Is it illegal to grow cannabis in the UK?

Cannabis remains illegal to possess, distribute, sell or grow in the UK. Cannabis is classified as a class B drug. As such, any person who is caught with cannabis risks up to five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.

How are synthetic cannabinoids regulated in the UK?

Compounds which are known to be, or likely to be, misused and harmful remain under strict controls. Synthetic cannabinoids, such as ‘Spice’ will remain as Class B drugs in the UK. Police forces and Border Force should be aware that penalty codes have not been affected.

When did medical use of cannabis become legal in the UK?

Medical use of cannabis, when prescribed by a registered specialist doctor, was legalised in November 2018. Cannabis is widely used as an illegal drug in the UK, while other strains lower in THC have been used industrially for over a thousand years for fibre, oil and seeds.

Are there any health risks with synthetic cannabinoids?

In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration warned of significant health risks from synthetic cannabinoid products that contain the rat poison brodifacoum, which is added because it is thought to extend the duration of the drugs’ effects. Severe illnesses and death have resulted from this contamination.

When was cannabis classified as a controlled drug in the UK?

The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act was later introduced to provide guidance on controlled drugs, and cannabis was classified as a ‘class B’ drug. In the early 2000s, there was a temporary change in the UK Government’s stance on cannabis, largely in response to changing public perception towards the drug at the time.

Is the cultivation of cannabis against the law?

United Nations conventions on illicit drugs require signatory countries to prohibit cultivation of cannabis under criminal law, but permit cultivation for personal use to be dealt with by means other than punishment – for example treatment, counselling, education, and simply through warnings.

How many cannabis production offences are there in the UK?

Home Office statistics do not distinguish between production and cultivation offences, recording all as production. There were 1,960 cannabis production offences in the UK in 2000. Of these offenders, just under a quarter (458) received a police caution.