CBD flower comes from hemp plants and is one of the most popular forms of cannabis enjoyed today.
But as laws evolve in the UK and abroad, it is easy to be confused about the legal status of CBD use and possession but worry not, in this guide, we cover all you need to know with answers to inquiries like:
- Is CBD flower legal in UK?
- Can I buy CBD flower in the UK?
- What if I get caught with CBD in UK?
Join us as we answer all of these pressing questions so you know how current UK CBD laws impact you.
CBD flower is dried bud from a hemp plant, and unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, it does not bring high-like effects as it is not a psychoactive compound.
This means CBD flower will not get you elevated or intoxicated yet many still cherish it for its ability to bring relief from symptoms of stress or insomnia.
Under UK law, CBD weed or flower is illegal and no retailer, website, or storefront may sell it, so there is no legal way to buy CBD flower in the UK. However, there are sites that sell CBD flower in the UK as a legislative loophole does allow the sale of hemp tea, which these sites label their CBD flower as.
Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK?
So, is CBD flower legal in the United Kingdom? Sadly for relief seekers and cannabis enthusiasts, CBD flower is not legal in the UK no matter how low a THC percentage it has. This means CBD buds, weed, and hash are also illegal. However, there is good news as products made from CBD extract, like CBD gummies, can be legally purchased and enjoyed so long as they contain 0.2% or less of THC by volume.
While UK residents cannot buy CBD flower there are many other products they can legally use, like CBD:
- Oils.
- Vapes.
- Edibles.
- Extracts.
- Vape Juices.
- Skincare topicals.
Until legislation no longer views all forms of cannabis as a classified substance, which many are hopeful will be in the next year or two, the above products are the only legal ways to use Cannabidiol in the UK.
Can I Buy CBD Flower in the UK?
CBD flower cannot be bought in the UK as it may contain higher amounts of THC than legally allowed. As such, those who want to smoke CBD flower often get a CBD vape instead as it gives similar effects, plus they are legal and discreet, and do not require a flame, grinder, or papers to enjoy; your best bet!
Will CBD Flower Become Legal In The UK?
The future looks promising as a court ruling in June 2023 may make CBD flower that is low in THC legal for UK residents to buy. Be sure to keep an eye out as new laws and legislation may pass at any time!
Has CBD Flower Been Legal in the UK Before?
Never has CBD flower been legal in the UK but recent legislative efforts may soon make this a reality.
At one point, its legal status was a gray area but now, the stance of the UK government is clear on CBD flower being illegal to buy and possess, as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, which mandates CBD products must contain 0.2% or less of THC to be easily distinguished from conventional marijuana.
Timeline of UK Cannabis Laws
Join us below as we briefly delve into the history and future of cannabis laws and regulations in the UK.
- 1928, the Dangerous Drugs Act rolled out in Britain and enacted cannabis possession laws.
- 1967, the Drugs Prevention of Misuse Act came into effect to reduce penalties for cannabis possession.
- 1971, The Misuse of Drugs Act released to put a restriction on the growth of all cannabis plants, no matter their species.
- 2001, The Misuse of Drugs Regulations act went into effect to let people grow or toke cannabis for research purposes, but only with a license from the Home Office who issued approvals.
- 2015, The Misuse of Drugs Act was written to pave the way to a future of legal medical cannabis, the first cannabis medicine made legal under this law was Sativex, available by prescription only.
- 2025, people are hopeful new legislation will pass to make CBD flower a legal product in the UK.
CBD Terminology
Need to brush up on your cannabis terminology? Here are some popular 420 acronyms all should know:
- CBD, this is short for cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with medicinal properties.
- Cannabinoid, these are compounds in cannabis plants with unique effects when consumed. There are hundreds of them, with the most popular ones being THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, and CBG.
- THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive cannabinoid is found in marijuana and has mind-changing, mood-altering effects that give cerebral highs as well as sedation/euphoria.
Sativex, the only cannabis-infused medicine approved for use in the UK. It comes in oral-spray form, and contains two and a half milligrams of CBD and 2.7 milligrams of THC but if you want to try it you first need to obtain a prescription from a doctor as it is not an off-the-shelf medication.
