| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "7 plants is allowed." | 7 plants is the indicative Category 4 harm level after conviction. Growing even one plant is an offence.[1] |
| "Personal-use growing has a 5-year maximum." | The cultivation maximum is 14 years; 5 years is for possession.[1][2] |
| "You get a warning for one plant." | The cannabis warning covers adult possession only.[13] |
| "My prescription lets me grow." | No prescription authorises cultivation; medical necessity is not a defence (Quayle).[43] |
| "Sharing isn't dealing." | Supply needs no payment. |
| "CBD flower is legal." | The buds are controlled cannabis [unverified — Home Office factsheet]. |
| "A caution isn't a record." | It is part of your criminal record, shows on standard/enhanced DBS for at least 6 years (adults), and can affect visas. |
| "Suspended means no record." | A suspended sentence is custodial and never filtered from standard/enhanced DBS. |
| "If it's legal in Canada, I can bring it home." | That is importation (CEMA s.170). |
| "Police can search me just for the smell." | APP says smell alone will "not normally" justify a search; practice varies.[12] |
| "Holding it for a mate is just possession." | Intending to hand it back can be PWITS (Maginnis).[61] |
Myths and reality
Common beliefs about UK cannabis law set against what the law and guidance actually say.