CBD in Europe & The THC Rules
We’ve created this guide to provide clarity. Across the European Union, the legality of CBD largely hinges on its THC content—the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While many countries align with a common standard, others have unique limits and restrictions.
The world of CBD can sometimes feel like a patchwork of different rules and regulations. If you’re reading this, you might be wondering: Is CBD legal where I live? What are the specific rules?
We’ve created this guide to provide clarity. Across the European Union, the legality of CBD largely hinges on its THC content—the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While many countries align with a common standard, others have unique limits and restrictions.
Key Things to Know About EU CBD Rules
Novel Food Status
Since 2019, the European Union has classified CBD extracts as a "Novel Food". This means that CBD oils and other ingestible products generally require a specific safety authorization before they can be legally marketed as food. While this is an EU regulation, enforcement varies by country, which adds to the complexity of the market.
It's Not Just About THC %
While the THC limit is the most common rule, many countries have additional layers of regulation. These can include bans on specific product types (like CBD flower), strict labeling requirements, or rules about how the CBD is extracted.
Country-by-Country Breakdown
Austria
Austria strictly follows the EU Novel Food Regulation. This means CBD oils and extracts in food are not currently permitted for sale without individual novel food authorization. CBD is only approved as a prescription medicine (Epidyolex).
Belgium
CBD oil is technically considered a medicinal product and is illegal to sell without a prescription. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and products can sometimes be found in stores.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a liberal framework for cannabis products. CBD is legal as long as it stays under the 0.3% THC limit.
France
While the THC limit is 0.3%, France maintains a strict ban on the sale of CBD flowers and leaves for smoking or as tea.
Germany
Germany has a well-defined and favorable regulatory framework for CBD. Products are widely available as long as they comply with the 0.2% THC limit.
Ireland
CBD products have been sold openly for years with <0.2% THC. However, recent court rulings have reinforced that the source plant must also be compliant, and there are strict interpretations of the law regarding THC as a controlled substance, even in trace amounts.
Italy
Italy stands out with its higher THC allowance of 0.6%. However, there have been legislative efforts to ban products derived from hemp flowers, which could impact the market, so it's one to watch.
Latvia
Clear regulations are in place allowing the sale and use of CBD products that do not exceed 0.2% THC.
Lithuania
Similar to Latvia, Lithuania permits the sale of CBD products as long as they are under the 0.2% THC limit and are monitored by regulators.
Malta
While products under 0.2% THC are legal, CBD flowers exist in a grey area and are often treated by authorities as controlled cannabis, leading to calls for clearer regulations.
Netherlands
While known for its coffee shop culture, the rules for commercial CBD products are very strict. They must contain virtually no THC (under 0.05%).
Poland
A growing market with a wide range of CBD products available, as long as they comply with the 0.2% THC limit.
Romania
Cultivation and production are heavily regulated. Recent EU court cases have confirmed that hemp cultivation (with <0.3% THC) is an agricultural activity, but indoor growing methods have faced specific restrictions from national authorities.
Slovakia
CBD was removed from the list of psychoactive substances in 2021, making it legal under strict conditions, though the market remains heavily regulated.
Spain
CBD products can only be legally sold if they are labeled and marketed exclusively as topical cosmetics. Other forms like oils or edibles are not permitted for sale.
Sweden
Sweden has a zero-tolerance policy. CBD products must contain no detectable THC to be legally sold.
Switzerland
While not an EU member, Switzerland is central to Europe. It has the most lenient THC limit on the continent at 1.0%, which has led to a thriving and innovative CBD market.
United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the UK has its own system. CBD is legal with a <0.2% THC limit, but all ingestible products must undergo a valid Novel Food application process with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to be sold legally.
Summary at a Glance
| Country | THC Limit | Key Regulatory Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Novel Food Ban | Sale of CBD oils as food is prohibited. |
| Belgium | Unclear | Technically illegal without prescription, but available. |
| Czech Republic | <0.3% | Liberal framework. |
| France | <0.3% | Sale of CBD flowers is banned. |
| Germany | <0.2% | Well-defined, legal market. |
| Ireland | <0.2% | Legal but with complex legal oversight. |
| Italy | <0.6% | Higher limit, but flower products are at risk. |
| Latvia | <0.2% | Legal and regulated. |
| Lithuania | <0.2% | Legal and regulated. |
| Malta | <0.2% | Flowers are in a grey area. |
| Netherlands | <0.05% | Strict limit for commercial products. |
| Poland | <0.2% | Legal and expanding market. |
| Romania | <0.3% | Legal, but cultivation is heavily restricted. |
| Slovakia | <0.2% | Recently legalized, heavily regulated. |
| Spain | <0.2% | Only permitted for topical cosmetics. |
| Sweden | 0.0% | Zero tolerance for THC. |
| Switzerland | <1.0% | Lenient limit (Non-EU). |
| United Kingdom | <0.2% | Requires Novel Food authorization. |
A Final Word of Advice
The legal landscape for CBD in Europe is dynamic. As you can see, rules can be very specific—from how a product is extracted to whether it can be sold as a food or a cosmetic.
If you are purchasing CBD for personal use or traveling with it, we always suggest:
- Check the local laws of the country you are in or traveling to.
- Keep your product labels and, if possible, a laboratory report (Certificate of Analysis) handy to verify the THC content.
We are committed to providing high-quality, compliant CBD products you can trust, no matter where you are in Europe. If you have questions about a specific country not listed here, feel free to contact us.