By now, many of us are at least somewhat familiar with the therapuetic power of weed. Cannabis has been part of human medicine for centuries, and not only as a smokeable flower. Liquid forms of cannabis for therapeutic benefits have long been available in the form of good old-fashioned tinctures, which are derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Today, the word 'tincture' has resurfaced on wellness blogs, health shop shelves, and cannabis forums alike. But if you’re in the UK and considering a bottle of cannabis tincture, you may be wondering about the legal status of these products – is it legal, or are you about to break the law?
The short answer to the question: it depends on what’s in the tincture. Let’s break it down further.
What Is a Cannabis tincture?
A tincture is a liquid extract made by soaking plant material—often from the hemp plant or cannabis sativa—in a solvent, traditionally high-proof alcohol or sometimes glycerin. For cannabis, tinctures are created by steeping the buds, leaves, or resin in alcohol to extract cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), terpenes, and other compounds—essential oils and flavonoids that influence the aroma, flavour, and potential therapeutic properties of the plant. Hemp plants are commonly used for legal CBD products, as they are cultivated under strict regulations to ensure THC levels remain below legal limits.
THC tinctures: Contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its psychoactive effects - in other words, it gets you high.
CBD tinctures: Contain cannabidiol (CBD), which is distinct from other cannabinoids and is a non-intoxicating compound associated with relaxation, sleep support, and anti-anxiety potential [1]. CBD tinctures are typically derived from hemp plants to comply with legal requirements.
It is important to note that cannabis oil, which often contains higher THC levels, is different from CBD oil and is not legal in the UK. Additionally, hemp oil and hemp seed oil are different from CBD oil, as they are derived from the seeds of the hemp plant and do not typically contain cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil is used as a nutritional supplement and in personal care products, while hemp oil is often used for industrial purposes.
Unlike smoking, tinctures are consumed orally, often administered by a dropper and placed under the tongue. This makes them discreet, easy to dose, and potentially longer-lasting in effect.
How Are Cannabis Tinctures Made?
The process of making cannabis tinctures is fairly straightforward, but the results can vary widely in strength and taste. Here’s the general blueprint for making a cannabis tincture:
- Cannabis plant material is decarboxylated – heated gently to activate the cannabinoids.
- Plant matter is soaked in alcohol or glycerin to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes.
- The mixture is then strained, leaving behind a potent liquid.
Some tinctures on the market are oil-based rather than alcohol-based, but the term ‘tincture’ is still used interchangeably.
To sell CBD tinctures or sell CBD products in the UK, manufacturers must ensure compliance with strict regulations, including obtaining novel food approval and adhering to THC limits and labelling standards. Only tinctures that meet these requirements can be sold legally in the UK market.
For you – the consumer – the key difference is this: tinctures allow for precise dosing. A dropper lets you measure out millilitres, unlike smoking where dosage can be unpredictable. And of course, as it’s non-combustible, a cannabis tincture is significantly safer on the body.
How Are Cannabis Tinctures Used, And What Are The Benefits?
Cannabis tinctures can be consumed by various methods – you’re not limited to the dropper under the tongue. This is where you can get creative! Try firing a few drops into your morning coffee or tea where you get a slower onset and an effect more akin to cannabis edibles. Tinctures can also be applied topically to the skin for localized effects, which may help alleviate joint or muscle discomfort.
Or, you can experiment with microdosing, where you distribute one dose into smaller portions to provide a more controlled experience with steadier relief. Some users report that tinctures help reduce inflammation and may provide relief for chronic conditions. The health benefits of tinctures are still being studied, and how the body reacts to cannabinoids can vary from person to person.
Tinctures may be used for medical use in certain medical conditions, but this should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis Tincture
Scientific evidence is still emerging, but consuming cannabinoids in tincture form may offer numerous benefits, such as:
Pain relief: CBD, for example, has been studied for its role in neuropathic and chronic pain management [2].
Anti-anxiety effects: Early research suggests CBD may help with social anxiety disorder [3].
Sleep support: Some users of cannabinoids report better sleep quality, though results vary [4].
Medicinal cannabis products, such as Sativex mouth spray, are prescribed as medicines for conditions like multiple sclerosis and are classified as medicinal products available only by prescription. Ongoing clinical trials and scientific research continue to investigate the benefits and safety of cannabis-based medicines. For those concerned about drug testing, pure CBD products—free from THC—are sometimes preferred.
It’s important to stress: tinctures are not a cure-all. Their effects depend on a number of variables including dose, formulation, and the individual.
Are Cannabis Tinctures Legal In The UK?
Here’s where things get more complicated. The legal status of CBD and whether CBD oil legal in the UK depends on strict regulations. Under UK law, CBD is legal provided it is derived from approved hemp strains and contains THC levels below 0.2%. Only CBD derived from hemp that meets these requirements is considered legal. Tinctures must not contain controlled substances or exceed the permitted THC levels, as regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The European Union has also influenced UK CBD regulations, and imported products must comply with relevant EU standards. Only licensed individuals or companies can grow hemp for CBD production in the UK, and there are strict controls on which parts of the plant can be used. Medical use of cannabis tinctures is only permitted under specific conditions and with a prescription.
THC Tinctures
Illegal for general sale. THC remains a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 [5].
Possession can lead to up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supply carries even heavier penalties.
The only legal route is prescription through the medica cannabis framework introduced in 2018 [6]. These prescriptions are fairly rare, and tightly controlled by specialist doctors.
CBD Tinctures
Legal to buy and use as long as they contain no more than trace amounts of THC (this must fall below 1mg per container at 0.2mg, regardless of size) [7].
CBD tinctures are widely sold in UK health shops, on the high street, and in health food stores, and are often labelled as “food supplements.” Consumers should ensure compliance by purchasing only from reputable retailers who follow legal and safety standards.
To remain compliant, products must also follow Food Standards Agency (FSA) rules on novel foods [8].
The Grey Area
Some CBD tinctures sold online may still contain more THC than allowed, or even other controlled substances, if not properly regulated. This can put consumers at legal risk, even unknowingly. Only tinctures that meet all legal requirements—including containing no THC, being properly labeled, and complying with novel food regulations—can be sold legally in the UK. Always buy your tinctures from trusted, lab-tested suppliers.
Importing tinctures from abroad (particularly the US, where high-THC tinctures are common) is illegal and can result in seizure or prosecution.
Traveling with Cannabis Tinctures in the UK
If you’re planning to travel within the UK and want to bring your cannabis tinctures along, it’s important to stay on the right side of the law. Under current UK law, you can travel with cannabis tinctures as long as they are derived from industrial hemp and contain less than 0.2% THC. This low THC content ensures the product is not classified as a controlled substance, making it legal to carry for personal use.
To avoid any misunderstandings with authorities, always keep your tinctures in their original packaging and bring along a copy of the lab report or certificate of analysis. This documentation verifies the THC content and confirms that your product complies with UK regulations. Remember, even if your tincture is legal in the UK, laws surrounding cannabis and THC content can vary widely in other countries. Before traveling abroad, check the regulations at your destination to ensure you won’t run into legal trouble. Staying informed and prepared will help you enjoy your cannabis products safely and legally wherever you go.
Ensuring Cannabis Tincture Product Quality
With the rapid growth of the CBD industry in the UK, ensuring the quality and safety of cannabis tincture products is more important than ever. To make sure you’re getting a reliable product, always buy from reputable sellers who provide third-party lab reports or certificates of analysis. These documents confirm the THC content, CBD levels, and the presence of other cannabinoids, as well as screen for contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals.
Look for tinctures made from high-quality industrial hemp, grown under strict standards and extracted using safe, efficient methods. Products that are certified by organizations such as the Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency or the UK Food Standards Agency demonstrate compliance with UK regulations and offer extra peace of mind. By taking these steps, you can confidently buy CBD tinctures that are both safe and effective, ensuring you get the full potential benefits of this popular cannabis-based medicine.
Cannabis Tinctures: Conclusion
So, are cannabis tinctures legal in the UK? The answer depends entirely on what they contain. Tinctures made with THC remain illegal for general sale and use, classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act as a controlled substance. The only exception is when a doctor prescribes medicinal cannabis, which includes certain THC-based tinctures, under the UK’s medical cannabis framework for specific health conditions where other treatments have failed. This process is tightly regulated and only available by prescription. CBD tinctures, on the other hand, are considered a type of CBD product and are legal and widely available – provided they contain no more than trace amounts of THC and comply with FSA regulations.
For most people, this means CBD tinctures are the safest and most accessible option, and they can be purchased from reputable shops or online retailers. That said, the UK market can be murky, with some products containing more THC than they should, so it’s important to choose trusted suppliers who provide lab testing and transparent product information. High-THC tinctures remain firmly off-limits here and importing them carries legal consequences.
Ultimately, the legality of tinctures in the UK doesn’t come down to the bottle itself, but the cannabinoids inside. As global attitudes continue to shift, UK law may yet evolve. For now, though, anyone seeking to try tinctures without stepping outside the law should stick with verified CBD products and enjoy the benefits of this classic cannabis preparation in a way that is both safe and compliant.
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References:
[2] Effectiveness of Cannabidiol to Manage Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review
[4] Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature
[6] Rescheduling of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans
[7] Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids
[8] Cannabidiol (CBD) Consumer advice on cannabidiol (CBD) extracts.
