CBD vapes have grown in popularity across the UK, marketed as a legal and calming alternative to nicotine-based products. But with their connection to cannabis and shifting regulations around vaping, many people are unsure whether these products are fully legal. The short answer is yes—CBD vapes are legal in the UK, but only if they meet specific legal and safety requirements.
Understanding what makes a CBD vape product legal is crucial if you want to use it without risk. It’s not just about whether it contains CBD, but also about what else is inside, how it’s marketed, and where it’s sold.
The Legal Status of CBD in the UK
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC—the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis—CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. As a result, CBD is not classified as a controlled substance under UK law, provided it meets certain conditions.
CBD products, including vapes, are legal to buy and use in the UK as long as they contain less than 1 milligram of THC per container and are derived from industrial hemp strains that are approved by UK authorities. This means that while the CBD itself is permitted, any product that contains detectable or excessive levels of THC is considered illegal and may be seized or lead to prosecution.
Regulations Around CBD Vapes
In addition to THC limits, CBD vape products must comply with general vape regulations under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) and UK consumer safety laws. This includes proper labelling, accurate ingredient listings, and the use of safe, non-toxic vape liquid bases. While CBD vapes are not covered by tobacco laws directly, they still fall under strict safety and trading standards.
Any product that claims medical benefits must also be licensed as a medicine by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Most CBD vapes are sold as food supplements or wellness products, which means they cannot legally make claims about treating or curing medical conditions. Products making false medical claims could be removed from sale or investigated by regulatory authorities.
Buying CBD Vapes in the UK
CBD vapes are widely available across the UK both online and in physical shops. However, not all of them are created equal. The market remains loosely regulated in terms of quality control, which means there is a risk of encountering products that are mislabelled, under-tested, or contaminated.
To stay on the right side of the law and protect your health, it’s important to buy from reputable retailers that provide third-party lab reports, list all ingredients clearly, and follow current UK compliance standards. Products should specify their CBD content, be free from nicotine unless otherwise labelled, and contain less than 1 milligram of THC per container.
Some retailers offer CBD e-liquids for use in refillable devices, while others sell disposable CBD vape pens. Both are legal as long as the product meets the legal criteria outlined above.
Using CBD Vapes in Public
Using CBD vapes in public spaces is not illegal, but the rules follow the same grey area as standard vaping. While there’s no national law banning vaping in public, businesses, transport services and venues can set their own policies. You may be asked not to use your vape in certain areas, even if it contains CBD and not nicotine.
It’s also worth noting that because CBD vapes may look and smell similar to other cannabis-based products, using them in public could draw unwanted attention or confusion. Although they are legal, discretion is still advised.
Final Word
Yes, CBD vapes are legal in the UK—as long as they contain less than 1 milligram of THC per container, are made from approved hemp sources, and comply with consumer safety laws. To stay safe and legal, always buy from reputable retailers, check lab results and avoid products that make unrealistic medical claims. CBD vapes offer a legal and accessible way to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabidiol, but like any supplement or vape product, they should be used responsibly and with full awareness of the law.
