Cannabis in the UK: Decoding the Legal Status of the Herb

The legality of cannabis has been a hot topic all across the globe. Some countries like Netherland, Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica have legalized the usage, possession and sale of cannabis, but is cannabis legal in the UK?

The Cannabis plant is surrounded by a lot of myth and outright speculation. On one hand, it has been scientifically proven that CBD can treat various deadly diseases, but on the other hand, it has been linked with other health hazards.

With the amount of misinformation flowing everywhere, even with the legalisation, it is going to be a tough job for the industry to survive. In this article, we understand where cannabis stands in the legal domain in the UK and shed more light on the issue. 

Is cannabis legal in the UK?

For recreational purposes, cannabis is illegal in many parts of the world including the United Kingdom. In 2004, it was classified as a Class C drug which was later removed to Class B in 2009. 

However, later in 2018, it was legalised for medical usage if prescribed by a registered specialist doctor. 

What are the drug categories?

According to law, drugs have been categorised into 3 categories as per their effect on human: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Let's discuss what each category means:

Class A: Labelled as the most harmful category of drugs, Class A drugs include heroin, methadone, cocaine, ecstasy, magic mushrooms and crystal meth. If caught with these substances, the penalties are the harshest.

Class B: This category has been considered harmful but not as much as Class A drugs. Drugs like amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis and dihydrocodeine are categorized as Class B drugs. However, if any of these drugs are prepared for injection, Parliament can reclassify them to the Class A category.

Class C: The least harmful drugs are categorised as Class C. These include benzodiazepines, steroids and Subutex.

Cannabis is illegal in any form in the UK except for medicinal use. Since it is categorised as a Class B drug in the UK, the penalty for selling, possessing or growing under unlicensed dealing can cause 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Is it legal to smoke cannabis in the home?

No, you cannot smoke it in your premises, even if you own it.

Smoking cannabis at home is prohibited in the UK. Marijuana Consumption is deemed illegal in any form as it is classified as a Class B drug. Smoking or consuming any other form in your closed territory can land you in big trouble.. In such cases, UK law can sentence you imprisonment for up to 14 years, an unlimited fine, or both. 

Reasons That Makes it Illegal in the UK

There are several reasons why the consumption of cannabis is a criminal activity. The history behind it is really interesting. 

A popular conspiracy claims that in the 20th century, timber firms were out of business due to the introduction of hemp. A major timber company lost billions after which lobbyists began a campaign against hemp to demonise it. The biggest claim that was made against cannabis was that it induced an ungodly and zombie-like consumption. 

However, there is another credible theory about why it was criminalised in the US and the UK. Drugs have been associated with ethnic minorities in the past.  Africans, Spanish and Mexicans were targeted for their chilled out behaviour after cannabis consumption. This led to labelling the natural herb as a drug.  Just like that, the Caribbeans were pointed out for their hippie movement in the English land. 

With the lack of research around cannabis, it has become an easy target for rumours and claims, with most of them associated with health issues. However, there is no concrete evidence regarding the negativity or the blatant positivity of the herbs.

| Also Read: Medical Cannabis Card - Over 20,000 Users Benefit from 'Cancard' |

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in the UK?

In our society, cannabis still remains a very controversial and hush-hush topic. Even though there is a lot more information about weed today, people are still unaware about its benefits. The UK legalized medical cannabis in 2018, however, more than 50% still remain unaware of the fact.

Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by registered doctors under UK law. Anybody using it for recreation or is caught with illegal possession, selling or any other purpose will have to face a strict penalty.

Should Cannabis be Decriminalized in the UK?

In 2018, UK law legalized prescription for cannabis-infused medication by registered doctors for the treatment.

So, should it be decriminalised? There are mixed opinions regarding that.

After its legalization in places like New York for recreational purposes, the UK still has a penalty of 5 years, an unlimited fine, or both if involved with cannabis. Those who are into the production and supply business have a much higher penalty; 14 years, unlimited fine or both. 

The biggest concern is that it could increase the usage of more dangerous substances or other types of Cannabis that have higher THC levels. Another genuine reason is overdose because of which the UK law hasn't legalized it.

Keeping its health benefits and medicinal properties, UK law has legalised its usage for medicinal prescriptions. This authority is only granted to the registered doctors.

| Also Read: The Effect of Medical Cannabis Legalization on the Crime-Rate | 

Rules For Cannabis Consumption in the UK

Possession, sale or cultivation of cannabis is illegal in the UK and is classified as a Class B drug. If you are still looking for 'Is cannabis legal in the UK?' on the internet, check out the penalty issued by the UK Government!

1. The penalty for unlicensed dealing, production and trafficking is for up to 14 years of imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.
2. For Possession of cannabis, the maximum penalty is for about 5 years, with an unlimited fine or both.
3. If caught carrying small amounts of cannabis (less than 1 ounce of herbal cannabis or hashish) for personal use, a 'Cannabis warning' is issued for a police record.
4. For the medical purpose, get a license from the home office to import prescribed CBD infused medicines.
5. Medical practitioners need to register themselves for prescribing medicinal cannabis.

How UK Covid crisis can lead to the legalization of cannabis?

Ever since the pandemic has hit us, a lot of compacts have come to a halt. It is said that the cannabis industry can be a good boost to the UK economy. The forecast regarding new job opportunities causing a growth trajectory has been noticed. The slowdown of economic activity and losses around the globe might lift the prohibition.

The public is in favour of medical and adult-use of cannabis by amplifying the societal value. If complete legalization comes into existence, this industry can generate billions of taxable revenue.

Regardless of whether cannabis ought to be sanctioned, decriminalized or renamed are on the whole questionable issues, the Government still attempts to reform the law on drug use. Although it involves banter regarding what quantity of cannabis is considered an overdose, registered medical practitioners can still prescribe CBD medication. Even though it is used to treat serious ailments, the world is still waiting for cannabis legalization in the UK for recreational purposes.