This guide is for adults only (18+). It's general information, not legal advice.
"Is CBD legal in the UK?" is a question a lot of people ask. The short answer is that CBD itself isn't a controlled drug in the UK, but whether a CBD product can be sold legally depends on what's in it, what kind of product it is and where in the UK it's sold. Here's a plain-English look at how UK drugs law, food law and advertising rules fit together, with links to the official sources so you can check them yourself.
FSA advice: healthy adults no more than 10mg CBD a day. Not recommended for under-18s, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking medication.
The short answer
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. According to the Home Office, pure CBD, as an isolated substance, is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
THC and some other cannabinoids, however, are controlled drugs. The Home Office also says it is nearly impossible to extract CBD without traces of other controlled cannabinoids, so the law looks closely at what a finished product actually contains. A product containing controlled cannabinoids is itself controlled unless it meets the "exempt product" definition in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
We won't paraphrase the detail of that definition here. If you want to read it, the Home Office sets it out in its drug licensing factsheet on cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids.
CBD as a food: the "novel food" rules
CBD products you eat or drink, such as oils and capsules, are classed as "novel foods". The FSA says CBD's novel food status was confirmed in January 2019. That means CBD foods need to be authorised before they can be sold legally. In England and Wales the Food Standards Agency (FSA) assesses applications and advises ministers, who make the final decision.
What the FSA's public list is
Because the rules were applied to a market that already existed, the FSA keeps a public list of CBD food products that are linked to novel food applications. The list covers England and Wales. The FSA's position is that products on it marked as validated or awaiting evidence can stay on sale while a decision is made, and that products not on the list, or marked as removed, should be withdrawn. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements. You can search it on the FSA's page on CBD products linked to novel food applications.
Has any CBD food been authorised?
Not yet. As of November 2026, no CBD food has been authorised in Great Britain. Being on the public list isn't the same as being authorised. In September 2026 the FSA's board backed recommending the first three CBD applications to ministers, but the decision rests with ministers. If a label or website says a CBD food is approved or authorised, treat it with caution.
The FSA's advice for consumers
The FSA publishes advice for anyone thinking about taking CBD. In short:
FSA advice: healthy adults no more than 10mg CBD a day. Not recommended for under-18s, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking medication.
We don't give our own guidance on how much to take. Check the CBD per drop or capsule on the label and keep your total across the day within the FSA's advice, and read the FSA's consumer advice on CBD.
CBD in cosmetics
Products you put on your skin, such as balms and rubs, aren't food, so the novel food rules don't apply to them. Cosmetics sold in Great Britain are covered by a separate set of rules, the UK Cosmetics Regulation, which is explained on gov.uk under making cosmetic products available to consumers in Great Britain.
Why CBD can't be advertised with health claims
UK advertising rules, overseen by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), don't allow CBD food products to be promoted with health or medical claims. Products claiming to treat or prevent a condition can also fall under medicines law, which is the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) area.
If a CBD seller promises what a product will do for your body or mind, that's a red flag worth noticing.
THC, intoxication and drug tests
Will CBD make me feel high?
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. THC is a different cannabinoid, and it's a controlled drug in the UK.
Does CBD contain THC?
It can. The Home Office says it's nearly impossible to extract CBD from the cannabis plant, or to make it synthetically, without traces of other controlled cannabinoids such as THC. A product's lab report (certificate of analysis) should show what a batch actually contains.
Can CBD show up on a drug test?
Yes, it's possible. Because CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, they may cause a positive drug test. If you're drug-tested at work or in sport, bear this in mind before using any CBD product, and check with your employer or sport's rules if you're unsure.
If you'd like to understand what a CBD label should tell you, from the batch number to the lab report, read our guide on how to read a CBD label in the UK.
How to check a CBD product before you buy
A few simple checks, all based on the official guidance above:
- Look for a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory, linked to the batch.
- For food products, search the FSA's public list to see whether the product is linked to an application.
- Be wary of health claims. UK rules don't allow them for CBD food products.
- Be wary of any claim that a CBD food is approved or authorised. None has been authorised yet.
- Check the CBD per serving on the label and keep your total across the day within the FSA's advice.
FAQ
Is CBD legal in the UK in 2026?
Pure CBD isn't a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, so CBD itself isn't a controlled drug. CBD products containing controlled cannabinoids must meet the "exempt product" definition in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, and CBD foods are novel foods, none of which has been authorised yet.
Do I need to be 18 to buy CBD?
The FSA doesn't recommend CBD for under-18s, and we sell to adults only (18+).
Where can I read the official rules?
Start with the Home Office factsheet, the FSA's consumer advice and the FSA's public list, all linked above. You can find our other guides on the Legally Green blog.
Adults only (18+). FSA advice: healthy adults no more than 10mg CBD a day. Not recommended for under-18s, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking medication.
Questions? Email us at legallygreenuk@gmail.com or use our contact page.