Cannabis Scams UK

Published: 16 August 2022
Last Updated: 22 July 2026
Last Reviewed: 22 July 2026
Author: Weed Supermarket Editorial Team

How to Spot Fake Websites & Protect Yourself

As interest in cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoid products continues to grow, so too does the number of fraudulent websites attempting to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

Over the years, we’ve spoken to many people who have lost money to fake cannabis websites, cloned online stores and social media scammers claiming to sell products that either never arrive or simply don’t exist. Unfortunately, once payment has been made, many victims discover there is little chance of recovering their money.

This guide explains some of the most common cannabis scams reported in the UK, highlights the warning signs to look out for and provides practical advice to help you stay safe when researching retailers online.

You can also browse our regularly updated Scam Alerts for reports on websites that have generated significant consumer concern.

 

Why Are Cannabis Scams UK Websites So Common?

Fraudsters often target industries where demand is high and consumers may have limited knowledge of the market.

Cannabis-related searches generate significant online interest, making them an attractive target for criminals looking to create convincing websites, fake social media profiles and fraudulent online advertisements.

Many scam websites appear professional at first glance, using copied product photographs, fabricated customer reviews and convincing branding to appear legitimate. Some even clone genuine websites to make detection more difficult.

This is why carrying out a few basic checks before making any purchase is always worthwhile.

Common Warning Signs

While every scam is different, many fraudulent websites display similar characteristics.

1. Large Minimum Order Values

Some scam websites insist on unusually high minimum order values.

This tactic increases the amount of money they receive from each victim before disappearing.

Legitimate businesses generally provide a range of purchasing options rather than forcing unusually large first orders.

2. Unusual Payment Methods

Be cautious if a seller only accepts payment methods offering little or no buyer protection.

Examples include:

• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency as the only payment option
• Money transfer services
• Other difficult-to-trace payment methods

Before sending money, always understand how the chosen payment method works and whether any consumer protection is available.

You can also read our Payment Guide to understand the payment options we offer.

3. Unrealistic Claims

Be wary of websites making claims that appear unrealistic or unsupported.

Examples may include:

• Guaranteed results.
• Prices that seem significantly below market value.
• Unsupported medical claims.
• Claims that appear inconsistent with current UK legislation.

Responsible retailers should provide balanced, factual information rather than relying on sensational marketing.

4. Requests for Additional Payments

One of the most common scams involves requesting further payment after an order has supposedly been dispatched.

Victims may receive emails or messages claiming:

• A parcel has been stopped.
• Customs charges are required.
• Insurance fees must be paid.
• Delivery cannot continue until another payment is made.

These requests are frequently used by scammers to obtain additional money after the initial transaction.

Always verify such requests before making any further payment.

5. Limited Company Information

Before placing an order, take time to check whether the retailer provides:

• Company details
• Contact information
• Delivery policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Customer support information
• Clear compliance information where appropriate

A lack of transparency should always encourage further research before proceeding.

Case Study: Simon’s Experience with Blaze Runner

One customer, Simon, contacted Weed Supermarket believing that we had failed to deliver one of his orders. After reviewing our records together, it quickly became apparent that our order had been successfully delivered and the missing order related to an entirely different website.

Simon had searched online for cannabis products and placed an order with a website operating under the name Blaze Runner. After completing payment of approximately £70 by bank transfer, he received no further communication, no dispatch confirmation, no tracking information and, ultimately, no delivery.

Believing the order had been placed with us, Simon contacted our customer support team. By checking his emails, payment records and order history, we were able to identify that two separate purchases had been made. His Weed Supermarket order had arrived exactly as expected, while the missing order had been placed with Blaze Runner.

Although disappointing for Simon, the experience highlights how easily customers can become confused when several websites offer similar products or use similar terminology.

What Can We Learn From Simon’s Experience?

• Always double-check the website you’re ordering from before making payment.
• Confirm the company name shown on invoices and bank details.
• Keep copies of confirmation emails and payment receipts.
• If communication stops immediately after payment, treat this as a warning sign.
• If you’re unsure whether an order relates to a particular retailer, contact them before assuming something has gone wrong.

Fortunately, Simon contacted us before making any further payments. While the original payment could not be recovered, his experience now serves as another reminder of why researching online retailers before placing an order is so important.

Case Study: The Distillate UK Additional Shipping Fee Scam

A member of the public, referred to here as Mr MM, contacted Weed Supermarket after placing an order with a website operating as distillateuk.com.

The website reportedly advertised cannabis distillate for online delivery in the UK. After making an initial payment for a small test order, Mr MM was contacted and told that an additional shipping fee was required before the parcel could be dispatched.

Unexpected charges introduced after payment are a common feature of online cannabis scams. Fraudulent sellers may describe these payments as:

• Additional delivery charges.
• Courier insurance.
• Customs clearance fees.
• Refundable security deposits.
• Discreet packaging charges.

Mr MM questioned the additional payment and asked for a refund. According to his report, the seller then stopped responding and no refund or delivery was received.

Warning Signs in This Case

• The website reportedly advertised high-THC cannabis distillate for UK delivery.
• An additional payment was introduced after the original order had been completed.
• The seller would not process a refund when the additional fee was challenged.
• Communication stopped after Mr MM refused to send more money.

Key Lesson

Do not send further money simply because a seller claims that a parcel cannot be released without an additional fee. Unexpected courier, insurance or customs charges should be independently verified before any payment is made.

Where a website openly advertises controlled high-THC cannabis products for ordinary UK retail delivery, consumers should also recognise that no legal recreational online cannabis market currently exists in the United Kingdom.

If you believe you have paid a fraudulent seller, contact your bank immediately, retain all messages and payment records, and report the incident to Action Fraud where appropriate.

How to Protect Yourself

There are several simple steps consumers can take before placing an order online.

We recommend:

• Researching the retailer thoroughly.
• Looking for genuine independent customer reviews.
• Reading delivery and payment information.
• Checking company details.
• Looking for evidence of laboratory testing where appropriate.
• Being cautious of unusually low prices or exaggerated claims.

Taking just a few minutes to carry out these checks can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

You may also find our UK Compliance & Laboratory Testing Guide useful.

Known Cannabis Scams UK Websites

As part of our ongoing consumer safety initiative, we maintain a growing collection of educational articles highlighting websites that have generated repeated consumer complaints or raised significant concerns.

Our Scam Alerts explain the reported issues, highlight common warning signs and encourage consumers to carry out their own research before placing an order.

We regularly review and update these articles as new information becomes available.

Related Guides

You may also find these guides helpful:

• Scam Alerts
• UK Compliance & Laboratory Testing
• Payment Guide
• Delivery Guide
• Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cannabis scam websites?

Cannabis scam websites are fraudulent online stores or social media accounts that claim to sell cannabis-related products but fail to deliver the advertised goods or use deceptive practices to obtain money from consumers.

How can I identify a fake cannabis website?

Warning signs may include unusually high minimum order values, unrealistic claims, limited company information, unusual payment methods and requests for additional payments after an order has supposedly been dispatched.

Should I trust online reviews?

Independent reviews can be helpful, but they should form just one part of your research. Always consider company information, payment methods, delivery policies and overall transparency.

Why do scammers request additional payments?

Some fraudsters contact customers after an initial payment, claiming further charges are needed before an order can be delivered. Consumers should verify any such request before sending additional funds.

Where can I report a suspected scam?

If you believe you’ve encountered fraudulent activity, consider reporting it to the relevant authorities. You can also visit Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Final Thoughts

Online scams continue to evolve, making it increasingly important for consumers to research retailers carefully before making a purchase.

By recognising common warning signs, understanding how fraudsters operate and carrying out a few simple checks, consumers can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of online cannabis scams.

At Weed Supermarket, we’re committed to publishing educational content that promotes consumer awareness, online safety and informed decision-making, helping readers navigate the industry with greater confidence.

Compliance Statement

This article is provided for educational and consumer awareness purposes only. It is intended to help readers recognise fraudulent online activity and make informed decisions when researching retailers. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as legal advice or as promoting the purchase or use of controlled substances. Weed Supermarket regularly reviews its educational content to help ensure it remains accurate and aligned with current UK legislation.