A sourced compass for 13 European countries + the United Kingdom: THC thresholds, status of flowers / oils / edibles / cosmetics, key laws and official sources. Reading this page should answer most questions a journalist, researcher or importer asks before entering the European hemp market.
CBD is legal in France under conditions. The decree of 30 December 2021 authorizes cultivation, importation and sale of hemp products with THC ≤ 0.3%. The Conseil d'État confirmed in 2022 the legality of flower and leaf sales. The 2026 DGAL plan restricts CBD-labeled food products.
CBD is broadly legal in Germany. The Cannabis Act (CanG) in force since April 2024 legalized adult recreational cannabis (possession ≤ 25 g, home cultivation of 3 plants). Dynamic CBD market, one of the largest in Europe.
Switzerland authorizes CBD with a THC threshold of up to 1%, one of the highest in Europe. Mature and structured market. Federal authorities distinguish clearly legal hemp (CBD < 1% THC) from controlled cannabis.
The Italian 'cannabis light' market (CBD < 0.5% THC) has grown since 2017 under Law 242. The legal status of flowers remains subject to debate and sometimes contradictory ministerial decrees. Oils and cosmetics are authorized.
Spain tolerates personal cultivation for private use and hosts numerous cannabis social clubs. CBD cosmetics are authorized, but AEMPS considers internal-use CBD oils as medicines — leading to a restrictive food sales framework.
Austria authorizes the sale of CBD flowers and products (THC ≤ 0.3%) for aromatic and cosmetic uses. Food products are subject to the EU Novel Food regulation.
The Netherlands has a long tradition of tolerance on recreational cannabis (coffee shops), but the commercialization of industrial CBD remains regulated. CBD oils are freely available. Food products follow Novel Food.
Belgium authorizes CBD oils and cosmetics. Flower sales are restricted. CBD food products fall under the Novel Food regulation.
Portugal decriminalized personal use of all drugs in 2001, but trade in CBD products remains regulated by INFARMED (medicines authority). Cosmetics are authorized. Internal-use oils are classified as medicines.
Since 2023 Luxembourg has authorized adult consumption and limited home cultivation of cannabis — the first EU country to do so. The CBD market is legal and structured.
The Czech Republic raised the THC threshold to 1% in 2024, joining Switzerland among the most permissive countries in Europe. A highly price-competitive CBD market.
Poland authorizes CBD products with THC ≤ 0.3%. Oils and cosmetics are available. Food products follow Novel Food. Monitoring is advised as the framework evolves.
The UK prohibits the sale of CBD flowers (classified as cannabis). CBD oils are authorized if they contain less than 1 mg of controlled cannabinoids per finished product. CBD food products require FSA Novel Food authorization.
The CJEU Kanavape ruling (19/11/2020, C-663/18) established that CBD is not a narcotic and that Member States cannot ban its sale without demonstrating a real health risk. Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 Novel Food governs hemp-derived food products.
Complete article: 2021 decree, Conseil d'État rulings, current restrictions, sourced.
HHC, THCP, H4CBD: regulatory status, health risks, distinction from natural CBD.
Chemistry, biosynthesis, pharmacological action, French regulatory context.
All 13 English wiki articles, MCP server access, English landing page.