in the UK?

No, recreational cannabis is not legal in the UK. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug. Possession, sale, or use can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

This includes all forms of cannabis – including edibles, which are also illegal for recreational purposes. 

While public support for legalisation has grown in recent years, the UK government hasn’t made any plans to change the law. For now, recreational cannabis remains strictly prohibited. Medical cannabis is the only legal way to possess cannabis in the UK.

Is CBD Legal in the UK?

Yes, CBD is legal in the UK. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and not considered a controlled substance. Instead, CBD is classified as a ‘novel food’ that must meet different regulatory standards. Specifically, CBD products must contain less than 1 milligram of THC per container and be derived from EU-approved industrial hemp strains with less than 0.2% THC.

All CBD products must undergo testing for THC levels, contaminants, and accurate labeling. This makes CBD widely available in the UK, with products like oils, capsules, and topicals sold in pharmacies, CBD stores, and online.

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Where Can I Buy Cannabis in the UK?

In the UK, the only legal way to buy cannabis is by obtaining a medical prescription. 

Patients must first consult with a Specialist doctor who can determine eligibility. If cannabis is deemed an appropriate treatment, the Specialist will issue a prescription.

Once prescribed, patients can obtain cannabis-based products from specialist licensed pharmacies, which guarantee that the products meet strict regulatory standards for safety and efficacy. 

However, access remains limited. Many patients face barriers due to the NHS’s restrictive prescribing practices. As a result, most patients rely on private clinics to access medical cannabis.

What Types of Products are Available in the UK?

In the UK, medical cannabis patients have access to a variety of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs). All require a prescription from an NHS-certified specialist. These products must:

• Contain cannabis, cannabis resin, or cannabinoids.
• Be produced for medical use in humans.
• Be regulated as medical products.

Available options include:

• Flower: Meant to be used with a dry herb vaporiser as smoking is illegal.
• Sprays: Oral mucosal sprays are used for faster relief than pills or tablets and are commonly prescribed in the UK.
• Pills and Tablets: You're unlikely to find gummies, chocolates, and other THC-infused edible options, but may find pills and tablets.
• CBD Oil: CBD oil is available with specific THC concentrations and usually recommended for sublingual use, although some forms are available for vaping.
• Topicals: Creams, balms, and lotions can be used for localised relief. Transdermal patches are also available, which allow THC to be absorbed through the skin.

Raw cannabis and hemp oil products sold online or in stores are not considered CBPMs and cannot be prescribed. General CBD products must contain less than 1mg of THC per container and undergo testing.

Can You Grow Cannabis in the UK?

In the UK, cultivating cannabis is illegal without a proper license. Individuals cannot grow cannabis for personal use. Unauthorised cultivation is a criminal offense punishable by fines or imprisonment.

However, the Home Office’s Industrial Hemp Licensing Regime allows licensed cultivation for scientific research, medical use, or industrial purposes. These licenses are strictly regulated and not available to the general public.

Medical cannabis patients are also prohibited from growing their own cannabis. Instead, they must obtain their medication through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription.

Is It Legal to Carry Cannabis in the UK?

In the UK, carrying cannabis is only legal if you have a valid medical prescription. Patients must also carry their medication in its original packaging and provide proof of their prescription if requested.

Without a prescription, carrying cannabis is a criminal offense and can result in arrest, prosecution, and penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

Is It Legal to Smoke Cannabis at Home in the UK?

No, smoking cannabis is not legal in the UK, even for medical purposes. Patients prescribed cannabis-based products are advised to use alternative methods of consumption, such as vaporisation or oral administration. Smoking cannabis, whether at home or in public, remains prohibited.

Can You Travel With Cannabis in the UK and the EU?

Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in the UK and most countries in the EU. However, since medical cannabis is legal in the UK with a valid prescription from a licensed physician, patients are able to travel with their prescribed medication in the UK within legal limits. 

In fact, their travel is not necessarily limited to the UK.  Many countries in the EU also recognize valid UK cannabis prescriptions, although this isn't universal, and allow patients to bring cannabis with them under certain restrictions.

Limitations vary according to destination country, and most require notification and approval before travel. This is true even for legal cannabis carried by prescription, so contact  the destination embassy or consulate for permission and instructions well ahead of the planned travel date if intending to travel with cannabis.

In February 2024, the European Commission agreed to register a European Citizens' Initiative titled "Fostering access to medical cannabis in the European Union." This initiative would allow permission to travel with medical cannabis across all EU member states. However, as of April 2025, the initiative is just in its initial phases and no universal agreement exists. 

When traveling, always carry your prescription and a letter from your doctor detailing your condition and treatment. Ensure the medication is in its original packaging with clear labeling. Some countries may require patients to carry additional documentation of prior approval as well. Failure to comply with local laws can result in severe penalties.

Travel outside the European Union with medical cannabis remains illegal in almost all cases, even to countries like Canada, which legalized cannabis nationally, and to US states with legal cannabis programs.

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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.