Not yet medically reviewed, information on this site is in preparation and has not been verified by a medical reviewer.
Legality · CBD

Is CBD legal in United Kingdom?

Confirmed against a primary sourceVerified July 14, 2026
Legal status
CBD (cannabidiol) is legal as a consumer product: pure CBD isolate is not controlled, and a CBD product is lawful only as an 'exempt product' containing no more than 1 mg of any controlled cannabinoid (THC/THCV/CBN) per container under Regulation 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001; ingestible CBD additionally requires FSA Novel Food authorisation.
Consequences if caught
A CBD product exceeding the 1 mg controlled-cannabinoid-per-container limit is a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (supply up to 14 years), whereas a compliant exempt/authorised product carries no offence.
If prescribed or medical
Cannabidiol is licensed as the medicine Epidyolex (Epidiolex) for Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut and tuberous-sclerosis seizures, prescribed via the specialist/NHS route; distinct from cannabis, which is a Class B controlled drug.
Documentation
No import licence is needed for a compliant exempt CBD product; keep proof it is FSA-listed with no more than 1 mg controlled cannabinoids per container. Epidyolex requires a prescription.
Primary source

Court records

We have applied to The National Archives for the licence required to analyse Find Case Law records, and will publish outcomes once it is determined.

Source checked Find Case Law, The National Archives · 2026-08-26

CBD in related jurisdictions

Jurisdictions related to United Kingdom by shared drug statute, shared regulator or constitutional link. Each has its own separately verified status; a relationship is not a shared answer.

Other substances confirmed in United Kingdom

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Kingdom’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.

Before you travel

Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.

If you’re detained or arrested abroad

Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →

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