Is It Legal to Grow CBD Plants in the UK?
As the CBD market in the UK continues to grow, more individuals and businesses are exploring opportunities to cultivate hemp plants for cannabidiol (CBD) extraction. However, the question remains:
Is it legal to grow CBD plants in the UK?
This guide provides a clear, factual answer based on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). Understanding the legal framework is essential before starting any CBD-related agricultural project.
No, You Cannot Freely Grow CBD Plants at Home in the UK
Growing CBD-rich cannabis plants, even those containing low levels of THC, is illegal without a license in the UK.
CBD is legal for sale and consumption when it meets regulatory standards, but cultivating the plant that produces CBD is a controlled activity under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
What Does UK Law Say About Growing CBD Plants?
CBD Itself Is Not a Controlled Substance
- CBD is legal in the UK if it contains less than 1 mg of THC per product.
- However, the cannabis plant (including hemp) remains controlled.
Licensing Is Mandatory
To legally grow CBD plants (hemp), you must obtain a license from the UK Home Office.
Hemp licenses are granted for:
- Industrial uses (e.g., textiles, paper, seeds)
- Cultivation of fiber and seeds only
You cannot legally extract CBD from home-grown hemp plants in the UK, even if you have a license to grow industrial hemp.
Who Can Apply for a Hemp Growing License?
To apply for a UK industrial hemp license, you must:
- Be a registered business entity
- Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Provide detailed farm and field information, including GPS coordinates
- State the purpose of cultivation (fiber, seeds—not CBD extraction)
Can You Grow CBD Hemp Plants in Your Garden or Home?
No. Growing cannabis sativa plants for CBD extraction at home is prohibited, even if the THC content is low.
Home cultivation is still classified as cultivating cannabis, which is a criminal offense in the UK without a Home Office license.
Is It Legal to Extract CBD in the UK?
Currently, only licensed companies that follow strict Novel Food regulations and Home Office compliance rules can process hemp for CBD extraction. Most CBD sold in the UK is imported from countries like the US and Switzerland, where extraction is more accessible.
Penalties for Illegal CBD Plant Cultivation
If you grow CBD plants without a license, you risk:
- Criminal prosecution
- Seizure of plants
- Fines and possible imprisonment
Even small-scale personal growers face legal action under UK drug laws.
What Can You Legally Do in the UK?
| Activity | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Buying CBD oil | ✔️ Yes (if THC < 1 mg per product) |
| Selling CBD products (licensed business) | ✔️ Yes |
| Growing hemp for fiber or seeds (with license) | ✔️ Yes |
| Extracting CBD from hemp (Home Office restrictions) | ❌ No (unless fully licensed) |
| Growing CBD plants at home | ❌ No |
Conclusion: Is It Legal to Grow CBD Plants in the UK?
Summary:
- Growing CBD plants at home is illegal in the UK.
- A Home Office hemp license is required for industrial cultivation.
- CBD extraction from UK-grown hemp is not permitted under a standard hemp license.
- Most CBD products in the UK are imported and regulated under the Novel Food guidelines.
Final Thoughts
The CBD industry in the UK is evolving, but cultivation remains strictly regulated. If you are considering entering the CBD market, it’s essential to:
- Consult with legal experts in cannabis law
- Understand the Home Office licensing process
- Follow FSA Novel Food regulations for product sales
Staying compliant protects you from legal issues and helps maintain a reputable presence in the UK CBD marketplace.
