Cannabis is quickly gaining popularity in the UK. As with all things new, it is important to know what is involved in the process of buying cannabis seeds legally in the UK. As lenient as the UK laws are about cannabis in comparison to other countries, the laws in effect are quite strict, and anyone found breaking them could face hefty penalties and possible jail time.
UK Laws regarding Cannabis
Since 1923, cannabis has been illegal in the United Kingdom since it was added to the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1920. In 1971, the Misuse of Drugs Act was passed, where drugs were classified into either Class A, B or C categories. Class A drugs are those that are the most dangerous and carry the harshest punishments. Cannabis is in Class B; it is in the same class as amphetamines, while Class C drugs are those that have the lowest capacity for harm. This differs in the USA, where cannabis is placed in the same level as harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
When the Act was passed, the maximum penalties for cannabis were increased. Anyone over the age of 18 who is charged with the use, growth, possession, or selling of cannabis in the UK in 2020 can have their money or property confiscated as per the Drug Trafficking Offenses Act. The law is also on the side of financial institutions, which are encouraged to report any suspected incidents of dealing.
For anyone 18 years of age and older, the police can issue a warning for a first-time offender. The written warning will not appear on the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau), which is used by employers, and won’t appear on the PNC (Police National Computer).
For a second offense for possession of cannabis, expect to get a penalty notice of disorder. This means you are subject to an £80 fine to be paid within 14 days. Failure to do so results in a mandated court appearance.
For third time offenders, you will be arrested, and the court will impose their sentence, which is likely to end up on your criminal record.
The factors that will be considered when passing the court sentence include one’s level of involvement in the operation, the person’s criminal history, and the size/quantity of the cannabis they had.
The maximum imprisonment penalty for possessing a Class B drug such as cannabis is 5 years, an unlimited cash fine, or both. Most times, when people are caught with cannabis seeds or a small amount of cannabis, they might not be subject to the maximum sentence for possession. Even those with repeat offences normally get short prison sentences.
So how do you legally buy and sell cannabis seeds in the UK?
Since 2020, the legal route has involved getting a license from the Home Office.
To get the license, you must complete a criminal record check and meet specific guidelines. The cost of a license is nearly £600, and people can grow the plant for research purposes or low-THC varieties ideal for industrial hemp.
With all the laws in place, the best way to buy cannabis seeds is to do so legally, since there are provisions for this in the UK. This applies to both low- and high-THC strains; fiber and hemp oil are also legal.
You can buy marijuana seeds online in the UK from seed banks. There are lots of good seed bank UK to buy cannabis seeds for growing.
Buying cannabis seeds need not be done in person, it can easily and discreetly be done online here. There are quite a number of strains available from seed banks that ship to the UK. Be sure to choose a reputable web-based shop to get the best seeds.
Keep in mind, when buying anything cannabis related, check the current local laws since legislation changes often and may vary depending on your location or where you intend to ship it to.
It is currently legal for UK residents to purchase seeds from UK seed banks. It is also legal to possess cannabis seeds of all strains, yet it is still illegal to grow your own marijuana plants from the seeds purchased.
State Regulations
In the UK, it is legal to buy, sell, and trade cannabis seeds. Other state laws surrounding cannabis seeds include;
- People are allowed to sell seeds and can sell them over the counter or by delivering them to one’s mailing address.
- There are rules governing the quantity you can possess. Having more seeds than what is mandated can cause issues in the future.
- If you are caught selling or cultivating cannabis seeds for commercial use, you could face serious consequences.
- There are UK licensed shops that can sell highly potent cannabis seeds.
You can possess cannabis seeds if you are using it as bird food, fish bait, or as a collection item. Consumption of cannabis seeds is prohibited. The question would be, how do the authorities determine what you intend to do with the seeds? In the event that you are caught with the seeds or with marijuana, there are various processes to go through to prove that they were not used for cultivation or consumption.
What about medical marijuana?
Medical cannabis is only available in pharmaceutical or synthetic forms. A patient can get a prescription for Nabilone, which is a synthetic cannabinoid used for neuropathic pain. The other drug that is available is called Sativex, which is available in the UK but is quite pricey.
For patients with chronic pain seeking to take cannabis to deal with their condition, they may request doctors to prescribe cannabis, and they can get it when they go to other European countries, such as the Netherlands. However, they may not be able to come back with it and enter the country with the medical marijuana they got from another country other than within the UK.
Selling Cannabis seeds
If you are interested in the business of selling cannabis seeds, there are a number of steps to follow to ensure your store is legal.
The first step is to create awareness among customers that they are not allowed to consume or cultivate them. They can only collect them or use them for bird food or fish bait.
As a shop owner, you are not allowed to cultivate the seeds, and you need to convince the authorities that you have no intent to do so and that your role is only to sell the seeds. Your shop will need to be approved by the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
It is easy to buy cannabis seeds legally in the UK. Choose reputable online stores to get your seeds quickly and discreetly.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using the products.
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