Is CBD legal in the UK? The 2026 rules, plainly
Is CBD legal in the UK?
Yes — CBD is legal to buy and use in the UK, but only within strict rules. CBD itself isn't a controlled drug, but THC is, so products must contain no more than trace THC (no more than 1mg of controlled cannabinoids per container under the exempt-product rules). CBD foods and oils sold in England and Wales must be linked to an application on the Food Standards Agency's novel foods public list. The FSA advises healthy adults to take no more than 10mg of CBD a day, and that CBD isn't suitable for anyone pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication without medical advice. And on the THC question as it applies to us: Grass & Co. CBD oils contain no THC at all — not trace amounts, none — and every batch certificate we publish confirms it.
The UK CBD rules at a glance
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| CBD itself | Not a controlled substance |
| THC | Controlled — only trace amounts allowed in consumer products. Grass & Co. oils contain none at all |
| Novel food status | CBD food products must be on the FSA public list to stay on sale |
| FSA daily advice | No more than 10mg CBD a day for healthy adults |
| Who should avoid it | Pregnant or breastfeeding people, anyone on medication without medical advice |
| Medical claims | Not allowed — CBD food products can't claim to treat or prevent anything |
How to check a CBD product
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Recent lab certificate | Confirms CBD content and THC levels — look for batches tested in the last 24 months. Ours show no THC |
| FSA list | Shows the product is part of a valid novel food application |
| Dose per serving | Helps you stay within the 10mg advice |
| No medical claims | Brands making them are ignoring the rules |
The trade-offs
FSA-listed CBD with recent lab tests
- Compliant and transparent
- Stated dose per serving
- Fewer brands to choose from
Unlisted or untested CBD
- Sometimes cheaper
- THC and CBD content unverified
- May be removed from sale
CBD is legal in the UK, but compliance varies wildly. Buy from brands that publish recent lab certificates, appear on the FSA list and keep within the 10mg daily advice. Check the THC line on the certificate too — the best products, including ours, show none at all.
Our CBD Originals (CALM, EASE, REST) are oils, not drinks or gummies, and they're stocked at Holland & Barrett rather than Amazon (yet). If you need CBD in another format, you'll need another brand — check it against the list above.
Mentioned in this piece
Questions people ask
- Is CBD oil legal in the UK?
- Yes, provided it contains no more than trace THC and, for food products, is linked to an FSA novel food application.
- How much CBD can I take a day in the UK?
- The FSA advises healthy adults to take no more than 10mg a day.
- Can CBD show up on a drug test?
- Possibly — even trace THC can build up. Our own oils contain no THC, which is exactly why we publish batch-by-batch certificates, but if you're tested at work or in sport, take advice before using any CBD.
- Can I travel abroad with CBD?
- Rules differ by country and some treat any THC as illegal. Check the destination's rules before you travel.
- Where can I buy Grass & Co. CBD?
- The Originals range — CALM, EASE and REST — is stocked at Holland & Barrett. Every batch certificate shows no THC.
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Grass & Co. products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the stated dose. Most products are for adults; CBD is for adults only.