Is CBD Legal in the UK? Your Complete 2025 Guide
With CBD products becoming increasingly popular across the UK, many people still have questions about the legal status of CBD. Is it legal? What are the regulations? Can you travel with it? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about CBD and UK law in 2025.
Is CBD Legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD is completely legal in the UK - but only when it meets specific regulatory requirements. The UK has some of the strictest CBD regulations in Europe, ensuring consumer safety and product quality.
Key Legal Requirements for CBD in the UK
- THC content must be below 0.2%: All CBD products sold in the UK must contain less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis)
- Derived from approved hemp strains: CBD must come from industrial hemp varieties approved by the EU
- Novel Food authorisation: CBD products require Novel Food authorisation from the FSA (Food Standards Agency)
- Proper labelling: Products must be accurately labelled with CBD content and ingredients
- No medical claims: CBD cannot be marketed as a medicine unless it has MHRA approval
What is the Novel Food Regulation?
Since January 2021, all CBD products sold as food or supplements in the UK must have Novel Food authorisation from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
What This Means for Consumers
- ✅ Only buy from reputable brands with FSA-validated Novel Food applications
- ✅ Check the FSA's public list of validated CBD products
- ✅ Avoid products from brands without proper authorisation
- ✅ Look for third-party lab testing certificates (COAs)
All products at The Juice Warehouse comply with UK Novel Food regulations and FSA requirements.
Different Types of CBD Products and Their Legal Status
CBD Oil - Legal ✅
CBD oils and tinctures are legal when they contain less than 0.2% THC and have Novel Food authorisation. Shop legal CBD oils.
CBD Gummies & Edibles - Legal ✅
CBD-infused gummies, capsules, and edibles are legal under the same conditions. Browse CBD gummies.
CBD Vapes - Legal ✅
CBD e-liquids and vape products are legal and don't require Novel Food authorisation (as they're not ingested). Explore CBD vapes.
CBD Capsules - Legal ✅
CBD capsules and softgels are legal when properly authorised. Shop CBD capsules.
CBD Flower - Illegal ❌
Raw CBD flower (hemp buds) is illegal in the UK, even if it contains less than 0.2% THC. This is because it's classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Can You Travel with CBD in the UK?
Yes, you can travel within the UK with CBD products that comply with UK law (under 0.2% THC). Keep products in their original packaging with labels visible.
Travelling Abroad with CBD
CBD laws vary significantly by country:
- EU countries: Generally legal if under 0.2% THC, but check specific country regulations
- USA: Legal federally but state laws vary - check your destination state
- Middle East & Asia: Often illegal - do NOT travel with CBD to these regions
- Australia: Requires prescription - don't bring CBD without medical documentation
Always research your destination's CBD laws before travelling internationally.
Can You Drive After Taking CBD?
Yes, CBD is legal to use before driving as it's non-intoxicating and doesn't impair your ability to drive safely. However:
- Ensure your CBD product contains less than 0.2% THC
- Buy from reputable brands with lab testing
- Be aware that some full-spectrum products may contain trace THC
- If stopped, a drug test could theoretically detect THC from full-spectrum CBD (though unlikely at legal levels)
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. However:
- CBD Isolate: Zero risk - contains no THC
- Broad Spectrum CBD: Minimal risk - THC removed
- Full Spectrum CBD: Very low risk - trace THC (under 0.2%) is unlikely to trigger a positive test, but theoretically possible with very high doses
If you're subject to regular drug testing, choose CBD isolate or broad spectrum products to eliminate any risk.
Age Restrictions for CBD in the UK
There's no legal minimum age to purchase CBD in the UK, but most reputable retailers (including us) only sell to customers aged 18 and over as a responsible business practice.
Can You Grow Hemp for CBD in the UK?
Growing hemp in the UK requires a Home Office licence. It's illegal to grow hemp without proper authorisation, even for personal CBD extraction. Only licensed farmers can legally cultivate hemp for CBD production.
CBD vs Cannabis: What's the Legal Difference?
| Aspect | CBD (Legal) | Cannabis (Illegal) |
|---|---|---|
| THC Content | Under 0.2% | Over 0.2% |
| Psychoactive | No | Yes |
| Source | Industrial hemp | Cannabis plant |
| Legal Status | Legal (with regulations) | Illegal (Class B drug) |
| Medical Use | Wellness supplement | Prescription only (rare) |
What Happens If You're Caught with Illegal CBD?
If CBD products contain more than 0.2% THC, they're classified as controlled substances. Possession could result in:
- Confiscation of the product
- Police warning or caution
- Potential prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Criminal record (in serious cases)
Always buy from reputable UK retailers who provide lab testing certificates to ensure compliance.
How to Ensure Your CBD is Legal
✅ Buy from Reputable UK Retailers
Purchase from established brands with transparent business practices and UK operations.
✅ Check for Third-Party Lab Testing
Reputable brands provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) showing exact CBD and THC content.
✅ Verify Novel Food Status
Check if the brand has a validated Novel Food application with the FSA.
✅ Read Labels Carefully
Ensure products clearly state CBD content and confirm THC is below 0.2%.
✅ Avoid Unrealistic Claims
Be wary of products making medical claims - legal CBD is sold as a wellness supplement, not medicine.
The Future of CBD Regulation in the UK
The UK CBD market continues to evolve with increasingly robust regulations. Expected developments include:
- Stricter enforcement of Novel Food requirements
- More comprehensive testing standards
- Clearer labelling requirements
- Potential maximum CBD dose limits
- Enhanced consumer protection measures
Common Legal Questions About CBD
Can employers ban CBD use?
Yes, private employers can set their own policies regarding CBD use, even though it's legal.
Can I give CBD to my pet?
CBD pet products exist in a legal grey area. The VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) hasn't approved CBD for animal use, but it's not explicitly illegal.
Is CBD covered by health insurance?
No, CBD is classified as a wellness supplement, not a medicine, so it's not covered by NHS or private health insurance.
Can I sell CBD products in the UK?
Yes, but you must comply with Novel Food regulations, ensure products contain under 0.2% THC, obtain proper business licences, and follow advertising restrictions.
Stay Legal, Stay Safe
CBD is legal and safe when purchased from reputable sources that comply with UK regulations. At The Juice Warehouse, all our CBD products meet UK legal requirements, contain less than 0.2% THC, and come with third-party lab testing certificates.
Shop with confidence knowing you're getting legal, high-quality CBD products.
