For a long time, cannabis and its derivatives have been illegal across the globe. It was considered among the most harmful drug and its use and growth were prohibited. But with time more about cannabis has been discovered, which tells that it has more qualities than just being a psychoactive matter.
After many kinds of research and discoveries, it is known that derivatives from cannabis such as cannabidiol (CBD) are widely accepted and governments including in Europe have accepted and generated laws about the consumption and usage of this substance. Components extracted from the hemp plant are known as a novel food. These are the foods that have not been used in human consumption to a certain level, in the European Union before May 15th, 1997. Former to this, only pure cannabis was considered a novel food. Read on to learn about the most revolutionary natural palliative medicinal treatment.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known to be the second most important element in cannabis (marijuana). CBD is also known to be an essential component in medical marijuana, it is obtained directly from the hemp plant or can be manufactured in the laboratory. Other compounds extracted from this plat are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN).
- CBD is often used as a natural supplement in many different forms due to its abilities of health and wellness benefits. There’s often confusion between CBD and THC, as THC has abilities of psychoactive effects but CBD does not contain any effects, although both are extracted from the same plant.
- CBD had previously been considered a harmful substance due to which it has been banned to use globally, but with advanced research and medical properties of this substance many countries including Europe have started to adopt CBD for medicinal purposes.
CBD in Europe
Europe is known to be the second-largest market in CBD after North America. Europe has 31% of the global CBD market shares. Although the CBD market in Europe is at its initial stage but has shown huge and instant growth. Earlier when hemp was still illegal in the USA, the majority of the hemp for the production of cannabis extracts was imported from Europe. According to the EU law regulatory, hemp cultivation and selling are allowed if the THC content in the product is between 0.2% to 0.3%.
In January 2019 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), provided information on cannabidiol-based foods, stating that any product containing CBD should be legalized and allowed as a novel food.
CBD Legal Status in Europe.
Is CBD legal in European Union? Well, there’s no simple answer to this question, as every country has its laws and regulations regarding CBD. All the CBD products are not legal in all the countries but are legal in some forms in different countries. The court of justice of the European Union decided blows to the effort of some countries in the EU in the limited sale of CBD, meanwhile, it gave a boost to the CBD market. Many CBD products are sold across the EU in a legal grey area. With the increased consumption in the CBD, the market continues to grow fast. Following are some products through which CBD is sold in the EU.
- CBD Oil
- CBD Cosmetic products
- CBD pills for medical purposes
- CBD Vape liquids
- CBD gummies, and power bars
- CBD drinks
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European countries that allow CBD.
- Spain
The Spanish law regarding CBD allows the products containing CBD, under the condition that the percentage of THC must be 0.2%, for its use. The same percentage is applied to some other countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Poland, Greece, and Slovenia.
- Netherland
According to Dutch law, CBD is allowed with less than 0.5% of THC. Recreational use has been legalized and its sale has been promoted, but only for licensed coffee shops.
- Austria, Czech Republic, Luxembourg
According to the law in these countries, CBD sale and use are legalized, but to the amount of 0.3% of THC in CBD products.
- United Kingdom
UK law allows the use and production of cannabidiol, but on the condition that the THC amount in the CBD products must be 0%, furthermore, the UK does not allow the growing and processing of CBD products within its premises.
- Italy
According to Italian law, CBD is permitted in the country for cultivation and usage, it just should not have a THC amount of more than 0.6%.
- Switzerland
CBD products having a THC value of 1% are allowed, according to Swiss Law.
- Malta, Estonia, and Finland
CBD products are allowed in these countries only under a special permit.
- Lithuania
According to the rules and regulations in this country, CBD products are allowed only if they do not exceed the THC amount of 0.2%. Regardless of legalizing CBD use in this country, the processing and marketing of CBD are still prohibited in this country.
- France, Sweden
The law allows the usage and cultivation of CBD under the condition that it should have a 0% amount of THC.
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European countries that do not allow CBD
The following countries do not allow the cultivation or processing of CBD at all.
- Albania
- Belarus
- Andorra
- Serbia
- Monaco
- Bosnia
- Ukraine
- Armenia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Slovakia
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European Countries that have an elusive law for CBD usage, process, and cultivation
- Belgium, North Macedonia, Norway, and Portugal
CBD usage in these countries is allowed and legal but only if it is prescribed by a certified doctor.
- Georgia
CBD is legal in conditions of possession, and usage, but cultivation and processing of CBD and other cannabis products is still illegal. Georgian Laws regarding CBD and other cannabis products are still not very clear.
Conclusion
The legal status of CBD in different countries in the European Union is defined as if the country understands CBD as psychotropic or psychoactive. Most of the countries in the European Union fall in the category to recognize CBD as both and has made it legally possible for the citizen to possess, buy, and sell CBD without violation of any law. The following countries show the legal status of CBD in the European Union, in legally allowing, partially allowing, and not allowing usage of CBD products. For CBD and vape products please check out our website (aldvapor.com) to find the best deals and products at wholesale rates directly from OEM.
