Following the UK Border Force's detention of hemp cargo, Ocean Development (Dorset) Ltd. and its affiliated retail company CBD Flower Shop Ltd. are suing the Home Office for damages on grounds of unlawful conduct.

Less than a year ago, Jersey Hemp prevailed in a similar historic judgment against the government, compelling it to acknowledge that the seizure of hemp goods was illegal. However, the decision did not set a precedent that would prevent similar actions in the future. This case may serve to further clarify regulations, but it also comes as authorities have been briefly seizing hemp and CBD shipments, only to release them months later after the product has expired.

Despite hemp’s legal status under the UK legislation, the firms, who have a valid permit from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to import cannabis for use in tea, allege that Border Force incorrectly classed the shipment as restricted narcotics.

Jersey Hemp won against the Home Office in April of last year after the government acknowledged that it had illegally prohibited the firm from bringing CBD products into the country. The decision was too late for Jersey Hemp, even if it marks a significant turning point for the CBD sector. After its license was canceled, the firm lost 95% of its revenue, which forced it to fire employees and sell their estates and equipment at a loss to cover its debts.