Introduction to Controlled Drugs Licensing for Cannabis-Based Products
The Home Office regulates the licensing for controlled drugs in the UK, including cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPM). As a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, cannabis is strictly regulated.
Specialist doctors are permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products, classified as Schedule 2, without needing a controlled drugs licence. However, any company involved in the manufacturing, possession, supply, import, or export of CBPMs must secure a controlled drugs licence.
Cultivating cannabis for CBPMs is subjected to rigorous assessments and compliance with regulatory standards. The policy on industrial hemp cultivation stipulates that the use of flowers or leaves is prohibited.
For further details and specific licensing procedures, please refer to the official government guidance.
Key Points:
- Cannabis Regulation: Classified as Schedule 1, highly regulated.
- Medicinal Prescriptions: Specialist doctors can prescribe Schedule 2 CBPMs.
- Licensing: Required for commercial activities related to CBPMs.
- Cultivation: Strict regulations apply.
- Industrial Hemp: Use of flowers or leaves is not allowed.
For more comprehensive information, visit the full guidance.
