CBD Laws in Europe

The decisions of the EFSA may be just what is needed to harmonise the EU market. So, is CBD completely legal in the European Union?

Austria-Yes

Possession of cannabis was decriminalised in 2016 but not legalised. 

Medicinal cannabis is legal, meaning you can get CBD with a doctor's prescription. Until 2018, CBD was legal as long as THC levels were below 0.3%. CBD as a food supplement has become illegal but can still be sold as an aromatherapy product. So, technically you can sell CBD oil in Austria, as long as it's labelled not for human consumption.

Belgium – Yes, With A Doctor's Prescription

Cannabis is illegal in Belgium, but possession was decriminalised for adults. Though Belgium is more strict than other European countries, it is often found in stores and can be purchased hassle-free. CBD oil and similar products are technically illegal but still available in stores.

Bulgaria – Yes

CBD is legal, but only if it's made from industrial hemp. They beat the EU regulation about novel foods by classifying CBD as food. This meant that dealing with CBD products was completely legal.

Croatia – Yes

All industrial hemp and CBD products are legal if they comprise less than 0.2% THC. CBD oils and some food supplements are permitted for import into the country.

Cyprus – Yes

CBD is legal, but only if it comes from industrial hemp. It must also not exceed the 0.2% THC limit. You can also travel to Cyprus with CBD oil bought in the UK.

Czech Republic – Yes

The Czech Republic is one of the most liberal countries in Europe, where recreational cannabis was decriminalised years ago. Any CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. 

Denmark – Yes

 Since 2018, cannabis-derived products below 0.2% THC levels are no longer subject to drug use and possession laws. CBD oil is sold hassle-free.

Estonia – Yes

In Estonia, recreational cannabis is decriminalised. Medical cannabis is allowed, but a special permit is required. CBD is legal, but it must not exceed 0.2% THC level.

Finland – Yes, With A Doctor's Prescription

CBD is legal, but CBD products are considered a medicine and require a prescription. 

France – Yes

Possession of cannabis has been decriminalised. CBD oil is legal as long as it does not exceed 0.3% content of THC. 

Germany – Yes

CBD is legal if it doesn't exceed the 0.2% threshold THC content. The law might go even further soon and even legalise the recreational use of weed.

Greece – Yes

CBD is legal, if it doesn't exceed 0.2% THC. Travelling to Greece with CBD oil bought in the UK is also permitted.

Hungary – Yes

CBD is legal in Hungary as long as it does not surpass the 0.2% threshold.

Ireland – Yes

In Ireland, CBD is somewhat of a grey area. Currently, only CBD products that contain no THC at all are allowed, as per a high court ruling. The verdict caused a huge uproar that has already started legal proceedings and lobbying activities to overturn the verdict. 

Italy – Yes

CBD oil is classed as legal if it comes from industrial hemp and does not exceed the 0.6% THC threshold, substantially more than what's allowed in other European countries. Cultivation of hemp is also legal.

Latvia – Yes

CBD is legal, but only if it does not exceed 0.2% THC content. Travelling to Latvia with CBD oil bought in the UK is also permitted.

Lithuania – Yes

CBD is legal in Lithuania, but only if it doesn't exceed 0.2% THC content. Travelling to Latvia with CBD oil bought in the UK is also permitted.

Luxembourg – Yes

CBD is legal in Luxembourg. Luxembourg permits a maximum of 0.3% THC.

Malta – Yes, With A Prescription

Possession of cannabis is decriminalised in Malta, up to 3.5 grams. CBD is legal, but only for medical purposes, with a prescription.

The Netherlands – Yes

Recreational cannabis has been decriminalised, and its sale and use are widely tolerated. Technically, CBD is legal, however CBD oil is illegal because of a law stating that cannabinoids shouldn't be isolated from the plant. Despite this, CBD is widely available in the Netherlands.

Poland – Yes

CBD is legal, if it doesn't exceed 0.2% THC level. Travelling to Poland with CBD oil bought in the UK is also permitted.

Portugal – Yes, With A Prescription

Recreational use of cannabis is decriminalised. CBD is legal but only with a prescription because it is considered a medicine.

Romania – Yes

CBD is legal as long as it doesn't surpass a 0.2% threshold of THC levels.

Slovakia – Yes

Starting May 2021, the sale of CBD will be legal in all forms except as a food ingredient.

Slovenia – Yes

In Slovenia, recreational use of cannabis were decriminalised. CBD is permitted by law, but only if it doesn't pass the 0.2% threshold of THC.

Spain – Yes

Cultivating cannabis for personal use is legal.

CBD products cannot be sold as consumables, but they can be sold as cosmetics. Therefore, it is legal to sell CBD if it's labelled "for external use only". It must also have under 0.2% content of THC.

Sweden – Yes

Sweden has made CBD legal, but unlike other European countries, only THC-free CBD oil can openly be sold and consumed.

United Kingdom – Yes

The UK has legalised CBD, but unlike other European countries, it contains no THC. Growing hemp is allowed in the UK, but only with a permit.