Is Cannabis Legal in the UK? | Legal Status Explained
Learn about the legal status of cannabis in the UK including regulations for medical use and recent discussions on law reform.
In the United Kingdom cannabis remains illegal for recreational use. It is classified as a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This classification means that possessing supplying producing or importing cannabis without a Home Office licence is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for possession is five years in prison and an unlimited fine while supplying the drug can result in up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Medical Use of Cannabis
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018. However it is available only under strict conditions. Specialist doctors can prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans to patients with specific medical conditions such as severe forms of epilepsy multiple sclerosis-related spasticity and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. These prescriptions are tightly regulated and access remains limited.
Calls for Reform
There have been ongoing discussions about reforming cannabis laws in the UK. In May 2025 the London Drugs Commission supported by London Mayor Sadiq Khan recommended decriminalising the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. The commission proposed reclassifying cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 which would make possession of small amounts a low-priority offence. However the UK government has stated that there are no plans to change the current classification of cannabis.
Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in the UK. It is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Possession can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying or producing cannabis carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Despite this, the UK has seen a rise in cannabis smuggling, particularly from the United States, following the legalisation of cannabis in several US states. In 2024, UK Border Force made over 34,000 cannabis-related seizures, totaling nearly 80,000 kilograms, with a significant portion originating from the US
Summary
Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in the UK and is classified as a Class B controlled drug. Medical cannabis is available under strict conditions for certain medical conditions. While there have been calls for reform the UK government has not indicated any intention to change the current laws regarding cannabis.