Country profile · Northern Europe
United Kingdom
Europe's second-largest medical market, almost entirely private-pay and clinic-driven.
Adult-useNot legalPossession for non-medical use is an offence.
MedicalEstablishedSince Nov 2018
Latest milestoneNov 2018Medical
Last reviewedStatuses reviewed quarterly by our newsroom
The law in brief
Specialist doctors have prescribed cannabis-based medicines since November 2018, almost entirely through private clinics; NHS access remains rare. Cannabis is a Class B drug for adult use.
Our classification for the United Kingdom: adult use not legal, medical cannabis established.
Adult-use: Not legalPossession for non-medical use is an offence.
Medical: EstablishedA functioning prescription market with domestic or imported supply.
Key dates and latest developments
Releaf and Glass Pharms to Offer THCV Range Aimed at Weight Management
Cultivation
UK vs Germany – Medical Cannabis Products & Prices (2026 Update)
Data & Analysis
Hemp Could Be the UK’s Overlooked Net Zero Solution, New Report Argues
Hemp Industry
Curaleaf Laboratories and Vericura Announce Distribution Agreement to Expand UK Manufacturing and Distribution of Medical Cannabis Products
Press releases
Medical
Law and policy
