Is Weed Legal In The UK? 

You’re probably reading this because you’re curious whether weed is legal in the UK. 

Maybe you’re a seasoned stoner, a curious onlooker, or a medical cannabis patient. Regardless of your background, it’s clear that cannabis is a hot topic in the UK right now. 

But where does the law stand on weed in the UK? Is it legal? Is it illegal? Is it somewhere in between? 

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the murky waters of UK cannabis laws, exploring everything from medical cannabis regulations to recreational use, from historical context to future prospects. 

So roll up a joint, grab a cuppa, and let’s blaze through the facts and fictions of UK weed laws.

History of cannabis laws in the UK

From its early days as a popular medicinal remedy to its current status as a controlled substance, the story of weed in this country is a fascinating and frustrating one.

But before we can understand where we’re at now, we need to know how we got here. 

Cannabis was first introduced to the UK around 800 BC but was grown for industrial purposes, such as rope and textiles, rather than recreational use. 

Cannabis was then introduced to Western medicine in 1841 by Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, and by the late 19th century over 100 scientific articles had been published on its medical properties. 

However, cannabis became subject to international control in 1925 as a result of the League of Nations’ 2nd Opium conference – a decision based on a desire to limit the export of Indian hemp to Egypt, rather than health concerns. 

In 1928, the UK government passed the Dangerous Drugs Act, which classified cannabis as a Class B drug, making it illegal to possess or distribute. 

In 2001, the Labour Party announced that cannabis in the UK would be reduced from a Class B drug to a Class C. This signified the maximum penalties for possession and supply were reduced.

That, however, didn’t last very long as it was reinstated as a Class B drug 6 years later, in 2007. Since then, cannabis has remained a Class B drug, which makes it illegal to possess, supply, or grow.  

Possession can land you a maximum of 5 years in prison while supplying cannabis could lead to a potential 14-year sentence. 

Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?

While the UK has a reputation for being uptight and traditional, it’s not all bad news when it comes to cannabis. In fact, the country has been making some small steps forward in recent years, with the legalisation of medical cannabis being a major milestone.

So, is medical cannabis legal in the UK? Yes, but with some important caveats.

Despite being legalised in 2018, the number of patients receiving prescriptions on the NHS is still relatively low, with most patients having to turn to private clinics to get access to the medicine they need.

The law surrounding medical cannabis in the UK is also somewhat restrictive. In order to qualify for medical cannabis, a patient must have exhausted all other treatment options and be suffering from a condition that is not responding well to traditional medications.

Even then, medical cannabis can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor, and only for certain conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Is recreational cannabis legal in the UK?

In the UK, recreational cannabis remains illegal, despite the wide availability of cannabis-based products. 

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is the primary piece of legislation governing drug laws in the UK, including those related to cannabis. Under this law, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug, alongside drugs like amphetamines and ketamine. 

This means that possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis are criminal offences that can result in fines, a criminal record, or even imprisonment.

Despite its illegality, cannabis is still widely used in the UK, with some estimates suggesting that over 6 million people have tried it at least once. However, attitudes towards cannabis are changing, with many people calling for its legalisation for recreational use.

Efforts to legalise recreational cannabis in the UK have been gaining momentum in recent years. In 2018, the UK legalised medical cannabis, which allowed for the use of cannabis-based products for medicinal purposes. 

Some experts believe that this move could pave the way for the eventual legalisation of recreational cannabis in the UK, although that remains to be realised. 

For now, recreational cannabis remains illegal in the UK, and those caught using or distributing it risk facing legal consequences. 

Is weed legal in London?

The possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis are illegal throughout the country, including London.

This is despite London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently expressing an interest in loosening cannabis laws in the capital. 

He even announced a commission to examine the effectiveness of the UK’s drug laws, with a particular focus on those governing cannabis.

The commission will aim to assess the best methods to prevent drug use, the most effective criminal justice responses, and the public health benefits of different approaches, according to Khan. 

Once it has completed its work, it will make policy recommendations for City Hall, the government, the police, the criminal justice system and public health services.

A leaked report in January 2022 also found Khan had launched plans to decriminalise a host of Class B drugs in London which included cannabis, with the aim of preventing people under the age of 25 from going to court and acquiring criminal charges on their record. 

However, not much has come of that. 

When will weed be legal in the UK?

Although cannabis is classified as a Class B drug in the UK, a recent YouGov poll found that more than half the population of Britain is now in favour of legalisation.

The government’s stance on the issue is that there are no plans to change the classification of cannabis. The current Home Secretary has even advocated for cannabis to be reclassified as a Class A drug.

Police behaviour towards cannabis possession and supply has also been shifting, with the use of “community resolutions” instead of criminal convictions becoming more common. 

Many other countries around the world, including several states in the US, have already legalised or decriminalised cannabis, potentially increasing pressure on the UK to follow suit.

However, at this point, the government says it has no plans to reclassify cannabis so it’s hard to say if it will happen anytime soon.

Where is weed legal?

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the liberalisation of cannabis laws, as more and more countries recognize the potential benefits of the plant.

In Europe, countries such as Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands have decriminalised cannabis use, while others, such as Germany, have introduced medical cannabis programs. 

In fact, just recently, Germany announced that it will be loosening its cannabis laws to allow people to grow and consume cannabis. 

Outside of Europe, a number of countries have taken an even more progressive stance towards cannabis. Canada legalised cannabis for recreational use in 2018, becoming the second country in the world to do so after Uruguay. 

In the United States, cannabis is legal for recreational use in a growing number of states, including California, Colorado, and Oregon, while medical cannabis is legal in over 30 states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weed remains illegal in the UK for recreational purposes. However, the country has taken some steps forward with the legalisation of medical cannabis, which was introduced in 2018. 

Although cannabis use is still a criminal offence, the attitudes towards it are changing, and efforts to legalise recreational cannabis have been gaining momentum in recent years. 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has shown interest in loosening the laws surrounding cannabis in the capital, and has launched a commission to examine the effectiveness of the UK’s drug laws, with a focus on those governing cannabis. 

While the future of cannabis laws in the UK remains unclear, it is clear that the topic of cannabis is not going away anytime soon.

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