Cannabis law in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Cannabis is a Class B drug, and possessing, growing or supplying it is an offence. The maximum penalty for possession is 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

RuleWhat applies
Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adultCriminal offence [1]
Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adultNo quantity is lawful: it is not lawful to have a controlled drug in possession. [1]
Growing at homePersonal use by an adultProhibited [2]
Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adultProhibited [3]
Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adultLegal for medical use [4]
VisitorsPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Maximum penalty for possession of a Class B drug is up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. The sources read do not describe how the law differs between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  • There is no separate public-use offence in the sources read; the possession offence applies in any place.
  • Medical cannabis is legal only when prescribed. On the NHS, only a specialist hospital doctor can prescribe it. The page describes England and its review date (27 May 2022) has passed.
  • The sources read do not say whether visitors are treated differently.

Sources

  1. legislation.gov.uk: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, section 5: Restriction of possession of controlled drugs (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. legislation.gov.uk: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, section 6: Restriction of cultivation of cannabis plant (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. GOV.UK: Drugs penalties (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. NHS: Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.