Cannabis & hemp regulatory news and information about

United Kingdom

Recreational Marijuana Status:
Illegal
Medical Marijuana Status:
Legal

Seed Legality

Seeds may be bought, sold and gifted as souvenirs; germinating them without a Home Office licence is a crime.
Hemp seeds
Restricted
Marijuana seeds
Legal
Sale
Legal
Transacting
Legal
Gifting
Legal

Cannabis seeds are not controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, so buying, selling, possessing or gifting ungerminated seeds is lawful in the UK provided they are marketed as souvenirs or collectors' items and not supplied for cultivation. Germinating seeds constitutes cultivation of cannabis contrary to section 6 of the 1971 Act unless the grower holds a Home Office licence. Industrial hemp growers require a Home Office controlled-drug cultivation licence and must sow approved low-THC (0.2% or less) varieties, with access to leaf and flower prohibited.

Key law:
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, s.6 (cultivation); Home Office industrial hemp licensing
Last reviewed:
July 3, 2026
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This section is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Seed laws change frequently — verify current law with qualified counsel before making decisions.

United Kingdom

Hemp, Cannabis, and Tobacco Regulation News