Prohibition
Prohibition is the act of officially outlawing, criminalising or forbidding something by law. In the UK, cannabis was prohibited by the Dangerous Drugs Act in 1928, making it illegal to recreationally consume, purchase, or cultivate. This prohibition is still in place for recreational cannabis, but medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018.
How did prohibition affect cannabis use in the UK?
Prohibition made it illegal for anyone to possess, use, supply, or grow cannabis, leading to harsh criminal penalties for those who did/still do - for recreational purposes.
While doctors could still prescribe cannabis until 1971, the Misuse of Drugs Act that year criminalised it completely, restricting access even for medical purposes. Between 1971 and 2018, both recreational and medical cannabis were completely illegal in the UK.
Why was cannabis prohibited in 1928?
Cannabis was prohibited in 1928 due to socio-political pressures and international influences.
The UK participated in the 1925 International Opium Convention, where cannabis was added to the list of controlled substances amid concerns about its use in colonies like Egypt and South Africa. Moral panic, racial prejudices, and a desire to align with international drug control efforts contributed to the decision, even though recreational and medical cannabis use was not widespread (or a social issue) in the UK at the time.
When was medical cannabis legalised again in the UK?
Medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018. This change allowed prescribing specialists to offer cannabis-based medicinal products (CBPMs) to patients with specific conditions, under strict regulations. This marked the end of a long period of complete prohibition for medical cannabis.
Is recreational cannabis use still illegal in the UK?
Yes, all forms of cannabis use outside approved medical treatments are illegal in the UK. Possession, cultivation, and distribution of recreational cannabis can result in criminal prosecution. Anyone caught sharing or selling their prescribed medical cannabis may be subject to criminal proceedings.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.