Are CBD flowers legal? Current legal situation in UK 2025

In this article you will learn:

• CBD Flowers Legality – The Most Important Facts

• What are CBD flowers and how do they differ from THC cannabis flowers?

• Legal basis for CBD flowers in the UK

• Where can you legally buy CBD flowers?

• Legal risks and grey areas

• Quality characteristics of legal CBD flowers

• CBD flowers vs. other CBD products

• Frequently asked questions about the legality of CBD flowers

• Future prospects and developments

• Conclusion: Use CBD flowers legally

CBD Flowers Legality – The Most Important Facts

Yes, CBD flowers are generally legal in the UK! We can give you this clear answer today thanks to the legal changes of 2024. However, certain conditions must be met for the flowers to be truly legal.

While the legal situation regarding the possession, consumption, and purchase of CBD flowers is relatively clear, the situation regarding the cultivation of CBD flowers in the UK is different. Neighboring countries Switzerland and Austria in particular benefit from this ambiguity. Italy is also considered one of the beneficiaries and is considered the main producer for the UK market.

The most important criteria for legal CBD flowers:

• THC content below 0.3%: Since 2024, the permitted THC content has been increased from 0.2% to 0.3%

• EU-certified industrial hemp: The hemp plant must come from the EU catalog of varieties

• No intoxicating effect: CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychoactive and is not subject to the Narcotics Act

• Planned abolition of the abuse clause: The rule that “abuse for intoxication purposes must be excluded” is to be repealed

These changes finally bring clarity to an industry long characterized by uncertainty. For consumers, this means you can buy CBD flowers with a clear conscience, but you must ensure that the flowers are not intended for smoking, thus preventing abuse. CBD flowers must be labeled, for example, as scented air fresheners or similar products. You are also allowed to possess and consume CBD weed – but you must be mindful of a few things.

What are CBD flowers and how do they differ from THC cannabis flowers?

CBD flowers are the dried buds of the female hemp plant, specifically bred for a high cannabidiol content. The key difference from THC cannabis lies in the ratio of the active ingredients: While regular "weed" has high THC concentrations of 5-25%, legal CBD flowers contain only minimal amounts of THC. Here, the ratio of THC to CBD can naturally be no higher than 1:30, and in rare cases, even 1:35. This means that natural CBD flowers should never contain more than 10% CBD.

The most important differences at a glance:

aspect	CBD flowers	THC cannabis
THC content	Max. 0.3%	5-25%
CBD content	4-10%	Mostly low
Effect	Not intoxicating	Psychoactive
Legal status	Legal	Legal if home grown
Origin	EU industrial hemp	Often unknown or home-grown

The problem in practice: CBD flowers and THC flowers are almost indistinguishable in terms of appearance and smell. Both come from the same cannabis plant; only the breeding and active ingredient content, and thus also their potency, differ. The cannabinoid content of CBD flowers is specifically designed to contain the non-psychoactive cannabidiol, or CBD for short. This means that, unlike THC, you can enjoy the relaxing properties of hemp with CBD without experiencing the intoxicating effects of THC.

Legal basis for CBD flowers in the UK

The legality of CBD weed is based on several laws and regulations that together create a clear legal framework. If you understand these basics, you can safely handle CBD products.

CBD flowers, also known as hemp flowers, have become even more popular than ever since cannabis legalization. Many people want to enjoy the benefits of the cannabis plant without getting intoxicated—and that's exactly what CBD makes possible.

Narcotics Act (BtMG) in relation to CBD flowers

The Narcotics Act is the central law governing all cannabis-related issues in the UK. The good news: CBD as an individual substance is not listed in the Narcotics Act. This means that cannabidiol is not considered a narcotic and, unlike high-percent THC variants, may be sold freely. However, hemp products must not exceed the permitted THC limit to avoid being subject to the Narcotics Act. With the 2023 amendment to the law, this limit was raised from 0.2% to 0.3% – an important step towards greater legal certainty.

EU Industrial Hemp Seed Regulation

Furthermore, to avoid falling under the Narcotics Act, CBD products and flowers must be produced from certain hemp varieties approved by the EU, as the listed varieties all naturally have low THC levels. Only then may they be sold legally. This EU Regulation (EC) No. 639/2014 regulates which hemp varieties may be used for legal cultivation.

Changes due to partial cannabis legalization in 2024

The partial legalization of cannabis on April 1, 2024, not only brought changes to cannabis for recreational purposes, but also significantly simplified the legal situation for CBD products:

Most important innovations:

• Increase in the THC limit : From 0.2% to 0.3%, which brings the UK into line with EU standards

• More legal certainty : Clearer regulations for the cultivation, trade and possession of CBD flowers

• Simplified controls : Authorities now focus on clear THC limits instead of hard-to-measure “abuse intentions”

These changes have significantly strengthened the UK market and made CBD flowers a completely legal product, as long as the regulations are met.

Where can you legally buy CBD flowers?

Buying CBD flowers is now easier and safer than ever. There are various legal sources, and choosing the right provider is crucial for quality and legal compliance.

A key characteristic of CBD flowers is their diversity of cannabinoids. These are formed during growth and shape the flower's profile. The cultivation method and the use of cannabis fertilizers determine the strength of the respective cannabinoid levels.

Legal sources for CBD flowers

CBD online shops : Most customers now buy CBD products online. A reputable CBD flower shop offers a wide selection, detailed product descriptions, and all necessary certifications. The advantage: You can compare at your leisure and have access to CBD flowers from all over Europe.

Local CBD Shop : In larger cities, you'll find specialized stores that sell CBD products— such as the CBD shop in Hamburg. Here, you can inspect the flowers before purchasing and receive personalized advice.

Pharmacies : Some pharmacies now carry CBD products, but the varieties are often limited and the prices are higher.

Quality criteria when purchasing

When purchasing CBD flowers in the online shop, you should pay attention to the following points:

Laboratory certificates : Reputable suppliers provide analysis certificates for each batch. These document the exact THC content and confirm that the limits are met. You can always find the relevant laboratory certificate on the product pages for our flowers.

EU Industrial Hemp Certification : Make sure the retailer confirms that the flowers come from EU-certified industrial hemp. This is a legal requirement.

Transparent origin : Good suppliers provide information about the growing region, variety, and cultivation method. Organic certification is an additional quality feature.

No promises of healing : Reputable retailers do not make health-related claims. This is extremely important. CBD is not a cure-all.

A glimpse into a UK grow: A professional room is shown where cannabis plants are cultivated under legal conditions. Since the cultivation takes place in a multi-person household, it is permitted. The cannabis seeds used were from Terp Ninjas, a CBDÍA brand.

Prices and range

Prices for CBD flowers vary depending on quality and cultivation method. Typical price ranges:

• Indoor flowers : 8-12 euros per gram

• Outdoor flowers : 5-8 euros per gram

• Premium/Organic flowers : 10-15 euros per gram

You can recognize good value for money by the combination of fair prices, complete certificates of analysis, and transparent information about the origin. Extremely cheap offers should make you skeptical – quality has its price.

Legal risks and grey areas of CBD flowers in the UK 2025

Although CBD flowers are legal, there are still some situations in practice and when selling CBD weed that can lead to problems. For example, the sale of CBD flowers is prohibited for businesses unless there is an explicit statement that their use for abuse is excluded. Since THC is still a small component of CBD flowers (maximum 0.3%), it is theoretically possible to experience the same effect from consuming CBD as from consuming THC. However, this would require smoking approximately 50 times the amount of CBD weed as THC weed. It is obvious that this absolute amount is simply unimaginable in such a short period of time, making the intoxicating purpose practically impossible. To avoid problems with the police, CBD flowers are therefore declared as flavored products, and the warning about abuse is clearly marked on the bag. Knowing about these risks will help you use CBD products calmly and safely.

Police checks – The biggest practical problem

The visual and olfactory similarity between CBD flowers and potent cannabis for recreational purposes regularly leads to misunderstandings during police checks. Police officers cannot distinguish at first glance whether you are carrying legal CBD flowers or THC weed.

A rare image: A farmer from UK cultivating CBD flowers. Due to legal relaxations, more and more farmers are discovering the potential of hemp and are venturing into cultivation. Institutions such as the Cannabis Economy industry association are also supporting this development.

How to behave correctly during inspections:

• Always keep the original packaging and receipt, and indicate that it was not chewed for intoxication purposes

• Carry the certificate of analysis with you (digital or printed)

• Stay calm and politely explain the legality of the products

• Insist on your rights – ownership is legal!

Different handling in the federal states

Unfortunately, not all federal states handle the legal situation in the same way. While in some regions the police are already well informed about the new legal situation, in others premature confiscations are still occurring.

Problematic situations:

• Provisional seizure pending laboratory analysis

• Confusion with cannabis products for intoxication purposes

• Lack of knowledge of the new legal situation among individual police officers

These problems usually resolve quickly if you can present the relevant documents. However, unpleasant situations can still arise.

Can you smoke or vaporize CBD flowers?

The consumption of CBD flowers by smoking or vaporizing is generally legal. There are no legal prohibitions on this use as long as the flowers themselves are legal.

Practical recommendations:

• Private consumption: You are completely safe at home

• Public consumption: Avoid smoking in public to avoid misunderstandings

• Prefer vaporizing: Less conspicuous and healthier than smoking

Important note: Retailers are not allowed to sell CBD as a consumer product, as CBD is subject to the Novel Food Act.

Quality characteristics of legal CBD flowers

The quality of CBD flowers can vary greatly. To get the best value for your money and stay legally safe, you should know the most important quality characteristics.

Indoor vs. outdoor cultivation

Indoor cultivation takes place in controlled environments and offers the following advantages:

• Constant growth conditions

• Higher cannabinoid concentrations

• Better control over terpenes and aroma

• Mostly free of pesticides and pollutants

Outdoor cultivation is more sustainable and cheaper:

• More environmentally friendly through natural resources

• Lower prices for customers

• Natural growth under sunlight

• But may have more fluctuations

Both cannabis cultivation methods can produce high-quality products. Indoor flowers are typically more expensive but often offer more consistent, top-quality results.

Organic farming

Organic quality is an important distinguishing feature. Organically grown hemp plants are grown without:

• Synthetic pesticides

• Chemical fertilizers

• Genetic engineering

• Artificial growth hormones

Certified organic farming guarantees not only a clean product but also sustainable farming methods.

Terpenes and cannabinoid profiles

High-quality CBD flowers are characterized by a rich terpene profile. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that:

• Determine the characteristic smell and taste

• Potentially enhance the effects of cannabinoids

• A sign of gentle processing is

A balanced cannabinoid profile is reflected in:

• High CBD content (usually 4-10%)

• Low THC content (less than 0.3%)

• Presence of other cannabinoids such as CBG or CBN

Storage and shelf life

Proper storage maintains quality and effectiveness:

• Airtight: Protects against oxidation

• Dark: UV light destroys cannabinoids

• Cool: Room temperature or cooler

• Dry: Prevents mold growth

When stored correctly, CBD flowers retain their high quality for 6-12 months.

CBD flowers vs. other CBD products

CBD comes in many different forms. To make the right choice, you should understand the differences between the various products.

CBD oil and CBD extracts

CBD oil is the most popular processed CBD product:

• Easy dosage by drops

• Oil has a longer shelf life

• Discreet application

• Oil is often more expensive per mg of CBD

Advantages of oil:

• Standardized CBD content

• No legal gray areas

• Large variations of different concentrations

CBD capsules and dietary supplements

Capsules offer the most discreet intake:

• Exact dosage

• Tasteless

• Long shelf life

• Often combined with other ingredients

Why choose CBD flowers?

CBD flowers have several advantages over processed products:

Naturalness : Flowers are the unprocessed raw product and the full spectrum of the hemp plant is an integral part

Versatility : Can be used for tea, vaporizing or your own extracts

Price-performance : Often cheaper per mg of CBD than CBD oil

Transparency : With flowers you can see directly what you are buying

Disadvantages of flowers:

• Fluctuating active ingredient content

• Potential problems with controls

• More difficult dosage

• Shorter shelf life

The choice between flowers and other CBD products depends on your personal preferences, intended use, and your priorities regarding discretion.

Frequently asked questions about the legality of CBD flowers

Here we answer the most important questions we regularly receive regarding the legality of CBD flowers.

Is it legal to possess and transport CBD flowers?

Yes, definitely! Possession of CBD flowers with a THC content below 0.3% from EU-certified industrial hemp is completely legal in the UK. You may:

• Store at home

• Transport (even larger quantities up to 25g)

• Consume

• Give away (but do not sell without a license and only if misuse is excluded)

Are there any limits on the quantity of possession?

This is similar to THC flowers. You can carry up to 25g with you at all times and keep an additional 25g at home. This means you can possess a maximum of 50g at one time.

What about growing your own CBD hemp?

Private individuals are permitted to cultivate their own hemp plants. However, a maximum of three plants may be in flower at a time. Only certified farmers with the appropriate permits are permitted to cultivate industrial hemp commercially. This regulation also applies to CBD-rich varieties.

Interest in CBD flowers with slightly elevated THC levels is also growing within cannabis social clubs. Many conventional THC consumers find a milder version attractive. The result is a more diverse cannabinoid spectrum.

What happens to CBD flowers during police checks?

Various scenarios can occur during police checks:

Best case: The officer knows the legal situation, you present the receipt and certificate—everything's fine. Since you're allowed to carry 25g, this should be the norm.

Common case: Temporary seizure for laboratory testing of THC content. The product is returned after a negative test.

Worst case: Uninformed officials treat it like illegal cannabis. The only thing that helps here is to stay calm, explain the legal situation, and seek legal advice if necessary.

Important tips:

• Always remain friendly and cooperative

• Briefly but directly answer police questions

• Insist on your rights, but don’t become aggressive

• Have documents digitally and physically with you

• In case of unjustified seizure: lodge an objection

Can you take CBD flowers abroad?

Although possession is legal in the UK, carrying hemp products of any kind is not permitted. Regardless of the regulations in other countries:

• Austria: Similar rules to the UK

• Switzerland: More liberal (up to 1.0% THC allowed)

• France: Stricter rules, CBD flowers often problematic

• Netherlands: Complicated legal situation

Recommendation: Do not carry any CBD products of any kind with you. This can only cause problems at the airport or at border controls, as without a laboratory test, it cannot be 100% proven whether the cannabis is for intoxicating purposes or for other effects.

Can employers prohibit CBD consumption?

The situation is complex under labor law:

• During working hours: Employers can prohibit consumption in the workplace

• Private: Basically no action, except in the case of impact on work

• Drug tests: CBD can rarely cause positive THC tests if products are close to the limit

If in doubt, speak to your employer or HR department.

Future prospects and developments in the legal situation regarding CBD flowers in the UK

The CBD market in the UK is developing rapidly. For consumers, this means even more choice, better quality, and clearer legal certainty.

Further liberalization planned

Further relaxations in the area of ​​industrial hemp are planned for 2025 and the following years:

Possible changes:

• Elimination of the abuse clause, which would result in problem-free CBD trade

• Simplified cultivation permits for farmers

• Fewer bureaucratic hurdles for retailers

• Clearer regulations for advertising and marketing

These developments would further strengthen the industry and reduce prices for consumers.

EU-wide harmonization

The European Union is working on uniform standards for cannabis and CBD:

• Harmonization of THC limits in all member states

• Simplifying cross-border trade

• Common quality standards

• Harmonized jurisprudence

This development will improve access to high-quality CBD products from across Europe.

Growth of the UK CBD market

The UK CBD market is growing continuously:

• 2024: Estimated turnover of several hundred million euros

• Forecast 2025: Further growth of 20-30%

• Drivers: Education, better legal situation, more providers

For consumers this means:

• Larger selection of CBD products and companies

• Better competition leads to more attractive prices

• Higher quality standards, better impact

• More advice and service

Medical research

Scientific research into CBD is making great progress:

• Studies on anxiety disorders and sleep problems

• Research on anti-inflammatory properties

• Studies on tolerability and interactions. This research will further increase the understanding and acceptance of CBD.

Conclusion: Use CBD flowers legally

CBD flowers are legal in the UK – we can make this statement clearly and unequivocally following the 2024 legislative changes. Partial cannabis legalization has not only clarified cannabis for recreational purposes, but has also significantly simplified the legal situation for CBD products. However, due to the still-existing anti-abuse clause, CBD flowers are still not allowed to be sold for smoking; they must be labeled differently, for example, as flavoring products.

The most important points at a glance:

Legal certainty: With THC levels below 0.3% and originating from EU-certified industrial hemp, CBD flowers are completely legal.

Practical tips: Only buy from reputable suppliers who provide laboratory certificates and proof of origin. Always carry these documents with you.

Quality matters: Look for organic quality, transparent origins, and fair prices. Premium flowers from indoor cultivation usually offer the best quality.

Future: Industrial hemp and products of the cannabis plant will be further liberalized, the selection will be greater and the prices fairer.

Our recommendations for safe handling:

1. Documentation: Always keep the invoice and certificate of analysis

2. Reputable sources: Buy only from established CBD shops with a good reputation

3. Remain discreet: Avoid consumption in public to avoid misunderstandings

4. Stay informed: Follow legislative developments

The legal situation regarding CBD flowers in the UK is now clearer than ever before. You can buy and use these natural products with a clear conscience – as long as you pay attention to quality and legality (declaration: no abuse). The Narcotics Act is still lagging behind the times in this regard. The UK CBD market now offers an impressive selection of high-quality products, from oil and affordable outdoor flowers to premium indoor versions. You can basically put anything in your shopping cart.

With the right knowledge and reputable suppliers, nothing stands in the way of legally enjoying CBD flowers. The days of legal uncertainty are over – welcome to the new era of legal CBD in the UK!