It may surprise you to learn that each European country has its own laws and regulations regarding cannabidiol.
CBD’s legal status varies widely from country to country in terms of the consumption and production of CBD-based products, as well as its sale.
Most European nations see CBD products as legal, provided they contain no more than trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the psychoactive compound in cannabis). Every country has its own THC limits and regulations.
In this article we explore the different laws in Europe and the differences between them.
Do you want to know where CBD can be legally purchased? Let’s begin.
CBD laws in countries with more lax CBD regulations
Switzerland
The regulations in this country allow the sale of CBD products with THC concentrations below 1%. It may seem like a low limit to some but this is actually the most liberal regulation in Europe. It was this generous restriction that led to a growing CBD market in all of Canada.
Italy
Italy differs from European standards by allowing CBD products to be sold with THC tolerances of up to 0.6%. In contrast, many European countries only allow 0.2% of THC. The new laws proposed could prohibit the sale of CBD-derived products from hemp flower, but this may negatively affect the CBD market in that country.
Czech Republic
In this European country, cannabis products are regulated in a way that is liberal. CBD products can be sold on the market if they contain THC below 0.3%.
Germany
Germany permits the sale of CBD-based products that contain less than 0.2% THC. German cannabis legalisation is moving forward as the government reviews proposals to allow residents to grow and possess up to three cannabis plants for personal use at home.
Poland
CBD products are allowed to be consumed and sold in Germany if they have less than 0.2% THC. In Poland, the CBD market is growing and there are many CBD products available, including edibles, oils and capsules.
Countries that have moderate CBD regulation
France
France permits CBD products as long as the THC content is below 0.3%. They are very strict about CBD flower derivatives. These are not allowed to be sold for smoking or used for tea. French law strictly enforces their THC limitation.
Ireland
Ireland occupies a gray area in terms of law, since the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1997 technically declares all cannabis-derived substance containing THC to be illegal. For many years CBD has been available in Ireland as long as the THC is less than 0.2%.
The way the CBD is extracted from hemp is also subject to regulation. Irish legislators insist this process should be ‘cold-pressed’ while a more commonly used method is C02 extraction.
Ireland has a vibrant CBD market, which will lead to more generous and clear allowances for the foreseeable future.
Malta
Malta will be the first EU member state to allow personal use of cannabis and its cultivation by adults over 18. Residents may carry and cultivate up to seven grams of cannabis per person. Cannabis Clubs, which are non-profit associations of cannabis users (with specific rules), can also distribute cannabis locally to residents.
Even with this progress, laws regarding CBD oil are still unclear. CBD flowers, however, are not legal. Products with THC levels less than 0.2% are. Officials and authorities have been known to treat CBD flowers as ‘controlled cannabis’, which has led to calls for clearer regulations to distinguish CBD flower (naturally low THC levels) from high-level THC cannabis.
Clarity would seem to be welcome for both consumers and businesses, but this has not yet been established.
Sweden
Sweden allows the sale of CBD products that contain zero THC. In Sweden, CBD products must adhere to strict regulations which prohibit THC levels in the product.
Countries that have stricter CBD laws
Slovakia
Until 2021, Slovakia was one of only a few European nations where CBD was completely illegal. CBD was taken off the list of psychoactive drugs in that year and made legal to purchase under certain conditions. Although the market remains highly regulated, it is still a heavily-regulated one in Slovakia.
Lithuania
In this European nation, CBD products with THC below 0.2% are allowed to be sold. There are still strict rules and regulations, as well as a regulatory system that monitors the sales of CBD products.
Latvia
CBD products may be purchased and used in the United States as long they don’t exceed 0.2% of THC. Residents and visitors can follow the clear regulations that govern CBD product sales and usage.
There are many countries with confusing rules on CBD
Spain
Spain permits the use and sale of CBD-based products, but only under certain conditions. The products can only be sold if they are labelled cosmetics intended for topically applied use. The legal situation is similar to other countries. CBD oil and capsules are prohibited for use or sale.
Belgium
Belgium has strict regulations regarding CBD – while CBD oil and similar products are technically illegal, they are still available in stores, and enforcement is not strict. It is legal to buy CBD from pharmacists if it has been prescribed by your doctor.
Russia
Russia does not allow any cannabis product, CBD included, no matter how high the THC level. Russia does not allow the sale, purchase, or possession of CBD products.
What are the main points we should take away from this list of suggestions?
This collection of rules and regulations will help you to make informed decisions about the use of CBD in Europe.
It is vital to know the local laws when you travel from a place that sells CBD oils and edibles. It is evident from the extensive list that one country has one set of rules and another sets of regulations.
Double-check your laws and have the labels of all supplements available to view if you are taking them abroad. You should also have a copy of a test report that was conducted by a trusted source.
Contributor Details
Related Articles