By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Icy Europe
  • Home
  • Business
  • Cooking
  • Facts
  • Featured
  • Global
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Politics
    • Sports
  • Travel
    • Places to Visit
Reading: Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK?
Share
Icy EuropeIcy Europe
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Business
  • Cooking
  • Facts
  • Featured
  • Global
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
Search
  • Home
  • Business
  • Cooking
  • Facts
  • Featured
  • Global
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Politics
    • Sports
  • Travel
    • Places to Visit
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
CBD Flower and Plant in closeup
Icy Europe > Blog > News > Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK?
News

Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK?

chinmaySoujanee
Last updated: December 1, 2023 4:18 pm
chinmay Soujanee
Share
15 Min Read
Source: by itchaznong UnlimPhotos

Marijuana, Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp are popular topics today. There are a lot of questions around CBD, like: “Is it the same as marijuana?”, “Is CBD flower legal in the UK?” and “Is CBD flower legal in the UK for medicinal purposes?”. While one side argues that Cannabis and its counterparts should be legalized, the other side sees its legalization as a gigantic mistake.

Contents
1. Is CBD the Same as Marijuana?2. Can You Get High From CBD Flowers?3. CBD Products4. Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK as of 2023?5. Criteria for CBD to be Legal in the UK5.1. Is CBD Safe?5.2. Health Benefits of CBD5.3. Effects of Cannabis6. CBD in Cannabis Versus CBD in Hemp7. Hemp Farming in the UK8. The Evolving Status of UK Cannabis Law9. Could CBD Flowers Be Legal in the Future?

Many countries, like Germany, Canada, and Uruguay, have recently legalized weed or marijuana. Moreover, many US states have also recently made it legal to use the infamous plant. 

In the UK, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes was made legal in November 2018. The UK is one of the largest exporters of Cannabis, and it is shocking that the British government still has a ban on its usage.

Due to the legality issues of marijuana, one of its “cousins” came into the limelight recently. Hemp plants and the products from them started getting hugely popular. It was also found that the hemp flower (CBD Flower) was more effective in pain relief and did not distort one’s senses as much as marijuana did. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become more popular in today’s age. It has gained popularity as a natural alternative to help with people’s well-being and lifestyle. It is seen to be mixed with workout drinks, smoothies, and many CBD-based food supplements.

1. Is CBD the Same as Marijuana?

A common question is: “Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK because it is not marijuana?”. CBD is an essential component of Cannabis or marijuana, but it comes from the female hemp plants. Hemp belongs to the same family as the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) but is different in physical aspects and effects from marijuana.

20110058 marijuana background scaled
Source: by Eskymaks from UnlimPhotos

Hemp plants are taller and have more leaves on the top. They are famous for their hemp seeds, stalks, and especially the hemp flower. Hemp is also called industrial hemp for its various uses in industries like textiles and food. It has found many commercial purposes, and hemp and hemp seeds are growing in demand.

Hemp plants have a higher CBD content than cannabis plants, which is the central point of difference.

2. Can You Get High From CBD Flowers?

CBD flowers do not give the same high level as Cannabis, as cannabidiol is the “non-psychoactive” compound. This compound is responsible for the therapeutic benefits.

The CBD flower also has a lower percentage of THC, but the THC limits are less than 0.2% THC. THC content in Cannabis gives users a high feeling and is responsible for changing moods and perceptions of the user.

3. CBD Products

Two CBD products are prevalent in the market today: CBD buds and CBD oils. CBD oils are extracted from the hemp plant by various processes. CBD flowers or buds available in the market are dried and processed versions of the hemp flowers picked from hemp plants.

The CBD flower, or CBD bud, has become very popular for its medicinal properties. It is known to help with different aches and pains.

The high CBD to THC content ratio ensures no “high effect,” and the product intake is only responsible for pain alleviation. CBD flowers are directly clipped from the hemp plant. They are only dried and have not undergone any other central processing.

9358032 burning joint scaled
Source: by Wavebreakmedia from UnlimPhotos

Users usually make CBD joints from flowers and smoke them. Otherwise, CBD flowers make other CBD flower products like CBD vapes, oils, CBD edibles, and CBD lotions.

4. Is CBD Flower Legal in the UK as of 2023?

Although many people believe the opposite, CBD flowers are illegal in the UK since you cannot get high from them. They are defined as “cannabis” in the UK Misuse of Drugs Act in 1971, regardless of the amount of THC. Hence, it is illegal to buy CBD flowers in the UK according to UK law. 

If you are caught in possession of CBD flowers(buds), you may serve up to five years in prison, depending on the amount of CBD flowers you are caught possessing. The only legal way to possess CBD flowers is by having a CBD license. This is a bit confusing as, in the UK, CBD products are permitted as long as they adhere to specific regulations.

Industrial hemp cultivation is permitted, and CBD products can be produced and sold as long as they have a THC content of less than 0.2 THC % (legal THC limit) and are made from plant stalks, seeds, or hemp fiber.

CBD products from the hemp flower are illegal in the UK according to the UK CBD flower laws. It has the same guidelines as the UK cannabis laws. Purchase of CBD oil is legal in the UK, as long as the CBD oil is made from recognized hemp strains and the THC and CBN have been eliminated. Check out the CBD flower laws while you’re at it.

5. Criteria for CBD to be Legal in the UK

It is due to its non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating nature that CBD does not have the same number of rules and guidelines as Cannabis (marijuana or weed). The criteria for CBD to be legal in the UK to be used for food supplements are:

  1. CBD cannot be offered for sale as a pharmaceutical drug.
  2. The amount of THC, THCV, or CBN in the container must be less than 1mg.
  3. The product’s packaging cannot make it simple to distinguish the regulated cannabinoids from other cannabinoids (THC, THCV, and CBN).
  4. Novel Foods authorization is required for CBD capsules, gummies, oils, pastes, and other edibles.

As it is a controlled substance, even if you have a CBD product with a small amount of CBD flower, it is illegal, and you will be guilty under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. Cannabis is a Class B drug according to the act, and possession of CBD flower will be treated the same way as if you possess weed.

5.1. Is CBD Safe?

If it has a higher percentage of THC than 0.2%, it can act as an intoxicant, making you “high.” Even in such a case, since CBD is more than THC content, it will not affect you as much as Cannabis.

There have been some notable side effects to taking CBD products. CBD intake can increase the level of blood thinning. Other side effects include irritability, nausea, tiredness, and fatigue.

5.2. Health Benefits of CBD

As mentioned before, CBD is known for its therapeutic purposes and hence has a lot of health benefits as well.

Studies have shown that CBD helps with chronic pain, like in the case of arthritis. It has led to help with inflammation in many cases.

There have been studies and tests which show that CBD helps a person deal with anxiety. It can help calm nerves and reduce panic attacks due to stress.

Studies are ongoing to check if CBD can be used to treat addiction to controlled drugs. Drugs that are hard to let go of, like heroin and tobacco, are a significant problem in today’s society. CBD can lower cravings for the same and help with the withdrawal process.

CBD is also said to help with insomnia. It helps you to fall asleep earlier and gives you long, continuous sleep.

5.3. Effects of Cannabis

Cannabis has both positive and negative effects if used.

The desirable effects are:

  1. change in perception
  2. relaxation and calmness
  3. heightened senses
  4. increase in appetite
  5. found to be effective in relieving nerve pain

The undesirable effects of Cannabis are:

  1. respiratory problems as it is usually smoked
  2. addiction to smoking
  3. memory loss in the long run
  4. paranoia on a bad trip of the drug
  5. coordination and delayed reaction issues

Although Cannabis has its plus points, if not taken correctly, it can lead to heavy and severe problems, which is why it is made illegal. Even if you are acquiring it from a place where it is not unlawful, use it according to the doctor’s prescription or recommendation to prevent undesirable side effects.

6. CBD in Cannabis Versus CBD in Hemp

As we know, CBD and THC are present in both Cannabis and Hemp. The amount of CBD and THC present is significant to us.

Cannabis contains more THC and less CBD, and Hemp Contains more CBD and less THC. This is the central difference between the two and the reason for one being psychoactive and the other not.

Manufacturers of CBD oils and other products prefer to extract CBD from hemp plants. They have to be careful not to pluck the hemp flowers as it is illegal in the UK.

Even though the CBD extracted from both plants is identical, it is always safer for manufacturers and users to prefer CBD from Hemp to prevent legal complications. This also makes sure that the THC levels are as per regulations.

7. Hemp Farming in the UK

Hemp has been used dialling back to olden times to make rope, sails, clothing, and much more. Hence, it was a popular trend to have a hemp farm. Moreover, low maintenance required little water and could grow almost everywhere.

The presence of THC is why hemp farming has been controlled, and farmers require a hemp cultivation license to cultivate and harvest hemp and hemp products.

Another major plus in the case of hemp farming is its bio-friendliness. It is suitable for the environment and the soil it grows in. Hemp plants are known to absorb CO2 and help purify the air. Moreover, Hemp also absorbs chemicals and metals from the ground. Hence, it acts like a natural soil and air cleaner.

8. The Evolving Status of UK Cannabis Law

Is CBD flower legal in the UK?
Source: by Alexander Grey from Unsplash

Though it has the most burdensome regulations, the United Kingdom is still the most significant exporter of Cannabis worldwide. 

A government may be considered hypocritical if it grows Tonnes of Cannabis each year without any plans to cut back on production and at the same time makes it illegal to keep it illegal.

Even with it being illegal, Cannabis is easily attainable for the commoner and is a drug found in abundance in the UK. With more and more countries legalizing Cannabis or marijuana, the UK government could be pressured to do the same.

If they do legalize it, it would ensure that there is no spiking of the drug, and there would be more of an understanding of its circulation. Spiking of Cannabis to enhance its influence is a significant issue and arguably the more prominent concern than the usage of marijuana as such.

9. Could CBD Flowers Be Legal in the Future?

Unfortunately, there seems to be no indication CBD flowers will come into legal use soon enough. With CBD products in 2018 being restricted by stricter regulation and pending novel food certification, the UK appears not on the path towards legalization as seen in the USA.

You might even find CBD flowers in England and London but in the black market. Several stores are attempting to sell CBD flowers under-regulated marijuana laws. Even dark web online sellers make a living out of selling CBD flowers.

With pressure mounting on the UK government over the legalization of the cannabis plant or weed and a majority of the population supporting the usage of weed, legalization of the CBD flower is also something that simultaneously would happen if marijuana gets legalized.

Moreover, with CBD flowers and CBD products coming more and more into the limelight for their health benefits, we may see their legalization shortly. 

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Apeksha Soni

Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
By Soujanee
Follow:
Wild and free in my imagination, I never really found a place big enough for me in my childhood to keep my thoughtful and detailed stories and viewpoints. Thus, my haven was my mind. Then I found a new place to give my ideas and thoughts a "real" place to stay. The words that I put on paper or type while using my keyboard are the gateways for self-expression. Writing gives my imagination a life that connects me with other innovators and imaginative minds. It is beautiful and efficient and overall, wholesome. Currently, I am pursuing BA Honours in English, with Economics and Sociology as General Elective subjects from Scottish Church College, University of Calcutta. The subject, that is English, mentally and emotionally involves me by stimulating me to do better, making me decide that I was developed for the role of a writer. The reason I love Literature and Sociology is because of the depths of the stories, characters and the potential for critical thinking. I understand various aspects of the social and psychological fabric of individuals. I was also a part of the PR team of my Literary club in college throughout my first year. My duty was to create Instagram posts and edit articles submitted by students after selecting them from numerous entries. I have been actively involved in various competitions that required mastery of Spoken English. Written English, creativity, critical thinking and quick thinking. With facts from history, an understanding of the present and creativity for the future, I look forward to creating. Similar factors apply to content writing. Firstly, researching the topic is an interesting way to boost one's knowledge. Then, critically thinking about the topic is not only mentally stimulating but also proper use of time. Last but not least, the whole process of presenting content is a result of carefully throughout ideas and facts. The end goal is to capture the attention of a vast audience through excellent presentation and expression of ideas through content.
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Authors

  • chinmay
    chinmay,
    View all posts
  • Soujanee
    Soujanee
    View all posts

Icy Europe – Making Life Easier, One Read at a Time.

Icy Europe is for those who want to know more about European culture. It’s about those who are looking at lifestyle tips, travel itineraries, and more.

Whether you’ve your business in Europe, or just love to cook, you’ll love what we have to offer.

Icy Europe provides in-depth articles and guides on places to visit, culinary experiences, and practical advice for navigating various aspects of life and business in Europe.

We aim to inform and inspire through well-researched content that spans cultural, geographical, and professional fields.

Top Travel Guides in Europe

12 Shocking Things To Do In Lyttos Beach
13 Things To Do In Lyttos Beach That You Must Know
Travel
pexels michal pech
Exploring Some Of The Best Alps Ski Resorts
Travel
pexels kaip
The Best Places To Visit In Europe In November
Travel
pexels bertellifotografia
The Amazing Glamping Sites In The UK
Travel
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up