The Farm Act of 2018 legalized the cultivation of hemp for medical and therapeutic use across 50 states of the US. This is because hemp-derived CBD products have less than or equal to 0.3% of THC i.e. the legal limit. But, the state laws regarding their possession and consumption vary and this can be confusing. Similarly, the laws for CBD vary across European countries. In some countries, it is banned, whereas in some other countries the legal limit of THC is different. In this primer, you will read about hemp-derived CBD laws in Europe.
European CBD Laws
Marijuana and Cannabis laws are different across European nations. Most of the eurozone countries permit hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.2% of THC. But, some countries of Europe such as Slovenia, Croatia, etc ban all kinds of cannabis-derived products including CBD.
The UK: Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products are illegal.
France: It is the leading hemp producer in the EU where the majority of it is used for manufacturing hemp paper where whole hemp products are illegal. Here CBD products containing only 0% THC are legal.
Germany: CBD and medical marijuana are legal in Germany for more than 2 years. Patients are required to own a marijuana card and doctor’s prescription to buy them. The recreational use of cannabis is banned. The country has a liberal outlook on the consumption of the substance.
Italy: Here cannabis has been legal since 2007. It is legal to cultivate hemp containing up to 0.2% of THC and manufacturing CBD oil containing THC up to 0.6%.
Greece: You can legally purchase CBD products containing up to 0.2% of THC.
Bulgaria: This is the first European country to legally permit the selling of hemp-derived CBD. The legal limit for THC is 0.2%
Cyprus: It is legal to purchase CBD products that contain up to 0.2% of THC.
Czech Republic: Legally you can buy CBD products containing less than 0.3% of THC.
Austria: Here, the legal sale of CBD extracts and cannabis flowers that have up to 0.3% of THC is permitted. But, there is a ban on selling them as medication or food supplements.
Ireland: CBD products containing less than 0.2% of THC and those manufactured according to EU and HPRA standards can be purchased legally.
Finland: Here CBD products are categorized as medicines and require medical prescription.
Sweden: Only pure CBD products containing 0% THC are legal. Sweden has one of the strictest drug laws in Europe.
Denmark: CBD products are legal but prescriptions are required.
Norway: In Norway, you can purchase CBD products only with a prescription. The THC content must be 0%.
The Netherlands: Here CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC and are produced outside the country.
When you are traveling to a European country, it is advised to familiarise yourself with the drug laws of the country. It is necessary to clarify whether the state is within the Eurozone as they have almost uniform drug laws.