All you need to know about CBD legislation in Europe
There are many questions surrounding the current European legislation on cannabidiol. Is CBD legal in the EU, or is it banned? In the rest of this article, we'll explain in precise detail what European law says on the subject. Of course, this law doesn't govern everything, and some countries may be more or less open about their approach, implementation and compliance.
What European law says about CBD
Does European law take precedence over French law?
CBD law in Europe: what do the institutions have to say?
CBD Loi europe: what does the future hold?
The CBD Wholesalers: buying legal CBD in Europe
What European law says about CBD
Today, theEuropean Union has clearly established that the CBD molecule is not harmful to the body. In fact, its distribution and marketing are authorized in European countries! But beware. Not every freedom is a good thing. Certain rules have been established.
CBD products must contain no more than 0.2% THC. THC is the psychoactive molecule found in the cannabis plant. That's why, within the borders of theEU, you'll rarely find CBD products rich in THC. Some countries, such as Austria and Luxembourg, have decided to raise the limit to 0.3%.
CBD in Germany
Whether in Germany or Austria, CBD products are legal. But be careful. One condition must be met to ensure that cannabidiol-based products are legal. In Austria, THC levels must not exceed 0.3%, while in Germany, THC levels must not exceed 0.2%.
Finally, it should be noted that our German neighbors have authorized the prescription and sale of medical cannabis. A bill (expected by the end of the year, or even 2023) could also authorize the consumption, and hence sale, of recreational cannabis.
CBD in Spain
In Spain, the CBD issue is rather... complex. While CBD-based products are authorized for sale and consumption (as long as they don't exceed 0.2 - 0.3% THC), the question of medical cannabis has yet to be settled. In fact, the situation is a little peculiar in that medical marijuana is authorized in Catalonia, but nowhere else!
CBD in Belgium
In Belgium, the issue of CBD is well defined. The consumption of cannabinoid-rich hemp products rich in cannabinoids is authorized. Moreover, CBD flowers containing less than 0.3% THC(tetrahydrocannabinol) are classified as "tobacco" products rather than "narcotics". Therapeutic cannabis is authorized by prescription only. Exactly the same situation as in Denmark!
CBD in Croatia
In Croatia, CBD is perfectly legal. Medical cannabis is too, and has been since 2015. It is therefore possible to buy marijuana directly from pharmacies or specialist stores, in order to relieve pain and inflammation linked to this or that illness. But be careful. It is strictly forbidden to smoke cannabis in public places.
Does European law take precedence over French law?
Does European CBD law take precedence over French law? This question has long been the subject of debate. But the answer seems to be yes. At least, that's what we understand when we analyze the repercussions of theKanavape affair.
The two founders of this company were accused of selling narcotic e-liquids. They were suspected of contravening article R5132.86 of the French Public Health Code. However, they claimed to have remained within the law, offering CBD products with THC levels below 0.2%. They then took the case to the European Court of Justice.
The latter ruled in their favor, asserting that France was hindering the free movement of goods within the European Union and its market, by only allowing CBD products to contain 0.0% THC. As a result, the country was ordered to review its legislation on the subject.
CBD Loi Europe: what do the institutions have to say?
In the course of this case, the Advocate General came to the following conclusion: "EU law prohibits a member country from banning orders and imports ofoil of CBD from another member country if this oil is obtained from the whole plant of hemp and not only from its fibers and seeds, because according to the current state of scientific knowledge, it has not been proven thatoil of cannabidiol has psychotropic effects."
An observation finally shared by the World Health Organization. In fact, the latter assured us that there was only a slight risk of undesirable side effects linked to CBD intake. That's why the CJEU agreed with the French authorities in this highly controversial case.
CBD and the Law in Europe: what does the future hold?
What about the future? While the USA is far more advanced on the issue of CBD and cannabis in general, restrictions within EU member countries are divisive, and many countries don't really know where they stand. Today, advocates of the decriminalization of cannabis or CBD are calling on Europe's elected representatives to come forward and think about a comprehensive law.
This would give all the nations concerned a framework on which to work. Unfortunately, the subject remains taboo. This is truly incomprehensible, given that more and more voices are calling for a real framework to be put in place. Finally, the economic interest is real, with hundreds of CBD stores opening across Europe every month.
The CBD Wholesaler: buy legal CBD in Europe
As a CBD wholesaler, our company offers only legal and law-abiding products. Our CBD flowers, CBD oils, cannabidiol resins and infusions contain no more than 0.3% THC. A decision taken by the European Commission to optimize hemp cultivation and CBD production across the continent.
These solutions are therefore perfectly legal, and authorized for both resale and consumption. To find out more, please visit our store page. You'll have access to all our references. Products we can deliver wholesale to your stores anywhere in Europe!
