Regulatory Snapshot: United Kingdom

The information in these snapshots was compiled with the help of MM411, which has partners across the globe to create accessible education that is reflective of the regulatory framework within the global region that is specially curated for cannabis professionals. We would like to extend thanks to MM411’s global partners Training 4 Health Care for insights on the UK cannabis framework.

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In the United Kingdom (UK), cannabis is a controlled substance, classified as a Class B controlled drug under Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MDA 1971).(1) It is also listed in Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (“MDR 2001”) and designated under the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (England, Wales and Scotland) Order 2015 (2015 Order). While there are exceptions for the mature stock, the fiber produced from the stocks as well as the seeds, it is unlawful to “possess, supply, or offer to supply, produce, import, or export,” cannabis unless one has a license from the Home Office.

This license only allows farmers to use hemp for industrial purposes such as fiber, seeds, oil and food, whereas the flowers and leaves must be destroyed. Hemp in the UK is defined as cannabis with 0.2% THC or less. Like the plant itself, cannabinoids derived from cannabis are also controlled as Class B drugs under Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the MDA 1971. These include cannabinol and its derivative such as tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Cannabidiol (CBD) is not controlled, but only in its isolated form. Full spectrum products that contain a low threshold of THC as well as other cannabinoids are not lawful.

CBD in foods and supplements are considered novel foods by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and need to undergo authorization by FSA. There is a list of authorized products that includes those that have been on the market prior to February 13, 2020, and have submitted an authorization application by March 31, 2021. Subsequently, brands that want to sell CBD in the UK after these dates must undergo the novel food authorization process before it can reach retail shelves. CBD is permitted in topical products such as creams and balms but must comply with UK cosmetic safety regulations (UK Cosmetic Product Safety Report, CPSR) and be listed on the UK’s Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP).

Cannabis for medicinal purposes is regulated separately and defined as “any preparation or product which is, or contains, cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives (not being dronabinol or its stereoisomers), which is produced for medicinal use in humans and is a medicinal product, or a substance or preparation for use as an ingredient of, or in the production of an ingredient of, a medicinal product.” Interestingly, cannabis products for medicinal purposes apart from approved drugs such as Sativex and Epidyolex are considered unlicensed medicines (special medicinal products). The smoking of cannabis products for medicinal purposes is still prohibited.(2)

References

1. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids. October 3, 2024, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cannabis-cbd-and-other-cannabinoids-drug-licensing-factsheet/drug-licensing-factsheet-cannabis-cbd-and-other-cannabinoids (accessed 2025-02-14)
2. Home Office Circular 2018: Rescheduling of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans. Crime, Policing, and Fire Groups (CPFG) – Drugs and Alcohol Unit. November 1, 2018. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5bdb281a40f0b6051ce5df04/Medicinal_Cannabis_-_Home_Office_Circular_2018_FINAL.pdf (accessed 2025-02-14)

How to Cite this Article

Regulatory Snapshots: United Kingdom. Cannabis Science and Technology, 2025, 8(1), 25.