The United Kingdom is set to ban THCA and HHC

The British government is preparing to tighten its cannabis laws by classifying 12 cannabinoids, including THCA and HHC, as Class B controlled substances, according to Leafie.

While the proposed restrictions are intended to address regulatory gaps regarding new cannabinoid-based products, these measures could also affect CBD and hemp companies.

The amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, which has yet to be approved by Parliament, follows the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). It targets ten semi-synthetic cannabinoids as well as two natural forms of’tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).

Why the United Kingdom Wants to Ban THCA and HHC

At the heart of the bill are the’hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and THCA, two cannabinoids with different chemical properties and effects.

HHC is a semisynthetic cannabinoid usually produced through chemical processes. It has gained prominence in European markets as an alternative to THC, prompting increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

THCA, on the other hand, occurs naturally in cannabis plants and does not produce any psychoactive effects in its raw form. However, when exposed to heat, it converts to THC.

This transformation, known as decarboxylation, has created a regulatory gray area. Some British companies have marketed THCA-based concentrates by presenting them as unsuitable for human consumption or intended for uses that are supposed to avoid any «heating.».

If approved, the new legislation would classify the targeted cannabinoids as Class B substances, the same as cannabis.

Possible Consequences for the CBD Industry

The Cannabis Trades Association (CTA) fears that this ban might also penalize companies in the hemp and CBD, some of whose products naturally contain traces of THCA.

«We must be careful not to create unintended consequences for the legitimate hemp and CBD industries,» said Marika Graham-Woods, executive director of the CTA. «There is a significant difference between selling a highly concentrated THCA isolate and selling a CBD product containing natural traces of THCA.»

France had found itself in the same situation: the ANSM had ultimately decided to allow THCA at a level of 0.34% in a finished product with a maximum THC+THCA content of (with the appropriate multiplier) still at 0.3%, which explains Why aren't there any THCa products in France?, at least legally speaking.

In the United Kingdom, certain products that are exempt may not contain more than’one milligram of each controlled substance per package, rather than per dose. This limit could complicate the marketing of certain CBD products, as well as the processing of large quantities of hemp.

The CTA is therefore seeking clarification on how these rules apply to hemp extracts and finished products.

For its part, the British government believes that the reform will have a negligible economic impact and has not conducted a thorough impact assessment. While the text provides for an exception for cannabinoids found in cannabis and its resin, the fate of the Processed extracts and CBD products remains uncertain, particularly with regard to production permits.

When would the new ban take effect?

The legislative process is still ongoing. An initial bill was submitted to Parliament on September 14, 2026, before being withdrawn on October 21. A revised proposal followed on October 27, 2026.

The measure must be approved by both houses of Parliament before it becomes law. If it is adopted, the restrictions would take effect 28 days after the decree is published.