Legalizing marijuana and cannabis has been something that he started in many countries all around the world. This hot topic is something that everyone is talking about, and we can see a gradual increase in countries that have relaxed laws surrounding this product. When it comes to the United Kingdom, this country is still pretty strict in its approach to cannabis. Importing the drug can result in severe consequences, including legal repercussions as well as imprisonment. Nevertheless, just like with everything else, there are exceptions to the rule. In this comprehensive guide, we will talk about the different aspects of importing cannabis to the United Kingdom, as well as the legal implications that may follow.
Can you legally import it?
The first thing that you need to know about cannabis is that it is classified as a class B drug in the United Kingdom. What this means is that it is not legal to produce, supply, or process cannabis in any form and this includes importing the product. In case you choose to import it on your own, without a legal reason, you can get sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, and you may be sentenced to pay an unlimited fine. Because of this, you have to deeply understand the legal exceptions that are placed that would allow you to import marijuana legally.
What are the exceptions?
In case you want to import cannabis to UK, the first thing you should know is that the primary exception is for medical purposes. Since November 2018, specialists are allowed to prescribe medical marijuana to patients. Keep in mind that the use of this drug is highly regulated, and just a small number of patients are eligible for this prescription. The process of importing the drug for medical purposes requires a license issued by the home office. Note that only certain products are permitted, and you need to be aware of which types of drugs you are allowed to import. In addition to all that, all of these products have to be prescribed by the doctor and have to be of pharmaceutical quality.
Another exception that comes with importing marijuana in the United Kingdom is when you need to do it for research purposes. Once again, the researchers that want to be eligible to do this have to apply for a license to do it legally. The license, is once again, issued by the home office, and everything has to be sourced from a licensed supplier to this, the researchers have to comply with strict regulations when it comes to storage as well as disposal of the product.
Additional information
In case you want to import marijuana for recreational use in the United Kingdom, you should know that it is strictly forbidden and will result in fees as well as potential prison time. No matter if you want to export, import, or use the product recreationally in the country, you should know that it is illegal.
Some of the surrounding countries have far more relaxed laws when it comes to the recreational use of cannabis, so if you want to do that, you are free to any of those countries, however, you should know that it is still illegal to come back with any amount of the product in the country. If you want to import marijuana into the United Kingdom, it is best to first apply in the home office, and make sure that you follow every law and regulation.
