UK Cannabis & Public Opinion: What the 2026 YouGov Data Reveals

Cannabis has been part of British culture for decades. Yet despite its prevalence and the growth of a regulated medical market, recreational use remains illegal. A major new poll from YouGov in April 2026 provides the most detailed snapshot yet of how people in the UK feel about cannabis. The findings show a nation that is far from unified: opinions differ by age, political affiliation and personal experience, and the public can back reform while still worrying about harm. This article explores what the data tell us and what it might mean for the future of UK cannabis policy.

UK Cannabis use is already widespread

• One in three Britons have tried cannabis. YouGov’s survey of 2,053 adults found that 37 % say they have used cannabis at least once in their lives, with 25–49‑year‑olds reporting the highest lifetime use at 47 %. Only 23 % of 18–24‑year‑olds and 25 % of those over 65 report ever using cannabis. Among those who have used cannabis, 29 % say they would do so again; among non‑users, 7 % would be willing to try. Overall, 15 % of Britons would consider consuming cannabis in the future.
• It isn’t a fringe issue. If more than a third of adults have direct experience with cannabis, it suggests that debates about the drug involve mainstream society, not just a small subculture. This makes evidence‑based regulation particularly important.

A nation divided on legalisation – but reform has momentum

When people were asked a binary question on whether cannabis should be legal, the public split almost evenly: 47 % support legalising cannabis, while 43 % oppose it. However, when presented with three options – criminalisation, decriminalisation or legalisation – the distribution becomes more nuanced:

• 35 % favour keeping cannabis a criminal offence, maintaining the current approach.
• 33 % favour full legalisation, removing criminal penalties and allowing regulated sales.
• 22 % support decriminalisation, where possession and use remain illegal but are treated as minor civil offences rather than crimes.

The fact that a majority of respondents prefer either decriminalisation or legalisation shows appetite for change. Even among people who support keeping cannabis illegal, almost half (48 %) believe that making a drug illegal is ineffective at preventing use.

People see risk but still want reform on UK Cannabis

The same survey found that 57 % of Britons view cannabis as harmful to regular users, with 22 % considering it “very harmful”. Only 7 % think cannabis is not harmful at all. That concern about harm coexists with scepticism about criminal penalties: 60 % say that making a drug illegal is ineffective at stopping people from taking it. In other words, most people recognise risks but doubt prohibition works.

When asked whether drug use should be treated primarily as a health issue or a criminal issue, responses were split. The largest group (40 %) said it should be treated as both equally, while about one‑quarter see it mostly as a health issue and another quarter as a criminal issue.

Age and politics shape attitudes

Support for legalisation declines sharply with age. Among people under 50, roughly 38–42 % choose legalisation on the three‑way question; this drops to 20 % among those over 65. Older respondents are more likely to favour keeping cannabis fully criminalised (47 %). Views also track with party affiliation: Green Party supporters are most permissive, with 54 % opting for legalisation. Labour and Liberal Democrat voters split fairly evenly across the three options, while Conservative and Reform UK voters tend to support criminalisation.

Interestingly, most Britons (52 %) say they don’t know which major parties support legalising cannabis. Only 31 % think the Greens support legalisation, and just 7 % believe the Liberal Democrats hold that stance. This suggests a disconnect between party platforms and public understanding.

What UK law currently says on Cannabis

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in the UK. Cannabis is classified as a Class B drug, meaning possession without a licence can lead to up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine. Unlicensed production, supply or trafficking carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Police can issue a warning or a £90 on‑the‑spot fine for possession of small amounts. These penalties, combined with the poll data showing that criminalisation does little to deter use, highlight the tension in current policy.

Medical cannabis and CBD

Since 1 November 2018, specialist doctors have been legally able to prescribe cannabis‑based medicines where there is “an unmet special clinical need”. Patients cannot obtain these medicines from general practitioners; treatment must begin with a specialist doctor. CBD oils and products with low THC content (<0.2 %) are legal to buy as consumer goods, provided they are not marketed as medicines. View our Medical Cannabis alternatives via our Shop.

International comparisons

While the UK maintains prohibition, several countries are moving in the opposite direction:

• Germany partially legalised cannabis in April 2024. Adults may possess up to 25 g of cannabis for personal use and grow up to three plants at home without criminal penalties. Cultivation associations can distribute limited quantities to members under strict rules.
• Luxembourg legalised possession and home cultivation in July 2023, allowing adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household and consume cannabis at home. Public possession and purchase remain prohibited, with fines replacing prison penalties for small amounts.
• Canada legalised recreational cannabis nationwide on 17 October 2018. Adults aged 18 or older can possess up to 30 g of dried cannabis in public, share cannabis with other adults, buy from licensed retailers and grow up to four plants per household.
• European context: According to the European Union Drugs Agency, no national government in Europe currently supports fully legalising the sale of recreational cannabis; all still impose prison sentences for illegal supply. Nevertheless, draft laws and regional initiatives show momentum for reform.

These examples show that legal frameworks are evolving internationally and that the UK’s strict stance is increasingly an outlier among comparable countries.

Looking ahead

The 2026 YouGov poll paints a complex picture. Britons are divided on legalisation but a majority favour some change from the status quo, whether decriminalisation or full legalisation. The data also show that concerns about harm remain strong, particularly among older voters, and there is little faith that criminal penalties deter use. Policymakers face the challenge of designing reforms that acknowledge potential risks while recognising that prohibition has not eliminated cannabis use.

A regulated market could offer several benefits: quality control, tax revenue, and the ability to target public‑health messages more effectively. At the same time, ensuring that youth do not access cannabis and addressing mental‑health risks will be critical. As other countries move towards legalisation, the UK will likely continue to debate the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is cannabis legal in the UK?

Recreational cannabis remains illegal and is classified as a Class B controlled substance. Possession can lead to up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine, while unlicensed supply can bring up to 14 years. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor.

What percentage of Britons support UK Cannabis legalisation?

In YouGov’s April 2026 poll, 47 % of Britons supported legalisation in a two‑way question. When given a choice between criminalisation, decriminalisation and legalisation, 33 % favoured legalisation, 22 % decriminalisation and 35 % criminalisation.

What is the difference between legalisation and decriminalisation?

Legalisation removes criminal penalties for possessing, using and selling cannabis and typically establishes a regulated market. Decriminalisation keeps cannabis illegal but treats possession for personal use as a civil or administrative offence (like a parking ticket) rather than a criminal one. In the 2026 poll, more people favoured legalisation (33 %) than decriminalisation (22 %).

Can I get medical cannabis on the NHS?

Medical cannabis products can be prescribed by specialist doctors for specific conditions, but NHS prescriptions are still rare. Most patients access medical cannabis through private clinics. CBD products with little or no THC can be bought over the counter but must not be marketed as medicines.

How does the UK compare with countries like Germany or Canada?

Germany’s Cannabis Act allows adults to possess up to 25 g and grow three plants, while Luxembourg permits up to four plants per household. Canada has allowed adults to possess up to 30 g in public and grow four plants since October 2018. The UK maintains prohibition and strict penalties, putting it at odds with these reforms.