8 minute read

Is CBD legal in Portugal?

Introduction

People around the world are noticing that CBD products are becoming more and more popular. Much of this is due to the growing evidence of the potential health and relaxation benefits of CBD and other related products. The growing use of CBD products means that stores are popping up all across the world. It also means that countries need to deal with regulating this phenomenon.

The European Union is no different. The EU authorities tried to harmonise the regulation of CBD in all of the member states. This process has had some success, but much more can and should be done.

We all know a lot of people who are fascinated by CBD. Maybe you are one of them. Are you considering buying CBD oil or some other similar product? Or maybe you are an entrepreneur thinking of setting up your own business? The times are good for such an opportunity and Portugal is an exciting place to start your business.

In either case, you need to know something about the legal status of CBD in the country of your choice.

This is why we at Essentia Pura strive to provide you with factual and up-to-date information about CBD regulation in countries around the European Union.

You can read our overview article about the European union here. You can also enjoy our detailed articles about the legal status of CBD in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Austria, and Ireland.

We are continuing this series of comprehensive articles. This one concerns CBD regulation in Portugal.

In the first part of the article, we will explain some basic terms for CBD products. We will then explain Portugal’s regulation of drugs. We know that much has been written about Portugal’s stance on drugs, including cannabis and CBD products. Most of us have heard about the decriminalisation of drugs in Portugal and the success story that followed. While this is not directly the topic of this article we must at least touch on it.

Then we will explain the legal status of CBD in Portugal in detail, including the latest developments. In the last part of the article, we will offer you some advice on how to buy and sell CBD products in Portugal.

Basic information

CBD is derived from the cannabis plant. In order to better understand CBD products, we must first discuss what cannabis is and how it’s regulated.

Almost every person on the planet is familiar with cannabis. Some know it for its health benefits (medical cannabis), some treat it as a fun way to relax (recreational cannabis), while others view it as a dangerous drug. All three options can be true. The main cause of fear for the governments is a part of the cannabis plant called THC. This is the part that is responsible for the user feeling “high”. You know, the famous intoxicating feeling the plant can provide. The version of cannabis with high THC content is commonly known as marijuana.

There is, however, a second type of cannabis plant. This version contains virtually no THC. It is widely known as hemp. The usual legal content of THC in hemp is 0.2%. Portugal follows most countries in the EU in this regard. Humans have known and used hemp for a very long time. It is still popular around the world in many different aspects of life. You can find it, for example, in food or clothing, as well as many other industries.

So what is the legal regulation of cannabis like in Portugal?

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Drug regulation in Portugal

As we mentioned in the introduction, Portugal is famous for its comprehensive drug decriminalisation. A lot of people around the world have been celebrating this decriminalisation and claiming it is incredibly successful. We can without a doubt say that this is true. The decriminalisation process has indeed been a success.

Many countries have tried to emulate the approach of Portugal. People started viewing drug use and abuse in a different light. Drug addiction went from being the top problem in Portugal to being only the 13th most important issue. It definitely achieved a great deal. There is however plenty of misinformation about the legal status of drugs in Portugal.

We should take a closer look at what this revolutionary policy actually means.

Back in the 1980s, Portugal had an enormous problem with drug use leading to addiction. To deal with it Portugal decided to take radical measures. It decriminalised the possession and use of drugs.

handcuffs

Portugal realised that treating drug users as criminals was counterproductive. Thus it completely changed its stance. The country instead started seeing drug addiction as a health issue. This means that you do not get arrested for drug possession or use. You only face a warning, maybe a fine. You also get a meeting with an official group called a commission. There is a legal expert on the commission, alongside a psychologist and a social worker. Together they evaluate you and, if needed, work with you on finding a solution to any potential drug use problems.

The use of cannabis in Portugal is therefore not a criminal act, rather it is treated as a problem that can be better dealt with in other ways. In 2018 there was yet another shift. Portugal made medicinal cannabis legal. Be careful however, the cultivation of cannabis is still a criminal act! Selling and trafficking drugs are also still considered crimes and are punishable with prison sentences. We urge you to be careful and not break any laws.

All of this only means that the police will not prosecute you for cannabis use. But does this make CBD legal? In order to answer that we should first explain what CBD is.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 cannabinoids that comes from cannabis. CBD is extracted from cannabis in such a way that it is isolated from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, it can be separated from THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis. This is a major reason why a lot of people are drawn to it. If you want to learn more about the process of extraction and separation, you can do so here.

Scientists have conducted a wealth of research into CBD in the last couple of years. The results look promising. There might be many positive health effects of CBD use. Due to these possible benefits, the regulation of CBD is essentially tied to the regulation of medical marijuana. So is medicinal cannabis legal in Portugal?

As we explained above, medicinal cannabis is generally speaking legal in Portugal. Despite the liberal regulation of drugs in the country, cannabis use for medical purposes was only legalised in 2018. On the other hand, only recreational cannabis is decriminalised, and the cultivation of cannabis is still illegal. The difference might be subtle, but it is still very important.

If you want to get your hands on medicinal cannabis, however, there are a couple of things you should know. You need to obtain a prescription from your doctor. Broadly speaking CBD products share the same fate. You can however also buy CBD products as food supplements without a prescription. In this case, the THC content in the CBD product must be below 0.2%. This means that CBD oil must be derived from hemp and not marijuana.

Generally speaking, this is a fairly liberal regulation compared to most other EU countries.

Buying and selling CBD

As promised in the introduction, we will offer you some advice on where to buy and how to sell CBD oil and other products in Portugal. All of it is quite easy and can be done both online and in person. However, there are of course one or two things you have to watch out for.

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Buying CBD oil

If you are a consumer and you wish to buy CBD oil or other products for personal use you can do so both online and in stores. Those products will not contain THC and can be used as food supplements. Usually, online stores seem to be the more popular option. Perhaps because they often offer a wider variety of products.

If you wish to use CBD oil with THC legally you need to obtain a prescription. The prescription will be for medical cannabis products. You can get it from your personal doctor. This however means that you need to have a medical condition that can be treated with medical cannabis.

Selling CBD oil

Are you setting up your own CBD business?

First of all, we recommend that you only deal with accredited and trusted partners. Check that they know all the necessary regulations. For example, you need to make sure that the CBD is derived from hemp, so from cannabis with less than 0.2% THC content – unless you own a pharmacy. You also need to make sure what sort of extraction process they use, as not all of them are legal in the EU. On top of that, we recommend that you avoid any websites that make exaggerated health claims about their products. The legal status of those claims is questionable.

If you are looking for a partner to supply your CBD-related business we strongly recommend Essentia Pura. We are a Slovenian company specialising in the bulk sale of CBD and in hemp extraction. We are well aware of how important it is to stay up to date with all regulations and we try to provide you with a prompt and professional service. If you want to learn more, please explore our website.

Conclusion

So is CBD legal in Portugal? Yes, Portugal CBD regulation is considered liberal. Let us quickly review the article.

Portugal is famous for the decriminalisation of drugs in 2001. This means that possession and use of cannabis are no longer criminal acts. Nonetheless, the authorities can still give you a fine and send you to counselling. Furthermore, in 2018 Portugal changed the status of medical marijuana so it is now legal. This also means that CBD oil and similar products are legal with a prescription if they contain THC. If your CBD oil does not contain THC you can purchase it freely both online and in person.

We at Essentia Pura are certain that CBD products have a bright future in Portugal and all across the European Union.

Hopefully, this answers most of your questions regarding CBD oil legal status in Portugal. If you want to know more or you are interested in our other products, please contact us or leave a reply in the comment section.

What are the health benefits of CBD oil?

The mass influx of CBD-related information injected into the public’s consciousness has blurred the lines between what’s factually correct and factually incorrect, especially when it comes to CBD’s supposed health benefits.

Unfortunately, many companies and brands out there cherry-pick studies to suit their own sales and marketing narrative. These studies are often too old, inconclusive, or irrelevant. We’ve even seen some studies used that aren’t even applicable to what’s being said. 

This is something we at Essentia Pura want to rectify. We believe in the strength of reliable studies on what high-quality CBD oil may do for you. We don’t believe in deceiving you with bogus, unsubstantiated claims. 

topica
With this in mind, let’s dig into what the studies are saying about CBD oil.

What can CBD oil be used for?

While we’re not at liberty to recommend any of CBD oil’s uses for health and wellness symptoms you may be facing, we can look at the studies surrounding its potential health benefits.

Anecdotally, many users around the world claim CBD oil has helped them alleviate symptoms of pain (short-term, chronic, or otherwise), inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia, improve their gut health, as well as feeling overall health and wellness benefits. 

Anecdotal evidence, unfortunately, doesn’t hold much water here. Scientifically-backed studies and research, however, does. 

Let’s look at what we know so far. Note: A detailed summary of CBD oil for pain and CBD oil for skin care can be found in the sections below.

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to kickstart the supposed physiological benefits

CBD is a clever cannabinoid. It interacts with what’s known as your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a naturally occurring biological system in all mammals composed of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. 

Read more: What are Endocannabinoids

This trio of components helps regulate your body’s internal core functionality to bring your body to a state of physiological equilibrium — or, rather, homeostasis. 

The primary functions they regulate include but are not limited to:

  • Mood
  • Sleep
  • Appetite
  • Stress
  • Inflammation
  • Reproductive functionality
  • Cognitive thinking and processes

Your cannabinoid receptors are a very important component of your ECS. They’re found in many parts of the body and are separated into two types: cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)

The former is primarily located in many regions of the brain and central nervous system (CNS), whilst the latter is primarily located in the spleen, liver & bone cells, and throughout your immune system. 

Many people believe CBD acts the same way as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) insofar as binding directly to your cannabinoid receptors to produce desired effects (getting you high or stoned in THC’s case). This isn’t strictly true.

You see, CBD interacts with your entire ECS in a much different way. It doesn’t bind to either receptor at all. Instead, it targets other receptor sites around the body, namely vanilloid receptors (TRPV1) and serotonin receptors (5-HT1A)

This, alone, is thought to kickstart CBD’s benefits within your body.

CBD oil may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders

Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in Europe. Approximately 25 million people across 28 EU states live with an anxiety disorder. This is a huge number of people (approximately 5.4% of the EU population) and many of them face the debilitating and life-altering symptoms associated with it. 

Fortunately, there are numerous compelling studies out there suggesting CBD oil may have anti-anxiety qualities. 

In 2015, researchers studied CBD oil for anxiety on rodent test subjects. They discovered it reduced anxiety and stress-related symptoms, particularly behavioural ones. They also realised a decrease in heart rate after consumption.

CBD has proven anti-epileptic qualities

One of the most remarkable discoveries was (and still is) CBD’s effectiveness in combating two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Grasaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. 

In 2018, GW Pharmaceuticals released a purely CBD-based drug called Epidiolex, one of the first cannabis-based drugs to be given the FDA stamp of approval in the United States. 

The clinical studies leading up to the release was fascinating to follow. Researchers discovered the administration of Epidiolex significantly reduced seizure frequency and intensity in both types of epilepsy. 


In 2019, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave Epidiolex marketing approval. Further clinical trials are now underway to understand its effectiveness against anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

The benefits of CBD oil for pain relief

At some point or another, everyone walking the earth experiences pain. It’s just a simple fact of life. Some experience a large number of short-term pain symptoms, whilst others experience long-term chronic, oftentimes debilitating pain. 

Thankfully, there are some studies on CBD oil for pain and they’re extremely promising.

CBD oil may help with arthritic pain

Across Europe, approximately 40 million people suffer from arthritis. This is a huge number of people — nearly the same number of people living in Poland. 

Luckily, CBD may have some effect on arthritis and its symptoms. 

In 2017, researchers injected rodent test subjects with 3mg of sodium monoiodoacetate to induce osteoarthritis symptoms. They then applied localised CBD treatment (100-300 micrograms) to the affected area and discovered reduced inflammation and pain, as well as decreased later-stage nerve damage. 

This research isn’t a clinical trial, however. No humans were tested on.

CBD oil has the potential to alleviate multiple sclerosis (MS) induced muscle spasms

One of the biggest breakthroughs for cannabis-derived medicinal drugs happened back in 2010. GW Pharmaceuticals, a prolific pharmaceutical company based in the UK, released Nabiximols (Sativex), an oral spray containing both CBD and THC for symptoms of multiple sclerosis. 

Multiple clinical trials leading up to its release were (and still are) fascinating. Adults with MS reported short-term alleviation of muscle spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) after Sativex use. 

Sativex isn’t perfect, however. Italian researchers collected data from 30 MS centres across the country. Out of 1597 patients using Sativex, 631 (39.5%) discontinued treatment after four or six weeks of treatment. The two primary reasons for treatment discontinuation were lack of effectiveness (23.2%) and adverse side effects of CBD and THC (16.3%).

The benefits of CBD oil for your skin

Similar to pain, everyone on earth has experienced skin complaints. It’s a perfectly normal, natural part of life. However, there are times when skin complaints can be psychologically troubling and physically painful, especially when they’re long-term and chronic.

There is some good news on the horizon, though. Studies into CBD for skincare are very promising (but quite limited).

CBD may reduce signs of acne

CBD topicals and skincare products, in general, aren’t designed to penetrate the bloodstream. They’re designed to positively affect surface area skin issues, as well as potentially soothe aching muscles and joints. 

CBD is known to actively affect sebocytes, which are cells found in sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily, waxy substance that helps your skin feel soothed and moisturised. If you produce too much sebum, it may cause acne. 

Research suggests CBD can absorb into your sebaceous glands via hair follicles resulting in less sebum production and potentially less acne

CBD may also absorb below the skin’s surface and interact with nearby cannabinoid receptors in your sebaceous tissue and nerve fibres. A 2005 study believes this interaction may cause anti-inflammatory benefits

If you’d like to know more about what CBD could do for you and your body, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly staff will answer any questions you have about what we’ve written here. We’re also on-call to answer any questions about our own Premium CBD Oils and what they can do for you.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol oil (otherwise known as CBD oil) is the stuff everyone’s talking about right now. It’s everywhere. All over the internet, in your local grocery stores, and on the shelves of your favourite head shops — you can even find them in petrol stations, pharmacies, and beauty stores. 

But what exactly is CBD oil and why is there so much hype surrounding it?

CBD oil is made from extracts taken directly from varieties of cannabis (in our case hemp). 

The extracts are diluted in carrier oils such as hemp seed oil, medium-chain-triglyceride (MCT) oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil — this, of course, gives the product its distinct oily liquid texture. Other beneficial ingredients are sometimes included in the formulas too e.g. melatonin for enhanced sleep benefits.

There are three primary extract types used in CBD oils:

  • Isolatecontains only CBD and no other beneficial plant compounds 
  • Broad-spectrumcontains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial plant compounds (minus tetrahydrocannabinol (THC))
  • Full-spectrumcontains the “full” range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial plant compounds (including THC)

The most popular extract is full-spectrum. Consumption of CBD oils carrying full-spectrum hemp extracts causes the entourage effect, a phenomenon where each plant compound works synergistically within your body to provide a wider range of benefits (at least in theory). 

But what are the health benefits of CBD and CBD oils?

What are the potential health benefits of CBD oil?

While we’re not at liberty to make bold and outrageous claims about the health benefits of CBD oil, we can look at the studies surrounding it.

There are a number of existing studies on:

  • CBD oil for pain 
  • CBD oil for anxiety
  • CBD oil for rare forms of epilepsy
  • CBD oil for multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • CBD oil for arthritis

Each of the studies and corresponding research results is incredibly compelling.

CBD has the potential to relieve pain and pain-related symptoms

CBD cleverly interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a naturally-occurring biological system found in all mammals composed of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. 

Together, this trio helps regulate a large number of your body’s core functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, stress, memory, inflammation, and cognitive thinking. This regulation of core functionality is said to result in internal physiological equilibrium, otherwise known as homeostasis. 

There’s a common misconception that CBD directly binds to your cannabinoid receptors. It doesn’t. Researchers and cannabis experts believe it behaves in a much different way.

In a recent 2018 review on CBD oil for pain and pain management, the author looked at research and studies spanning across 48 years. 

He notes CBD may help manage and regulate pain and pain perception by interacting with a number of different receptor sites without directly activating either cannabinoid receptors. The receptor sites include:

  • Serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A) 
  • Ion channels — vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), TRPA1, TRPM8, and the glycine receptor (GlyR)
  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)

CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors, for example, may induce analgesic effects. Similarly, its activation of the vanilloid receptor promotes an antihyperalgesic effect, thus lessening pain sensitivity and pain perception (in rodent test models).

CBD has proven effectiveness against rare forms of epilepsy

CBD for epilepsy and epilepsy-induced seizures is well-documented and widely recognised.  

Epidiolex, a CBD based drug designed and manufactured by British pharma company GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals), was released back in 2018. It gained marketing approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) later in 2019.

The drug, which comes in the form of an oral solution, specifically targets seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome — all rare forms of epilepsy. 


Currently, there are a number of clinical trials underway to examine Epidiolox’s effectiveness against anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

CBD may help with anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms

Anxiety comes in many forms. Some cases are mild; others are more severe. Many patients often use traditional pharma medicines alongside conventional therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy. 

However, there’s some scope to suggest that CBD oil for anxiety may be a viable alternative. 

A 2018 review of several clinical studies show CBD may have antipsychotic effects on people with schizophrenia and a substantial effect on people with a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). 

What are the possible side-effects of CBD oil?

Side-effects of CBD oil are typically very mild and noticeably subtle — you probably won’t experience any at all (aside from some fatigue and drowsiness in high doses if you’re a first-time user). 

The short-term side-effects of CBD oil are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Fatigue
  • Appetite change
  • Weight changes
  • Nausea & vomiting (in extreme and severe cases)

Long-term side effects, on the other hand, are relatively unknown. Very few (if any) long-term or chronic CBD usage studies exist.

Other side-effects consider before consuming CBD oil

You should approach mixing CBD and certain medications with some caution. Research shows CBD may interact with cytochrome P450, a system within your liver composed of vital enzymes that form or breakdown certain molecules. 

CBD’s interaction with the cytochrome P450 system is said to inhibit two specific enzymes: CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.

CYP3A4 is responsible for the metabolism of

  • Lipitor
  • Xanax
  • Claritin
  • Viagra
  • Ambien 
  • Topamax 
  • Fentanyl
  • Prednisone

CYP2D6 is responsible for the metabolism of:

CBD, therefore, potentially lessens the effects of each drug listed above. Always consult your doctor or general practitioner before taking CBD with other medications.

How is CBD oil made?

Before CBD oil can be made, the variety of cannabis—in our case hemp—needs to be grown and cultivated. 

As soon as the hemp is nice and healthy, it’s harvested ready for extraction. We personally always use organic pesticide and herbicide-free hemp biomass from carefully selected regions in Italy known for their excellent hemp quality. 

Our extraction process is meticulous. We use technologically-advanced closed-loop supercritical CO2 extraction techniques, ensuring clean, solvent-free hemp extract (also known as “crude extract”). 

Once extraction is complete, we can further process and tailor the resulting crude extract to suit your needs and requirements. Our Premium CBD Oil Drops, for example, can be decarboxylated and de-waxed before being diluted into your chosen carrier oil. 

Sounds pretty awesome, right?

Well, if you’d like to know more about our CBD oils, how they’re made, and what they can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us here. Our friendly staff is more than happy to help you out.

9 minute read

Is CBD legal in Ireland?

You have probably noticed that CBD products have been gaining influence around the world. This rapid rise in demand is primarily attributed to extensive research in this area. This research shows many possible benefits of CBD and its related products. As a result of this rising demand, a lot of people are setting up CBD-related companies. This can be a wonderful opportunity, but it also presents some challenges. Countries are taking different paths in regulating CBD products. Logically it is thus crucial for you to have a detailed understanding of the most important regulations of the country where you are setting up a business.

The European Union (EU) is actively responding to the growing trend of CBD. In the last couple of years, it has tried to harmonise the rules regarding CBD and its related products in its member states. The process has had some success. Nonetheless, if we want to ensure a thriving business community in the EU, more needs to be done.

This is why Essentia Pura tries to provide its customers with up-to-date information regarding CBD regulation in the countries in the EU. So far, we have created a comprehensive article about the whole of the European Union. In addition to this, we have prepared detailed articles about Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, and Austria.

If you want to learn more about the regulation of CBD in these countries, please follow the above links and read the articles.

We are determined to continue with this series of articles. This one is going to explore the regulation of CBD products in Ireland. Hopefully, we will be able to answer all of your questions regarding CBD regulation in the Emarald Isle.

In the introduction, we will explain the basic terminology of CBD. In the next section, we will focus on the history of CBD regulation and explain the current legal status of CBD products in Ireland. We will explore the possible future for CBD and health products in Ireland. Finally, we will offer some advice on how to legally buy and sell CBD products in Ireland.

If you are interested in CBD laws in Ireland, please read on.

CBD basics

CBD is derived from the cannabis plant. In order to understand the regulation, we must first look at how Ireland regulates and classifies this plant.

Marijuana and hemp

Cannabis is undoubtedly famous. Almost every person on the planet is familiar with the herb. Some know it for its health benefits, some treat it as a fun way to relax, while others view it as a dangerous drug. All three options can be true. Sadly, authorities around the world usually focus on the last one. Ireland is, at least at first glance, no different.

The main cause of fear and prohibition is THC. This is the part of the cannabis plant that is responsible for the user feeling “high”. You know, the famous intoxicating feeling the plant can provide. The version of cannabis with THC content is known as marijuana. Marijuana is considered an illegal drug under Irish law. Selling, buying, and possessing the drug is a criminal offence.

Medical hemp plant
Medical hemp plant

There were some efforts in 2016 to legalise medical marijuana. The plan, however, was not entirely successful. Medical marijuana is still technically not legal in Ireland. Medical use is decided on a case-by-case basis, but this has not lived up to its expectations. Medical practitioners are often unfamiliar with the latest medical research on the plant. As a result of this, they are reluctant to prescribe treatment with marijuana.

There is, however, a second “version” of cannabis. The plant with virtually no THC content is known as hemp. Humans have known and used it for millennia. It is still popular around the world in many different areas, from food, to clothing and other industries. The usual permissible content of THC in hemp is 0.2%. The same trace amounts of THC are the legal threshold in Ireland.

Does this make hemp legal in Ireland? Yes, but it is not quite that simple.

Industrial hemp is treated as a controlled drug under the Irish legal code. If you want to grow your own hemp you need to obtain a permit from the Irish authorities – governmental department of health. Despite the bureaucratic machinery, hemp is making a strong comeback in Ireland.

CBD basics

Both versions of the plant are rich in CBD. But what exactly is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 cannabinoids that come from cannabis. CBD can be extracted from the plant in such a way that it can be isolated from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, it can be separated from THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis.

This means that it does not get you high, calming the fears of some people. It is also a major reason why CBD is gaining in popularity. Once CBD is isolated it is then added to a carrier oil to make CBD oil, as well as numerous other products.

If you want to learn more about the process of isolation or making CBD oil you can read about it here.

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Regulation of CBD in Ireland

As we stated in the introduction most countries regulate CBD products. Ireland is no exception.

CBD is not illegal under the Irish Misuse of Drugs law. But it is also not recognised as a medical product by the Irish Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

What does this mean in practice? Essentially, it means that you cannot make any health claims regarding CBD oil and other related products. It does not mean that it is illegal. Do not worry, CBD oil is perfectly legal. You just have to label it as a food supplement or food flavouring product.

It is crucial that you stay far away from health or medicinal product claims. On top of this, you have to make sure that CBD oil is produced from hemp and not marijuana and that it is extracted in a way that is permitted by the EU.

However, importing and selling CBD shouldn’t be taken lightly, as there are many other things to keep in mind. CBD laws are continually evolving. Experience shows that importing and selling CBD products that contain THC in Ireland is still challenging. This is generally due to how various regulatory bodies interpret laws.1

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) allows the sale of cold-pressed hemp oil that contains THC within the permitted limits. However, most CBD oils are not cold-pressed these days.1

When searching the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) database, we found that high THC content is the number one reason for product recalls. It means that THC-free or low-THC products are least likely to get into legal issues. Therefore, selling CBD oil with permitted THC limits is advised.2

It is worth noting that apart from THC, some other cannabinoids are also controlled substances. Thus, CBD products in Ireland must not contain CBN (cannabinol) above 0.2%.3 This only underlines the importance of sourcing CBD products from reputed manufacturers. In other words – all CBD products must also be analyzed for minor cannabinoids.

Besides all this, there is some good news, too. Ireland is in the process of legalizing recreational marijuana. It has already started amending the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. It has introduced the Cannabis Regulation Bill 2022, which may result in the legalization of recreational marijuana in the future.4,5

CBD producers always positively view the legalization of recreational cannabis since it means that CBD products containing THC in permitted amounts will be easier to buy and sell. Further, the chances that anyone would be penalized for CBD products become significantly lower.

All this means that CBD products are in a grey area right now and you have to properly prepare before starting your business or buying CBD oil. Generally speaking, CBD oil is legal, as long as it has less than 0.2% THC and is not labeled as a health product.

The Future of CBD in Ireland

As we explained, CBD is legal in Ireland. The issue is clearly on the mind of the government. This is evident from the above press release. Furthermore, plenty of people are jumping onto the CBD products ship, whether they are buying or selling it. Moreover, there is an increasing amount of research accumulating showing the possible positive effects of CBD oil. There is also, nonetheless, still some fear regarding the misuse of such drugs in society.

Hemp extract

We at Essentia Pura, however, are firm believers in the bright future of CBD oil and its related hemp products in Ireland and in the EU.

Buying and selling CBD in Ireland

As promised, we will offer some advice on how to buy and sell CBD products in Ireland. We will explain where you can buy the products and if there are any special things you need to watch out for.

Buying CBD

As stated above you can freely buy CBD oil and other similar products in Ireland. Both online and in-person sales are available, with online sales seeming to be the more popular choice. This is probably because of a wider range of products on offer.

We stress again, that CBD oil cannot be bought and sold as a medical product. You will however easily find hemp or CBD oil as dietary supplements. Usually, they appear in the form of capsules or liquids.

When you are buying CBD products online, we suggest you avoid any websites that make exaggerated health claims about their product. The chances are that they are just trying to make a quick buck, without really delivering a quality product. You should also watch out, as there might be some legal issues with online shops exclusively selling CBD oil and similar products. But if you are only thinking of buying, this does not really affect you.

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Selling CBD

We can also offer you some advice if you are setting up your own CBD business. Always deal with accredited and trusted business partners. We recommend you check that they are in compliance with the necessary regulations. For example, you need to make sure that the CBD is derived from hemp, so from cannabis with less than 0.2% THC content. You also need to make sure what sort of an extraction process they are using, as not all of them are legal in the EU.

If you are looking for a partner to supply your CBD-related business then we recommend Essentia Pura. We are a Slovenian company specialising in the bulk sale of CBD and in hemp extraction. We are well aware of how important it is to stay up to date with all regulations and we try to provide you with a quick and professional service. If you want to learn more, please explore our website.

Conclusion

So, is CBD legal in Ireland? Let us quickly recap what we have explained above:

CBD is a derivative of cannabis. The plant itself is divided into marijuana and hemp. Marijuana is illegal and considered a drug due to its THC level. Hemp, on the other hand, has virtually no THC and is treated as a controlled substance. You need to obtain a permit to grow hemp in Ireland.

CBD derived from hemp is legal. Ireland does not recognise any health benefits of CBD. This means you cannot sell it as a medical product, but only as a food supplement. It can be freely sold both online and in person.

We hope this has answered all of your questions. If you would like additional information about CBD regulation in Ireland or in the EU, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you!