Is CBD Flower Considered Illegal?
CBD flower is illegal in the UK, due to an attempt to educate its people. and remains a controlled drug according to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 .
Updated April 14, 2023.
There has been much confusion regarding the legality of CBD flowers in the UK. While CBD has been utilized for thousands of years in managing insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain, is it legal to purchase, grow or distribute CBD flowers in the UK?
What is CBD Flowers?
CBD buds refer to hemp flowers with a high CBD concentration (ranging between 13-15%) and a low THC content( usually less than 0.2%).
Cultivators use selective breeding to produce a dominant hemp plant that produces these CBD- rich flowers but low THC content.
In recent years, CBD flowers have gained popularity in US markets due to their high CBD content and low THC level. According to the FDA, any legal CBD product should have a THC content of less than 0.3%.
CBD flowers and UK laws and regulations
GW Pharmaceuticals, a renowned CBD research and development center, is found in the UK. Also, the UK is among the largest exporters of cannabis. Therefore, you might think the laws surrounding CBD would be more rational, but unfortunately, that's not the case.
It's illegal to purchase and sell CBD flowers in the UK. The reason behind this can be a bit confounding, but the following is what you need to understand:
- You aren't allowed to possess any part of cannabis and hemp plants in the UK if you don't have a special permit to cultivate them.
- According to the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, it remains illegal to grow this controlled drug, and therefore, it's illegal to possess any part of cannabis, including CBD flowers.
The regulations didn't stop vendors from selling their CBD flowers in the UK. Some vendors sell CBD flowers to individuals who don't even know that it's illegal to purchase or distribute CBD flowers.
This has created a huge problem for both suppliers and buyers; vendors will be found guilty for distributing illegal and controlled compounds0; buyers are involved in purchasing an illegal commodity.
The UK government is trying to raise awareness by educating people about laws and regulations surrounding CBD flowers, buds, and resins in the UK.
How to safely purchase CBD flowers online in the UK
Before purchasing your CBD flowers, make sure you conduct a background check of the store to determine if they are accredited to sell and distribute CBD flowers. Also, it's important that you obtain all the necessary documentation before possessing CBD bud.