Cannabis laws in London, United Kingdom
Illegal
You cannot legally buy recreational cannabis in London — possession is a Class B offence, with a separate exception only for prescribed medicine.
Official sources checked November 6, 2026. This is news information, not legal advice. Laws and local penalties change — confirm with the destination's official sources before you travel.
Before you fly
Carrying cannabis across a border is treated separately from possessing it inside the country. Even where buying is legal, taking it onto a plane can be a customs or smuggling offence, and a domestic flight can become an international one the moment you connect somewhere else.
Current law at a glance
- Buying as a visitor
- There are no lawful recreational shops or tourist clubs, and London has no local exemption. Supplying or sharing cannabis can carry up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
- Possession
- There is no legal recreational possession allowance. Cannabis is Class B, with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. GOV.UK says police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of up to £90 — discretionary, not a right or a price.
- Smoking in public
- Smoking recreational cannabis on a London street does not escape possession law. No separate London-wide cannabis-smoking fine was verified; the national possession penalties apply, and ordinary smoke-free-premises rules still count.
- Medical cannabis
- Cannabis-based medicines can be prescribed under the specialist-doctor framework, not bought over the counter. Whether a visitor can get a new UK prescription was not verified. Medicine lawfully prescribed and dispensed in your country of habitual residence has its own personal-import route.
- Home growing
- There is no recreational grow allowance. Cultivation needs proper authorization, and the general maximum for producing a Class B drug is 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
- Borders
- Do not import or export recreational cannabis. For eligible lawfully prescribed Schedule 2–4 Part I medicines, the UK personal-import policy generally allows up to three months' supply carried with you, with evidence from your prescriber. That is not permission to bring recreational flower.
Key dates and proposed changes
1 November 2018
The specialist-prescribing framework for cannabis-based medicines took effect. Recreational cannabis was not legalized.
3 October 2024
The Home Office refreshed its cannabis and CBD factsheet, confirming cannabis remains Class B and setting out controlled-cannabinoid exemptions.
Home Office — cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids factsheet
6 November 2026 — sources checked
Current GOV.UK guidance still publishes Class B possession penalties and the discretionary fine of up to £90. No London tourist-purchase exception was found.
GOV.UK — penalties for drug possession and dealingHome Office — cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids factsheet
Practical questions
Can I buy weed in London?
Not legally for recreation. A medical prescription is a different route and needs a clinical prescribing decision.
GOV.UK — penalties for drug possession and dealingHome Office — medicinal cannabis prescribing announcement
Can I smoke on the street?
Not lawfully with recreational cannabis. Police can act on possession, and a warning or fine is not a guaranteed alternative to prosecution.
Can I bring prescribed cannabis into the UK?
Potentially, if it is an eligible medicine lawfully prescribed and dispensed where you normally live. The personal-import policy generally covers up to three months' supply carried on your person. Carry a clinician's letter naming you, your travel dates, the medicine, dose and quantity, and check unusual products with the Home Office first.
Home Office — travelling with medicine containing controlled drugs
Can I fly home with it?
Not with recreational cannabis. Prescribed medicine must meet UK export conditions plus the rules of your destination and any transit country — a UK prescription is not worldwide permission.
Home Office — travelling with medicine containing controlled drugsHome Office — cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids factsheet
Is a domestic flight different?
A wholly domestic journey is not import or export, but recreational possession stays unlawful. Carry evidence for prescribed controlled medicine and check airline arrangements; no cannabis-specific domestic aviation allowance was verified.
GOV.UK — penalties for drug possession and dealingHome Office — travelling with medicine containing controlled drugs
What about CBD?
Pure CBD is not controlled under UK drug law, but products containing controlled cannabinoids must meet the applicable exemptions. The Home Office describes a 1 mg controlled-drug limit per component part of an exempt product, among other conditions — not a blanket percentage. Calling cannabis flower 'CBD' or 'low-THC' does not make it lawful.
Home Office — cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids factsheet
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