IS CBD FLOWER LEGAL IN UK 2022?

Smoking and vaping CBD flowers are one way of using CBD, which is growing popular these days. CBD flower is a part of the cannabis plant with a low THC level (under 2% THC limit).

CBD itself is legal in the UK and many other countries around the globe. Therefore, is CBD flower legal in UK as well?

Of course, if they don’t contain THC, you can legally buy CBD oil, gummies, and other products. However, the answer to the question “Is CBD flower legal in the UK?” will disappoint as we dig deeper to get clear about CBD flower’s legal status and other essential points that people buying CBD oils want to know upfront.

But first, let us introduce you to the world of CBD.

Legality of CBD

Due to the growing research and the potential of CBD relating to health benefits, CBD sales and purchases have become legal in most countries of Europe. In addition, while most EU countries, the USA and the UK, legalized some form of CBD use, some restrictions are in place. For example, most countries require a strict limit of THC levels in CBD products. Usually, the maximum acceptable THC level is 0.2 – 0.3% per product.

Is CBD legal in the UK?

Yes, you can sell and use high-quality CBD legally in the UK. But, it would help if you considered some restrictions. Not every form of CBD is legal in the UK. The UK law states that CBD is permitted as long as it has no THC. In addition, THC should be below the limit of detection, which is 0.01 mg per pack. So, to be legally sold, CBD products shouldn’t contain any THC traces.

The legality of CBD flowers in the UK

CBD flower is not legal because the flower falls under the rule of cannabis plant restrictions. To understand why CBD flower is illegal in the UK, let’s check what the law says.

CBD flower & Law

Under Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (MDR) 2001, cannabis products are Class B restricted substances. This regulation applies to high and low THC plant varieties.

Is it legal to grow hemp flowers in the UK?

Industrial hemp can be legally grown in the UK if it contains less than 0.2% of THC limit. But, to grow hemp, you need to get a industrial hemp cultivation license. All this creates confusion regarding the legality of CBD flower use and possession. If CBD and hemp are legal, one might think that CBD flower should be legal too.

Why is not legal to grow CBD flower within UK law?

As mentioned, if you obtain the license, you can grow industrial hemp legally in the UK. CBD flower comes from industrial hemp, so why isn’t it legal too?

Here is the catch.

Only processing fiber and hemp seeds for commercial purposes are legal under the industrial hemp growing license. So, the license doesn’t include selling or possession of CBD flower. However, you will find that many people, including retailers, ignore or don’t know about this fact.

Why do people think that CBD flower is legal in the UK?

The confusion about the legal status of CBD flowers originates due to a misunderstanding. And it is logical to say that if CBD is legal, then CBD flowers should be legal too.

But hemp flowers are not among parts of the hemp plant permitted under law, and therefore should be thrown away. Also, it is strange that CBD itself and the numerous CBD products are legal, but not CBD flower.

So it’s not a surprise that you thought CBD flower is legal in the UK. However, you will have trouble with the law if you get caught with CBD flowers in the UK.

Consequences of CBD flower selling and possession

CBD buds are selling in the UK, and people are consuming these often without any legal consequences.

However, the shops selling CBD flowers have often been raided, and some people face legal consequences as a result. The enforcement of CBD product restrictions might be light in the UK, but there are examples of people being prosecuted because it is not legal to buy or sell CBD flowers.

The Final Answer – Is CBD flower legal in UK?

So to avoid confusion, let this be clear that CBD flower is not legal in the UK. The UK police have the right to arrest you if you are found selling or having CBD flowers, and you will face prosecution after an arrest. But due to the increase in the use of CBD products, the law about CBD flowers’ legality status may change in the future. The CBD industry is growing, so the law defining the legal position of CBD flower can change soon.

Until then, we recommend sticking with the present situation and finding out the law’s current status regarding CBD.

So please do not get over-excited because law enforcement usually has a light approach to the possession and selling of CBD and hemp. That could work to your benefit sometimes, but you may get into real trouble when you are out of luck.

And our advice for the people outside the UK is to double-check the law of your land for CBD flowers’ legal status. CBD flowers may be considered a different product than hemp seed and hemp fibers due to the complexities discussed above.