THC is classified as a controlled drug in the UK and is illegal to possess, supply, or use without a valid medical prescription.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Please note: Cannabis based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
Below we’ll be exploring THC legality in the UK.
Why Is THC Illegal in the UK Without a Prescription?
THC is classified as a controlled drug in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which makes possession, supply or production of THC and cannabis illegal.
THC controlled drug UK
THC is listed as a Class B controlled substance, meaning recreational use of cannabis remains a criminal offence. The only legal exception for THC-containing cannabis is when it is prescribed as a medical treatment by a specialist doctor. Outside of this, it cannot be lawfully possessed or used.
When Is THC Legal in the UK?
Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018.
It’s only legal if you have a valid prescription from a licensed clinic, and medication can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Medical cannabis can only be accessed following an assessment by a specialist doctor.
Medical cannabis containing THC in the UK is not considered a first-line treatment, meaning it’s only prescribed when standard treatments have not worked or caused unwanted side effects. This regulatory approach ensures that medical cannabis is used appropriately, under clinical supervision, and only where there is a clear medical need.
What Is Considered Legal THC Under UK Medical Cannabis Law?
Under UK law, THC is only considered legal when it is contained within a cannabis-based product for medicinal use (CBPM) that has been prescribed by a specialist doctor. These medicines are prescription-only and can only be supplied through licensed clinics and pharmacies under medical supervision.
Over-the-counter CBD products cannot legally contain THC above trace levels, which is why any non-prescribed product claiming to contain higher amounts of THC is unlawful in the UK.
THC vs CBD: Legal Differences in the UK
THC and CBD are just two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active natural compounds that can potentially cause effects throughout the body. Whilst THC is psychoactive, so can potentially cause the ‘high’ feeling cannabis is associated with recreationally, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a ‘high’.
In the UK, CBD and THC are treated differently under the law. CBD products can be sold over-the-counter in high street shops provided they meet strict regulations, and most importantly contain no more than trace amounts of THC, if at all.
THC, however, is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act and cannot be legally possessed or used unless it is prescribed as part of a licensed cannabis-based medicinal product by a specialist doctor.
Can You Buy THC Products Online in the UK?
Yes, you can purchase THC products online, as long as they are licensed, regulated medications sold online by licensed medical cannabis pharmacies. So, you’re purchasing legal THC medical cannabis. But keep in mind, in the UK it is illegal to buy THC products online without a valid prescription from a specialist doctor.
THC is a controlled substance under UK law, and any website or company claiming to sell THC legally without a prescription is operating outside the law, even if the products are marketed as “herbal,” “natural,” or shipped from abroad. Any company that is not a licensed pharmacy is not allowed to sell medical cannabis products containing THC.
Only prescription cannabis-based medicines supplied through licensed clinics and pharmacies can be legally accessed.
Who May Be Prescribed THC in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal by specialist prescription in the UK since 2018 and is prescribed on a case-by-case basis.
To be eligible for medical cannabis or a THC prescription in the UK, you’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision - usually through licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf.
It’s only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
We’ll decide if you’re likely to qualify for treatment or not based on the information you tell us. And if you are likely to qualify, you can book an initial assessment with one of our pharmacists. You’ll then have an appointment with a specialist doctor where your medical history is assessed. If you’re approved, your medication will be dispensed from your chosen pharmacy.
That’s a light overview of the process. It’ll be explained in a lot more detail during your appointments, and we’ll send you more information via email after you book your first appointment with us. We’ll give you medical oversight from specialist clinicians at every stage of your medical cannabis journey.
Is THC Legal In UK FAQs
Is THC illegal in the UK?
THC is classified as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means that yes, it is illegal in the UK unless it’s prescribed by a specialist doctor.
Can doctors prescribe THC in the UK?
Yes, specialist doctors in the UK can legally prescribe medical cannabis containing THC when clinically appropriate, under strict regulations and patient supervision. We’ve outlined the eligibility criteria above.
Is THC legal for medical use only?
Yes, in the UK THC is legal only for medical use when prescribed by a specialist doctor, and remains illegal for recreational use.
Can CBD products contain THC?
Yes, over-the-counter CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC. Prescribed medical cannabis can also contain higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, as well as lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC.
How do patients legally access THC in the UK?
Through a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. There’s no need for a GP referral. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
Summary
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.