Have the rules changed for importation of CBD into the UK?

The Home Office has not changed licensing requirements for importers of CBD into the UK. The minister for policing, Christopher “Kit” Malthouse, has requested an updated recommendation from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) on acceptable THC levels in CBD consumer products.

The ACMD has not yet responded and the previous limit of 1 mg generic tolerance for THC would thus continue to apply to all cannabinoid products regardless of size. Reports that a controlled drug licence is required for importation are erroneous, and if products have been seized by customs it is likely to have been due to another potential issue as there has been no change in THC limits or licensing requirements at this time.

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In the future, the permitted THC level is likely to change to a percentage, which will probably benefit bulk importers. The ACMD is apparently consulting on THC limit between 0.01% and 0.0001%, according to Malthouse’s request letter. A limit at the upper end would effectively mean a similar tolerance level for small imported quantities and overall greater leeway for larger amounts. Any implemented recommendation below the 0.01% suggestion could be an issue going forward, though at least not one for today.

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This article was written by one of CannIntelligence’s international correspondents. We currently employ more than 40 reporters around the world to cover individual cannabis and cannabinoid markets. For a full list, please see our Who We Are page.