Adults only (18+)

Legal Framework for Hemp Cultivation

Industrial hemp is legal in the UK, but only under a strict licensing system administered by the Home Office. Licences must be obtained to grow hemp outdoors and are typically granted for purposes such as fibre production or seed harvesting. Only approved low THC hemp varieties are permitted, originally limited to 0.2 percent THC, with plans confirmed in early 2025 to raise the threshold to 0.3 percent in line with international norms. Licences are valid for set periods and require detailed cultivation plans, site mapping and compliance checks.

Permitted and Prohibited Plant Parts

Under UK law, licence holders may only harvest non-controlled parts of the hemp plant, which means seeds and stalk fibre. The leaves and flowering tops, where cannabinoids like CBD and THC are concentrated, are classed as controlled parts and must be destroyed or remain on site in a prescribed manner. This restricts legal extraction of CBD from UK-grown hemp unless additional, higher level cannabis cultivation licences are obtained.

Restrictions and Regulatory Complexity

Growing industrial hemp in the UK remains burdensome due to high licence fees and rigid controls on plant parts. These constraints have hindered investment and discouraged widespread adoption, even though the plant is valued for its sustainability and economic potential. While the UK has a long history of hemp cultivation, including mandatory fibre production during earlier centuries, modern regulation remains complex and less supportive than in neighbouring countries.

Reform and Future Prospects

The UK is set to raise the THC threshold in industrial hemp from 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent beginning in 2025 or 2026, a move aimed at aligning with global standards and expanding viable hemp varieties for growers. Many industry stakeholders support simplifying licensing rules to encourage growth and economic sustainability. These reforms may broaden opportunities for British farmers to cultivate hemp more competitively for fibre, seed and possibly CBD markets.

Commercial Uses of Legal Hemp

Hemp grown legally in the UK is primarily used for textiles, construction materials such as hempcrete, paper products, and dietary supplements made from hemp seeds. The fibres are also being explored as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic in packaging and manufacturing. However, the commercial use of the leaves and flowers remains restricted, limiting the development of a domestic CBD extraction industry unless further legislative changes are introduced.

Legal Status of Hemp Oil in the UK

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is legal to buy and use in the UK without a prescription or licence. It is made from cold-pressed hemp seeds and contains no cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. As such, it does not fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and is considered a food product or cosmetic ingredient. Hemp oil is widely available in supermarkets, health food shops and online stores, and is often marketed for its nutritional and skincare benefits.

Summary

Yes, hemp is legal in the United Kingdom, but only under strict licensing and regulation. Industrial hemp may be grown for seeds and fibre by licensed growers using approved low THC varieties. Leaves and flowers are prohibited unless specific higher-level licences are granted. Reforms planned in 2025 aim to raise THC limits and streamline regulations, which could improve access and infrastructure for hemp-based innovation. Hemp oil made from seeds is legal and widely used across the UK in food, health and beauty products.