Is CBD Legal in the UK?

Is CBD legal in the UK? Quick overview

• CBD (cannabidiol) itself is not a “controlled drug” in the UK.
• Legal issues arise where a CBD product contains THC or other controlled cannabinoids such as CBN or THCV.
• There is no general “legal THC limit” for consumer CBD products in UK law.
• The often-quoted “1 mg rule” comes from a narrow exemption in drugs legislation and is not a blanket permission for CBD oils, gummies or similar products.
• CBD flowers are treated in law as “cannabis” and are therefore generally illegal to possess or supply.
• For travel or import, it is safer to carry only THC‑free CBD products backed up by a recent certificate of analysis (CoA), and to avoid flowers or resins entirely.

Primary sources: Home Office factsheet, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

CBD law in the UK: legal basis and key rules

• CBD is not a controlled drug: According to the Home Office, CBD as a substance is not controlled under UK drugs legislation. However, a CBD product may still be unlawful if it contains any controlled cannabinoids, especially THC.
• No general “legal THC value” for CBD products: Online, people often refer to a supposed legal THC limit. In reality, the frequently misunderstood “exempt product” definition in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 2 only applies if very strict conditions are met.

The “exempt product” concept

To count as an “exempt product”, several conditions must be satisfied, including:

• only very small amounts of controlled cannabinoids, and
• the product is not intended for administration to humans or animals.

This means the exemption will usually not apply to typical consumer CBD products such as oils, capsules or gummies that are meant to be taken or used on the body. The so‑called “1 mg THC per pack” idea is therefore not a reliable legal basis for CBD products on the UK market.

• CBD flowers are “cannabis” in UK law: The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Section 37 defines “cannabis” to include the flowering or fruiting tops of the plant. As a result, products sold as “CBD flowers” or “hemp buds” are regarded in law as cannabis. Possession and sale are therefore illegal.
• Cannabis‑based medicinal products: Certain cannabis‑based medicinal products (CBPMs) can be prescribed under strict conditions following the 2018 amendments. The licensed CBD medicine Epidyolex has its own legal classification under the 2020 amendments.
• Medicinal claims make a product a medicine: The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, takes the view that CBD products marketed with claims to treat or prevent diseases are medicines. These require a marketing authorisation, which most consumer CBD products do not have.

International context: Under UN drug conventions, CBD itself is not listed as a narcotic. In 2018, the WHO stated CBD had no identified abuse potential. This supports CBD’s general status but does not override specific UK rules on THC and other controlled cannabinoids.

Can you bring CBD to the UK? Import and travel rules

CBD travel rules for the UK (plane, ferry, train)

The law does not set a simple, clear allowance for bringing CBD into the UK. In practice, enforcement focuses on whether the product contains controlled cannabinoids such as THC and whether it looks like cannabis.

What you can realistically bring

• Only carry THC‑free CBD products – in practice, this means products where THC is “not detectable” on a reputable lab report.
• Avoid anything labelled as containing “trace amounts of THC” or “full‑spectrum with THC”. These may raise issues with Border Force.
• Do not transport CBD flowers or resins, even if labelled “CBD hemp”. In UK law these are treated as cannabis and are therefore illegal.
• Print and carry the certificate of analysis (CoA) for each product. The CoA should clearly show:
  • product name and batch number
  • analysis date and testing laboratory
  • method used and cannabinoid profile
  • THC content listed as “ND” (not detectable) or 0
• Keep the original packaging with full labelling, ingredients and brand name visible. Do not pour oils into unlabelled bottles or bags.
• For hand luggage on flights, the usual 100 ml liquid limit applies to CBD oils and tinctures. Pack dropper bottles with your other liquids.
• If questioned by customs or Border Force, stay calm, present the product and the CoA, and answer factually. Describing the product as being used for serious medical treatment can raise additional medicines regulation issues.
• For postal shipments, customs may inspect or detain packages. In practice, the same zero‑tolerance approach to THC is often applied.

Legal basis: Home Office factsheet, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 2 (exempt product).

Purchase, possession and use of CBD in the UK

The table below outlines how CBD legality in the UK works in practice across different regions.

Note: Many retailers choose to sell only to customers aged 18+. This is usually retailer policy rather than a specific statutory age limit.

The UK “1 mg rule” and other CBD myths

A common claim is that UK law allows up to “1 mg THC per pack” in CBD products. This is a misunderstanding.

The idea comes from the “exempt product” definition in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 2. However, the exemption only applies if all conditions are met, including that the product is not intended for administration to humans or animals.

Because CBD oils, gummies and other consumer CBD products are meant to be taken or used on the body, they normally do not qualify as exempt products. Relying on the “1 mg rule” is therefore not a solid legal basis for selling or carrying these products.

Driving, workplace policies and drug testing

• Driving: UK police use roadside tests and blood tests that detect THC, not CBD. However, if a CBD product contains any THC, this could, in theory, affect a test result. If you plan to drive, only consider CBD isolate products with a CoA clearly showing 0 THC – and if there is any doubt, it is safer to avoid use before driving.
• Employers and drug screening: Workplace drug tests usually check for THC metabolites. A CoA may help explain a legitimate CBD product, but there is still a residual risk of a positive result with products that are “full‑spectrum” or contain traces of THC.

Regional differences within the United Kingdom

• Criminal and drugs law (covering cannabis, THC and related offences) is broadly similar across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Enforcement is handled locally by police forces, trading standards and other regulators, so practical approaches can differ.
• Northern Ireland: Oversight and enforcement practice for CBD products may not always match that in Great Britain. Further information is available from the FSA (Northern Ireland).

Checklist: minimising risk with CBD in the UK (tourists and expats)

1. Choose CBD isolate products only, with a CoA showing “THC: ND/0”, and print an up‑to‑date CoA (ideally less than 12 months old).
2. Avoid CBD flowers and resins, and avoid “full‑spectrum” products that indicate a THC content.
3. Keep original packaging and proof of purchase, and limit yourself to realistic personal-use quantities.
4. On flights, respect general airline rules: liquids ≤ 100 ml per container in hand luggage, and carry any vape devices according to airline and airport security instructions (never activated or used in checked baggage).
5. Do not describe CBD as treating or curing medical conditions; if asked, refer to general “wellness” or non‑medical use.
6. For driving, consider not using CBD beforehand, especially if you are unsure about THC content; choose other travel options where possible.

Useful primary sources on CBD legality in the UK

• Home Office: Drug licensing factsheet – Cannabis, CBD & other cannabinoids
• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 • Sec. 37 (definitions) • Schedule 2
• Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 • Reg. 2 “exempt product”
• 2018 amendments: Cannabis‑based medicinal products (CBPMs)
• 2020 amendments: classification of Epidyolex
• Home Office: Industrial hemp licensing
• MHRA statement on CBD products