Can you Grow Medical Cannabis?

Sentencing-There are strict penalties for the possession, growing and selling of cannabis.

Possession – the police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you’re found with a small amount of cannabis on you (less than an ounce). However, the Cancard can assist those with medicinal cannabis prescriptions to prove that they have been prescribed it by a doctor.

Growing – Any growing of cannabis – be it CBD or THC – is illegal in the UK. 

Selling: If caught supplying and selling the Class B drug, you can face up to 14 years behind bars and an unlimited fine. 

 There are loopholes and parts of the cannabis plant that are legal. For instance, CBD products are now legal in the UK and are available in coffee shops, health shops, and supermarkets.

In 2018, medical cannabis became legal in the UK. While it isn’t the most accessible substance to get hold of, and most people must pay exorbitant prices to get a private prescription, it’s still a step in the right direction.

On the bright side, whilst possession of unprescribed cannabis is illegal, there have been signs that police are becoming more lenient now to the possession of weed. 

Even though the UK is becoming more lenient towards the possession of weed and more accepting of the benefits of cannabis, that doesn’t mean you can grow it legally. Many people suffering from health issues that require medical cannabis are disappointed by the fact that they are not permitted to produce their own medicine at home. Let’s face it where would the money be for the government if people were able to grow it themselves? Nonetheless, people do grow cannabis illegally, and individuals can buy seeds entirely legally in the UK. 

Shocking as it may seem, the UK is the largest exporter of medical cannabis worldwide. A whopping 44.9% of medical cannabis is grown in the UK. However, whilst this may be true, the difference is that these are licensed companies that are growing it, not individuals. You need a license to grow cannabis in the UK and to be part of an official company.  

If you think you qualify for a medicinal cannabis prescription, your best bet, if you want to stay on the right side of the law, is to go and consult your doctor or a private cannabis clinic to try and obtain a prescription.