This year, 2024, could witness significant changes in cannabis laws. The burning question is, “Is weed legal in the UK?”

In December of last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) took a significant step by removing weed from Schedule IV of the 1961 Convention. This prompted the United Nations to vote on the issue, which, although rejected, still marked progress. In November, a French high court ruling on an appeal by Kanavape determined that hemp, including CBD flowers, falls outside the UN’s single convention on narcotics. An Italian court issued a similar ruling shortly after.

Read on to discover the latest updates on cannabis legalisation in the UK for 2024.

Will weed be legal in the uk in 2024?

Will there be a decision on weed legalisation in the UK in 2024? This is a pressing question. Over recent years, UK weed legislation has seen many changes. Notably, at the 2021 GCI Virtual Summit, it became clear that attitudes towards CBD are evolving.

But what does this mean for 2024? Will weed finally become legal in the UK?

At The Extract, we’ve conducted thorough research. We dont believe that 2024 could be the year for cannabis legalisation in the UK. Stay informed with us for the latest developments.

A history of weed legalisation

Before discussing whether weed will be legal in the UK, let’s break down the history of cannabis legislation.

We have previously explored how CBD can benefit individuals suffering from panic attacks and how CBD, when combined with exercise, has shown promise in alleviating sciatica symptoms.

Additionally, major brands like Nike have endorsed hemp for its environmental benefits, such as reducing the carbon footprint per acre grown. UK-based research has also highlighted the positive effects of CBD on blood flow in the brain.

The journey of cannabis legalisation in the UK began in 1929 with the Dangerous Drugs Act. By 1971, the cultivation of weed was broadly restricted under the Misuse of Drugs Act, although hemp continued to be used in various industries, including shipping.

A significant shift occurred in 2001 with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, which marked the beginning of more progressive cannabis laws in the UK. From that year, individuals could grow weed with a licence from the Home Office, although it was strictly for research purposes.

In 2015, the UK made another pivotal change by legalising weed for medical purposes under the Misuse of Drugs (Designation). This legislation allowed patients to receive cannabis prescriptions from the NHS.

Since 2015, the situation has largely remained unchanged. However, organisations like Grow Pharma continue to raise awareness about the potential benefits of cannabis legalisation in the UK.

As the British public becomes increasingly informed about the advantages of weed, we believe that its legalisation could bring about positive changes.

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What does this mean for CBD?

When people ask, “Is cannabis legal in the UK?” they often include CBD in their inquiry, but it’s essential to distinguish between the two. Unlike weed, CBD is not a controlled substance, making it legal in the UK.

However, CBD products must adhere to specific standards to be considered legal.

For instance, CBD products cannot contain more than 1mg of THC. While CBD itself is not a controlled substance, THC—the psychoactive compound in weed—remains illegal in the UK.

Consequently, CBD manufacturers must comply with these stringent guidelines when producing their CBD products. Failure to meet these requirements can result in serious repercussions from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

When will cannabis be legal in the uk?

At The Extract, we are almost certain that cannabis legalisation in the UK will not change in 2024. However, we do know that the outlook for CBD is promising.

In 2008, Boris Johnson was among the first Conservative MPs to advocate for the legalisation of medical cannabis. He argued that medical cannabis could be transformative for individuals suffering from chronic pain. This early support indicates a growing recognition of the potential benefits of weed, albeit primarily in a medical context.

While broader legalisation might not occur in the immediate future, continued advancements and acceptance of CBD products suggest a positive trend towards more comprehensive cannabis reform in the coming years.

However, could weed be legalised in the uk?

With Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, we believe the UK has the potential to legalise weed. Johnson appointed Blair Gibbs as a special advisor, a long-time advocate for cannabis law reform.

Although Gibbs served at 10 Downing Street for just over a year, his influence could have left a lasting impact on the government’s approach to cannabis.

Notably, legislation has already made provisions for exceptional cases, such as Charlie Hughes, a child patient approved for weed treatment. This development reflects a shift towards more progressive cannabis policies, hinting at the possibility of broader legalisation in the future.

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The impact of the cannabis situation abroad

The answer to “Is weed legal in the UK?” will be significantly influenced by the progress made in other countries. Developments throughout Europe and discussions in Scotland will undoubtedly affect Boris Johnson’s decision-making.

Countries like the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and now Germany have decriminalised cannabis, setting a precedent that many hope to see in the next round of weed legalisation in the UK.

Furthermore, Switzerland and the Czech Republic have fully legalised medical cannabis, with a growing number of medical cannabis patients demonstrating the benefits of more relaxed weed laws. France is also continually updating its laws on CBD and weed.

There is strong interest in weed legalisation in the UK, particularly as Scotland appears to be moving towards legalising medical cannabis. Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, has expressed support for making medical cannabis legal.

Failing to join the weed legalisation movement could make the UK government seem outdated and out of touch. As a nation renowned for being at the forefront of medical legislation and technology, this is not a position Boris Johnson would want to be associated with.

Based on these factors, it is reasonable to assume that the UK will eventually move towards weed legalisation. However, it may not happen in 2024, as more time might be needed to secure the necessary approvals.

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What should the government consider before changing cannabis legalisation in the uk?

Several factors should be taken into account before deciding whether to legalise cannabis in the UK. By considering these elements, the British government might recognise the potential benefits of legalising weed.

Health benefits

Incorporating weed into wellness routines can offer numerous benefits. Studies have demonstrated that cannabis can provide relief from seizures for individuals who cannot take traditional seizure medications. However, it is crucial to address the issue of incorrect ingredient labelling, as seen with some US suppliers like Diamond.

Medical cannabis is also an effective treatment for insomnia, a condition that affects a significant portion of the British population. Legalising weed in the UK could improve the quality of life for these individuals.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis can aid those suffering from arthritis. While most reports are anecdotal, legalising weed could pave the way for more comprehensive studies on its benefits.

Regulation

Currently, accessing medical cannabis in the UK can be challenging, leading some patients to seek weed through unregulated channels. This can result in them obtaining high-THC, low-CBD strains, which might not be ideal for their conditions.

Legalising and regulating weed would ensure that the British government can test and approve specific strains. This would provide citizens with access to safe, approved cannabis products.

Key Takeaways

At The Extract, we believe that the British government stands to gain significantly by addressing public concerns about cannabis legalisation. The benefits far outweigh the negatives, and changing the legal status of weed could be transformative for British citizens.

While we might not see this change in 2024, it seems likely to happen soon.

Legalising and regulating cannabis is a progressive stance, and the UK should not fall behind in this important area. Let’s wait and see when weed will become legal in the UK.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.