Your Honest Guide to Cannabis

Cannabis is a Class B drug in the UK. Possession, cultivation, and supply are illegal. Medical cannabis is legal by prescription for certain conditions, but only specific products are approved.

CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and legal in the UK. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is psychoactive and illegal. CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC and can be sold as food supplements.

Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extracts. They're processed differently by the body than smoking or vaping — onset takes 30-90 minutes but effects last longer (4-8 hours). Start with a low dose (2.5-5mg THC) and wait at least 2 hours before taking more.

NHS prescriptions are extremely limited — currently only available for specific conditions like severe epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and multiple sclerosis. Most patients access medical cannabis through private clinics.

Risks include impaired driving, mental health effects (especially for young people or those predisposed to psychosis), addiction potential (~9-30% of users), and lung irritation from smoking. Responsible use means knowing your limits and understanding your own health.

Detection times vary by frequency of use, metabolism, and body fat. For occasional users: 1-3 days in blood, 1-7 days in urine, up to 90 days in hair. For heavy users: up to 30 days or more in urine.