UK Hemp Licensing by Region
Hemp licensing requirements vary across the UK, particularly regarding precision-bred varieties. Understand the regulations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland before applying.
Important: Precision Breeding Availability
The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 only applies in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have not adopted this legislation, meaning gene-edited varieties like Stackatrait™ are not currently available in those regions.
Regional Regulations at a Glance
While the Home Office administers hemp licensing UK-wide, devolved matters like precision breeding create important regional differences.
| Region | THC Limit | Licence Fee | Duration | Precision Breeding | Stackatrait™ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
England | 0.2% | £580 | 6 years | Permitted | Available 2032 |
Scotland | 0.2% | £580 | 6 years | Not Available | Not Available |
Wales | 0.2% | £580 | 6 years | Permitted | Available 2032 |
Northern Ireland | 0.2% | £580 | 6 years | Not Available | Not Available |
England
Licensing Authority: Home Office
Key Requirements
- Licence required from Home Office Drugs Licensing
- THC limit 0.2% (EU approved varieties only)
- Precision Breeding Act 2023 applies — gene-edited varieties permitted
- Must notify police before planting
- Leaves and flowers cannot be harvested for CBD extraction
- Field must be at least 5km from schools
England is the most favourable jurisdiction for precision-bred hemp varieties under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023. Precision Plants' Stackatrait™ varieties will be available here first.
Scotland
Licensing Authority: Home Office (UK-wide)
Key Requirements
- Same Home Office licence as England
- THC limit 0.2% (EU approved varieties)
- Precision Breeding Act does NOT apply in Scotland
- Scottish Government has not adopted precision breeding legislation
- Gene-edited varieties remain regulated as GMOs
- Standard hemp varieties available
Scotland has not adopted the Precision Breeding Act 2023, meaning gene-edited crops are still regulated under GMO legislation. Stackatrait™ varieties will not be available in Scotland until legislation changes.
Wales
Licensing Authority: Home Office (UK-wide)
Key Requirements
- Same Home Office licence as England
- THC limit 0.2% (EU approved varieties)
- Precision Breeding Act 2023 applies in Wales
- Gene-edited varieties permitted
- Welsh Government supports agricultural innovation
- Growing conditions similar to western England
Wales follows England's approach to precision breeding, making it suitable for Stackatrait™ varieties. The Welsh climate is well-suited to hemp cultivation, particularly in the south and east.
Northern Ireland
Licensing Authority: Home Office (UK-wide)
Key Requirements
- Same Home Office licence as rest of UK
- THC limit 0.2% (EU approved varieties)
- Precision Breeding Act does NOT apply
- Windsor Framework means EU GMO rules apply
- Gene-edited varieties not permitted
- Standard hemp varieties available
Due to the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland follows EU regulations on gene editing. Precision-bred varieties are not currently available. Standard EU-approved hemp varieties can be grown.
How to Apply for a Hemp Licence
The application process is the same across all UK regions. For a complete overview, please see our comprehensive hemp licence guide, which details what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
1 dayEnsure you meet the basic requirements: UK resident, no relevant criminal convictions, suitable land available.
Step 2: Prepare Application
1-2 weeksComplete the DL163 form, gather supporting documents including land ownership proof and site plans.
Step 3: Submit to Home Office
1 daySubmit application with £580 fee to Home Office Drugs Licensing. Online submission available.
Step 4: Police Notification
2-4 weeksHome Office notifies local police. They may conduct a site visit to verify the proposed growing location.
Step 5: Licence Issued
4-8 weeksIf approved, licence issued for 6 years (updated from 2026 season). Must notify police before each planting.
Total Timeline: 8-12 Weeks
From application to licence issue. We recommend applying at least 4 months before your intended planting date to allow for any delays. Once issued, your licence is valid for 6 years.
Official Government Sources
Always refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date licensing information and regulatory guidance.
Industrial Hemp Licensing Guidance
Official Home Office guidance on applying for a hemp cultivation licence.
View resourcePrecision Breeding Act 2023
Full text of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act.
View resourceAPHA — Plant Health
Animal and Plant Health Agency guidance on crop varieties and biosecurity.
View resourceDEFRA Farming Blog
Latest updates on farming policy, SFI, and innovation funding programmes.
View resourceScottish Agriculture Policy
Scottish Government position on agricultural biotechnology and gene editing.
View resourceNorthern Ireland Agriculture
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs NI.
View resourceFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UK hemp licensing, CBD production, and THC compliance
Ready to Start Growing?
If you're in England or Wales and want to be among the first to grow Stackatrait™ varieties, join our Farm Trial Programme. We'll guide you through the entire licensing process.