Medical
Medical by specialist prescription
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) may be prescribed by specialist doctors on the GMC register since November 2018. NHS prescribing remains very limited — mostly severe childhood epilepsy, MS-related spasticity and chemotherapy-induced nausea — while private clinics supply most patients. CBPMs are controlled drugs and must meet pharmaceutical standards.
Possession
Recreational possession illegal
Cannabis is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Possession can lead to arrest, with maximum penalties of up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both; in practice police often issue warnings or penalty notices for small first offenses. Supply and production carry maximum penalties of up to 14 years.
Retail Sale
CBD regulated as novel food
Recreational sale of cannabis is illegal in the UK. CBD consumer products must contain only trace THC and require novel-food authorization from the Food Standards Agency to be legally marketed as food or supplements. Products marketed with medical claims fall under medicines regulation and need an MHRA licence.