A Country-by-Country Overview, last updated 06th February 2024
Sales of CBD products have picked up speed throughout Europe in relatively few years. But what are the actual rules for buying and selling in the individual countries. Although Europe has relatively free trade, each country has established its own rules and requirements for buying and selling CBD. Here is an overview of the rules of several European countries, based on the countries that allow the purchase and sale of CBD in various forms.
United Kingdom (UK):
CBD is legal in the UK, provided the THC content is less than 0.2%. Third party testing is often required as well as registration of novel food. It is not permitted to advise on CBD in connection with medical treatment.
Germany:
Germany allows the sale of CBD products, however under certain rules, e.g. products must not have more than 0.2% THC content. Manufacturers often go through tests for quality and safety.
France:
In France, CBD products with less than 0.3% THC content are legal. The marketing and sale of CBD-infused food products or beverages is subject to specific restrictions.
Italy:
Italy allows the sale of CBD products with less than 0.6% THC content, which is significantly more than its European neighbors. Italy emphasizes products that are made of quality and with safety at the fore. Products must comply with specific marking requirements.
Spain:
Here, as in many other areas, Spain has a more relaxed approach to CBD. sale of CBD products is legal. Regulations vary from region to region and local authorities may have specific requirements. However, the starting point in relation to THC content is a maximum of 0.2%.
Netherlands:
The Netherlands has for many years had a tolerance towards cannabis-related products. CBD is legal, but products must contain less than 0.05% THC. In addition, there are relatively strict requirements for quality control.
Switzerland:
Switzerland allows the sale of CBD products with up to 1% THC, which is a higher value compared to many of the other European countries. Quality standards and testing are essential for compliance with legislation.
Denmark:
It is legal to use CBD in Denmark. Products must contain less than 0.2% THC. Relatively strict requirements for quality and testing are common.
Austria:
CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are permitted in Austria. However, there are requirements for manufacturers and sellers in terms of quality and safety standards, including testing of products.
Sweden:
Sweden allows the sale of CBD products without THC content. In addition, the market is subject to stricter rules and legislation than its European neighbors.
Poland:
CBD is legal in Poland if it contains less than 0.3% THC. All products containing CBD are considered novel food. Due to discussions about potential changes in the regulations, businesses and consumers should stay updated on developments in legislation around CBD.
Bulgaria:
Bulgaria allows the purchase and sale of CBD products with less than 0.2% THC content. In addition, products must be marketed as dietary supplements.
Cyprus:
CBD is legal in Cyprus, provided the THC content is less than 0.2%. However, the seller must not mention any kind of health benefits of CBD.
Czech Republic:
Based on current changes in legislation, we refer to our own investigation of the legislation on the Czech consumer market.
Estonia:
CBD with less than 0.2% THC is legal in Estonia. However, there has been talk of raising this to 0.3%, which therefore requires you as a seller or consumer to keep an eye on changes, also for any other changes in the subject.-
Greece:
CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are basically legal in Greece. However, sellers and consumers should be aware of whether specific rules in connection with product labelling, content and testing are changed.
Hungary:
CBD is legal in Hungary and products must contain less than 0.2% THC. As a starting point, compliance with quality standards and including tests are important for companies to comply with and keep an eye on for changes.
Latvia:
Latvia allows the sale of CBD products with less than 0.2% THC like most other EU regulated countries.
Luxembourg:
Luxembourg allows the sale of CBD products with a maximum 0.3%
Romania:
CBD is legal in Romania, but over-the-counter CBD must not contain THC. For THC content, CBD is subject to prescription.
Important to remember!
Navigating CBD regulations and legislation within European countries requires keeping up to date with local laws and updates. Both companies and consumers themselves should be proactive in understanding and complying with the specific requirements for buying and selling and consuming CBD from each country.
OBS! We disclaim any responsibility in relation to the rules for the content and the article must not be regarded as indicative, as rules and legislation may have changed since the last update of content.