A Detailed Look at Cannabis Origins Across the UK

While recreational cannabis remains illegal in the UK, there are an estimated two million adults who use cannabis products in the UK every month. However, many of those users will probably never think about where their cannabis comes from – or even care. What do they need to know about where the cannabis that ends up on shelves in the UK actually originates from?

Unlike what many might assume, cannabis origins in the UK come from multiple places. The primary ways cannabis is distributed across the UK include homegrown cannabis, cannabis produced in Europe, and cannabis from around the world. Each source of cannabis has its unique aspects.

Below is a comprehensive look at all the major locations where cannabis is produced for distribution throughout the UK.

Cannabis Grown in the UK

There is a considerable amount of cannabis used in the UK that is grown domestically. In fact, in recent years, there has been an exponential increase in cannabis grown inside the United Kingdom. As such, there has been less of a need for importing cannabis from outside the UK.

Reasons why some choose to cultivate their cannabis indoors:

• Less transport-related risk for the product
• Greater ability to control quality and type of strain of cannabis
• Use of indoor growing technology

Growing indoor cannabis is better suited for creating higher THC levels and fresher “flowers.”

Where cannabis is commonly grown in the UK:

• Converted bedrooms, lofts, and garages in which hydroponics systems are installed to create indoor grow houses.
• Commercial-scale indoor grow houses.
• Properties and farms located in rural areas.
• Hydroponically-grown cannabis in cities.

Indoor-growing cannabis is more prevalent in the UK due to the ability to grow cannabis year round regardless of the UK’s cool and short growing seasons.

Cannabis Produced in Europe

Prior to the growth of domestic cannabis production, most cannabis sold in the UK originated from imported cannabis from the rest of Europe. These imports continue to occur today.

European countries from which cannabis is commonly imported:

1. Netherlands: well-known for producing high-quality cannabis and hash
2. Spain: produces the majority of cannabis outdoors in regions such as Catalonia and Andalusia
3. Albania: has been the primary supplier of outdoor-grown cannabis to the UK for over a decade

Factors contributing to European imports:

• Ideal climate for growing cannabis outdoors
• Large scale farming operations
• Lower cost of production
• Pre-existing trafficking routes

Most cannabis entering the UK through imports from Europe arrives through ferries, airports, or land routes originating in the Balkans.

Cannabis Produced in North Africa and the Middle East

Although much of the cannabis flower sold in the UK is either grown in the UK or in Europe, hashish (cannabis concentrate), has a very different origin.

Regions producing the most hash used in the UK:

• Rif Mountains in Morocco (one of the world’s top hash-producing regions) — a large quantity of hash enters the UK from this location
• Bekaa Valley in Lebanon
• Afghanistan and Pakistan — both produce hash using traditional methods

Due to the long-standing availability and abundance of Moroccan hash, it is extremely common in the UK.

Legal Cannabis Products Imported for Medicinal Use in the UK

In 2018, the UK government passed legislation allowing the sale of regulated medical cannabis products to patients in the UK. This type of cannabis is completely distinct from the black market and is produced by licensed producers from around the world.

Countries from which the majority of legal medicinal cannabis is imported:

• Canada
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Australia
• Israel

All medical cannabis imported into the UK is lab tested, and meets pharmaceutical standards.

How Do Market Demand and Other Factors Determine Where UK Cannabis Comes From?

There are several factors that influence whether cannabis is grown locally or imported:

• Market demand – High THC flower and rare strains are typically produced in the UK.
• Season/Climate – Outdoor grown cannabis is usually obtained from warmer climates.
• Price – Cannabis that is imported may be cheaper because it is grown in larger quantities in Europe.
• Quality Control – Domestic growers are able to better control quality and purity of the cannabis they grow.
• Enforcement/Legal Risks – Growers continually assess and adjust their strategy based upon enforcement patterns in their area.

Which Type of Cannabis Is More Prevalent in the UK Today?

Most experts would agree that today, the types of cannabis sold in the UK are:

• Indoor-grown cannabis in the UK: 60-80%
• Flower imported from Europe: 10-20%
• Hashish from North Africa and the Middle East: 10-20%

While these percentages vary based on regional demand and other factors, they represent a fair estimate of the origin of cannabis in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The cannabis available in the UK is sourced from a variety of growers and regions and is constantly evolving. Due to the strong demand, improved indoor growing technology, and changes in global markets, the cannabis culture in the UK is currently more complex than ever. Regardless of whether your cannabis is sourced from local indoor grow houses, European farms, or North African hash regions, the supply chain continues to evolve — illustrating just how deep-rooted cannabis has become in modern UK culture.